Anyone who has read through the foregoing must begin to wonder where I am going from this point onwards!
Quite frankly, I don’t know! All I can say at this stage of the game is that I have begun a sequence of probing and searching through government departments and possibly making a general nuisance of myself.
It could be interesting!
Back later!
Sunday 12 August 2007
Monday 30 July 2007
14 More about Home Computer Initiative (H.C.I)
A comment from my old stamping ground Cork asks is the site even live, adding that the ‘latest news’ date is a year old. I have actually seen more recent references, notably an ENN news item:
“New scheme to boost home PC use
24-04-2007 by Maxim Kelly
The Irish Government has given the go-ahead to an IT industry project to improve Ireland's PC penetration. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Information Society Minister Tom Kitt launched the Home Computing Initiative on Monday.”
See also a reference recently in Clare Lifelong Learning
under upcoming Events.
As a site HCI comes over as a political/corporate PR exercise, so constructed as to discourage active involvement. As of now it is somewhat unwieldy and is unlikely to attract many participants.
“New scheme to boost home PC use
24-04-2007 by Maxim Kelly
The Irish Government has given the go-ahead to an IT industry project to improve Ireland's PC penetration. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Information Society Minister Tom Kitt launched the Home Computing Initiative on Monday.”
See also a reference recently in Clare Lifelong Learning
under upcoming Events.
As a site HCI comes over as a political/corporate PR exercise, so constructed as to discourage active involvement. As of now it is somewhat unwieldy and is unlikely to attract many participants.
Saturday 28 July 2007
13 WHAT HAPPENED TO ‘KEEP IT SIMPLE’?
Needless to say, as a logical sequence to all of the foregoing posts in this blog I am continually searching for all relevant developments.
So! How about H.C.I!
Interesting logo! Opens up into a very complex document! Not sure where it’s leading to except that I get a distinct impression I’m being led around the garden path. I hear what could be instructions from above “if they ask about broadband or anything like that just give 2 teaspoons of HCI at regular intervals until you see the glazed look in their eyes”.
What are the ingredients of HCI, you say?
Hard to define! Essentially, it is a mix of principles, guidelines, objectives and numerous other sub-clauses and caveats blended together so skilfully as to leave the reader completely baffled.
Right now I think that we should give it to the Seanad!
Somehow appropriate!
So! How about H.C.I!
Interesting logo! Opens up into a very complex document! Not sure where it’s leading to except that I get a distinct impression I’m being led around the garden path. I hear what could be instructions from above “if they ask about broadband or anything like that just give 2 teaspoons of HCI at regular intervals until you see the glazed look in their eyes”.
What are the ingredients of HCI, you say?
Hard to define! Essentially, it is a mix of principles, guidelines, objectives and numerous other sub-clauses and caveats blended together so skilfully as to leave the reader completely baffled.
Right now I think that we should give it to the Seanad!
Somehow appropriate!
Thursday 12 July 2007
12 Come On Seniors Get Involved Here!
I've been ranting on about getting Seniors into action on internet activity.
Now comes a golden opportunity; take a look at a busy professional and an initiative to get a group of seniors going on building their own blogs.
This could well be the start of a realisation across the board.
See http://brightspark-consulting.com/blog/?p=379
Now comes a golden opportunity; take a look at a busy professional and an initiative to get a group of seniors going on building their own blogs.
This could well be the start of a realisation across the board.
See http://brightspark-consulting.com/blog/?p=379
Saturday 30 June 2007
11 How About This for Training!
Have a look at the Downs Syndrome Ireland website, http://www.downsyndrome.ie/, and, in particular, at this page where download access is available to an ‘internet and e-mail programme’ commissioned by Down Syndrome Ireland and developed by Multimedia Instructional Design; it is a series of interactive lessons designed specifically for teenagers with Down syndrome, to help them learn about and use the Internet easily and safely.
I have a particular interest in this programme since my grandson, Peter, is a teenager with Downs’s syndrome. Peter is lucky because both parents are advanced ICT users; nevertheless I am impressed by this programme.
As it stands or indeed a version of it would be very useful for introducing hesitant ‘seniors’ to use of Internet and e-mail.I have already introduced it to one lady in her mid-seventies who has found it very helpful!
I have a particular interest in this programme since my grandson, Peter, is a teenager with Downs’s syndrome. Peter is lucky because both parents are advanced ICT users; nevertheless I am impressed by this programme.
As it stands or indeed a version of it would be very useful for introducing hesitant ‘seniors’ to use of Internet and e-mail.I have already introduced it to one lady in her mid-seventies who has found it very helpful!
Monday 18 June 2007
10 Conclusion
Based on observation and my experience over many years of voluntary community work, I have formed a strong belief that a government-led initiative, to involve the Senior Community with ICT, will have an immediate impact on the betterment of their lives.
Accordingly, let us start now and begin a basic system of Internet Access, followed by a second stage concerning Telecare Facilities, which will utilize existing features in use within EU, incorporating more advanced features following research.Once the basic system is up and running it will create a body of people ready to accept the more advanced technologies as they in turn come on stream.
Accordingly, let us start now and begin a basic system of Internet Access, followed by a second stage concerning Telecare Facilities, which will utilize existing features in use within EU, incorporating more advanced features following research.Once the basic system is up and running it will create a body of people ready to accept the more advanced technologies as they in turn come on stream.
9 Time to Move On About Seniors and ICT
The only way forward from here must be to assume that broadband coverage will match the requirements by the time any official government initiatives are activated.
Anyone keeping tabs on any developments during the year will no doubt recall the emergence of the Older and Bolder campaign, the aims of which are described thus in the website:
“The Older & Bolder Campaign is a joint initiative between a number of organisations who are working to achieve a better quality of life for older people throughout Ireland. These groups include Age Action Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and The Senior Help Line. The campaign also has the support of the Irish Hospice Foundation, which promotes the hospice philosophy and supports the development of hospice care. The campaign is also supported by a broad network of organisations dedicated to the provision of services, information and activities for older people.”
Up to the formation of Older and Bolder the individual organisations have been pursuing the cause separately. A position paper (Towards a National Strategy for Older People, by Professor Eamon O'Shea, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, NUI, Galway) has been prepared for the campaign (11/06) and is accessible on the website here.
The position paper is a wide-ranging document and for the purposes of this blog I have extracted some relevant items that would broadly cover the focus of this study.In particular, I am, therefore including the following in total:
“Independent Living
One of the central aims of any new National Strategy should be to promote independent living for all older people. In a nutshell, public policy should seek to ensure that older people live in their own communities for as long as possible.
In this context, action will need to be taken in relation to improving:
_ Choice and flexibility in social care provision;
_ Access to public transport – both in urban and rural areas;
_ Social connectedness to family and friends;
_ Availability of the meals-on-wheels service;
_ Availability of home help and home care services;
_ Suitable barrier-free, technology-supported housing, including sheltered accommodation with support services.
Finally, as part of the National Strategy for Older People:
_ Older people, both locally and nationally, need to be involved – through proactive consultation – in the development of the Strategy;
_ A new National Partnership Forum for Older People should be established to oversee the development and implementation of the new National Strategy for Older People;
_ A dedicated Minister for Older People and a National Older People’s Office need to be put in place to drive the implementation of the Strategy at governmental level;
_ An Ombudsman for Older People’s Office should be established to provide independent oversight.”
Again, for the purposes of this study, I have highlighted some of the key issues. Perhaps the most important item on this list is that referring to having a dedicated Minister in place to drive the Strategy, much as referred to earlier in this study regarding the extension of broadband throughout the country.
As regards a strategy for Seniors and ICT the trick is to begin immediately with basic systems and to keep it simple. In other words, it is not necessary to wait for elaborate studies and surveys; such studies belong later in a later phase concerning telecare facilities. A number of the points listed in the above extract from the Older and Bolder strategy align easily with the direction of this blog.
As regards ICT the task of the person appointed by the government can be simplified as follows:
Standard Basic System
Introduce a grant system for purchase of computers by seniors, to an established specification sufficient for their needs.
Introduce an immediate incentive for seniors to take up broadband, along the existing guidelines used for benefits such as the Telephone Rental Allowance.
Introduce a basic training schedule for seniors covering the essentials of internet access. The training given should include later access to support systems, including localized voluntary input.
Note:
From my experience in this field I would suggest that
the Citizens Information Board is currently the best
equipped to set-up and run such a system. The Position
Paper refers to the need for a ‘proactive programme of
Information Provision’, a role already a function of
this board.
Advanced systems
Again assuming by this stage there is widespread availability of broadband and a basic system is up and running it would be logical to begin having a look at telecare facilities.
The following U.K. website provides an outline of typical telecare facilities, as follows:
“Telecare services can be as simple as a telephone-based community alarm, which responds to emergencies and makes regular telephone contact to check on well-being.
According to need, telecare can also include the provision of monitors and detectors. These could be triggered when, for example, a person falls or has a seizure; or when gas or smoke is detected, so that appropriate help can be provided. Monitors can also detect such problems as intruders or bogus callers, and summon help. Technology can also help to prevent problems: for example, a spoken reminder to turn off the cooker can help prevent a kitchen fire; or a bed sensor could turn on the light when it detects a person getting out of bed in the night, thus helping to prevent a fall.
A service that is often referred to as "lifestyle monitoring" can be incorporated. Tailored to suit individual circumstances, the system relies on a series of movement sensors in strategic locations around the home, which build a log of the user's movements as they go about their daily routine. Carers can then quickly identify any changes in habitual behaviour that may be indicators of deteriorating health or increasing mental confusion.
A client's medication regime can be monitored remotely: for example, the PivoTell automatic pill dispenser has an integrated interface that enables it to link with the call centre-based services, as part of a telecare package.
A further development of telecare is telehealth or telemedicine, where the user's vital signs (such as blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels) can be monitored remotely, often with their collaboration. This development is important in terms of earlier hospital discharges; better management of long-term medical conditions without the need for hospitalisation; earlier warning of problems with a change of medication, for example.”
Anyone keeping tabs on any developments during the year will no doubt recall the emergence of the Older and Bolder campaign, the aims of which are described thus in the website:
“The Older & Bolder Campaign is a joint initiative between a number of organisations who are working to achieve a better quality of life for older people throughout Ireland. These groups include Age Action Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and The Senior Help Line. The campaign also has the support of the Irish Hospice Foundation, which promotes the hospice philosophy and supports the development of hospice care. The campaign is also supported by a broad network of organisations dedicated to the provision of services, information and activities for older people.”
Up to the formation of Older and Bolder the individual organisations have been pursuing the cause separately. A position paper (Towards a National Strategy for Older People, by Professor Eamon O'Shea, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, NUI, Galway) has been prepared for the campaign (11/06) and is accessible on the website here.
The position paper is a wide-ranging document and for the purposes of this blog I have extracted some relevant items that would broadly cover the focus of this study.In particular, I am, therefore including the following in total:
“Independent Living
One of the central aims of any new National Strategy should be to promote independent living for all older people. In a nutshell, public policy should seek to ensure that older people live in their own communities for as long as possible.
In this context, action will need to be taken in relation to improving:
_ Choice and flexibility in social care provision;
_ Access to public transport – both in urban and rural areas;
_ Social connectedness to family and friends;
_ Availability of the meals-on-wheels service;
_ Availability of home help and home care services;
_ Suitable barrier-free, technology-supported housing, including sheltered accommodation with support services.
Finally, as part of the National Strategy for Older People:
_ Older people, both locally and nationally, need to be involved – through proactive consultation – in the development of the Strategy;
_ A new National Partnership Forum for Older People should be established to oversee the development and implementation of the new National Strategy for Older People;
_ A dedicated Minister for Older People and a National Older People’s Office need to be put in place to drive the implementation of the Strategy at governmental level;
_ An Ombudsman for Older People’s Office should be established to provide independent oversight.”
Again, for the purposes of this study, I have highlighted some of the key issues. Perhaps the most important item on this list is that referring to having a dedicated Minister in place to drive the Strategy, much as referred to earlier in this study regarding the extension of broadband throughout the country.
As regards a strategy for Seniors and ICT the trick is to begin immediately with basic systems and to keep it simple. In other words, it is not necessary to wait for elaborate studies and surveys; such studies belong later in a later phase concerning telecare facilities. A number of the points listed in the above extract from the Older and Bolder strategy align easily with the direction of this blog.
As regards ICT the task of the person appointed by the government can be simplified as follows:
Standard Basic System
Introduce a grant system for purchase of computers by seniors, to an established specification sufficient for their needs.
Introduce an immediate incentive for seniors to take up broadband, along the existing guidelines used for benefits such as the Telephone Rental Allowance.
Introduce a basic training schedule for seniors covering the essentials of internet access. The training given should include later access to support systems, including localized voluntary input.
Note:
From my experience in this field I would suggest that
the Citizens Information Board is currently the best
equipped to set-up and run such a system. The Position
Paper refers to the need for a ‘proactive programme of
Information Provision’, a role already a function of
this board.
Advanced systems
Again assuming by this stage there is widespread availability of broadband and a basic system is up and running it would be logical to begin having a look at telecare facilities.
The following U.K. website provides an outline of typical telecare facilities, as follows:
“Telecare services can be as simple as a telephone-based community alarm, which responds to emergencies and makes regular telephone contact to check on well-being.
According to need, telecare can also include the provision of monitors and detectors. These could be triggered when, for example, a person falls or has a seizure; or when gas or smoke is detected, so that appropriate help can be provided. Monitors can also detect such problems as intruders or bogus callers, and summon help. Technology can also help to prevent problems: for example, a spoken reminder to turn off the cooker can help prevent a kitchen fire; or a bed sensor could turn on the light when it detects a person getting out of bed in the night, thus helping to prevent a fall.
A service that is often referred to as "lifestyle monitoring" can be incorporated. Tailored to suit individual circumstances, the system relies on a series of movement sensors in strategic locations around the home, which build a log of the user's movements as they go about their daily routine. Carers can then quickly identify any changes in habitual behaviour that may be indicators of deteriorating health or increasing mental confusion.
A client's medication regime can be monitored remotely: for example, the PivoTell automatic pill dispenser has an integrated interface that enables it to link with the call centre-based services, as part of a telecare package.
A further development of telecare is telehealth or telemedicine, where the user's vital signs (such as blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels) can be monitored remotely, often with their collaboration. This development is important in terms of earlier hospital discharges; better management of long-term medical conditions without the need for hospitalisation; earlier warning of problems with a change of medication, for example.”
Older users can be much better informed than ever before and thus increasingly take charge of their own health, fitness and independent living with the help of information on the Internet, and an ICT-enabled daily life.
Much research along these lines has taken place throughout EU and many projects are already on trial or are operating permanently.
An essential component of this research is the development of ICT products and services that will target the progressive impairments associated with age.
As an example this site ICTs supporting independent living lists a number of typical studies and applications, including some Irish projects, e.g. Age-net.
Awareness and Activity at EU level should spur further development at Irish government level. See recent EU Press Release.
Recent establishment of the TRIL Centre is encouraging in the long-term, however, as indicated previously, much can be done immediately, rather than waiting perhaps years for research results.
A survey programme among people such as public health nurses and other community workers whose work takes them in regular contact with the target clientele could implement such a service, perhaps on a pilot basis.In the long-term, a fully operational programme in the future will introduce, for authorities – cost-reductions, increased efficiencies and overall quality in health and social care systems.
Friday 8 June 2007
8 Too Many People Holding the Horse’s Head?
Here’s where I deviate from the general focus of my blog, just for a moment or two. This is prompted by a comment I overheard recently which triggered something in my memory!
Some years ago when I worked in GEC Telecommunications in Coventry I got into conversation with a Work Study Engineer, a most interesting character.
If you don’t know what they do then let me explain - they are the guys seen around production areas in factories, usually armed with a clipboard and a stopwatch; they are authorised to time operators’ actions and also in fact, to ask that most important question “what do you do?” When finally they report to management it is presumed and expected that they produce recommendations to improve production, reduce costs and so on.
Anyway, this guy proceeded to tell me about their training when he started, and recounted an example given to them by the instructor.
Visualise a mechanized army field artillery unit in operation.
There are 5 men around the unit. When asked, “what do you do?” in turn, each had what seemed a satisfactory answer e.g. one said, “ I operate the rangefinder”, while another explained “I load the breech”.
One man was observed standing stiffly to attention, slightly to one side who, when asked that most pertinent question “what is your job?” answered smartly “ I hold the horse’s head sir”.
Some years ago when I worked in GEC Telecommunications in Coventry I got into conversation with a Work Study Engineer, a most interesting character.
If you don’t know what they do then let me explain - they are the guys seen around production areas in factories, usually armed with a clipboard and a stopwatch; they are authorised to time operators’ actions and also in fact, to ask that most important question “what do you do?” When finally they report to management it is presumed and expected that they produce recommendations to improve production, reduce costs and so on.
Anyway, this guy proceeded to tell me about their training when he started, and recounted an example given to them by the instructor.
Visualise a mechanized army field artillery unit in operation.
There are 5 men around the unit. When asked, “what do you do?” in turn, each had what seemed a satisfactory answer e.g. one said, “ I operate the rangefinder”, while another explained “I load the breech”.
One man was observed standing stiffly to attention, slightly to one side who, when asked that most pertinent question “what is your job?” answered smartly “ I hold the horse’s head sir”.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
7 More Questions for a Mythical Minister
To proceed in any meaningful way regarding proposals for widespread use of ICT among Seniors, it is obvious that the whole business of infrastructure has to move forward.
Before attempting to formulate a proposal, re Seniors and ICT, for a Minister, yet to be appointed, I have a number of comments and questions for his/her consideration.
Ø Have you recognised that the extension of broadband on a purely commercial basis is piecemeal and wasteful of resources, unless each project is licensed or approved as part of an overall plan? This is probably a function of ComReg!
Ø Although the question of Local Loop Unbundling seems to have been resolved between Eircom and ComReg there is still a conflict regarding backhaul (Main Line Telecommunications) systems to support the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).
Ø Note also that MAN Press Releases which list a number of towns, about to be ducted and cabled with fibre, are misleading to the general public who assume immediate access to broadband. Such Press Releases should further state that it is a wholesale system requiring ISPs on one side and backhaul on the other.
Ø Read about Metropolitan Area Networks here
Ø Are there any guidelines for the construction industry to ensure that suitable cabling and/or ducting is provided in new housing developments to link in with the nearest MAN outlet. Such a system exists in industrial park developments such as IDA; similar systems in the domestic arena could make operation from the MAN a more attractive proposition for ISPs.
Tuesday 5 June 2007
6 If Broadband is in the School why not in the Village?
Reading back on yesterdays post, whereby all schools are to have broadband, why cant it be extended throughout the village? In most villages that I know the school is the focal point of the village!
Monday 4 June 2007
5 Lets Connect It All Together
Not so easy is it! Depends where you live!
If you are in any of the major cities you should be OK and maybe now most of the larger towns also, except outside an approximate 5 kilometre central zone, beyond that it gets somewhat of a lottery.
Begin to look at the overall situation in detail and begin to despair. It is a mishmash of systems, operating in response to commercial requirements, which of course it should do, but not giving the impression of a guided coherent coverage pattern.
My own view is that the people who populate the corridors of power are for the most part of the age group not brought up with computers in the home or indeed the school.
The following is an extract from the National Action Plan 2007 – 2016.
“NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION 2007-2016
6.4.3 Broadband
The Broadband Programme will promote the rollout of broadband across the rural economy to ensure its availability across rural Ireland. Total indicative investment over the period 2007-2013 will be €435 million To date, 27 Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) have been completed under the NDP 2000-2006 with a further 90 towns under Phase II of the MANs 2005-2007. Under the Group Broadband Scheme, over 120 projects were operational at the end of 2006 and another 10 are expected to become operational during 2007. Under the School Broadband Scheme 96.8% of schools have had broadband installed.
Funding under the Broadband Programme in future years will focus on those parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address the gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and representatives from the Communications Regulator, and will be announced in early 2007.”
Is there a Minister or a Minister of State who has overall responsibility to drive such a programme?
The ICT and Media sector's contribution to GNP is comparable if not greater than, for example, the Agricultural sector !
See complete plan here
If you are in any of the major cities you should be OK and maybe now most of the larger towns also, except outside an approximate 5 kilometre central zone, beyond that it gets somewhat of a lottery.
Begin to look at the overall situation in detail and begin to despair. It is a mishmash of systems, operating in response to commercial requirements, which of course it should do, but not giving the impression of a guided coherent coverage pattern.
My own view is that the people who populate the corridors of power are for the most part of the age group not brought up with computers in the home or indeed the school.
The following is an extract from the National Action Plan 2007 – 2016.
“NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION 2007-2016
6.4.3 Broadband
The Broadband Programme will promote the rollout of broadband across the rural economy to ensure its availability across rural Ireland. Total indicative investment over the period 2007-2013 will be €435 million To date, 27 Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) have been completed under the NDP 2000-2006 with a further 90 towns under Phase II of the MANs 2005-2007. Under the Group Broadband Scheme, over 120 projects were operational at the end of 2006 and another 10 are expected to become operational during 2007. Under the School Broadband Scheme 96.8% of schools have had broadband installed.
Funding under the Broadband Programme in future years will focus on those parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Options to address the gaps in broadband coverage are currently being considered by a Steering Group comprising officials from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and representatives from the Communications Regulator, and will be announced in early 2007.”
Is there a Minister or a Minister of State who has overall responsibility to drive such a programme?
The ICT and Media sector's contribution to GNP is comparable if not greater than, for example, the Agricultural sector !
See complete plan here
Saturday 26 May 2007
4 Equipment Required
This is where the fun starts but before I begin I want to say to my contemporaries out there that they don't know what they are missing, if they haven't got a computer there in some corner, connected to broadband and always on line. Somehow its your ear and eyes to the world, to your friends and relatives, whether scattered around the planet or just down the road.
When broadband began to be a feature in Ireland somebody said it would have an effect on Irish life similar to that experienced when electric power was first distributed. I would agree entirely with that statement so here I am, spreading the gospel!.
Considering the basic equipment necessary to get started, most people are surely familiar by now with the picture of a standard system, consisting of a monitor, usually a tower computer, a keyboard and the control freak, the mouse! This, together with a connection to an ITP (internet service provider), is sufficient to begin browsing and email activity, even with the dial-up system, reminiscent of my childhood on Bere Island when the postmistress could be seen frantically cranking the old handset and pausing occasionally with a hopeful “hello Bantry- hello Bantry”.
The door is now open to a host of facilities, too numerous to list... OK! Here are a few to whet the appetite; order your groceries and have them delivered; read a book review and maybe order it on-line; listen to a sample of a piece of music on a CD and order it on-line; check Goldenpages on-line; search for a particular business; search for an item hard to find locally, which will probably turn up on eBay; settle an argument; spend some interesting time on ‘search’ programmes but... do take care not to become a ‘google’ bore!
In practice, it is highly likely that most seniors organisations or groups have already been aware of the various computer courses available at, to quote one example, the local library, which will probably also have on-line facilities available to the public.
All such introductory courses usually include essential guidelines on how to perform basics such as emailing and browsing.
In addition, at the present time in Ireland, family units invariably include persons who, either through school or employment, are skilled enough to teach and help the elders in their initiation with the world of computers.
When broadband began to be a feature in Ireland somebody said it would have an effect on Irish life similar to that experienced when electric power was first distributed. I would agree entirely with that statement so here I am, spreading the gospel!.
Considering the basic equipment necessary to get started, most people are surely familiar by now with the picture of a standard system, consisting of a monitor, usually a tower computer, a keyboard and the control freak, the mouse! This, together with a connection to an ITP (internet service provider), is sufficient to begin browsing and email activity, even with the dial-up system, reminiscent of my childhood on Bere Island when the postmistress could be seen frantically cranking the old handset and pausing occasionally with a hopeful “hello Bantry- hello Bantry”.
The door is now open to a host of facilities, too numerous to list... OK! Here are a few to whet the appetite; order your groceries and have them delivered; read a book review and maybe order it on-line; listen to a sample of a piece of music on a CD and order it on-line; check Goldenpages on-line; search for a particular business; search for an item hard to find locally, which will probably turn up on eBay; settle an argument; spend some interesting time on ‘search’ programmes but... do take care not to become a ‘google’ bore!
In practice, it is highly likely that most seniors organisations or groups have already been aware of the various computer courses available at, to quote one example, the local library, which will probably also have on-line facilities available to the public.
All such introductory courses usually include essential guidelines on how to perform basics such as emailing and browsing.
In addition, at the present time in Ireland, family units invariably include persons who, either through school or employment, are skilled enough to teach and help the elders in their initiation with the world of computers.
My experience in the area has shown the benefits of using voluntary input where possible. In this example I would envisage forming voluntary groupings of 'techies' where necessary, with the express function of being available on callout.
Earlier posts in this study have expressed the point that future involvement of seniors in ICT will extend beyond the day-to-day uses as described. Thus we will now set out to explore those possibilities and the changes necessary to implement them.
Earlier posts in this study have expressed the point that future involvement of seniors in ICT will extend beyond the day-to-day uses as described. Thus we will now set out to explore those possibilities and the changes necessary to implement them.
Saturday 12 May 2007
3 Brief Description of Current Systems of Internet Access
Dial-up
Still around is the old not so reliable Dial-up, which uses a modem in your computer to connect, via the existing telephone line, to another modem at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and thereby to the Internet.
Apart from being slow, and very dependent on a good line, this system fully occupies the telephone line and thus phone calls are not possible at the same time.
DSL
Conveniently, the copper telephone line used all over the country to connect us to our local exchange does not utilise the full bandwidth available when making a normal voice call. Thus, by use of filters, it becomes possible to use the remaining bandwidth for data transmission, while making conventional telephone calls at the same time.
Unfortunately, however, since the lines were not originally designed to include data transmission, this system is limited to short distances, typically less than 5 km from the telephone exchange.
This method is the most common in use at the present time.
Probably the best known provider of this service is Eircom, who also owns all of the public service telephone lines between the local exchanges and homes and businesses. This has been known as ‘the last mile’ or ‘the local loop’. In effect, any other service provider, e.g. Esat, needs to lease or rent the line from Eircom in order to provide an alternative service with perhaps, more options.
ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation) has for a number of years been negotiating with Eircom, to resolve Local Loop Unbundling. These discussions have now been concluded and ComReg is now in a position to provide clear guidance on timelines for the resolution on all matters pertaining to LLU . Eircom has now committed to resolving all of the identified issues – the vast majority by September 2007.
Accordingly, the function of DSL should show a gradual improvement.Refer to: http://www.comreg.ie/ and Status Update on Local Loop Unbundling - Issue 8.
Cable Modem
Many of our cities and larger towns are wired for cable television directly to your door. In a manner similar to DSL a broadband modem is used to take advantage of unused bandwidth in the cable television network, thus broadband and TV channels enter your house via the same cable.
Wireless Broadband
As the title implies this system does not require a telephone line; it functions by utilising a central transmitter/receiver, which has line-of-sight coverage because of its location, usually on high buildings or towers.
Wireless systems are currently available in cities and larger towns. To some extent they are being introduced in rural areas but are not regarded as cost-effective because coverage is limited due to the terrain.
Continual development is taking place, however, such that it is essential to update information on available systems.
Satellite Internet
Data from the satellite company is available via a satellite in stationary orbit.Mainly used for business purposes and has a number of disadvantages which make it not attractive for domestic use.
Broadband Via Mobile Phone Systems
Currently this system is more commonplace in business and is used typically in conjunction with laptops when away from the office.
Still around is the old not so reliable Dial-up, which uses a modem in your computer to connect, via the existing telephone line, to another modem at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and thereby to the Internet.
Apart from being slow, and very dependent on a good line, this system fully occupies the telephone line and thus phone calls are not possible at the same time.
DSL
Conveniently, the copper telephone line used all over the country to connect us to our local exchange does not utilise the full bandwidth available when making a normal voice call. Thus, by use of filters, it becomes possible to use the remaining bandwidth for data transmission, while making conventional telephone calls at the same time.
Unfortunately, however, since the lines were not originally designed to include data transmission, this system is limited to short distances, typically less than 5 km from the telephone exchange.
This method is the most common in use at the present time.
Probably the best known provider of this service is Eircom, who also owns all of the public service telephone lines between the local exchanges and homes and businesses. This has been known as ‘the last mile’ or ‘the local loop’. In effect, any other service provider, e.g. Esat, needs to lease or rent the line from Eircom in order to provide an alternative service with perhaps, more options.
ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation) has for a number of years been negotiating with Eircom, to resolve Local Loop Unbundling. These discussions have now been concluded and ComReg is now in a position to provide clear guidance on timelines for the resolution on all matters pertaining to LLU . Eircom has now committed to resolving all of the identified issues – the vast majority by September 2007.
Accordingly, the function of DSL should show a gradual improvement.Refer to: http://www.comreg.ie/ and Status Update on Local Loop Unbundling - Issue 8.
Cable Modem
Many of our cities and larger towns are wired for cable television directly to your door. In a manner similar to DSL a broadband modem is used to take advantage of unused bandwidth in the cable television network, thus broadband and TV channels enter your house via the same cable.
Wireless Broadband
As the title implies this system does not require a telephone line; it functions by utilising a central transmitter/receiver, which has line-of-sight coverage because of its location, usually on high buildings or towers.
Wireless systems are currently available in cities and larger towns. To some extent they are being introduced in rural areas but are not regarded as cost-effective because coverage is limited due to the terrain.
Continual development is taking place, however, such that it is essential to update information on available systems.
Satellite Internet
Data from the satellite company is available via a satellite in stationary orbit.Mainly used for business purposes and has a number of disadvantages which make it not attractive for domestic use.
Broadband Via Mobile Phone Systems
Currently this system is more commonplace in business and is used typically in conjunction with laptops when away from the office.
Thursday 10 May 2007
2 Personal Example of Internet Use
Here's a recent example of convenient use of the internet by a senior.Following on a recent change in Irish budget ruling regarding non-payment of DIRT tax, whereby the revenue have issued application forms through the banks.Follow the usual Q in the bank, obtain a copy from the nice teller, proceed homewards and discover that in fact you need a second form becuase hey presto you have a second savings account.Saving your remaining hair, switch on your computer, go on-line, download and print another form, readily available from the Revenue website.
Enter http://www.revenue.ie/ and click on the DIRT section.
Enter http://www.revenue.ie/ and click on the DIRT section.
1 Introduction and Overview
Know me as someone who knows what it means when they say that 80 is the new 60.
As such I have worked in the electronics industry for some 40 odd years, followed by retirement to Fermoy in North County Cork, where followed many years of voluntary active involvement in community affairs.
I am now in what could be described as second-phase retirement, having moved to the south east, which claims to be the sunniest part of Ireland.
My electronics background in industry has begun to gel with my more recent experience in community affairs, to the extent that I have completed quite an amount of research into how usage of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) could benefit the senior citizens of this country.
Why should I, Joe Cahill, talk about ‘seniors using cyberspace’, well, I suppose firstly and above all else I am most definitely a ‘senior’ and, secondly, I use cyberspace all the time. No, I am not a retired IT worker. Yes, I have worked for 40 years in the electronics industry, all of it in the communications sector and none of it in the computer industry. I suppose what that experience has given is not to be afraid of electronic gadgetry. I have found out the various bits and bobs of computerisation as I went along the way. Maybe I still am doing just that getting involved in this ‘blog’ thing. One way to find out!
There are other reasons in the ‘why’ category which give me cause for talking about the subject.
I find the use of cyberspace (in plain language The Internet) extremely useful and entertaining and I am aware that many of my peers are not in the same situation, for a number of reasons.
A certain amount of publicity has surfaced in recent times on the subject of the usefulness of using the Internet, nowadays perhaps better recognised under the generic term of ‘broadband’. Such usage will extend far beyond basic e-mail and browsing and will include the immediate area of health systems together with many aspects of social inter-action. These are probably the areas that will in time have the greatest impact on the lives of seniors in our society.
As such I have worked in the electronics industry for some 40 odd years, followed by retirement to Fermoy in North County Cork, where followed many years of voluntary active involvement in community affairs.
I am now in what could be described as second-phase retirement, having moved to the south east, which claims to be the sunniest part of Ireland.
My electronics background in industry has begun to gel with my more recent experience in community affairs, to the extent that I have completed quite an amount of research into how usage of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) could benefit the senior citizens of this country.
Why should I, Joe Cahill, talk about ‘seniors using cyberspace’, well, I suppose firstly and above all else I am most definitely a ‘senior’ and, secondly, I use cyberspace all the time. No, I am not a retired IT worker. Yes, I have worked for 40 years in the electronics industry, all of it in the communications sector and none of it in the computer industry. I suppose what that experience has given is not to be afraid of electronic gadgetry. I have found out the various bits and bobs of computerisation as I went along the way. Maybe I still am doing just that getting involved in this ‘blog’ thing. One way to find out!
There are other reasons in the ‘why’ category which give me cause for talking about the subject.
I find the use of cyberspace (in plain language The Internet) extremely useful and entertaining and I am aware that many of my peers are not in the same situation, for a number of reasons.
A certain amount of publicity has surfaced in recent times on the subject of the usefulness of using the Internet, nowadays perhaps better recognised under the generic term of ‘broadband’. Such usage will extend far beyond basic e-mail and browsing and will include the immediate area of health systems together with many aspects of social inter-action. These are probably the areas that will in time have the greatest impact on the lives of seniors in our society.
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