When Rodney Thorn retired, email was just starting to take off, replacing the paper-based memo system in his office. But rather than letting technological advances pass him by, Rodney wanted to learn about this new age in communication that allowed you to talk to people at the push of a button.
Now aged 89, Rodney from Cwmbran has a computer at home and uses email to keep in touch with family and friends, as well as using the internet to research his hobbies and interests. He even does his shopping online: “In January when the snow was really bad it made it really difficult for me to get out to the shops so being able to order my groceries online and get them delivered to my door was a great help.”
Rodney’s interest in computers started when he enrolled on a family history course at Coleg Gwent’s Learn-IT centre in Cwmbran a few years ago. Using the internet Rodney managed to trace his family back to the 1500s. Excited by what computers could do, Rodney wanted to continue learning and is now competent in word processing, databases and spreadsheets, with the qualifications to prove it.
Rodney’s interest in IT is also something he shares in common with his son who is an ICT Manager: “When I see my son it gives us something else to talk about – we discuss the latest developments and he gives me tips so I learn even more from him.”
To celebrate Adult Learners’ Week Coleg Gwent is offering a number of free workshops to give adults a taste of how learning something new could enhance their life.
The Cwmbran Learn-IT Centre is holding a Silver Surfers Day on Friday 21 May where anyone wanting to get to grips with the world wide web can drop in and find out how to get started, just like Rodney did.
The Learn-IT Centre in Monmouth is also holding a series of workshops including Welsh for beginners, digital photography, arts & crafts and IT.
For more information call 01495 333306 (Cwmbran) or 01600 775564 (Monmouth).
