It's a Digital Improvers Coaching Programme..... I think?

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Amongst our group of friends by default I am their digital coach. They are almost all able to handle emails, WhatsApp and Apple messaging, FaceTime, read newspapers, take photos, play games and buy stuff online. 

How would I assess their levels of skill?

Here's a 5-level scale for digital skills for seniors, from Beginner to Expert, along with what you might expect at each stage:

1. Beginner

  • Basic Computer Use: Turning the computer on/off, using a mouse and keyboard.
  • Internet Navigation: Understanding how to open a web browser and navigate to a website.
  • Email: Sending and receiving emails, recognising spam.
  • iPhone:-
    • Basic Navigation: Turning the iPhone on/off, unlocking the screen, understanding the home screen layout.
    • Making Calls: Using the Phone app to make and receive calls.
    • Messages: Sending and receiving text messages, recognizing notifications.

2. Novice

  • Software Basics: Using word processing software like Microsoft Word for simple tasks.
  • Social Media: Basic understanding of platforms like Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends.
  • Online Safety: Recognising phishing scams, using basic antivirus software.
  • iPhone:
    • App Usage: Downloading and using common apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Email.
    • Camera Use: Taking photos and videos, understanding basic editing functions.
    • Settings: Adjusting simple settings like volume and brightness, connecting to Wi-Fi.

3. Intermediate

  • Productivity Tools: Utilizing spreadsheet software like Excel for simple data management.
  • Online Shopping: Using e-commerce sites like Amazon, understanding online transactions.
  • Cloud Storage: Saving and retrieving documents and photos from cloud services like Google Drive.
  • iPhone:
    • App Management: Installing and uninstalling apps, organizing apps into folders.
    • iCloud: Using iCloud to back up data and photos.
    • Siri: Using Siri for basic tasks like setting reminders, sending messages, and searching the web.

4. Advanced

  • Multimedia Creation: Using software to edit photos and videos.
  • Advanced Communication: Using video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype proficiently.
  • Smart Devices: Understanding and using smart home devices (e.g., smart speakers, thermostats).
  • iPhone:
    • Multimedia: Editing photos and videos using apps like iMovie or Lightroom.
    • Advanced Communication: Using FaceTime, Group Messaging, and managing contacts.
    • Device Synchronisation: Syncing the iPhone with other devices, like an iPad or MacBook.

5. Expert

  • Advanced Software Use: Using complex software for various tasks (e.g., advanced Excel functions, graphic design software).
  • Cybersecurity: Implementing advanced measures to protect personal information online.
  • Tech Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and solving technical issues, installing and updating software.
  • iPhone:
    • Advanced Features: Utilising features like Shortcuts, Automation, and Accessibility options.
    • Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and solving common issues, performing software updates.
    • Privacy and Security: Implementing advanced privacy settings, managing app permissions, using Find My iPhone.

Assessing my friends skill level

I think they are all knocking on the door of intermediate level, although they would dispute this and want to downgrade their rating as they tend to feel there are quite big gaps in their ability.

Their concerns tend to be on cyber security having experienced ever more devious scams. They worry about the NHS in particular, but many organisations that are going digital only. When things do go wrong, they very quickly feel out of their depth and worry that they may mess things up even more. Plus the new kid on the block, Artificial Intelligence pretty much scares the life out of them.

Coaching Improvers Programme

This very small sample of seniors does highlight to me the demographic that I will be focussing on. Age Concern Digital Support does a far better job of helping seniors at the beginner stage through their digital programmes.

What I want to do, is help a group of people to improve their digital skills. Its to be an Improvers programme and not a Beginners programme.

Let look at some of the improvements that could be implemented through a coaching programme.

1. Home Screen

Current Level: Apps are scattered in no particular order, making it difficult to find specific apps.

Improvement: Organise apps on a single Home Screen page with the most frequently used apps. Utilise folders for grouping similar apps and take advantage of the Apple-generated App Library for easy access to all apps.

2. App Usage

Current Level: Basic use of common apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Email.

Improvement: Encourage regular use of productivity and utility apps (e.g., Notes, Calendar) and explore new apps for specific needs (e.g., health, finance, education).

3. Settings and Customisation

Current Level: Basic adjustments like volume and brightness.

Improvement: Dive into more advanced settings such as setting up Focus modes, customising Control Centre, and adjusting accessibility features for a more personalised experience.

4. Camera and Photos

Current Level: Basic photo and video capture.

Improvement: Teach advanced photography techniques, using editing tools within the Photos app, and organizing photos into albums and shared albums.

5. iCloud and Storage Management

Current Level: Basic understanding of iCloud for backups.

Improvement: Use iCloud for seamless synchronisation across devices, manage storage effectively, and explore additional services like iCloud Drive for file storage.

6. Siri and Voice Commands

Current Level: Using Siri for simple tasks if at all.

Improvement: Utilise Siri for more complex tasks, opening apps, dictate messages, navigate to contacts, create Siri Shortcuts for frequently used actions, and explore other voice command options for hands-free usage.

7. Privacy and Security

Current Level: Basic awareness of privacy settings.

Improvement: Implement advanced privacy settings, manage app permissions, enable two-factor authentication, and use the Find My iPhone feature effectively.

8. Troubleshooting and Updates

Current Level: Limited knowledge of troubleshooting.

Improvement: Diagnose and solve common issues, perform software updates independently, and understand how to restore the iPhone to factory settings if needed.


OK that's a good starting point .....................I think?





 



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