GreenDice contributes to digital learning for Viimsi seniors
Computer skills are extremely important today at any age. Whether it is to keep up with world events, communicate with family members, or simply pay taxes – everything takes place via a computer. Unfortunately, IT knowledge or access to technology is still not available to everyone today.
This is precisely why the Viimsi Municipal Government decided to apply for funding to raise the community’s digital competence from the North-Harju Partnership Project “Social Cohesion”. The project application was successful and is being implemented by the Viimsi Welfare Center. GreenDice was involved as a technical partner, offering all project participants proper computers for use, along with support services, if needed. GreenDice is an Estonian company that extends the lifespan of large companies’ business-class computers. For a monthly fee, one can use proper, maintained, and checked business-class computers with a warranty, insurance, and IT support. The tracked equipment circulation until material recycling is a new concept that private individuals can also use.
Within the framework of the project, basic computer usage skills will be taught to up to fifty elderly residents of Viimsi Municipality (in five groups), and they will be encouraged to operate in the online world. Interest in the course has been significant, and the first group started already in October. The next group will start in November, and the subsequent three in the new year. The project is primarily for those who have no previous contact with computers or are timid users. Together, they will go step-by-step through all the necessary stages so that participants can use the computer independently and safely.
According to Ants Altmäe, the computer course instructor, the first meeting with the participants showed that the topic needs to be approached individually. “The level of the people who came to study was different and initially caused a bit of confusion or fear as to whether this was truly suitable for them. But since the groups are small, the course can be completed at a pace that suits them,” he said.
“The goal of the training is to show that the computer does not ‘bite’ but instead makes life simpler and necessary services more accessible. In addition, one will also learn about the internet-related dangers that should be prevented,” Altmäe added.
