Smartphone consultation: Android beginners' course
Deutschland sicher im Netz e.V. (DsiN)
- Seniors
- Education & Language Support
- Equal Opportunities
- IT
About the volunteering opportunity
The federal Digital-Kompass project supports senior citizens and people with sensory and mobility impairments in using digital services safely and confidently.
Smartphone consultation hours, digital cafés and Internet training courses are regularly offered at over 200 Digital-Kompass locations throughout Germany, such as multi-generation houses or senior citizens' initiatives. The services are run by volunteer internet guides who pass on their knowledge and answer questions about the digital world.
Smartphone consultation hours, digital cafés and Internet training courses are regularly offered at over 200 Digital-Kompass locations throughout Germany, such as multi-generation houses or senior citizens' initiatives. The services are run by volunteer internet guides who pass on their knowledge and answer questions about the digital world.
The Digital Compass is run by Deutschland sicher im Netz e.V. (DsiN) and the Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Seniorenorganisationen e.V. (BAGSO). The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) is funding the project.
Your Tasks
- On-site smartphone and digital consultation hours: support senior citizens with the basic functions of their Android smartphone
What's needed
For this volunteering opportunity, intermediate German skills are required.
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Enjoy working with older people: You enjoy dealing with senior citizens and find it exciting to interact with people from older generations.
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Good technical knowledge: You should be familiar with common devices and applications, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, as well as basic apps and functions (e.g. messaging, email, internet browsers).
- Patience and empathy: Some senior citizens have respect or even fear of using digital devices and applications. Patience and an understanding approach are therefore crucial in order to reduce inhibitions and create a pleasant atmosphere.
Time required
Project-based
The course you are offering should comprise 16 hours. This could be four sessions of four hours each, or an eight-week course of two hours once a week. Exact arrangements will be made in person.
Important notice
The Digital Compass is aimed at older people and people with hearing, visual and mobility impairments. These impairments can lead to many challenges - including on the internet. Many digital barriers can arise here (e.g. font sizes that are too small, too little contrast or a lack of screen readers).
It may be that a person with a hearing, visual or mobility impairment comes to the consultation hours at the location. If you are new to the topic of digital accessibility, please ask experienced volunteers at the location for support. Many of our volunteers have already undergone training and are therefore aware of the needs of people with disabilities.
It may be that a person with a hearing, visual or mobility impairment comes to the consultation hours at the location. If you are new to the topic of digital accessibility, please ask experienced volunteers at the location for support. Many of our volunteers have already undergone training and are therefore aware of the needs of people with disabilities.
Location
Deutschland sicher im Netz e.V. (DsiN)
Deutschland sicher im Netz e.V. (DsiN) was founded in 2006 as an association at the first National IT Summit (now known as the Digital Summit). As a non-profit alliance, DsiN supports consumers and smaller companies in dealing securely and confidently with the digital world. To this end, we work with our members and partners to offer concrete assistance as well as hands-on and learning opportunities for people in their private and professional lives.