Are you the kind of silver surfer who generally ends up swallowing gallons of seawater and needing to be rescued from the IT ocean by someone younger and niftier on the keyboard?
If so, you’ll be glad to know that help is at hand. A George Street-based charity is specifically aimed at teaching the over-50s how to e-swim.
ACE IT was launched in 2001, soon becoming one of the key providers of community-based computer training for older people in and around Edinburgh. Fourteen years later, it’s picked up several awards and is now one of the capital’s main providers of computer training for this age group.
Below, the organisation's Amanda Fraser describes what they’re about and how they can help.
Many people worry about getting left behind as technology changes, and there’s no doubt that even a little IT knowledge makes all the difference to day-to-day life. With the news that GP surgeries are likely to start using Skype to communicate with patients, it’s never been more important to start learning the basics.
The team at ACE IT offer a chance to learn about new technology in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our ‘students’ get a warm welcome in our comfortable training suite and have the chance to learn at their own pace.
We believe that one of the keys to our success is taking away the fear of computers. We try our best to make sure that the learning experience is fun, with our classes being small and friendly.
Our courses are taught on iPads, which are increasingly popular due to ease of use. Our five-week ‘Introduction to iPads’ course costs £52 (including comprehensive notes) and provides plenty of information to help learners get the most out of their technology.
You don’t even need to own your own iPad as we’ll provide one for you. So it’s the perfect way to test-drive the device before parting with any major sums of money!
Alongside the iPad classes, we also run ‘Drop In’ sessions twice a week. These offer the opportunity to get one-to-one tuition on any digital device – laptops, tablets, iPads, Kindles, smart phones and cameras. And at £8.50 for a one-hour session with a dedicated trainer, they offer great value for money.
Typical queries are about attachments, using Skype, and sorting photos or email problems. Once we’ve discovered what your problem is, we’ll pair you up with the tutor best able to help with your specific issue.
Our aim is to make sure that all of our tuition is affordable and easily accessible. The Ace IT training suite offers full disabled access with a lift, ramped access, disabled toilet facilities and a hearing loop.
To find out more, please contact us at: ACE IT, 2nd Floor, 115 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JN
email: jenny@aceit.org.uk
Tel: 477 3883
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[Image top-right: dinei, Creative Commons]