Have you got that new tablet yet? “No not the one you swallow every morning,” but the latest computer that you hold in your hand, keep in your purse and can use in so many ways. The tablet workshops have become very popular, with 22 attending the iPad workshop which included 4 new members and a further 16 attending the Android session which also had 2 new members.

iPad Workshops

Ian McLuckie would like to make sure the theme topics reflect what members want. Please email ianmcl@paradise.net.nz. Don’t be shy, the more ideas that are brought forth, the more relevant the workshops will become. Ian looks forward to seeing all the iPad users on the second Monday of each month at 2pm.

Android Sessions

Those questions that you have, or the problems you can’t solve, please email Barry at rosebb@xtra.co.nz and answers will be found. Next session is at 12 noon 4th April.
Come along and share in the latest technical experience.

Tutors are still required. Please give tutoring a go. Being a tutor means that you keep up with all the latest technology which is needed so that it can be passed on to members through classes and workshops etc. We suggest that you volunteer as an assistant tutor to

begin with, so that you can work with an experienced tutor and learn from his/her experience. Tutors find that they learn more by having this hands on approach as there are always new questions being asked and answered from the classes.
Contact Lois Brinck at jandl.brinck@paradise.net.nz Ph 04 298 7797.

Regional Meeting.

Last week, Kapiti Senior Net hosted 60 representatives from 9 Learning Centres from the lower half of the North Island, including Feilding, Foxton, Horowhenua, Hutt City, Kapiti, Palmerston North, Porirua, Upper Hutt and Waikanae. Grant Sidaway gave his update on things for SeniorNet from a national perspective and encouraged us all to support the sponsors which include Noel Leeming, Suzuki, Harvey Norman and TelstraClear which is soon to be absorbed into Vodafone.

Each Learning Centre talked about their issues, problems and challenges which seem to be common to us all, including the need to keep up to date with the new technology and to find new tutors.

In the afternoon, four discussion groups with mixed membership from the different Learning Centres looked at questions which related to the theme of the Regional meeting: ‘Staying relevant in a fast paced future.’

The questions included

1. With the fast pace of changing technology, how do we cope and how can the Federation help us meet the challenge?

2. How can SeniorNets work together better to meet the increasing demands of the new technology?

3. What works best with the new technologies?

4. How can we attract and retain younger membership with its existing familiarity with IT?

The responses in the reporting back session reflected the concerns of members in the current operating climate. Some Learning Centres are making good progress while others are struggling, but all were able to take home messages and ideas that we can implement in our own patch.

The Editor Bazza.