Digital Technology project delivering the goods

Connections Adult Learning | Oct 26, 2016

A project funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, “Alleviating Social Isolation Through Technology”, (ASITT) is well underway. Connections Adult Learning is using the funding to help run digital skills workshops and to provide access to digital equipment and internet connections. The objective is to help people in the northern rural areas of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington to better enjoy the benefits of the digital age.

The first phase of this project has now been completed. This phase involved three main activities. The first of these was establishing two community advisory committees, one each for the Frontenac and Lennox and Addington areas. Local volunteers representing various groups in the community make up the committees, which are already providing ideas, guidance and suggestions about the project’s objectives (e.g. workshops, events and drop-in centres).

The second activity was purchasing digital equipment. Hardware purchased for the project includes seven tablets (2 iPads, 4 androids, 1 Windows10 Tablet), four laptops, two printers, four smart phones, two digital cameras and two cellular wi-fi hubs to provide connectivity for activities in locations were wi-fi is not available. Connections has also recruited an initial group of ten Digital Coaches. These coaches have volunteered their services to staff digital drop-in centres, assist with workshops, and provide other support such as photography, administration, etc.

The next phase of the project involves providing a number of free digital services to the numerous communities in the area. Connections has already started on this by offering two six-week-long workshops at each of their two sites, Sharbot Lake and Northbrook. These trainings are helping people use smart phones, tablets and Windows 10 computers.

As the first group of workshops end, new series will be offered. For example, the Connections’ Sharbot Lake office will be presenting a “Digital Gifts” workshop series, on Wednesday mornings beginning November 16. There will be more series starting in November. Connections Adult Learning suggests you check their Facebook page or their website www.connectionsadultlearning.ca for upcoming events.

The ASITT project will be offering some short, one-time workshops, too. For instance, David Elyea of Frontenac Computers will present a free workshop on “Data usage and How to Read Your Bill” on November 10 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at the Kennebec Community Hall in Arden. Connections’ staff say they are looking for suggestions for future topics.

An important part of this project is running Community Digital Drop-in Centres. These will be places where people may go to “get connected” with wi-fi and to use or try-out digital equipment such as computers, smart phones, digital cameras and ipads and other tablets. Volunteer Digital Coaches or Project Staff will be available to provide some advice, brief training and to help solve minor problems. The first of these Digital Drop-ins will be starting in November. Times and places are provided in the Northern Happenings and in a chart in this paper. Schedules will also be on Facebook or Connections Adult Learning’s website.

To help make the project happen, Connections has been connecting with local service clubs organizations, businesses and municipalities, to help establish the drop-in centres, one-day workshops, and social events. Those contacted so far have been very open to Connections’ requests for space, use of Wi-Fi, and ideas for joint events.

If your local service group or organization is looking for a way to help increase traffic through the doors, help your participants or to do a good turn for the community, you can contact Connections to discuss what digital service or event you could host.

Excited by how the project is going so far, Connections is eager to coordinate more events but say they need you. Why not attend training sessions, share your digital talents as a digital coach or convince your organization or business to donate space or plan a digital event?

And, remember to keep checking Northern Happenings in this paper to learn about additional drop-ins, upcoming training sessions and digital social events.