The E-Te@ Room Project aims to overcome barriers preventing older people from participating the opportunities provided by IT. The project provides computers in a place where older people feel comfortable. The project is aimed at people over the age of 55 years to stimulate and encourage them to learn about information and communication technologies, in particular how to access material on the Internet.
A 'cyber café model' that could be used in all senior communities was created. The project was locally initiated by holding information days for seniors and involving them from the beginning in the design and the development of promotional information for the target group. The following user needs were mentioned: the need to access technology in a relaxed, unhurried environment; the desire to be with the own peer group; the need to ensure that access to technology would be managed and cost effective. A group of seniors was trained as trainers. The idea of seniors' social centre based around technology was considered. The machines used were not dependant on licensed software, and had no storage capacity or environments that were prone to virus attacks. The machines were all set to load the operating environment Netscape from the central server. The existing tea-room of St. Ann's Church, which is well placed to be accessible to most senior groups in Dublin, was redesigned and fitted out to become the E-Te@ Room. The launch of the senior cyber E-Te@ Room generated extensive media coverage.
last update 2002-03-18