12 May 2009

Computing open day for over-50s

Photo Opportunity: 11am, User Centre, Queen Mother Building, University of Dundee, Thursday, May 14. Older users will be taking part in Nintendo Wii games.

Over-50’s will have the opportunity to see how technology can enhance their lives at an Open Day hosted by the University of Dundee’s School of Computing this Thursday.

Coinciding with National Silver Surfer Day, the event will enable more mature users to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of technology through demonstrations of the internet and other applications.

Free introductory sessions will enable people to learn about a wide range of technologies. Attendees will also have the chance to take part in a Nintendo Wii tournament and have fun playing games they might have seen their children or grandchildren playing before.

Admission to the event, which takes place at the User Centre in the University’s Queen Mother Building between 10am and 2pm, is free, and refreshments will be provided.

National Silver Surfer Week, which is run by Digital Unite in collaboration with Age Concern, aims to promote the use of the internet and computers in older people. The Open Day will demonstrate some of the exciting opportunities that technology offers the over-50s.

'We want to engage with people who grew up when computers weren’t a part of everyday life,' says Dr Paula Forbes, of the University’s School of Computing. 'We want to prove to them that technology isn’t just for the young, and we know there are many older people who are prepared to change the way they view computers.'

'By bringing people here and stimulating their interest in computers and technology as a whole, we hope that people may participate in some of the research that we do into making technology better for older people and for those with disabilities.'

'In addition, they’ll be enriching their own lives by being able to be a part of the digital community.'

The School of Computing at Dundee contains one of the largest and most influential academic groups in the world researching into information technology and assistive technology for older and disabled people.

It boasts more than 30 researchers with a unique blend of disciplines including computer engineers, psychologists, therapists, creative designers and staff who have benefited from interdisciplinary careers.

The University was recently awarded funding, along with Leeds and Kent universities, to address the following questions:

• What can't people currently do which they would if they were digitally engaged?
• What is the motivation for engaging with technology?
• How might the disengaged, designers, and other interested parties be brought together to create solutions that address the needs of individuals?

The University will be seeking people aged over 50 to take part in these studies over the coming months, and anyone interested in taking part will be able to register their interest at the Open Day.

For more information about either the Open Day, or University of Dundee assistive technology research in general, please contact Paula Forbes on 01382 388872 or email pforbes@computing.dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk