Albury Wodonga olunteer Resource Bureau

Know Your Gizmo

The issue

Older people often express their concerns about their understanding and use of new

technologies.

The issue

Albury High School had expressed an interest in becoming involved in a suitable project whereby students could engage in the

community.

Funding

Funding for the project was provided through the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) Grants Scheme.

The operation of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network is made possible by funding provided by the Commonwealth of Australia under section 593 of the Telecommunications Act 1997. This funding is recovered from

charges on telecommunications carriers.

Objectives• Train Year 10 AHS student volunteers in skills

needed for volunteering and communicating with older people.

• Older people work with High School students for 8 weeks, learning how to get the best from their ‘gizmos’.

Activities

Students worked with older participants, helping them to understand and use their gizmos

more effectively. They worked with mobile phones, ipads, laptops, cameras, GPS and

ipods.

SkillsSome of the areas students helped with were:• Using touch screens• New applications• Setting up email accounts• Emailing, sending photos• Setting up contact lists• Organising photos and photo editing• Managing files.

Outcomes• 14 students trained in skills required for

volunteering and communicating with older people.

• 48 older participants attended at least one session. (some remain on a waiting list)

• Students and older participants worked together over 8 sessions.

Outcomes for students

• 100% of students felt “great” about volunteering.

• They would volunteer again in this type of project and they would recommend it to other students.

• 100% of students felt that their efforts were appreciated.

Outcomes for studentsSome highlights mentioned by students:• Helping people save their money• Just connecting with people and helping them with

their problems• The pride you receive from helping people with

everyday objects.• Got to meet different people and helped me learn

how to teach and be patient. Overall had a great time.

Outcomes for older participants

100% of participants said they had learnt what they wanted to learn and that they were using

their gizmos more effectively.

Outcomes for older participantsSome comments:• The students coped very well with the lack of knowledge

and endless questions. They were friendly, pleasant, tolerant and very knowledgeable about the ipad.

• Didn’t matter if you didn’t know anything – made welcome

• A great program for oldies!!• Camaraderie was excellent!!• Because of the students, I am more confident with

GIZMOS than before. A big thank you.

Future ActionsAWVRB can share the Know Your Gizmo plan

and templates with other organisations that wish to run a similar project.