Jennifer Pittorino
The Joan Kirner House in Williamstown started a new program teaching students how to learn and master smartphones as well as other technology.
The class started on Tuesday, May 2, with 20 mature aged students already enrolled in the class.
Williamstown Community and Education Centre Incorporated chief executive and manager Mark Brophy said there is a huge demand for learning how to use computers and online programs.
“Most of our students struggle to learn due to language barriers so they haven’t been able to keep up with technology, because of this we have invested in the latest IT technology to help them,” he said.
The Joan Kirner House is affiliated with the Spotswood Community House and the Altona North Community house (ANCH) which recently received new computer facilities.
The ANCH applied for a grant in 2022 to get a new computer room filled out, which was later approved and awarded to them through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund.
Through the fund , they were able to purchase new PC’s, TV’s and printers to begin teaching new computer classes in the room.
Across the three houses, 150 students are enrolled and taught by a small group of teachers who specialise in EAL studies as well as tech teachers.
