Tablet course is a success for customers and residents

Get Online Newcastle held their latest tablet course which helped both residents at Your Homes Newcastle and those in the community.

The digital inclusion tablet course saw each of the participants receive a tablet and SIM.

The course, which ran for eight weeks, covered a range of topics including an introduction to the internet and how to use search engines; email and attaching images and documents; basics of online safety such as safe websites and downloading safe apps; dealing with online scams and how to spot them; using WhatsApp; and using Library Online Services such as the BorrowBox App to access free e-books, magazines and newspapers.

A session took place at Tree Top Village, in Walker, involving four residents and four members of the community who had been put forward by Jayne Taylor, a social prescribing link worker at St Anthony’s Health Centre who was looking for a support course in her area.

Delivered in partnership with the centre, Tree Top was chosen as it allowed people to pick up their food parcels on the same day.

Nicola Hutchinson, Housing Plus Officer at Tree Top Village, organised four residents to take part in the course following previous success of similar events at the scheme.

Jean, one of those who took part, said: “I loved the course and learned a lot with what I could do with a tablet. One of the best things to do was how to clear the cache as I didn’t know about that, plus getting into the online library and rent accounts as well.

“I’ve always used a computer, I’ve had a tablet but not used it and hoped this course would make me use it as much as a computer.

“I’ll be using my tablet every day now.”

Fellow course participant Norman said: “I wanted to find out how to use a tablet. I’ve got a computer but I’ve never been able to use tablets. It’s been a great course to take part in.

“I’ve learned how to get onto the internet, how to find the libraries for books and newspapers, take photos and talk to people via video calls.

“It was quite interesting and the staff have been extremely helpful and patient with us.”

Another course was held at Fawdon Library in partnership with staff and YHN’s Support and Progression team, who were looking for digital support for their customers.

Course participant Antonya was grateful for the support she received and will continue to use her tablet to read books and listen to music.

Fellow participant Connor said the course gave him the confidence to think about volunteering to support in other digital inclusion sessions.

Pat Turns, Chair Person, Fawdon Library, said: “Our library was thrilled to provide a community venue for tablet training. Learners who completed the 8 weekly sessions were presented with certificates and their new tablets, enabling them to continue their learning journey. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Lisa King, YHN & NCC Digital Inclusion Programme Coordinator, said: “The value of this experience, shared with other people in similar circumstances, cannot be overstated and added to the practical digital skills learned are powerful influences in creating the circumstances for positive changes in the lives of our learners.”