The Palliser Regional Library’s digital literacy programs are so popular that people are showing up for classes without registering beforehand.
Since August, 165 people have attended courses that focus on iPhones, iPads, tablets, Android devices and financial literacy. Ninety-three of those attendees have been seniors, with the oldest participant being 94 years old, according to a report from the organization.
The average class size has been 12 people, but that has been increasing as word gets out, explained director Jan Smith. The next set of course calendars has been created and are being distributed. New signage has also been created to advertise the program and to encourage people to register.
“For 2020 we’re rockin’ and we’re rollin,’” she said on Nov. 1 after the regional library’s fall meeting at the Moose Jaw Public Library.
Digital literacy librarian Brianna Miller is booking people for new classes in January. Classes about Samsung phones and tablets will start on Nov. 12 and run until the end of January. The next topic to be discussed in the new year will focus on overall digital literacy, including how to find and search for information, how to tell if the information is relevant or biased, and how to evaluate the information.
The classes about iPhones, iPads and Samsung technology will be run again since there is such a high demand, Smith said. The last tech session in Moose Jaw saw 19 people register and seven more people attend at the last minute.
“Well pull two teachers for that because our tech can actually go in and help,” she continued. “It’s wonderful, but it’s really draining because it’s a three-hour session (for each device) … .
“It’s going really good. We’ve had nothing but positive comments. It’s starting to snowball. That’s what we had to get going. The word of mouth is very positive out there.”
Anyone interested in getting started on a new tablet or phone can schedule a meeting at the Moose Jaw Public Library with a technician by calling 306-692-2787. Or, you can visit the information desk to book the appointment.
