*NOW CLOSED* Become a Digital Champion for chance to win an iPad

I think this is a fantastic idea. I've recently introduced my 80 year old Nan to Tesco online so she doesn't have to struggle home with heavy shopping (she's disabled and doesn't drive). Now she goes for the odd bits she needs, the walk and the socialisation, but is much less tired when she gets home. And I'm much less worried about her overdoing it and hurting herself.

Race Online 2012

Firstly I would like to endorse all that Ian Burnside has posted, it is something that a lot of people tend to forget when addressing subjects like these.

For myself I am of a mind not only to agree with Ian but to add a few caveats which I hope will expand on the views of Martha Lane Fox, she like so many of us is fully conversant with the pitfalls associated with on-line usage unlike newbies so too speak.

Race online 2012 is undoubtedly a noble and honourable concept that requires careful consideration for whoever is being introduced. Remember 11 million knowledgeable users not only means 11 million happy users but it closes the door to so many malware marauders. Acquainting people to online resources without due care is like teaching someone to water ski on the Amazon. Both are full of predators.

You can learn water skiing in a much safer environment and then choose to confront danger if that is what rocks your boat. However there is no safe environment on line, (you are only 100% safe when your computer is turned off) you have to be aware of the dangers and understand fully how to avoid the many pitfalls set out so reassuringly for you to fall into.

Fundamentally three vital areas of knowledge are essential to ensure safety of use of any and all online resource. To be aware of the many threats to the integrity of the users system, themselves and the steps to take when concerned. Followed by an understanding of social networks and the ease of transmitting too much personal information. And finally and no less unimportant the knowledge to interpret and understand information.

I suffered with depression and to this day still the chemical imbalance remains. Part of my therapy was a simple computer course which resulted in my OU adventure.

With this in mind I am concerned for the vulnerable in our society, as I have come to know so many. So whilst undertaking my OU studies I am dedicating some eight hours a week initially, acting as an assistant to a computer course tutor for socially dependant persons. Passing on my own newly acquired knowledge will I am sure be as advantageous to me as to others.

Also as a newbie to the world of Linux I intend to post to the various forums an introduction to Race online 2012 in the hope of recruiting some real computer geeks to pass on their considerable expertise.

Regards to everyone and good luck Race online 2012,

Syd Martin

I used to be an electronic resources librarian (my MA thesis was actually the global digital divide), but got ill a few years ago.  Coming back to the real world, and the ICT that goes along with it, has been a frustrating and isolating experience- the hardware and software have moved on, and I found myself finally understanding those who are bewildered to the point of tears.

Public services, including health services and libraries are being reduced  (boo hiss!).  As someone who couldn't get decent access to NHS services even before the cuts started, my access to the blogosphere literally was the thing that kept me alive.  Online communities and information will increasingly have to take the strain. 

Are we up for the challenge? We have to be!  There is so much we can do.  My contribution at present is through my blogging, swooping in to provide advice when I even hear a shadow of a mention that someone might have problems, both in actually using a computer as well as in the practical support that goes with it (getting access to decent equipment, assistive technology, etc).  And hopefully soon, (with some portable technology:P), through my involvement with my local psych hospital, I'd be able to move into providing more meaningful 'on the ground' championship to a group whose real-life social marginalisation can be radically improved by access to online communities!

Digital Champion

 Yes, it’s important that everyone should be part of the online community. Martha Lane Fox is right when she says people online can “reduce severe isolation, open up access to employment and learning opportunities ...as well as save time, save money and open up a whole new way of looking at the world.”

 However, I have spent at least ten years helping people to use computers and the internet and all I can say is sometimes it can be “a bit of a challenge”. Don’t get me wrong – I think the Internet is one of man’s greatest achievements but there are forces out there to test anyone’s patience. The description I hear most is “frustration”.

 A little list  

• ·         Having to remove, on numerous occasions, the XP Security 2012 Malware/Rogue antivirus or derivative that renders computers unusable and the only solution is a new computer (or me) – (Why would someone do that?)
• ·          The innumerable calls from people “from Microsoft” and they have heard that “your computer is running slowly and we can fix it for £xxxx” – (Why would someone do that?)
• ·         Yes, your computer IS running slowly and that’s because you have Windows XP on a 10 year old laptop with 256Mb of RAM (Why should I upgrade?  My vacuum cleaner is 30 years old and I’ve never needed to “upgrade” it)
• ·         I can’t get a Wi-Fi signal! (Yes – that’s because you are in the basement and you live in a 13^th century castle with 5ft thick walls and your broadband router is in the !"£$%^& stables!)
• ·         Software is fallible as it is written by people. Don’t be surprised that you have to wait half an hour for your word processor (web-browser, spreadsheet, Quicktime,  Itunes, Firefox etc. etc. etc.) to “update” itself before you can use it. This is part of your online “experience”.

 Yes, this all happens on a regular basis 

 Older computer users tell me that as soon as something new comes along then they have to “unlearn” all they have learned before - Probably the reason why they are so reluctant to ditch Outlook Express in favour of Google Mail.. Younger people only have to learn things once or by-pass things altogether (daddy what's a tape recorder?)

 I love my job but don’t forget the practicalities of getting people to understand this wonderful world of IT. One day it will all be straightforward! The OU said something about "convergence"? A little way off yet I fear

As a student in my 20s with a father who works in IT I suppose that I take technology for granted like so many of us who know who to use it, and so I still find it staggering how many people can't use a computer, let alone those who aren't online!

I've taught my mum, who is a Rainbow and Brownie Guide leader, to use microsoft office and the internet, and she know writes her own letters, creates letter headers and e-mails other parents and leaders, as well as using forums and finding Guide news across the world.

I am only ever too happy to impart my knowledge, internet or otherwise, onto others. I don't see the point in withholdingknowledge of any sort, especially something that helps so many people to connect, communicate and keep in touch. I think that the internet is marvellous with things like blogs and facebook in aiding friends and families to find each other after years, as well as to help forging new relationships, while at the same time being such a diverse business tool. In retrospect, I suppose it's actually more staggering that so many of us can and do use this invention, as oppose to those that don't.

 Far too much information is primarily available online these days so it's vital for the entire country to have some kind of knowledge of and regular access to the internet.

That's why I signed up to be a Digital Champ, because too many people are already being left behind.

Fantastic news,

As an advocate of OpenSource software I am always looking to forums for guides as well as posting information of my own. So making an easily accessible initiative to help guide those not so competent with computing, as well as promoting the idea of shared knowledge, is a great idea.

I often find myself getting the usual 'oh you work with computers, how do you do....?' question and think its high time a campaign is set up to spread and share this knowledge we all have!

Ok, so the article at the top of the page is a little vague, but the comments bring things to life. To address Stephen Holmes query (where are these people who need help ...): Several years ago, I became a volunteer for a small charity unit, then developed and delivered some free courses using OpenOffice. The local paper mentioned this and we immediately gained a waiting list which looked like a telephone directory.

As a side effect of this, I met some very interesting and genuine people, including other volunteers, one of which I am now helping towards a degree in IT with the OU (what goes around, comes around?).

Try that route, Stephen (and anyone else) and the best of both luck and fun to you.
 

Having achieved a GCSE in IT and having great knowledge of computers, i am always there to assist others (usually older people) when it comes to the internet.

When it comes to creating a blog site, or helping others to send e-mails, use social networking sites, communicate online with using things such as, "skype," help with you-tube e.t.c, i am always here and happy to help! 

I work in IT and both at work and at home I often find myself asking what did we do before we had the Internet? It has become such an important tool for learning, working, entertainment and keeping in touch.

This initiative is important, in that, it will hopefully stop those who wish to get online, but for whatever reason can't, being left behind.

I would love to help with this initiative. Access to the Internet grants the opportunity to save time and money everyday, to communicate with people who share one's interests regardless of location, and to receive news from around the world from a variety of perspectives and free from censorship.

As a supporter of Open Source projects, I'm keen to demonstrate that it is possible to get online with affordable equipment and entirely free software.

My one question is, where are these people who need help getting online? Is the figure based on a register of people who have expressed an interest in getting online, or has someone deduced that the number of people who are not online is the same as the number of people who want to be online?

I'm keen to help anyone who wants help, but I'm less keen to start forcing technology down the throats of people who don't want it.

 As I work in IT, I'm hoping I might be able to help others :-)

Good luck with the project. It's not easy sorting out computer stuff.

 I am currently involved with Race Online at work as we are a UK Online Drop-In Centre. I run IT sessions every Thursday and find it very rewarding seeing people get more and more confident with using a computer/browsing the internet. Eventually I'm hoping to work for UL Online (if such a thing is possible?) so this provides excellent experience. I teach them using Myguide but that will soon be changing to www.go-on.co.uk. 

I too was attracted by the 'win an ipad' and then got drawn in by the totally great idea of swapping knowledge! Forums are really useful for helping others with IT problems but a lot of older people either don't know they exist or are too nervous to try them out. If an OU ran a 'help forum' I'm sure people would have confidence in accedssing it.

As well as teaching ICT as my job, I am a 'help line' to older people I have met socially and I don't mind at all - even though sometimes, time passes fruitlessly! I have used a very good website which answers ICT questions but it does cost and if you were just starting up using the Internet or anything computerish, it would not be feasible to keep referring back, so if everyone could pass on their little snippets of knowledge - how great would that be?!

As an IT techer in a High School my motives and methods are fairly straightforward.  But for me the real benefits of ICT are the numerous ways that systems can be modified by the user, and allow a greater range of access than the "from the box" setup allows.

Something as simple as a macro to reformat the font and colour of emails can make large amounts of text vastly more readable for some types of dyslexic.

The ability to use a keyboard can make a huge difference to people with dysgraphia.

These beige boxes can be an incredibly powerful tool, with a little bit of help.  So be that little bit of help.

Kev

i like the open universities article. by offering an ipad as an incentive to get involved it raises awareness by catching people interest in the subject matter.

 Universal access to the internet should be a priority of any government given the internet's ability to provide access to information and disseminate knowledge. Indeed, universal access could be a great leveller of society.

This is a really good initiative and hopefully should get many more people online to take advantage of everything that the Internet offers.  I'm starting a "Get On-Line" group at my Church using the computer suuite at the Parish Primary School.  With the help of friends, the plan is to make a start before the Summer holidays and get going in earnest in September.

As a student, too many years ago to admit, I had to get to grips with IT. Since then as both a post graduate student and as a teacher I have learned how to use the internet as a research tool, and in everyday life I also use it for shopping and banking.

I work with a couple of technophobes and have been gradually introducing them to the uses of the internet and giving them help in accessing information and useing some of the resources out there. They are starting to recognise it's usefulness but are still frighteed of 'doing something wrong'. I have a long job ahead ....

I admit I was drawn into this because an iPad would be tremendously useful for work (and my employers won't buy such expensive items), but I don't see the internet as univerally good. I don't use (and won't use) social networking sites because I don't have the time for then and I also value my privacy; I have seen the results (and had to pick up the pieces) from inadvised sharing of information or throw away comments. As far as I can see social networking can be a very dangerous activity, especially when prospective employers trawl online to find persoanl infomration prior to interviews.

Internet has so many tools that help people in their everyday life, you don't even think about those if you have 'always' been using those, but what a great feeling it is when you teach someone to use the e-mail for the first time and see the happines in their eyes after they get their first e-mail and more importantly send their first ever e-mail to someone they love! Or you show someone how they can contact their family and friends via Skype and see them on the computer screen even if they are thousands of miles avay.

Previously I have volunteered in a program that helped elderly Finnish people to use their computers and enjoyed every moment - some of them still contact me when they have problems with their computers even if their families are only few miles away and I'm thousands of miles away so I have had to do something right with them.

 Hi,

I have been using computers for a few years now, but i have recently been helping my Dad to use a computer internet and e-mail to look for and apply for jobs as he was made redundant and he has now picked up some new skills and landed himself a new job. I am also introducing my 4 year old daughter to the computer to help her with her Maths and English skillls to work along side the work she is doing at school. Finally i am ofcourse keeping my computer skills up to date by using it to complete my Open University courses.

Claire

I couldn't imagine life without the internet.  I first got to grips with using computers about ten years ago with the help of my children.  Since then I've used computers for my research, assignments and study for my BA with the OU and then for my MA at UCL.  I shop online, renew things like road tax and TV licenses, update our information on the Electoral Register and keep in touch with friends and family, whether by email, Facebook or LinkedIn.  I keep, and share, all my photographs online and research goods that I'm interested in buying. 

I improved my skills by studying for an ECDL a couple of years ago, do the admin for my husband's business (website, templates for correspondence, update and print his price lists, and use Outlook for his email).  I'm currently trying to teach him all that he needs for his business.

I believe it is very important for people to have some knowledge, whether basic or advanced, and spend three hours every week giving internet taster sessions at my local library to adult learners on a one to one basis.

Computers and the internet are here to stay, and they are not to be shied away from or scared of.  They are as much a part of everyday life as a telephone.

I have just starting blogging, however my father has been doing it for years!  I have also just started an OU MBA and because of my smart phone I can carry the Open University arround in my pocket.

 I used to teach ECDL so like to pass this knowledge onto others. One of the most important aspects of the internet that I feel passionate about is the use of social networking. Too many don't understand the risks of these sites and need educating. I find them invaluable when working away and to keep in touch with family overseas but teenagers understand Facebook, but don't understand the internet. If we get people online, we have to make sure we do it safely.

Danny

I have been helping a colleague at work get onto the internet and do simple tasks like attaching things to emails etc, he has always been a technophobe and people just do things for him rather than showing him how, I have found great satisfaction in seeing how proud he is of himself when he has managed to send an email! Kelly

I'm the IT expert for my mum, always on the end of the phone.  Whilst it can be annoying when I'm at work I'd hate to think of the other option (her being disconnected from me and my brothers).

People are forced into the belief that they need an £800 computer just to do basic tasks such as send email or browse the internet.  Many people have old components lying around, it would be great to pool these and create some more simple working systems.  I'd certainly be willing to recycle some of my stuff to this cause.

What a great initiative this is!

I spend my working week, helping local business owners to embrace the power of the internet, not only as a marketing tool, but as a resource to make their business look more professional, to use the new tools to streamline their business and back office work flows, so that they are back in control managing their business effectively instead of it managing them.  Sometimes this can be hard work until they see the light.

I think that we are on the verge of an exiting revolution, where win the next couple of years the way most of normal people use the internet, it will start to become more intuitive.  Most people will be accessing the internet with IPads or similar devices.  In fact this revolution has already started with the exciting announcement coming out of the States this evening, about the advancements in IOS and related services, which totally take the game to a new level, IPad users will not need a computer to sync their devices in future, they will be able to sync it wirelessly to their on-line storage account in the cloud, this on its own is a total game changer, most people will not need a traditional computer any more!

This campaign has made we want to redouble my efforts to get my mother on-line within the next year in some way or another, plus I am always willing to help anyone get on-line and start to use the technology to change their life for the better!

 I am making it my goal to get my Mum online. I already act as an unofficial helpline to my father-in-law for all things computer and internet related. So it's time to get my Mum connected.

I think I will also aim to enthuse the folk at our local village get togethers. Older people tend to be wary of technology. But when explained simply it isn't frightening.

Mike

Hmm - not sure I'm committed to everyone actually being on the internet, but I'm all for everyone being able to be on it if they want to be.

Interested to see how many of us here are supporting older people getting online, as well as friends and colleagues. I hope to find out more about hardware and software that makes basic online stuff more accessible and do-able for those with difficulties with eyesight and motor control.

I also support the staff at work with using and developing our presence on the internet! 

I moved away from my family, and I miss them. 

It's really as simple as that.

My mother is pretty good with computers, and my father is a complete technophobe... and it's been a struggle to get them to engage with the tools available online for us to "see" each other and stay in touch.

But I have a secret weapon - I know they're both really sad that they're missing my son grow up by living so far away. 

My son is only four, but like all children who have been born into a world where the internet just "is" - he's already a natural, and he's helping me show his grandparents just how wonderful and useful the internet can be. 

Having grown up with the internet as it has evolved with advances in technology I now feel I could probably not survive without it.

However my elderly grandparents have not had the chance to use it extensively within their everyday lives and I feel they are part of a section of society which has been left behind in a transitional stage towards fully integrated internet services.  They hear about it all the time in conventional media formats like television and newspapers but still feel slightly apprehensive about embracing it fully.

I plan over the next few weeks to introduce them to the concept of the internet and focus on what can be achieved through its use.  I want to highlight the infinite possibilities it brings in terms of research and interaction with people throughout the globe.  I hope this informal education will allow them to realise what is available to them even if they choose not to use it at least they will understand its potential.

I want to be a digital volunteer because as a writer, academic and researcher I have used computers daily for the past 25 years and realise how liberating getting online could be for people who, for a variety of reasons, have not managed or are fearful of taking those first steps into the unknown. I'd like to help them and also show people how useful relatively simple online skills can be for both work and social networking. As a 60-year-old I find it strange that so many  people assume that it is only older people who have problems with the digital world. Not so! My dad, in his mid 80s, is an inveterate silver surfer as indeed are a number of his friends.

My grandmother is turning a magnificent 90 years old this June and is as young at heart than myself at 29 (and considerably younger in mentality than most of her 6 children!). 

As she stayed with us over Christmas I was looking at something (probably OU-related!) on the internet and just thought to ask her if she would like to have a go and boy...did I start something.

It really struck me at that moment how we can forget the simple fact that as we grow older our curiosity still remains intact and as passionate as it was when we were children.  I will now constantly make sure that I offer my help, advice, and most importantly, patience to people of all ages who wish to be gently introduced to ICT resources and make it as accessible as my grandmother made knitting, baking mince pies and everything else she opened up to me many years ago!

I work for a charity in Chichester and we have just launched a new initiative called the "Older Voice" part of this project is to establish three computer clubs a year across the Chichester District area for over 55's, we are targeting people who either can't afford computer clubs or can't access them. We have also set up a web based forum www.theoldervoice.org it is early days but we are hoping this will take off. The computer clubs are proving very popular we have filled up the first two and the first one starts on Thursday this week. Chichester has the highest proportion of pensionners in the country and we could run 20 courses and still have demand.

We did a pilot project last year and one of the participants, who is a carer said " Email is the key, I was beginning to feel left out and ignored... I just need to get a computer now!" I hope we can use the digital champion resources to make this project succeed.

I already work in IT Support and help students and staff with internet problems. My skills have helped my own children tremendously, and I also help my mother who is 79 but as she lives some distance away, uses a PC to email and keep in contact with friends and relatives.

Many elderly people view new technology with suspicion (and often fear), but would find the internet very useful - particularly those who are housebound since they can use it to entertain them, to keep in contact with relatives and to shop online. I would like to help more 'silver surfers' to get on the internet and realise the benefits.

 i want to try and get my mum who is 77 on the net, i think it will open up her world but she is dead against it at the moment partly because she loses her low users status with bt if she gets broadband. a struggle i dont know if i will win yet.  also being a union learning rep i am always trying to get people to get online and learn.

I've been a programmer but suffered from depression. Despite still not working I'm now able to teach a couple of short courses in basic computer usage and basic Word useage at Macclesfield Disability Centre. The learners are all new to computers and the courses are open to both able and disabled people of various ages. I have also taught several of my friends from church the basics.

 This is a great project! I have been a 'Digital Champion' over the past few months for the Public Library Autority I work for. I am regularly involved in giving training courses and advice to members of the public from all age groups and backgrouds, this is well worth doing and it would be great to see more people getting involved.

 What an excellent project - the internet has transformed my life, and that of society as a whole.  I first used the internet courtesy of the Open University, and have long been an evangelist for the appropriate use of technology in every sphere of my life, at home and work.

I am the 1st port of call with regards to any IT issues for family, friends and neigbours.

Glad to be able to help

Regards

Perry

 I think this is an absolutely fantastic initiative. Everyone has something to gain from having access to the internet. Living in the North of Scotland it is an absolute godsend and I feel that rural communities especially can benefit massively from being able to access services online.

Having been using the internet for about 20 years now I cannot imagine life without access to the wealth of information that it brings. Instant access to just about anything I need from, booking holidays, doing shopping, tickets travel, accesing information from the council website to studying online.

I feel this is something that every household be able to experience, enjoy and benefit from.

I have got my mum and daughter online, set up their broadband, fix their computers as needed, but, I would love for my mum to get a bit more out of the internet than paying bills and reading emails, so I am making this my task for the year.

I am joining the race online campaign to help more people get online.  As the main IT person in my family I regulalry help them out.  Both my children are online and have been from an early age. 

In Devon it is clear that there is a digital divide.  Not all of the children at school have a computer, or even access to one outside of school.  This is something that needs to change so they don't lag behind other children throughout their school, and working, life.

I've been using the internet for 12 years now and during that time have helped my children, my parents and my sister to learn what the internet can do for them - in the case of my teenage daughter who is addicted to Facebook that might be a mixed blessing!

My dad has finally, after having had his computer for about 7 years, stopped calling me every time he wants to send an email and has mastered various bird watching websites and utilities - we're working now on how to store his digital photos online. 

 I've helped a few septugenarians with email and other services. It's fun to see them doing it right and getting confident. There is a financial pressure now for nearly all services to have some sort of online presence and in turn a requirement on the citizen to have both access to and know how to use said services. With time it will become the norm (and everyone will rightly be expected to know how to use or find their way through the presented information), so far many cannot - in part due to the applications and in part due to access or user limitations. I am happy to be a part of it and help others along.

As the free tech support for my family and friends I think this is great. I couldn't imagine trying to get by in the modern world without the internet and the advantages it brings.