Logan City Council Libraries bridging the digital divide
For Dennis Donovan, now in his 70’s, his computer was a mystery – often too slow to use, he was limited to just email and basic Google searches.
Now, Dennis adeptly uses applications like Skype and feels more connected than ever.
Dennis is just one of many Australians that feel uncomfortable with unfamiliar digital tools. With the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to understand how to use technology to keep up with friends and family.
“Before the Be Connected sessions with Aaron, I was just a basic user and wasn’t game enough to try anything new.”
— Dennis Donovan
To reduce the impact of this digital divide, Logan City Council Libraries’ volunteer tutors offer one-on-one personalised sessions, based on their technology needs and the devices they use.
‘Before the Be Connected sessions with Aaron, I was just a basic user and wasn’t game enough to try anything new,’ Dennis says.
‘After several sessions, we’ve ended up with a computer that works efficiently, and it’s opened up a whole new chapter for us.’
Once an avid letter writer, Dennis now understands the merits of communicating online and reserves letters for special holidays.
‘It’s so much easier to communicate online because it’s instant and mail takes forever nowadays,’ he says.
‘I have family overseas and now we use Skype more than the phone, which is very handy.
‘And although I’m not a fan of Facebook, it helps us keep in touch with family when they’re not nearby.’
With his newfound digital skills, Dennis even has plans to improve his writing.
If you’re interested in signing up for a session like this, Logan City Council Libraries offers a variety of events, ranging from homework help to job help. Check out these free Logan events here.
If you have strong computer and digital technology skills and enjoy helping out the community, more volunteers are needed for the Be Connected for older Australians program at Logan North Library – please contact 3412 4459.
By June Ho
