Guide: Navigating Your Smartphone: Overcoming Barriers in Part 11: Personal Device Overcoming Barriers
In the bustling town of Wesel, Germany, many seniors are embracing the digital age, with a growing number owning smartphones to stay connected. However, for some, the small text and symbols, unfamiliar operating systems, and numerous functions can be overwhelming. This article aims to provide a guide for seniors seeking resources to set up and learn to use smartphones in Wesel.
Local educational institutions and community networks, such as FOM Hochschule and Volkshochschulen, may offer senior-friendly tech workshops. Although the DGQ-Regionalkreis Niederrhein primarily focuses on quality and certification topics, contacting these institutions might still yield productive results.
Senior citizen centers and volunteer groups are another valuable resource. Many German towns, including Wesel, have organizations that run smartphone and technology courses for older adults. Checking with the city's official website or local social service organizations can lead you to programs specifically tailored for seniors.
Public libraries often run digital literacy sessions for seniors, making them another good place to inquire about smartphone classes or one-on-one help. Retail stores and mobile providers may also offer in-store assistance or introductory courses for seniors.
For those who need immediate assistance, the DomNetz group in Wesel offers practical help with smartphones or tablets every Tuesday and Wednesday. The group meets in the basement of the Haus am Dom at Willibrodiplatz 10, with individual support available on Wednesdays from 3 - 4 pm, with no appointment necessary.
Experts recommend adjusting the text size to improve readability, but this can lead to difficulties in finding submenus and functions in the future. Beginners may need someone to help set up the device or explain technical terms. The initial setup of a smartphone presents numerous hurdles, such as setting up Wi-Fi, deciding screen timeout settings, and understanding permissions.
A training of 100 hours is recommended as a baseline for becoming independent in using a smartphone. However, it's important to remember that each person uses different functions of their smartphone based on their personal preferences. The misconception that one must know all the possibilities of a device to use it can be misleading.
In conclusion, beginners need help with the initial setup and a point of contact for future questions and challenges. With the abundance of resources available in Wesel, seniors can confidently navigate the digital world at their own pace.
Senior citizens in Wesel, Germany can find help in setting up and learning to use smartphones at local educational institutions like FOM Hochschule and Volkshochschulen, as well as senior citizen centers and volunteer groups. Public libraries often run digital literacy sessions for seniors, providing another valuable resource for learning smartphone and technology skills.
