At 92 years old, Pat Robinson logged onto a computer for the first time by herself, by 93 she was already on Facebook.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The long-time Rutherglen resident and former Indigo Citizen of the Year was one of 12 mature-aged Corowa-Rutherglen residents - aged 75 to 93 - who took part in a TAFE NSW beginners computing class for seniors.
Mrs Robinson said many of her friends and family were very surprised she signed up for the course given she had no experience with computers at all.
"They were astounded," she said. "They said they wouldn't have done it.
"I was interested that's why I joined."
Mrs Robinson, who recently moved to Queensland to live with her daughter, said many older residents were very scared of technology but it shouldn't stop them if they wanted to learn.
"A lot of them seemed to be frightened, but there's nothing to be frightened of," she said.
"The teacher was wonderful, very patient and very caring."
IN OTHER NEWS:
TAFE NSW teacher Anne Morley said the beginners' computer class - the Statement of Attainment in Foundation Skills - teaches people the basics of Powerpoint, email and Google among other things.
Ms Morley said the course was life changing for students who often have not been exposed to computers.
"In the first class, some of the students were literally shaking they were so scared of the technology," Ms Morley said.
"They enrolled for different reasons: a couple were secretaries of local organisations like the CWA or the Macrame Club, while others just wanted to use social media or email to keep in touch with their families or send their grandchildren a digital birthday card."
During the first lesson, students each identify an individual goal they want to achieve by the end of the course.
Ms Morley said due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements' Mrs Robinson's classes had to move online, which allowed students to learn about video meetings.
Mrs Robinson said she used skills she learnt in the class to do the book-work for the Rutherglen and District Art Society and to write the newsletter for Probus.
"It's very interesting," she said. "I mainly love [Microsoft] Publisher, doing flyers and certificates, and things like that.
"There's always something new to learn."
Mrs Robinson said she still gets frustrated with technology sometimes, especially when it's slow
"I feel much more comfortable with technology but I still swear at it occasionally!," she said.
Enrolments are now open for the Statement of Attainment in Foundational Skills course at TAFE NSW. To find out more call 13 16 01 or visit www.tafensw.edu.au.