Taming the Dragon; making technology work for us

Building on the successful KT-EQUAL workshop 'Achieving and sustaining digital engagement event' (February 2011), this follow-on event will review the reported experiences of older people in learning to use information and communication technologies (ICTs), the challenges they face in sustaining use of ICT, the solutions that work for them and their aspirations for future provision.

The workshop will consider a proposed vision for effective learning support for older people. The creation of that proposed vision has been shaped by emerging findings from on-going research involving older people and will be informed by presentations from:

• a national provider of adult training in ICT use,
• digital learning specialist from the leading national non-government organisation which promotes the interests of adult learners,
• a successful ‘technology steward’ who hosts a ‘club house’.

The afternoon breakout sessions will be asked to:

• provide feedback on the analysis of current ICT learning and support provision for older people,
• review, revise and enhance the proposed vision
• deliberate on solutions; and, crucially
• plan a transition strategy for migration from the shortcomings and limitations of current provision to a shared vision of ICT learning and support in the community which will better sustain and enhance both independence and social connection of older people.

A provisional programme can be found here.

The workshop will be held in the Michael Ashcroft Building, Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. Further details can be found here.

The workshop is free to attend, however places are rather limited so please ensure you register as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

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Presentations:

Transforming barriers [.pdf, 707KB ] Leonie Ramondt

Challenges and opportunities of sustaining digital literacy among older people [.pdf, 391KB] Emma Solomon

Developing digital skills [.pdf, 3.9MB ] Alastair Clark

Savouring the last of the summer wine Steve Thompson - [clicking this link takes you to the Slideshare site]

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