Digital literacy project helps older Australians understand technology
Navigating the digital world can be a challenging experience for older members of the community, with people over 55 reported as having the lowest digital literacy. But a new project is aiming to close Australia’s digital divide by combining pets, photography, and smart phones.
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00:00 A photo shoot with a difference.
00:04 I'm no good with phones, so this is a perfect opportunity to get some decent photos and
00:11 have a bit of fun at the same time.
00:14 Peter's participating in the Capturing Smiles digital literacy program, where people bring
00:19 their pets to the training.
00:20 The 71-year-old will get a portrait with Muffy and Junior while honing his mobile phone skills.
00:25 Oh, that's a cute one.
00:27 I've got a few health problems, so I need to learn how to use the phone in order to
00:33 do doctor's appointments.
00:34 Compared to the rest of the country, Tasmania scores poorly on digital inclusion, with older
00:39 residents facing access, affordability and knowledge barriers.
00:42 But with furry friends such as these, there's plenty of time to learn new tricks.
00:48 By supporting residents to improve their digital skills, the program is tackling generational
00:52 disadvantage in northern Tasmania.
00:55 I believe that everyone's life experiences carry so much knowledge that we should be
01:00 sharing this.
01:01 We should be sharing between our generations.
01:03 55-year-old Anthony has dyslexia.
01:05 Sometimes I spell the wrong, it's like, like, which, as in, which island is that?
01:13 Or which, as in, wicked witch of the west?
01:16 I get those type of things confused.
01:18 The training has been life-changing.
01:19 Yep, now I've got it working.
01:20 Talking to texts today has just taught me that I no longer have to take 15 minutes to
01:27 write out a text, I can now do it all in under 30 seconds.
01:30 Check it and send it.
01:31 Absolutely brilliant.
01:33 Navigating the digital world with help from man's best friend.
01:36 [BLANK_AUDIO]