This senior center asked us back a year later for more Digital Skills Training workshops
We rely on technology these days for just about everything. Communicating with loved ones, attending doctor’s appointments, and even buying groceries can all be done with the press of a few buttons.
However, a lack of access to technology and training prevents many older people from utilizing these resources. The Digital Skills Training workshops provided by Connected Nation (CN) are changing that.
According to the Pew Research Center, even though 91% of Americans have cell phones, many still struggle to use them. That’s why digital literacy training is essential. CN’s workshops improve seniors’ lives by ensuring they have basic digital skills to navigate today’s digital world.
Simpatico Cielo Vista Senior Living is one of the many communities that have benefited from CN’s workshops.
Back in 2024, CN Digital Skills Trainers went out to El Paso, Texas, for two days to hold training sessions for the senior living center. The classes were so impactful to their residents, they wanted to offer more workshops.
This April, CN was welcomed back to Simpatico Cielo Vista for more training!
CN Digital Skills Trainer Marco Mata trained 68 learners over the course of five days – three more than last year. The senior center offered a wide variety of workshops in both Spanish and English, including Internet Basics, Computer Basics, Mobile Device Basics, Videoconferencing, and an Open Lab Workshop.
The Digital Divide remains persistent and disproportionately affects older adults, which is why Simpatico Cielo Vista continues to work with CN.
“The digital literacy class at Simpatico Cielo Vista was a great success,” Mata said. “A special highlight was Maria D. Rodriguez, who had never used a smartphone before.”
With assistance from several programs, Maria received a free government phone and attended the workshops to learn how to utilize her device. By attending the Mobile Device Basics class, she learned essential digital skills and created her very first email account, which allowed her to download music apps and other resources available through her phone.
The lives of people like Maria are being transformed thanks to the staff at Simpatico Cielo Vista recognizing that digital skills are necessary for their seniors. Learning these essential skills allows seniors to stay more connected with friends and family, use telehealth resources, enjoy entertainment, and more.
The staff’s active involvement significantly enhanced the learning experience for all the participants. They encouraged their residents to attend trainings and played a hands-on role during classes to make sure everything ran smoothly.
“The staff at Simpatico Cielo Vista were instrumental in making this session productive and inclusive,” Mata said. “Their support was essential in helping participants, especially first-time smartphone users like Maria, feel comfortable and confident.”
Are you interested in seeing this program can impact your own community? Courses are offered in both Spanish and English, virtually and in person. Fill out this quick form to get started today!