AUSTRALIAN Get Online Week will launch later this month and it\u2019s encouraging people to gain confidence in their digital skills.<\/p>\n
From Monday, 18 to Sunday, 24 October, there\u2019ll be sessions run at community facilities that will aim to help people become more familiar with their devices, and how they can best use them.<\/p>\n
At the Meredith Community Centre on Wednesday, and at Haddon Community Learning Centre on Friday, Leah Phillips is inviting Shire residents to bring their devices – phones, tablets, laptops – for Lunch & Learn.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople come in, bring their devices, or use one of ours, get set up, learn to use the Wi-Fi, sit around and have a play,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody has an opportunity to ask questions that might come up, which are usually about Wi-Fi, Facebook, or something they\u2019ve accidentally done.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a really relaxed atmosphere where they can be themselves, they can bring a friend, sit with me, ask questions, learn, and have lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
Online quizzes will also be part of the fun, encouraging participants to research the answers to questions via a digital search engine. Prizes are available.<\/p>\n
As Meredith Community Centre manager, Ms Phillips said it\u2019s important residents know they\u2019re not alone in being challenged by their phones or computers, or alone in the town that they live.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese events help them gain confidence, make some social connections, and learn about other things they can do together at the centre,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Also in the agenda is a Shire-run Get Online Week event at Smythesdale\u2019s The Well in its new Digital Hub, from 2pm to 8pm on Thursday, 21 October.<\/p>\n
Various digital areas will be covered including setting up video web meetings, apps and online services, Zoom and Teams \u2018big fails\u2019 and safe online shopping.<\/p>\n
Founder and executive director of IT company Lateral Plains George Fong will speak at 6.30pm, presenting about his career in the digital industry since the mid-1990s. Light refreshments will be available beforehand at 6pm.<\/p>\n
Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby encouraged residents to make the most of the free day.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll are welcome to stop by for a session and visit the Hub, or stay for the whole open house event,\u201d she said. \u201cThe open house is… informal and will be a lot of fun.\u201d<\/p>\n