Chinatown Computer Help Days

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Photos (C) Ben Delaney. www.bendelaney.com

 Self-Help for the Elderly and other Chinatown agencies provide computer training for Chinatown residents. The Technology and Information Empowerment (TIE) Center was launched in 1998 as part of the agency's initiative to bridge the digital divide by providing technological education and curriculum tailored to the cultural needs of older students. TIE Centers allow older adults the opportunity to discover the strength of utilizing new technologies by offering age appropriate and bilingual computer courses for all levels.

Self-Help for the Elderly has hosted three public Computer Help Days.

Event Goals (February 2007)

Educate and excite students about opportunities available to them through the Internet.

Inform students of online resources that may be useful to their daily lives.

Inform students of technology training opportunities.

 Excite and engage volunteers about digital inclusion opportunities in the City.

The first event was a series of workshops with useful information about online and technology resources.

Demonstration Projects

Digital storytelling (KQED); Online Photography Service (PHotobucket); How to use an Internet phone or VoIP system (Netgear, Skype); What Translation tools are available and how to use them (Google); Internet security and safety (Wells Fargo); and online banking (Wells Fargo)

At the second event (February 2008), certified technicians and volunteers provided one day of technical support and demonstrated and installed open source operating and virus protection software.

At the third event (April 10, 2010), Reliatech technicians diagnosed computer problems. There was also a workshop on computer viruses and malware to help participants avoid future problems. Photos of the event, (c) Ben Delaney, www.BenDelaney.com