Hub teaches people to drive computers
There’s no such thing as a stupid question when you’re learning how to use a computer from scratch, says computing tutor Nigel King.
King has mentored countless clients at the Taranaki Computer Access Centre (TCAC). He said it was important that people who lacked confidence when it comes to driving a computer were not afraid to ask questions.
TCAC serves the community as a digital learning hub and offers free courses in computer literacy to people of all ages, from all walks of life, and is run under the Taranaki Employment and Support Foundation Trust umbrella and supported by Witt.
King has seen digital technology change with the times. He said nowadays a lot of people wanted to learn the basics as a way to keep in touch with family and friends.
Recently the TCAC put its hand up to provide the Computers in Homes initiative that was designed to bring digital technology into Kiwi households.
Formerly run elsewhere by another provider, funding for the Computers in Homes programme has been cut. With enough money in the kitty for one more round of learners, the centre was keen to offer its knowledge base and resources for the final intake.
Elizabeth Dixon has three boys at home, she signed up to have greater communication with the boys’ schools and sports teams and to learn how to improve her computer skills in general.
‘‘People enter as strangers and leave as friends ’’
Eileen Kiffin
The programme paved the way for parents to feel empowered and stay one step ahead of their computer savvy kids in the digital game. You can teach them so they can teach their children.
Graduates of the Computers in Homes course received either a laptop or desktop computer, free internet connection for a limited period, and technical support, at the minimal cost of $50.
TCAC trustee Eileen Kiffin said the centre provided a social service with an ethos to ‘‘make life more inclusive for people in Taranaki’’.
It gives people who may not otherwise have the ways or means the opportunity to learn in an informal, flexible and friendly environment.
By flexible she meant one-toone training or in small groups, joining at any time during the year, and attending at times that suit you. ‘‘People enter as strangers and leave as friends,’’ Kiffin said.