By Carol Baldwin
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Wakaw Recorder
Wapiti Regional Library has partnered with Connected Canadians for a series of online workshops for seniors this fall. These free workshops will provide digital literacy information and support for seniors, focusing on topics such as internet safety, using government services online, and understanding new technology like AI. Connected Canadians is able to offer its free-of-charge services by subsidizing the cost of those free services with the financial support that it receives from community partners. This particular information series is made possible through the New Horizons for Seniors grant program from the Government of Canada.
Connected Canadians, founded in Ottawa in 2018, is a national digital inclusion charity that promotes digital literacy skills amongst older adults by providing free technology training and support, and believes that all people should be empowered to use technology safely and effectively to assist in engaging with loved ones and enhancing their quality of life. Connected Canadians has significant expertise in developing and delivering training for older adults and those who serve them.
Volunteers with a high comfort level in technology are paired with senior clients. Working side-by-side, either one-on-one or in group workshops, volunteers and clients together tackle various technology challenges, frequently learning together in real time.
On its website, Connected Canadians states its mandate is to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst older adults by promoting digital literacy skills and providing technology training and support. “By 2030, we want all Canadian seniors to have access to free technology training and support.”
Wapiti Regional Library has announced a series of workshops scheduled for October and November, selected from a total of 22 diverse offerings. One workshop, “ChatGPT & AI: Navigating the Digital Conversation,” was featured on September 24. The remaining workshops are as follows:
· “Getting Help with Technology” on October 8th
· “Phishing Scams & Internet Safety” on October 22nd
· “Accessing Government Services” on November 5th
· “Recognizing Fake News” on November 19th
All interested parties are encouraged to participate and benefit from these informative sessions.
People can register by calling toll-free 1 (877) 304-5813, emailing info@connectedcanadians.ca