Photo credit: IMDA Facebook page
As part of its continued efforts to ensure that older citizens are able to benefit from digital technologies, IMDA launched the IM Silver Portal (www.IMSilver.sg). It will serve as a one-stop online infocomm learning resource for senior citizens, offering them access to online guides, ebooks, videos and seminars.
Content includes introductions to desktop and mobile devices, as well as e-communications through email, social media, Skype and Whatssap. Users can learn about digital government services, with lessons on 2-step verification for Singpass, e-filing of taxes and retrieval of CPF (Central Provident Fund) contribution history statements. Cloud-based storage and cybsecurity topics, such as cybercrime prevention and protection of personal data are also covered.
The IM Silver Portal is intended to complement the classroom sessions that are already available to seniors at the 31 senior-friendly infocomm learning hubs called Silver Infocomm Junctions (SIJs). Since the launch of the SIJs in 2007, about 80,000 participants have attended and benefited from the technology classes they offer. The launch of IM Silver Portal will make learning even more accessible to seniors.
In addition to the online and classroom resources, IMDA will work with the People’s Association Active Ageing Council (PA AAC) to encourage learning from peers through a new Tech Silver Project. Currently, seniors, aged 50 and above, who embrace digital technologies can become Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassadors (SIWAs) to help encourage their peers to pick up digital skills in areas such as social networking, blogging and e-banking. Into the sixth hyear of the programme, there is now a total of 163 active SIWAs.
Through the Tech Silver Project, IMDA and PA AAC will provide structured technical and soft skills training to build up the skills and competencies of 29 SIWAs who have stepped forward to volunteer their time. This will prepare them to better help spread the know-how to their peers in the community.
Unveiled by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information at IMDA’s annual Silver IT Fest, an annual event organised by IMDA together with Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), industry and community partners to share the latest in infocomm trends and happenings with seniors.
Mr Tan Kiat How, Chief Executive, IMDA, said, “It is now even easier for seniors to learn how to use technology to stay connected with friends and family, enhance the quality of their lives through online resources and at the same time, stay safe from cybercrimes. We hope that many more seniors will participate and benefit from these new programmes.”
IM Silver Portal, the Silver IT Fest, Silver Infocomm Wellness Ambassadors are all programmes under IMDA’s Silver Infocomm Initiative (SII). Launched in November 2007, the SII aims to promote IT awareness and literacy among seniors aged 50 and above so that they can be actively engaged in the digital age. The initiative also aims to bridge the digital divide regardless of education backgrounds, language competencies or IT awareness levels. To date, about 160,000 seniors have benefitted through activities organised under the initiative.
Earlier this month, IMDA launched the IM Bonding Learning Project to provide 1-to-1 dedicated tutorials for seniors from low income households to learn how to use the tablet device and navigate the Internet.
