Media Release
November 14 2006
Over 55s cruise the information superhighway at UniSA
Do you cringe inside when you hear how you can get more information, ideas, answers or services at www.somethingorother.com…because you don’t know how?
If you are feeling like a lonely old hitchhiker on the information superhighway, it is time to get active and do something about it.
And UniSA is hosting a special seminar for the over 55s that will help you understand the Internet is not as difficult or scary as it may seem, is certainly not just for the young, and is much more accessible than you might think.
The Internet Demystified will be held at UniSA’s City West campus on November 17 from 2 pm to 4pm as part of the University’s Successful Ageing in Australia seminar series.
Feature presenters are Wayne Pedder from UniSA’s Flexible Learning Centre and Dr Denise Wood from the School of Communication.
Pedder will present a broad practical view of the Internet – a quick trip round the terminology, an easy guide to setting up a home connection and some tips on where to access the Internet if you don’t have a home computer.
“It was only 15 years ago that I took a look at where things were heading in my working world and realised I needed to really engage with computers,” Pedder says. “And I really struggled at first so I understand that it can be a bit daunting. Once you get over that hurdle, you soon realise it opens up a whole world of learning, convenience, communication and connection that is really exciting.”
Pedder says older people can and do use the internet to shop online, pay bills, research hobbies and gather news.
“It takes a little patience and dedication to the task but it really is just familiarity and a bit of experimentation that builds web confidence. Before you know it, surfing and accessing internet services and information will become second nature,” he says.
Dr Wood’s presentation will look at the impact of the worldwide web on the ageing population.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures from 2002 showed that more than 2 million Australians over 65 are accessing the Internet and while uptake is growing in this section of the community, it is at a slower rate. In the 35 to 64 year age bracket more that 7 million use the Internet at home.
“The web and access to the internet is a real double-sided coin,” she says.
“It has opened up enormous opportunities for connection. Older people who live in remote or isolated locations, those with health problems or simply people who through circumstance are lonely can become connected to a world of information. It gives them access to online banking and shopping, home based education, vocational development and employment.
“But on the other side of the picture there are risks associated with being connected to the web and moral and legal responsibilities for online users. To be an empowered web user it is important to be aware of those risks and responsibilities.”
Dr Wood will also explore the requirements for web designers to ensure they design sites that are user friendly, given the diverse nature of the user audience.
“Web designers need to be aware of the needs of older people and those with physical or sensory limitations when they design web products.”
The Internet Demystified is a free UniSA seminar.
Contact for interview
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Dr Denise Wood office (08) 8302 4642 email denise.wood@unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au