Bengaluru: In a bid to increase digital literacy among senior citizens in the city and help them use the digital media, the computer science department of Maharani’s Science College for Women is offering a free course on e-knowledge under their outreach activity named ‘Vriddha E-Techno Seva.’
The initiative will include a 30-hour free programme with the first batch classes will begin on August 15.
The course, designed by the faculty of the department, aims to give back to the society that helped them grow and progress as active citizens, a professor said.
While classes will take place on Fridays and Saturdays for a span of two-hours each at the college campus, the department has also decided to continue the course further with classes for the second batch scheduled from October 2.
According to Prof Bhagyavana S. Moudigowdara, Head of the Department of Computer Science, the programme also aims to bridge the gap between tech-savvy youngsters and senior citizens who are yet to embrace the possibilities of technology.
“Most people above the age of 60 at present feel outdated as they see their younger ones always busy on smartphones, computers and other gadgets. By familiarising them into these gadgets, we are also equipping them to send an email, pay bills online and use internet and mobile banking applications to make life easier for them. Apart from computer training, the course will be of a comprehensive nature, also teaching them how to handle smartphones and its features,” he told Deccan Chronicle.
Srimathi Perumal, a budding social media influencer, lauded the initiative calling it 'well-thought'. “Even though senior citizens are termed ‘laggards’ when it comes to using technology, some of us taking initiative to bring them up to the same levels as well is turning out to be essential nowadays. Even though social media exposure is not mandatory for them, using tech to get work done at a faster pace, instead of waiting in long queues risking health and time, would turn out to be beneficial for our beloved seniors,” she said.
Each batch will have a capacity of 60 students and candidates who are above the age of 60 can apply for the course, Prof. Bhagyavana added.
