Gadget Guy, Peter Blasina, was in Armidale last week to host a series of free Telstra Technology Workshops giving Armidale locals an opportunity to demystify the internet and gain confidence in the cyber world. He was helped by O’Connor Catholic College students.
Telstra Country Wide Area Manager for North West NSW, Tricia Wilson, said the internet is becoming an increasingly important communication tool for Armidale residents of all ages.
“The workshops catered for locals with a range of technical knowledge, from those who have never used the internet, to those who regularly surf the net,” said Tricia Wilson.
“Peter discussed the importance of cyber-safety, sending emails and gaining access to a whole new world of useful information.”
Known as the Gadget Guy, Peter Blasina has been explaining technology for more than 25 years. He has been a regular commentator on TV and radio and invited as an ambassador for consumer technologies including Blu-ray, Digital radio, Cyber Safety and the NBN.
“The sessions in Armidale have been terrific, the students from O’Connor have been really helpful, and it is part of their community engagement helping the seniors here,” said Peter.
“What’s wonderful is that it reverses the traditional learning and knowledge giver situation, so what we are seeing is the seniors becoming the knowledge receivers and the students becoming the knowledge givers.
“It creates that different dimension for two and a half hours.”
During the sessions, one topic of technology covered was the use of the iPad.
“The key thing was to get seniors to understand that here is a device that is agnostic in terms of how they use it.
“Using gestures, you navigate with your fingers, not using a keyboard and mouse like traditional computing technology; this was a real eye opener for them.”
With the NBN rolling out across Armidale, Peter believes there are endless possibilities for people in regional areas.
“It really changes the game very much in terms of equalizing the imbalances that existed between regional Australia and metropolitan Australia; Armidale is a shining example of that.
“I have spoken to three retirees that have come out of retirement because they have got 100 megabits per second from the NBN.
“They have started new businesses in their garage or in their front room.
“It really is a game changer.”
