UCD library to host digital literacy classes

University Observer: The James Joyce library will launch a new initiative to help advance digital literacy in the Dublin community. Starting in February, the library will launch a pilot programme that pairs students with elderly individuals to teach digital and technology skills.

The programme will allow volunteers to use their IT knowledge to teach elderly individuals in the community how to use computers, phones, iPads, and other kinds of technology. The class is free for the learners and will consist of either four hour-and-a-half classes or six-hour long classes.

Carmel O'Sullivan in Planning and Administration for the James Joyce library has been heading up the program: "I had read something in one of the student newspapers… that basically there's a shortage of volunteering opportunities for students and that students would like to have volunteering opportunities," O'Sullivan said. "I remembered that and I thought… this might be a good thing for students to have on their CVs and be able to say they were involved."

The February program aims to cater to about 10 elderly learners, with 10 student volunteers to pair with the learners on a one-to-one basis. Because of the new nature of the programme, O'Sullivan said that if there is sufficient interest, the library may look at creating additional classes.

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