Tech Savvy Seniors has now completed the four pilot sessions planned for Semester II and has been timetabled at the same time - the second Wednesday from 10 to 12 midday in W4 – in 2016.
Our November session began with sharing of ‘work in progress’ on blog sites and twitter feeds, with the topic of the day ‘Smart TV’s’. To set the scene we watched a ‘Download this Show’ segment on the new Apple TV’s; then headed to Terry’s house where he presented a most informative session on the role of Chromecasting in converting a digital television into a Smart TV; demonstrated how mobile phones can be used to manage content on Smart TV’s and showed us many other possibilities available through Smart TV’s. For most of us it was quite a leap into the future. The handout Terry prepared for us should prove very handy. Thank you, Terry. Our ‘Mentors’ working group is planning the new ‘Tech Savvy Drop In’ and will meet on Wednesday 2 December from 10 am to 12 midday at Bev’s for a planning session. The ‘Tech Savvy Drop In’ aims to support members who would like to develop knowledge and skills in using computer technology – whether PC’s, laptops, tablets and even mobiles. Tech Savvy members will be on hand at the Drop In to support particular learning needs – for example, to send an email; use the camera and manage photos; set up a letter; send an SMS, and more. You can find out more details about the ‘Tech Savvy Drop In’ in the 2016 Course and Activity Guide. Today's session was slightly different as the second half was held at Terry's house where he presented an absorbing demonstration on Smart TV's. Terry prepared an excellent handout for us on Smart TV's to accompany his session. To get us in the zone for Terry's presentation - we watched this segment about the new Apple TV which appeared this week on Download this Show (ABC) The first half of the session included a quick overview of our Bloggers' working group websites.
We briefly checked out Judy and Marg W's blogs. Judy and Marg W both use iPads which aren't particularly suited to blog formats, however we are working through the issues. We then looked at Marg J's site (http://u3abenallaig2.weebly.com), which is geared towards providing resources for the Investment Group 2 class, and Neville's site (http://nevillegibb.weebly.com ), which is being developed as a forum for his writing. They are 'works in progress'. Ian's blog for Making the most of the internet/Tech Savvy Seniors is at http://u3abenalla.weebly.com/-ians-blog . Bev also has a partly developed blog at http://armchairreconomics.weebly.com . We discussed the 'baby steps' currently being taken in Twitter site development. You might like to follow some of us on Twitter over the holidays - not sure if there'll be any action, but you never know! Ian @Moodyblue12 Marg J @margare0424 Marg W @walshe_margaret Bev @Lee_Bev A special thank you to Terry Dillon for providing us with such an informative session on Smart TV's today. For most of us it was quite a leap into the future. We had quite a lot of apologies today - the good news is that there's a definite chance Terry will offer this session again in 2016. Today was our last 'whole group' session. The Mentors working group is to meet on Wednesday 2 December from 10 am to 12 midday to plan the Tech Savvy Drop In program for next year. My understanding is that any of us can be volunteer mentors at the Drop In. I'm sure we'll be kept in the loop - I can certainly forward emails on through our group mailing list. Tech Savvy has been timetabled at the same time next year. Have a happy holiday break! Our October session featured the introduction of five new U3A iPads. Funded by a grant to U3A from the Benalla Bowling Club, the iPads are to be used to increase the digital literacy of U3A members. Thanks go to Barry for his role in seeking funding for and procuring the iPads; Bill for helping with the difficult task of fitting them into their ‘Otter Box’ covers; Bev for setting them up for use and Marg Walshe for offering her support to others in learning to use them. The iPads have been distributed initially to members of the Tech Savvy ‘Mentors’ working group who are planning next year’s new ‘Tech Savvy--Drop In’ activity for learners.
Information sharing this month included watching two segments from ‘Download This Show’, an ABC program which reviews developments in Information Technology. The first introduced the new Apple Watch and asked "How intuitive is its interface?", the second debated the use of ‘biometrics’ ie. fingerprinting instead of passwords/codes when logging into modern computer technology. The video clips are available on the blog entry below if you would like to find out more. With most of the ‘Tech Heads’ group interstate or overseas, the remainder of the session was spent on ‘Mentors’ and ‘Bloggers’ group activities. ‘Mentors’ focused on learning to use the iPads—lots of questioning, suggestions, problem solving and moments of joyful discovery were audible as they did so. ‘Bloggers‘ gathered around the W4 computer to discuss ‘work in progress’ on their blog, taking advantage of time together to share their blog’s concept; talk about the learning involved in developing their blog page and to pick up ideas from one another. At our next session on November 11th, Terry Dillon will be discussing Smart TV’s. It's interesting thinking about 'outcomes' from this short, five session course/activity: As at 14th October (commencement Session 3) Numbers of twitter accounts with joint following - three Numbers of IPads purchased, recorded, set up and available for lending - five Numbers of IPads lent to Mentors' group members as priority - three Numbers of blog pages created as part of Bloggers group - four Numbers of blog pages already at least initiated by other members - at least five Course proposal prepared to increase digital inclusion - in early planning stages etc!!! Apologies Ian McLeod was unable to attend however sent emails with content of interest for sharing:
Ian - who is in the Mentors group, has registered for the mentor training modules at GoDigi.com and will report back on this next time. Barry O'Connor - In addition to his work on the IPads, we've had emails from Barry O'Connor about follow up areas from the last session. Catch up re groups'Mentors' - the work of the mentors group over the next month or so is to form part of program planning for next year, so today's session is an important one. There may be a need for a catch up meeting before our next meeting. The structure of next year's Tech Savvy in terms of programming at this stage is that Tech Savvy will continue as this year on the same date - ie. 2nd Wednesday; however there is another session which is envisaged as perhaps a drop in learners session on the following Wednesday (ie 3rd Wednesday) afternoon. The group does need to consider the name of the Wednesday afternoon session and also come to some agreement as to the wording of the course/activity description for the program guide. "Bloggers' have been working on developing the concept for their blogs and getting their blogs started during the past month. They'll be sharing their experiences today. The aim for our last session is that group members are feeling more confident with the design and their use of their blogs. (Other group members have had some exposure already to Weebly blogs; and if not, just ask Bev if you would like to start one.) We've faced challenges over the last week or so as Weebly has released a new version. A major problem is that is difficult to use Weebly's Blog function on an IPad, indeed it seems it is difficult to blog on IPads whatever the platform. 'Tech Heads' Tech Heads have already been called on for input some of which is ongoing - see for example this document in relation to the IPad purchases--email trail . Different 'jobs' are being overheard during discussions, for example developing a matching tool for mentors and learners; other tasks. Doug is concerned about the need to rationalise the desk top on the class computer but does not want to take off anything which is regularly used for groups. Resources - 'Download this Show' Download This Show is an ABC program which often reviews developments in Information Technology. Today we'll have a look at two program samples... the first covers their first impressions of the new Apple Watch and asks "How intuitive is its interface?" This segment broadcast two weeks ago asks 'How secure is your fingerprint? your retina scan?' ‘Information sharing’ this month brought a number of stories of time consuming efforts to resolve problems relating to computers. Margaret W spoke of her frustration at trying to use Weebly on her I-Pad… until she had an ‘aha’ moment – “perhaps there is an app for using I-Pads… and there is! Barry spoke of his research into then procurement of five I-Pads with covers for our U3A, only to spend days dealing with stores and banks after his vigilant bank considered the payment outside his normal transaction pattern and stopped payment. Val arrived most apologetically, late after having spent five hours trying to work through a problem with her service provider involving a virus on her computer. Such time consuming problem solving is something we all experience from time to time when we have a computer! The presentation this month was a report back from Bev on the ‘digital literacy and inclusion’ themes at the recent U3A Network Victoria conference. There is a blog entry on 26 August containing Bev’s summary notes with links to videos and documents. Our extended coffee break again provided time for useful sharing between members! Tech Savvy Seniors Margaret Walshe and Judy Stewart Our working groups then met to discuss their areas of interest. It’s a new experience for us all to working in a class structured to allow for three ‘mini groups’ – ‘bloggers’, ‘mentors’ and ‘tech heads’ - linked by an overall interest in remaining ‘tech savvy’. Time seems to fly and it’s soon time for each group to briefly report back to the group as a whole. The ‘bloggers’ are continuing to develop their ideas about ‘blogging’; the ‘mentors’ clarifying possible ways of offering support to increase ‘digital inclusion’, and the ‘tech heads’ following up procurement of I-Pads; discussing Wi-Fi options for W4 and preparing for Terry’s presentation on ‘Smart TV’s’. Just a note to remind you of our session next Wednesday 9th September from 10 am to midday in W4 in the old 'Centre' building, Barkly St Campus at Benalla College and to provide details and dates for upcoming sessions.
We have had a change in the program with Ian McLeod's session now changed to 14th October as he will be unable to be with us this Wednesday. Wednesday 9th September – Information Sharing including report from Barry on the new Ipad’s/ Speaker – Bev Lee ‘Report on the digital literacy and inclusion theme at the U3A Network Vic conference (included I-Pads)’ / Coffee break with time for shared problem solving and discussion / Working groups – Bloggers/Mentors/TechHeads Wednesday 14th October – Information Sharing / Speaker Ian McLeod – an Update on key themes from ‘Making the Most of the Internet’ / Coffee break with time for shared problem solving and discussion / Working groups – Bloggers/Mentors/TechHeads Wednesday 11th November - / Speaker –Terry Dillon on ‘Smart TV’s’ / Coffee break with time for shared problem solving and discussion / Working groups – Bloggers/Mentors/TechHeads Wednesday 9th December - Option available for Working group meetings / Planning for 2016 . Report based on notes taken at U3A Network Victoria Biennial Conference Rendezvous Hotel, Flinders St Melbourne 17th and 18th August 2015 Beverley Lee, U3A Benalla The 2015 Biennial Conference of U3A Network Victoria,’30 years and still growing’, celebrated the first thirty years of U3A’s Network Victoria and considered the challenges to come in the next thirty years, including the enormous and continuing changes n the digital world. This report has been edited from a larger conference report to focus on digital literacy related content at the conference. Bev ____________________________________ The 2015 Biennial Conference of U3A Network Victoria was formally opened by the Patron of U3A, Her Excellency The Governor of Victoria The Honourable Linda Dessau AM. While validating the importance of what U3A does throughout her presentation, Linda used herself as an example of a challenge facing U3A. When moving into her office recently in her new role as Governor, Linda described taking in her PC, Ipad, Iphone and more, much to the amazement of her new staff. This was clearly an enormous change for them! Linda used this example to remind us that to ensure we keep growing, we need to promote the contemporary world. Day 1’s Key note speaker, Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians, spoke of ‘The Changing Face of Ageing’ and of a journey of changing attitudes to ageing, with the World Health Organization again rethinking ageing, longevity and the life course. The things which work in keeping people above the disability threshold? * Active involvement and engagement. * Expectations impacting now on the community – the ‘visual look’ of older people being out and about, not out of sight, out of mind. * Planning not limited to financial planning, or renovating or travelling, but ‘how am I going to have a purpose in living’ over the next 30 years; what communities of interest will I belong to, my’ life is for living’. One of the levers to engagement is clearly the role of digital literacy and ways of engaging older people in this part of the process –Gerard then introduced the following short trailer for a documentary on a ‘Cyber Seniors’ You Tube video competition! Robert Morville from Tech Savvy Seniors (a conference sponsor) provided background to his role and the importance of encouraging digital connectedness. He explained that the mission for Telstra had the words ‘for everyone’ incorporated from the beginning and that the Digital Inclusion team to which he is Technical Advisor works towards ensuring this. Robert reflected on the ‘remarkable revolution now underway’ -
'Tech Savvy Seniors' training materials use a simple, relevant approach designed to achieve ‘digital engagement’. The social isolation which increases with age for many can be reduced through Facebook, which makes it easier to keep up with family and friends. The Tech Savvy Seniors project has therefore introduced training materials to encourage Facebook uptake. Another 'Tech Savvy Seniors' project, the Lower Plenty Library project, introduces tablets into nursing homes. Seniors are in a special place in in terms of creating content. ‘We are a reservoir of stories – how can we share this with our children and grandchildren?’ "There is also great potential for user participation and production by more tech savvy senior citizens able to use digital technology to create knowledge and share this with others by producing in a digital world”. Robert used a power point during his talk – hopefully this will, like other Power Points from the conference, become available on the U3A Network Victoria website. (We already have the web links to Tech Savvy resources (see Digital Literacy Information Session Webpage – ‘Links’ and the training DVD resource handed out at the conference has been given to the Tech Savvy Seniors 'Mentors' group) Michelle Berner – from U3A Nunawading Michelle’s presentation at the 2015 Biennial Conference is available with narration as a YouTube video – Michelle’s Presentation at the Conference. Links are available for further resources at the end of this video. A ‘tech savvy’ I-Pad user and I-Pad tutor at Nunawading U3A, Michelle has developed a wide range of materials which she is happy to provide links to – see for example Michelle’s You Tube resources for working with I-Pad users Michelle had three key messages for those approaching training and mentoring in U3A contexts;
Michelle’s website - http://technologyfueled.com – is an excellent resource and has two freely learning guides for U3A members. Begin with the Ipad Quick Start Guide – U3A members click a link to get a voucher to cover the cost of this course from udemy. This could then be used as a support resource for a class. Follow this with the Becoming an Ipad Power User course (similar voucher available) – this helps people get past the baby steps. Michelle’s departing advice on the last red background slide ‘Keep Calm and Practice’! [email protected] Rachel de Sain, Digital Strategist, provided a 'big picture' update of the changing digital world. Rachel described her role as a digital strategist ‘to solve problems for clients delivering measurable improvements’. Rachel reflected on changes over the two years since she spoke at the last U3A Network Vic conference – In 2015 the ‘I watch’ was launched and wearable devices becoming more common. In 2009, MOOC’s were unavailable. By 2014 millions were taking part. Mobiles are being used in different ways. People 65+ demographic has shown a marked increase in use of social media. Blogging has become widespread – 1 in 4 Australians use Wordpress. "There is no sign of digital development and uptake slowing down! 89% of our populating are using the internet.” However affordability is an issue, contributing to the Digital Divide. Rachel’s statistics suggest we are the 49th worst in the world re affordability. “It is now a Human Right to have the Internet”. Mobiles – now a 100% penetration rate (some people have 2 or 3); while the market is stagnating overall; in marketing and product development it is not just about having a mobile any more – it’s about the many different ways they can be used. ‘Triple Effect’ – eg. giving away with upgrades. Social Media – Facebook is the most used. There is an increase in people creating their own content eg. using YouTube. There is an increase in citizen journalism. ‘The Internet of Things’ – now a ‘full eco system’ is available. ‘Digital tools ‘Talking to One Another’ – eg. Big Belly Garbage Bins notify admin. Computer when full; Smart Sprinkler Controls, etc.’ ‘The Sharing Economy’ where it’s not so much about ownership of things as having trusted people we can share things with… “I do not need a drill. I need a hole in the wall”. People can have ‘multiple income streams’ in the shared economy, may be a Uber driver three days a week, do something else on-line on other days, paid work others ‘Air Tasker’ – community market place - Refer to cofounder interview on Today Show - video clip at https://vimeo.com/64124904 (also has an embed code) ‘Udemy’ – Anyone who has a talent can film teaching s skill they have – eg. ‘Photography Fundamentals’. Find out more: https://www.udemy.com/the-fundamentals-of-photography/ Responding to the fact that people learn in Different Ways … “MOOC’s” (we already have access to David Muir’s presentation from the Shepp Dig. Lit Info Session)
Flipped institute.org Video clip: https://youtu.be/iQWvc6qhTds https://youtu.be/WFOJSSWxK3s?list=PLB4C7262E8DBEF24D https://youtu.be/26pxh_qMppE?list=PLB4C7262E8DBEF24D Blended or Hybrid Learning –course that blends on-line learning (30% - 79%) and face to face teaching. Some programs to support this: ‘Scootle’ - www.scootle.edu.au - only for school age education at present, but could be applied to U3A. ‘Scootle is a 'one stop shop' that provides teachers with access to more than 20,000 digital curriculum resources in the National Digital Learning Resources Network which is managed by Education Services Australia. Scootle provides easy ways for teachers to find, organise and use the digital resources.’ ‘Gooru’ Learning – ‘personalized learning’…’Gooru's mission is to honor the human right to education. We envision a world in which technology and a supportive community empower every student to personalize his or her learning. Educators support individual students while contributing to a larger community.’ Rachel had an excellent power point which I hope will become available through U3A Network Victoria. Rachel’s firm – Flaxworks – aims to ‘lead by example and deliver by numbers’. Website: http://flaxworks.com.au/ Relating to Mentor groups and intergenerational programs…. Dr Patricia Edgar, author of In Praise of Ageing, expressed real concern about political ‘wedging’ setting division between young and old and suggested Power Hour type projects as a way of addressing this. “Power Hour: Making Minutes Count” is an interactive, after-school homework assistance program in US for children aged 6 to 18 years in high poverty areas. It encourages young people to view homework as an opportunity to learn to work independently, successfully complete projects on time and feel positive about their school accomplishments. Unlike assignments done in class, Power Hour work is conducted in a non-threatening and fun after-school environment using “Homework Helpers,” adults or older students who supervise completion of a Club member’s homework.” (NB Some U3A Benalla and District members are already involved informally and formally in similar projects– with access to tablets, digital technology/literacy development would occur simultaneously) The Kolbe Catholic College Intergenerational program involving volunteers working with high school age refugees incorporates the digital world from the outset as all students have 1-1 Ipad or similar context and the tutor/mentors and students engage through digital world of the internet and emailing as well as meeting in person. ________________________________________ Eleven members attended the first session of the new 'Tech Savvy Seniors' course on Wednesday 12th August. What a diverse group! Members had a wide range of reasons for joining the group including increasing knowledge of IT, 'updating skills' and 'becoming more competent; 'sharing information'; 'organising my laptop'; 'managing with iPad and iPhone'; 'cleaning/making efficient' and 'start up programs?'. There was clearly a diverse range of computer experience with a diverse range of computer types, from Apple to Microsoft to Android, from Barry's experience on main frame computers in the early days, to pc's, laptops and now ipads/tablets and iphones/smart phones today.
Windows 10 has just been released. Experience of our 'early adopters' with the new Windows 10 installation has also been diverse. Terry is finding it very workable whereas Ian has concerns and has given us a link to uninstall it should we have problems (posted on 'Ian's Blog'). Most group members seem happy to wait until the bugs are sorted out. We will continue watching the rollout of Windows 10 with interest and during the session watched a YouTube video describing the features of the latest version. The class included lots of formal and informal sharing, beginning with a 'Show and Tell' session. We learnt from Heather about the new Ginio magazine downloading service available through the Library; then later about the way in which Judy was able to virtually command her tablet via Siri to wake her up with a voice message that morning. We learnt from Margaret W that the new I-pads will be 64G and 128G, not 15G and 32G as they are now; and from Ian that the reason for this is the amount of memory required for High Density downloads. That's just a brief snapshot of our discussion. Coffee break was a little longer than planned as there was such rich small group problem solving and sharing of wisdom in the room! We are going to factor in a longer break as a result. In the second half of the session we broke up into small groups to follow up interests as 'Bloggers', 'Mentors' and 'Tech Heads'. Each group developed a sense of direction for the next three months and then ideas were gathered for content and speakers for our next session. I left the class marvelling at the diverse and resourceful ways in which class members were continuing to strive to meet their learning needs and respond positively in an ever changing digital environment. If you were unable to attend the first session but would like to join in, you might be interested in reading the Course Information handout and the Overview of Working Groups document. |
About 'Tech Talks'Are you reasonably tech savvy; interested in technological developments and keen to continue developing your knowledge base? Then the ‘Tech Talks’ discussion group may be of interest. Monthly sessions include viewing of topical ‘TED Talks’; presentations on topics of interest by class members or guest speakers; shared news of developments across a range of technologies. Topics discussed include developments in science as well as technology.
We hope to attract more interest by having guest speakers. Please note that wide ranging discussion of topics is encouraged. Meeting times2nd Tuesday of month
2pm to 4pm U3A Meeting Room 2 FacilitatorNeville Gibb 0428 858 688
LinksArchives'Tech Savvy Talkers' reports/photos from the Rustik then Northo discussion sessions to end 2019.
Resources from Ian McLeod's 'Making the Most of the Internet' course which preceded Tech Savvy:
MMI webpage Ian's Blog Links and references Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|
- Home
- Benalla
- About
-
Groups
- Groups A - Z
- Recent Groups >
-
Archived Groups
>
-
A - M
>
- A Different View Of German History
- Armchair History (British)
- Armchair Traveller
- Booker Reading Group
- Bushwalking - Mid-week Walks
- Comparative Religion
- Facebook for Mentors
- German - Beginners
- Google Apps/TS Plus
- History - An Introduction to Western Civilization
- History - Moments in Australian History
- Hot Topics/The News - Fact or Fiction?
- Investment I (1996 -2015)
- Legal Matters (Short Course)
- Meditation
- Making the Most of the Internet
- O - Z >
-
A - M
>
- A - B
- C - E
- F -Pa
- Ph - W
- Join
- News
- FB
- Gallery
- Links
- Contact