Fifteen thousand people have used the Hi Digital online tuition programme that teaches elderly people about the internet and social media.
Hi Digital was launched by Vodafone in October 2021 in partnership with Alone and Active Retirement Ireland.
Anne O’Leary, CEO, Vodafone Ireland said that almost 20,000 digital training sessions have been completed in the past three months.
HI Digital presents participants with brief tutorials about multiple digital topics, from what’s involved in using Facebook and WhatsApp to online banking and booking airline tickets.
Each self-service session has multiple test questions. In the WhatsApp session, one of the questions is: Do you understand what these emojis mean? Drag the correct meaning to each emoji!
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If the answer is wrong, then the user must try again before they can progress to the next stage of the session.
“Our research has found that there is a real desire amongst our older people to get online,” O’Leary added. “We hope our online programme and classes will help decrease isolation and loneliness, allowing older people to stay more connected to family and friends and their community.”
Vodafone Ireland Foundation research found that privacy and security in relation to personal information is the main concern for older people when it comes to using the internet.
Three in four of those aged between 65 and 75 said they were most nervous about signing up or paying for something by mistake.
When it comes to seeking support in getting online, half of those surveyed have looked to family members and friends for help with technology, while three in five older people said they would be comfortable in learning new internet or digital skills if they had someone to help them.
The Hi Digital course consists of bite-size lessons organised around digital themes including the basics of internet access and how to use online devices, and a guide to apps and features that can enhance daily life and combat isolation.
Individuals can work independently, with assistance from family and friends, or alongside a volunteer from ARI over a number of weeks to complete all of the lessons.
Course topics include:
Send an email
Play a game or do puzzles online
Keep in touch with friends and family through social media
Online banking, pension, tax or other government business on line
Look up information for hobbies or travel
Watch and listen to news / TV / videos / radio online
Shop and make electronic payments online
Look up information about your health online
Arrange health related appointments or other health related business online
Call, text, Whatsapp with your phone
Use the internet on your phone
Use your phone to take pictures or video
Plan travel, driving or hiking routes with your phone
Vodafone says that Hi Digital is the only programme of its scale in Ireland that offers a blended learning approach. Face-to-face training is also available in group settings or in the home.
With 25,000 members, Active Retirement Ireland says the organisation is engaging older people to champion and deliver the Hi Digital training at community level.
ARI is also linking in with the network of public Vodafone Broadband Connection Points throughout the country to ensure elderly people in remote locations has the opportunity to access the internet to learn online skills.
Photo: Anne O’Leary (right) and actress Mary McEvoy, at The Mill Theatre Dundrum. (Pic: Naoise Culhane)
