If you’ve recently purchased an iPad, received one as a gift or are thinking about purchasing one and want to learn how to “drive it”, then the Cobar Shire & TAFE Library can help.
The library is offering free technology skills sessions for locals to learn iPad basics during March.
Librarian Jane Siermans said the sessions will run each Thursday throughout the month by staff member and “technology wiz” Emily Ham.
“People can come only once or as many times as they like,” Ms Siermans said.
She said people don’t have to own an iPad to attend.
“It would be best if people could bring their own device (as then they can go home and practice), but the library does have some iPads for people to practice on,” she said.
Emily is well qualified to conduct the sessions having used them on a daily basis since she was in Year 9 at school.
“Almost everyone in my family owns an iPad,” Emily said.
“I did all of my schoolwork on an iPad.”
While there is no age limit, Emily believes they will be of most benefit to seniors or first time users.
“It’s mainly aimed at people who haven’t grown up with the technology and might be struggling to understand it,” she said.
“They are very basic classes outlining the iPad’s features such as how to unlock and lock; how to open up Safari; and make sure your security settings are up to date.”
Participants will also learn how to download apps and move them around; how to set up email, take photos and transfer photos to a computer.
“It’s the basics and definitely not something for people who want to do an advanced course,” Emily said.
Ms Siermans said the classes came about after a number of requests from the public.
“This is a variation on our computer classes that we have offered for several years. More and more people are using and asking for assistance with mobile devices and social media, so we decided to adapt the computer classes to meet demand and changes in technology.”
She said they also plan to run other sessions including iPhone, Android, Facebook and Skype.
“People do not have to be library members to take part in the sessions, and all sessions are free,” Ms Siermans said.
Emily said if people are interested in the technology lessons she hopes people will call into the library and tell the staff what they want to learn.
“We might also be interested in advanced lessons if that’s what people want,” she said.
