Tapping Into Cyber Skills

July 31, 2014

There’s a bunch of would-be “computer nerds” in the South Burnett who are proving you’re never too old to learn new skills.

Every second Thursday, the members of the South Burnett Computer Users Group meet at Orana from 10:00am to 4:00pm to learn how to make the most out of their laptops.

Volunteer teacher Michael Moss focuses on a particular topic at each session.

All the software used are free downloads, such as OpenOffice, which means the members can legally install them later on their own laptops if they choose.

Topics they have covered recently include word processing, photo editing, genealogy, E-book readers, mouse trainers, on-screen pianos, video editing, games and voice recognition software.

Today the members learned about Rainlendar (free calendar software).

Michael said the group had also studied different input devices, including controlling the computers by using hand gestures.

These different input skills were handy for older people who may not be able to use a keyboard.

Between 20 and 50 people turn up for the fortnightly lessons; on the alternate week, groups of eight members meet in morning and afternoon sessions at the Kingaroy Library to learn about using the internet.

Membership of the SB Computer Users Group is $25 per year and each session costs $2, to cover the hire of the room at Orana.

Information sheets about each lesson are emailed to members a week ahead or can be printed out on the day for a nominal charge.

Member Robyn Smyth, from Nanango, said new members need not worry that they had missed out on anything as the group regularly “go back to the beginning” to review the basics.

And the basics can be pretty basic, suitable for absolute beginners … such as correctly starting and shutting down computers, and learning how to keep the machines safe and operating well.

Group vice-secretary Sandy Barrram, from Nanango, said she had found the group had helped her a lot after she had a stroke.

“It’s a health thing. We can help people, I believe it can slow down Alzheimers,” she said.

Michael said the group also helped alleviate the fears that some older people have with new technology.

“The grandchildren come over and they go ‘bang, bang, bang’ on the keyboard – so quickly – that they don’t know what’s happening.

“We give them confidence and help them overcome one of their biggest fears … that if they push the wrong button they will blow the world up!”

Members are encouraged to bring along their own laptop but the group does have a couple of its own laptops that people can use.

And although the group is made up of seniors, everyone is welcome to join.

“Expert” users are welcome, too.

“We would love some more people who know about computers to come along to talk to the group or to help up with the lessons,” Michael said.

For more information about the SB Computer Users Group, phone Helen on 0413-196-658.

  Kingaroy