Angus College Testimonials

"..I have gained so much confidence and now I can't imagine giving it up as I would really miss it."

 

 

 

 

Just two years ago, Myrtle Fisher and Sheena Duncan, who are both in their sixties, and longstanding friends, enrolled at Angus College's Brechin Learning Centre, to take a Computers for the Terrified course.

Sheena said:

"My grandson gave me his old computer and I have to say I really was terrified of it. He said all I needed was patience and I would be able to learn to use one. I wasn't so sure but thought I'd give it a go anyway."

It was also a young family member that inspired Myrtle.

She said:

"My niece's daughter, who was six at the time, was producing all these fantastic thank you notes and cards and when I commented on how clever she was she said to me 'Auntie Myrtle it's easy - you could do it too if you tried' so that's just what I did."

The two friends, who had never even switched on a computer before, soon realised just how much fun computers can be and were keen to further progress their skills. With encouragement from the Centre's staff they signed themselves up for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification. This was successfully completed and they are now working towards the advanced level certificate.

ECDL is an internationally recognised computing certificate which gives students the opportunity to sit assessments in word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, internet, file management, e-mail and Access.

Sheena said:

"Sometimes I think I dreamt it. I can't quite believe I have achieved something like this. I have gained so much confidence and now I can't imagine giving it up as I would really miss it." "I have become a big fan of eBay. I buy just about everything for the family from it and have even starting trading myself - I even sold a pair of shoes. It's great fun."

And has technology really changed their lives?

Myrtle produces posters, scans her own watercolour paintings and uses the internet to do her banking.

She said:

"I really can't imagine not using a computer now. It has made so many aspects of my life so much easier. I certainly never thought at my age I'd be changing habits of a lifetime and doing my banking through a computer."

"The staff at the Centre were all so helpful and encouraging and we've had such fun that I'd recommend anyone thinking about it to just do it because if we can do it then anyone can."

Myrtle and Sheena have proved such advocates of the courses that they are now fully fledged volunteer tutors, assisting fellow students in class to progress.

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