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If you have
been wondering how to go about getting the most out of that new computer you
got for Christmas then look no further. EverybodyOnline
is now permanently based at the new community resource The Centre in Newlyn, and
about to start a series of drop in sessions designed with you in mind.
The EverbodyOnline
project based in Newlyn is an initiative by the national charity Citizens
Online and supported by BT along with Penwith District Council. Project Officer Gary
Palmer explained to the Cornishman what EverbodyOnline is all
about. "The project is fundamentally
about 'digital inclusion' which means making sure everybody has access to the Internet,
the training and know how that will enable them to get the most from it. This could mean knowing how to access online
services such as banking, searching for those online bargains or tracing your
family tree."
The Internet
is one of the fastest growing forms of technology ever and continually entering
our lives in many different ways, from music or video downloads, booking
holidays to finding out about council services. People need to know that if they want to take
advantage of this new technology then they can; even if it only means knowing
how to be able to send an email. These
days 90% of all new jobs require some form of computer literacy so attending a
session could be what some people need to get them on the path to employment or
further training.
Gary continued "As well as being free of
charge, our sessions are always very relaxed and informal. Help is always on
hand when people get stuck or just need advice. We understand that there is no reason why
people should automatically know how to switch on a computer, or know what a
'browser' is, and in many ways this is our starting point. There is also the myth that the internet is
for young people, which is totally unfounded, we have people in their 80's
attending our sessions and the internet has changed their lives, enabling them
to keep in direct contact with their families who have moved away from the area.
The 'Silver Surfers' are in fact a
growing army of Internet users and proof that you are never too old to learn."
EverybodyOnline
is about to run sessions in online money management, genealogy and taster sessions
for absolute beginners. Some Digital
Photography sessions are also lined up as this is something that people want to
know more about, however it is recommended that absolute beginners attend a
taster session before taking this on.
Most of the
sessions will be taking place at The Centre, Chywoone Hill, Newlyn, where
EverbodyOnline now has an office. Gary is pleased "to be part
of this exciting new community resource in Newlyn and feel that a friendly, comfortable
learning environment is really important when people are starting to learn
something new. EverybodyOnline is a
community based project and I would like to think that if people see me in the
street and they have a specific question about the internet or computer based
training, they could stop and ask me, I may not have the answer but I probably
will know someone who does".
EverybodyOnline
sessions are starting in February, to find out more details Gary Palmer can be contacted on 07793 742351, or if
you are passing pop in to see him at the EverybodyOnline office at The Centre
in Newlyn.
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