Get online - case studies
We caught up with Doncaster residents and council staff who have benefited from attending IT and internet training sessions. Read their stories and find out how this has changed their lives.
iPad group champion the benefits of going online
From watching favourite singers on You Tube to using Google maps to locate a friend’s shop in America or sourcing the best software to organise your music collection, the members of the Doncaster iPad/tablet class are finding their new found technology skills can open up a whole new world of possibilities. The class takes place fortnightly at Central Library and are discovering how going online can benefit daily life as well as help them pursue their interests and hobbies.
Doncaster resident Lily is making the most of her growing confidence and skills in the new technology. Lily said: “I’m using the iPad to order things like groceries from home which will be useful in winter if I can’t get out to the shops. This also means I’m not dependent on neighbours to do the shopping for me."
“I also enjoy my iPad for music, I love having the music on – I’m a big fan of Johnny Mathis so I now I can watch his concerts on Youtube. Being able to look at hotels for holidays is also a bonus.” She added: “I’m enjoying having the iPad and getting online, I’m not brilliant yet but I’m getting there with the tutor’s help!”
Music was one of the reasons behind Andy’s decision to join the classes. He said: “I bought the iPad and I knew I could do a lot more than I was using it for, that’s why I decided to come here. I have an extensive music collection and it wanted to find a more effective way to organise it all. And of course, there’s so much more – I’m finding I’m using it for my emails and spreadsheet applications, notes and crosswords.”
The group’s increasing IT skills are not going unnoticed with some of their younger family members as regular attendee Tony has found out. He said: “I think my children and grandson like the fact that I can communicate using this technology and understand what they are talking about! I’d definitely recommend the courses to others.”
Frank agrees: “There’s no pressure to be a IT whiz, it’s relaxed, informal and a real pleasure to come along to every week. I’ve learned quite a bit from the class – filing, internet, I send people emails – the classes have helped me a lot.”
If you would like to join one of the sessions, which take place fortnightly on a Wednesday afternoon, please visit the Doncaster libraries website.
Meet Jackie – your digital friend!
If you are interested in going online but don’t have access to a computer or the internet, you can visit any of Doncaster’s 24 libraries. All Doncaster’s libraries are investing in their digital resources to ensure that they continue to be a key location within local communities, where residents can access computers and a range of training courses.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched a computer before as volunteers and members of staff from the libraries will be on hand. Known as ‘Digital Friends’ they can provide you with one-to-one support and assistance getting online.
We caught up with Jackie, a Digital Friend at Woodlands Community Library and Hub, she explains why she enjoys introducing people to the internet and the difference it makes to their lives.
Jackie said: “As a volunteer at the library, part of my role includes helping people to get online and teaching them basic computer skills. I love introducing them to the internet and showing them all that it has to offer. I’m currently supporting ten people who drop in and spend time learning the basics. Most of them didn’t know how to use a computer before, but I tell them not to be scared and explain how it can help make their life easier.
“I love seeing the progress they make and watching them become more confident online. Many use their new found skills to open up new opportunities in their lives; it’s really rewarding to know that I’ve helped them make a small difference. I’d encourage anyone to visit their local library and chat with a Digital Friend like myself to see what support there is on offer – so why not drop in during Get Online Week?”