Orkney Islands Council

04/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/07/2024 23:59

Going back to basics of the digital world – ABC event could open a new world online

"Absolute Beginners" of the digital world are being invited to attend in drop-indigital switch-over eventsin Orkney tounderstand the implications of the switchover for them and to have the opportunity tolearn the very basics andopena whole new world online.

Chrissie Matthews, of The Learning Link, Steven Gough from the OrkneyLibrary and Archive and BT Digital Roadshow presenter, Naveed Hussain will be working together during the BT Roadshow and will be inviting those with no digital skills to sign up for the Absolute Beginners Course (ABC).

Naveed will be discussing the digital switchover, giving presentations, and answering questions relating to BT's Digital Voice and the switchover.

Steven and Chrissie will be providing information for folk who have no knowledge of the internet, smart gadgetsor digital devices of any kind.

Chrissie, Senior Adult Learning Support, said: "We are keen to see peoplewho wantthe opportunity to learn these essential skills in a changing digital world. We are looking for absolute beginners, not those who want to expand their current skills.

"We are receiving more and moreenquiries at The Learning Link and at the Libraryin Kirkwallfrom locals,mainly seniorcitizens, who are worried that they have no digital skills and what will happen after the digital changeover.

"I have beenworking with threegentlemen in their late 70's in this very situation, and after several weeksthey are now using digital devices, browsing safely, sending emails to family and friends, and are now pretty clued up and vigilant about phishing and scams."

Folk with no digital skills areinvited along to KirkwallLibrary on July 232024from 14:30 to 18:00and 24thJuly 2024 from 10:00 to 14:00- if a need is established, The Learning Link will go on to run the freeAbsolute BeginnersCourse in Digital Skills at a later dateat the Library.

There will be the opportunity to learn about digital devices, the internet, appsand programmes, gain skills and confidence whilst staying safe.

Contact The Learning Link to register your interest on 01856 879200 or email[email protected]