Being tech savvy isn’t just a young person’s game anymore.
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Last week U3A Benalla launched its second ‘‘Be Connected’’ program, which is a federally funded initiative to empower all, in particular older Australians, to thrive in a digital world.
Billed as a ‘‘come and see’’ day, U3A hosted a barbecue lunch for more than 30 members of the community aged over 55 before walking through a presentation of what the program would entail.
U3A president Dorothy Webber said the program had already connected a number of locals to the online world.
‘‘We’ve already trained 30 people,’’ Ms Webber said.
‘‘We aim to train another 30 in the next period of time.
‘‘And to get the older generation to be more tech savvy.’’
Held every Wednesday for 16 weeks, the program has structured modules ranging from beginner basics all the way to safety, as well as using apps, games and social media.
And with a focus on devices, such as iPads and iPhones, the program also takes participants through setting up iPhone and Android devices.
But it is one module in particular that seems to be a real crowd pleaser.
‘‘A lot of them love email, so they can keep in touch with family, especially those overseas,’’ Ms Webber said.
‘‘And they love Facebook.
‘‘It’s just about getting them to feel comfortable using it.’’