Having difficulties figuring out an issue with a computer or a new gadget? Good news, there’s a new Technology Leaning Centre open in Parksville and it’s free.
It’s a project of Building Learning Together (BLT), a coalition of community partners, individuals, groups, agencies and organizations, and it’s located at Family Place, the new multi-use facility run by the province, the Vancouver Island Health Authority and the School District. The service used to be called The Write Place, located at the property before Family Place opened.
Heidi Abbott is the technology learning centre co-ordinator and she said the idea is to create a comfortable environment for people who want to get more done on their computers and learn to use new technology.
“I’m most excited about people getting iPhones and tablets and things like that, and they are really using them and excited about it. And it’s opening doors for them,” she said.
Elsie Orrin, with RBC Life Sciences, a nutritional supplement company working with stem cell nutrition, was at the new centre with colleagues recently looking for help to make their business more mobile.
“We’ve found it tremendously helpful,” she said, explaining that they could now take information about their product with them on tablets, and transfer information easily to other devices.
People can drop in and use the computers at the centre or bring in their own devices to get help. BLT also re-launched their mobile technology centre called the BLT2GO Bus, which takes adult and youth learning programs like music workshops and digital technology support to local libraries and centres. The Music Workshop Series is also being introduced by BLT at Family Place including free lessons on song writing, recording and playing music.
Family Place is located at 494 Bay Ave. in Parksville. For more on BLT and its many programs visit www.sd69.bc.ca/programs/BLT.