Internet Skills and Exploring Family History Online Naas Library
Improving digital literacy among older people through family history research.
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"I thought both courses were excellent. Both teachers knew their subject very well. In particular I was very impressed with the genealogy teacher and the amount of knowledge he had of his subject.”- Learner
The project provided in-library classes to senior citizens, focusing on improving internet skills by exploring family histories online. It empowered learners to become confident internet researchers and to use that knowledge to create family histories.
The project took place in the Naas Library and Cultural Centre. Eight participants attended 10 classes, four on internet skills and six on family history, between September and November 2024.
An IT tutor and genealogist taught learners the basics of internet searching and how to use family history databases online.
Tutors introduced learners to the benefits of their local library, where they can acquire new skills in a friendly setting. They showed them how libraries help build literacy skills by providing various resources and a free space accessible to all.
Learners greatly improved their digital skills by using the internet and associated websites and databases. The course also empowered them to use the internet effectively and to take advantage of online communication and research.
Participants can now share their digital knowledge and genealogical expertise with others, which boosted their confidence, health, and well-being.
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This project was a collaboration between Kildare County Council Library Service and Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board.
For more information about the project, please contact Deirdre Gallagher, Regional Literacy Coordinator in Kildare and Wicklow ETB, at deirdregallagher@kwetb.ie
The Adult Literacy for Life Collaboration and Innovation Fund
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports projects for adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs and projects that support organisations to be literacy friendly. The closing date for 2024 applications has now passed but keep an eye out for information on our 2025 fund which will be launched in December.
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