Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author
Early in 2024, through the collaborative efforts of the Elgin Women’s Institute and the Elgin Seniors Center, the Elgin WI proposed to receive funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements from NHSP. Internet connectivity was one of the community programs we proposed in terms of having a potential long-term impact on seniors in the community. We proposed several community programs but this one percolated to the top of the list. Many seniors have the ability and/or means to use the internet, which includes cellular phones, laptops, tablets, etc., but are very unfamiliar with their devices so were afraid to use them for several reasons. Some have a flip-phone used only for emergencies while away from home; some have tablets used only for games or social media; others have no or inadequate internet connectivity at home.
What frustrated me when doing some background research on the feasibility of teaching seniors about connectivity is that government agencies are urging seniors to “get connected” but there is almost no flexibility in terms of affordable plans (both internet and mobility) for individuals on a fixed income. This is particularly true in rural/sub-rural areas. Additionally, seniors are encouraged to and expected to get on the band wagon without training. Today’s devices are complicated, can be difficult to use, and are quite intimidating!
Early in 2024, through the collaborative efforts of the Elgin Women’s Institute and the Elgin Seniors Center, the Elgin WI proposed to receive funding for community projects and infrastructure improvements from NHSP. Internet connectivity was one of the community programs we proposed in terms of having a potential long-term impact on seniors in the community. We proposed several community programs but this one percolated to the top of the list. Many seniors have the ability and/or means to use the internet, which includes cellular phones, laptops, tablets, etc., but are very unfamiliar with their devices so were afraid to use them for several reasons. Some have a flip-phone used only for emergencies while away from home; some have tablets used only for games or social media; others have no or inadequate internet connectivity at home.
What frustrated me when doing some background research on the feasibility of teaching seniors about connectivity is that government agencies are urging seniors to “get connected” but there is almost no flexibility in terms of affordable plans (both internet and mobility) for individuals on a fixed income. This is particularly true in rural/sub-rural areas. Additionally, seniors are encouraged to and expected to get on the band wagon without training. Today’s devices are complicated, can be difficult to use, and are quite intimidating!
For these reasons, we proposed to use a large portion of the funding to help seniors with connectivity. We proposed to get good internet service in a central building, purchase several laptops, and locate a high school senior who would work with the seniors and “teach” them about connectivity and devices.
Happily, the proposed funding was approved, and we soon filled up the class with 10 individuals per class. I spearheaded the entire connectivity program. The seniors committed to biweekly (2 per week) classes, wherein I crafted the curriculum, drawing upon some excellent online classes for senior connectivity instruction, and ultimately “trained” approximately 25 or so students.
The curriculum covered basic knowledge about computing regardless of the device whether it is cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. One of the most important lessons was addressing the timidity of using the device and fear of it “crashing”. I cannot tell you the relief of learning you really cannot “crash” your device; most were afraid of “pushing the wrong button”.
Another very important lesson was about online security. I stressed continuously the importance of strong passwords. We had a lot of fun testing what they thought were strong passwords only to learn their “strong” password could be cracked in a matter of seconds versus demonstrating creating and using very strong passwords by inserting some characters or numbers in the weak passwords. Those seconds turned into multiple years to crack the new strong passwords. Additionally, representatives from a financial institution and the RCMP presented on other risks of online activities such as scams, phishing, sexting, and spoofing. The most powerful protection is education!
One of the most amazing things for me as their teacher was to see the students evolve during the classes from “Where do I turn it on?” to confidently logging in to newly created email accounts. Gone was the fear, the confusion, and lack of confidence!
There are similar classes available in many cities or larger towns but are greatly lacking in rural areas. The issues that need to be addressed in rural areas are reliable and affordable internet for the senior community, and on-going access to training. Yes, there are many who want nothing to do with the internet but when banks and other service agencies such as Bell Aliant and NB Power no longer send notices and statements, seniors are burdened with going to the bank to pay bills and resolve other problems that arise that could be resolved online. That service at the bank is currently free, but we all know what happens to free! If you are interested in getting connected, hopefully there is someone in your area that can help.
Happily, the proposed funding was approved, and we soon filled up the class with 10 individuals per class. I spearheaded the entire connectivity program. The seniors committed to biweekly (2 per week) classes, wherein I crafted the curriculum, drawing upon some excellent online classes for senior connectivity instruction, and ultimately “trained” approximately 25 or so students.
The curriculum covered basic knowledge about computing regardless of the device whether it is cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. One of the most important lessons was addressing the timidity of using the device and fear of it “crashing”. I cannot tell you the relief of learning you really cannot “crash” your device; most were afraid of “pushing the wrong button”.
Another very important lesson was about online security. I stressed continuously the importance of strong passwords. We had a lot of fun testing what they thought were strong passwords only to learn their “strong” password could be cracked in a matter of seconds versus demonstrating creating and using very strong passwords by inserting some characters or numbers in the weak passwords. Those seconds turned into multiple years to crack the new strong passwords. Additionally, representatives from a financial institution and the RCMP presented on other risks of online activities such as scams, phishing, sexting, and spoofing. The most powerful protection is education!
One of the most amazing things for me as their teacher was to see the students evolve during the classes from “Where do I turn it on?” to confidently logging in to newly created email accounts. Gone was the fear, the confusion, and lack of confidence!
There are similar classes available in many cities or larger towns but are greatly lacking in rural areas. The issues that need to be addressed in rural areas are reliable and affordable internet for the senior community, and on-going access to training. Yes, there are many who want nothing to do with the internet but when banks and other service agencies such as Bell Aliant and NB Power no longer send notices and statements, seniors are burdened with going to the bank to pay bills and resolve other problems that arise that could be resolved online. That service at the bank is currently free, but we all know what happens to free! If you are interested in getting connected, hopefully there is someone in your area that can help.
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