Community Computer Cafe

“We are looking to create a facility where people can have access to current computer hardware and software, and receive help in understanding technology. Our target is the older men and women in our community who have not been brought up in the digital world but would like to learn and understand more.”

Why are we looking here? Our society now dictates we have “computer skills”, to go online and complete registrations, do our banking, pay those home bills, etc. Gone are the days of the printed mail reminders and payment slips. Hey, not everyone wants to do that or feels that online services are secure enough.

It’s all very convenient for the organizations but please think about the customers.

“We are finding many people are working on old machines and out of date software, which creates many issues for them, with the individuals becoming more frustrated with technology, unable to access even the most basic information.”

We ran some “help” courses and found so many older machines, running very old software. They could not be upgraded due to age and the capacity of the machines. The owners loved the machines and only asked for them to continue to do some very simple things. Please don’t change anything.

Alas, software companies and hardware manufacturers want to make a living. Let’s introduce even more complexity and wonderful gadgets. Not everyone wants those and it’s very hard to understand what the new feature really offers. Try telling that to someone who only wants to read their email, play scrabble and see the latest family photos.

By complicating the user experience (I’m even starting to talk like them!!) we found it became even more confusing for so many. Why can’t I see the same screens? Why do I have to do an update? Hey, what is an update???

“Through access to current computers, trainers and experienced volunteers, we want to create an environment where individuals will feel more comfortable in the digital world. They will have the confidence to embrace and take advantage of technology in their everyday lives. “

It would be nice to have people come in to an environment where we are all learning something new on every visit, even if some days it’s just how patient do you have to be while the little wheel on my IMac spins itself crazy!! No issue is too simple – it’s a major issue to that individual. Maybe on the newer machines, we can show them a better way, or simply “fix” the original issue. Let’s show off our little bit of knowledge and share some friendly banter. We can’t teach someone everything in one day, or ever for that matter. But let’s try to make using a computer a little less daunting.

“Once they have that confidence in "computers", the cafe could include help with handheld devices where a bit of knowledge would make a major impact. “

Here’s where we really want to go. How many times did someone come in this year with phone and tablet “issues”? There are so many devices in the market and each year more software is added to enhance our lives!! Let’s start by taking OFF some of the games and apps they think we need to have!! Let’s introduce people to more that just emails and messages. Let’s embrace some of what you device can do. Lets talk about the bare minimum of security you need to have over your device. Lets talk about Social Media and what do you really want to do. Turn off all the unwanted stuff. There is so much being thrown at you and quite frankly most of it just doesn’t apply to the generations we are looking at.

“We see the biggest impact on our senior citizens, helping them understand the world of the younger generations and those who are disadvantaged through the use of out-dated "computers".”

I am amazed how easily the younger generations pick up a device and it’s instantly useful to them. No fear comes to mind. I’ll just switch off, reset, reload and the problem is gone!! The older generation will stop and want to know why it went wrong in the first place, then want to know all the steps to restoring the device to a working state.

I love it when Grandma or Grandad comes in after the school holidays and they cannot see all their important icons on their device. Yes, those lovely grandchildren have added umpteen games and interesting sites for you!! Folders? What is a folder?

It is also fabulous to see the younger generation sharing their knowledge and experience on the devices. Where do they get that confidence? Well it does come from familiarity with computers and most definitely being with others sharing news on new features. How many times I have I seen my sons swapping some information on a new feature?

That’s what we want for the café, community sharing ideas and new skills. We are not going to ask them to trade in the old device (mind you we might mention e-recycling!!). We find out what are their issues, look up solutions, etc.

But mostly make sure that it’s a friendly gathering of like-minded souls. i.e. We all have issues with our computer”!!!