For more information contact the Angus Gold team on 01307 473 662.

Angus Gold is committed to increasing social inclusion for the over 50 population in Angus. One of the ways that it does this is by providing free basic computer training to older people throughout Angus, which we have done since 2005.

People can feel excluded from society if they do not have the opportunity to learn about new technologies and how to use computers in particular.

This is why much of the initial work undertaken by Angus Gold focused on how best to deliver basic computer training to older people and how to engage learners who were most at risk of missing out on learning this new skill.

IT Tutor & Volunteers

We currently employ one dedicated IT Tutor for 9 hours per week. It is part of the tutor's role to prepare the course content and structure and also lead in the delivery of classes.

Angus Gold also relies heavily on the use of volunteer IT tutors to maintain a high level of learning opportunities. The IT Tutor provides training to these volunteers - each of whom will then be able to help support the classes or go on to tutor individual learners in one-to-one settings.

The Classes

Our classes are aimed at those who have little or no computer experience and who may have other reasons why accessing computer technology may be difficult for them.

Our classes usually consist of groups of up to a maximum of four learners. They are held in venues that are comfortable and local to them; such as in libraries, Community Learning and Development bases and sheltered housing complexes. Each class is taught by our IT tutor with additional support provided by volunteer IT tutors, with at least one volunteer per class.

The class is run with a relaxed environment - there are no tests to take and learners can learn at their own pace. By having a limit of four learners per class and two tutors to facilitate them, we can ensure that learners do not get lost in a crowd and that there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

The course usually lasts for four weeks, with two lessons per week, giving a total of eight lessons that the learner is expected to attend.

The course starts at the very beginning and over the four week run the learners can expect to cover the following content:

• How to switch on a computer, use the mouse, open and close a program and use the keyboard.

• Basic word processing, creating documents and files, saving, making posters and using art/drawing tools.

• How to use email and an introduction of, and how to browse, the internet.

BBC First Click

Since October 2010 we have been delivering our computer training, across Angus, in conjunction with the BBC as part of their "First Click" Learning Campaign.

"First Click" is a BBC initiative to encourage those aged 55 and over, who currently do not use the internet, to understand and enjoy its benefits.

To do this they have crafted a beginners' computer course, including materials and web resources - all created to take participants through the first and essential steps of using a computer. The course will allow participants to understand computers and how the internet can help them stay in touch with family and friends; explore interests; find out useful information.

Angus Gold has been delighted to make use of the BBC resources and benefit from their media campaign which has been running and is aimed at encouraging older people to have a go at using a computer and getting online. 

One-to-One Volunteers

Where appropriate, Angus Gold also provides one-to-one support for people in their own homes. This is available to people who cannot attend the current classes for varying reasons or to learners who have completed the course but would like to gain a little more confidence on their own home computer.

Each learner is supported by an experienced volunteer; who has shadowed the IT tutor during some of our past classes.

A lesson plan is developed during an initial meeting between the learner and their volunteer tutor. These lessons are tailored to meet the individual learners needs; focusing on specific areas that the learner wishes to learn.

Village Hall Computer Classes

If you know a group of people who have a basic knowledge of computers there may be training available to improve and expand their IT skills that could be delivered at your local village hall.

For more information see contact details above.