By Claire Schreiner
Recent statistics state that 87 per cent of Canadian households are connected to the Internet.
Social media access (email, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest) is the top activity performed on laptops, tablets and smartphones.
Desktop computers are used mainly for gaming, banking, and hobbies/interests including viewing TV shows and movies on sites such as YouTube and Netflix. (Source: Canadian Internet Registration Authority, on Google Jan 16, 2016)
People who do not have home internet can still get on the net using public computers at the Library or free WiFi (wireless) connections at many restaurants around Williams Lake.
Look for the “Shaw WiFi” sign.
If you are not quite ready to tackle these technologies on your own, Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy offers free help sessions for technology use at the Library on Thursday mornings.
Since the program began in 2012, CCPL tutors have helped people with basic computer use, laptop set ups, cell phone use, IPad issues, photo management, e-readers, purchasing questions, email, Facebook, resumes and even typing speed. Our clients range in age from their 20’s to 80’s.
The one-to-one tutoring gives people confidence to use that new e-reader or IPad the grandkids sent as a gift.
If there is a question we can’t handle then we try to find an answer by the next session.
Computer literacy is a basic skill needed to gain long term employment in today’s economy.
Government services and agencies often require the use of on-line forms. Many job listings and applications are posted on-line and require email.
Public telephones are fewer each year as the number of cell phone users increases. The spread of communication technology will not decrease.
So what are you waiting for?
Join us and get computing!
Register for free computer help by phoning the Library at 392-3630.
NOTE: Claire Schreiner is a Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy board member and tutor.