
The Castlegar Seniors Centre was delighted to provide space and to work closely with CBAL to offer a Tech Learning Place. “Having this partnership with CBAL has increased our numbers … it is a wonderful opportunity for us and we look forward to having more workshops and drop-ins in the future,” says Bev Kennedy, Director of Education for the Castlegar Seniors Centre.
The first workshop at the Centre saw participants taking part in a Getting to Know Your iPad workshop. Castlegar senior Donna Arishnikoff says, “Getting to Know Your iPad was great! I had fun discovering new information … now it is time to review and practice. I always need to repeat what I learn so it will stick!” She adds, “The programs are very helpful. …Since I got my iPad there has been so much to learn so I have been attending the Tech Learning Place. The instructors are wonderful and it is fun!”
Other workshops developed for the project include: iPads and Email, iPads and Facebook, iPads and Photos, Facetime, iMessages and iPads and Contacts, Calendars and iPads. Sonia Tavares, Community Literacy Coordinator for Greater Trail, says "workshops in Beaver Valley were so successful they had to be offered in Trail and Rossland as well,” as local seniors clamoured for more learning opportunities!
Many participants come with their iPads – but they also bring other devices such as phones or tablets. CBAL facilitator Corinne Svardfeldt says, “Having the iPad classes has been very successful. New people continue to attend; I think the word is out! We see people with many needs - using iPads, setting up Facebook accounts, connecting with family members and setting up contacts to communicate with others easily.”
“These programs are also a great way for people to get together, socialize and share tips about their experiences with technology,” adds Svardfeldt.
The finished workshops will be available on the CBAL and Decoda Literacy Solutions websites once the pilot project is complete and any revisions based on the pilot feedback are made.
If you would like to learn more about opportunities for technology support and learning in your community contact your local community literacy coordinator or go to cbal.org.
Alana Murdoch
Community Literacy Coordinator
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy