Episode 1

In ‘The First Click’ episode, Age Action matches tech-savvy transition year students with local older learners to share their knowledge and skills. More about the intergenerational work that Age Action do can be found on their website.

Marie O’Gorman, who appears in Episode 1 of Making Ireland Click, is a former Silver Surfer Winner. The Silver Surfer Awards celebrate and recognise the achievements of older people using technology and the Internet, as well as the volunteers who teach these skills. If you know someone who you would like to nominate for this year’s Silver Surfer 2017 awards, visit the Age Action website.

Age Action’s Getting Started Computer Training programme provides training in computers, smartphones and the Internet for people over the age of 55 all over Ireland. Visit their website for a list of venues you can attend a training course at.

This interactive map can help you see if you will be covered by commercial operators, or are in an area of the country that will be addressed by the State intervention aimed at connecting communities across Ireland with high speed internet access. Please note that this map is currently being updated to add up to 170,000 premises. 

Third Age is a national voluntary organisation celebrating the third age in life when people may no longer be in paid employment, but can remain healthy, fulfilled and continue to contribute to society. Third Age run computer classes for beginners and intermediate every Thursday. Cost €15 for 4 weeks. Time 1pm to 3pm.

Sixth year student Lauren shows Marie, 85, how to use the internet in exchange for baking lessons. There’s many recipes available online, for example, the website Pinterest has a collection of home-made cake recipes posted by other people.

If you’re new to computers, smartphones and the Internet, Bank of Ireland’s team of Digital Arrows can help get you up to speed. They can show you how to bank online – safely and securely. There is a Digital Arrow in each of Bank of Ireland’s 250 branches nationwide. So the next time you’re near your local branch, pop in to have a chat with one of them.

The Irish Men’s Sheds association provides community spaces where all men have the opportunity to improve and maintain their health and well-being. Contact them to find out about learning opportunities.

An Cosán Virtual Community College (VCC) is an education initiative with a unique vision: To bring about social equality and an end to poverty through education using online and mobile technology. They offer a wide range of affordable online courses, and provide the support you need to help you reach your full potential. Bursaries are available if required. Programmes offered include: Learning to learn at Third Level, Technology Enhanced Learning, Citizenship and Social Action, Community Leadership. #LoveLearningVCC

David Puttnam is Ireland’s Digital Champion, as appointed by the Irish government. Digital Champions are ambassadors for the Digital Agenda, appointed by EU member states to help every European become digital. They are all creative and motivated people who lead innovative projects in ICT education, digital inclusion, access and e-government.

The Government’s National Broadband Plan is to ensure that all citizens and businesses have access to high speed broadband no matter where they live or work.  Once completed, all parts of Ireland will have access to a modern and reliable broadband network, capable of supporting current and future generations.

The National Digital Strategy was launched in July 2013. It is a foundation step to help Ireland to reap the full rewards of a digitally enabled society. The Strategy sets out a vision and a number of practical actions and steps to encourage and assist more citizens and small businesses to get on line.

Free classes are available in lots of subjects as well as some one-to-one tutoring. It’s confidential and lots of people learn this way. Find your nearest centre and give them a call.

You can learn computer skills one-to-one with a tutor over the telephone. The service is free and confidential. Phone NALA’s Freephone number on 1800 20 20 65 and they will organise a tutor for you.

This is NALA’s interactive web site to help people improve their reading, writing and numbers skills online. It includes courses on Computer Literacy, Computer Skills, Digital Media. Users can study at the own pace and in their own time to improve their skills or get a national qualification.You can also go for Level 2 and Level 3 QQI qualifications free-of-charge.

If you would like to improve your reading, writing, maths or basic technology skills, freephone the National Adult Literacy Agency on 1800 20 20 65 or Freetext ‘LEARN’ to 50050. Or see www.takethefirststep.ie . This service is free and confidential.

These guides from Age Action help people who are comfortable using computers and the internet to find information and services that may be of interest to them. These include: Video, TV & Radio online, Computer Security, Digital Photography, Gmail, Shopping Online, Skype, Social Networking, Travel. You can download and print them from the Age Action website.

These guides from Age Action help people who are new to using computers, smartphones and the internet find information and services that may be of interest to them. These include: A guide to using computers, search engines, iPads, iPhone, Android Smartphone, Android tablet, How to use the Births, Deaths, and Marriages website. You can download and print them from the Age Action website.