Every Tuesday morning at Nuriootpa Library you’ll spot a bloke named Bill Woods.
No, he’s not looking for his next novel to read, but he is providing a novel way for people to brush up on their digital literacy skills.
Bill volunteers his time to lead “Talking Tech”, a series of free group meetings at Barossa Library which provide digital assistance to all age groups, including retirees like Deb Whisson and Julie Baird.
Deb has attended three sessions so far and intends to return.
“At the moment, I’m putting all my grandchildren’s photos and my Great Ocean Road experience into folders – I’m learning copy, cut and paste,” explained Deb who, like many of us, has taken hundreds of photos and ended up with a lifetime of memories saved on a phone.
“I didn’t really know how to put them on the computer. I have to admire Bill’s patience, in that he hones in on the skill level we’re at.”
From cyber security, saving money by choosing the right phone plan and creating email accounts, to asking “how do I move those icons around?”, nothing is too hard for Bill, a fully qualified IT expert with a knack for explaining even the most difficult task.
He encourages people to bring along their laptop and phone so they can learn exactly what to do on their own devices.
That’s precisely what Julie did when she attended her first Talking Tech session in an effort to gain more confidence in a digital world.
“I guess I don’t play with my phone all the time and technology changes so quickly, I can’t keep up with it all!” Julie said.
“Just going out to a restaurant where you can QR code your order. Or, when you book a show in Adelaide, I print off the ticket and I always feel so old fashioned! Things like that, I want to know about. For me, any new knowledge is good knowledge.”
Manager Library Services, Melissa Whitrow said it’s easy to book into a Talking Tech session, by searching for Barossa Library via Eventbrite or speaking to a library staff member.