Mental block? Technology course targets the elderly

The government yesterday launched a new course aimed at helping the elderly use technological products such as mobile phones, digital cameras, video cameras and DVD players.

The course, My Web Plus, follows the My Web course which helped more than 11,000 people learn computer basics, even as basic as turning the PC on. The My Web Plus course also delves deeper into the use of the internet.

The course - 20 hours long and spread over 10 weeks - will be held in the 10 community learning centres around the island.

Investments and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt said the course was part of the government's Smart Island strategy aimed at combating the digital divide.

It complements other initiatives taken by the government including a subsidy of 16 per cent on the price of computers for every household and a scheme to pay for a computer at just €0.99 per day. More than 6,500 families have broadband internet for the first time thanks to another scheme, Blueskies, that offers the service for just €3 a month, the minister said.

Those interested in the new course are to call 2125 5495.