Questions/Answers

This program began by the end of 2014 with the members of Older People’s Council in Armenia, where there is a need for ICT management knowledge, therefor a group of teaching has been formed in order to teach them skills and digital literacy that make it easier their social interaction with other generations. The adulTICo Program made the first certification in April 2015 with a group of 50 people, who took the first step overcoming some obstacles brought by adulthood, finding that thanks to technology they could overcome the barriers of knowledge and digital illiteracy, accessing information through the internet and social networks. We have given 4935 certificates. Adults have improved quality of their lives, many of them explains proudly the way they browse the internet to consult and inform about matters of interest, to find friends and relatives through network. They can also promote the handmade products, so they have obtained independence on the use of these digital tools improving their quality of life. The Secretary of ICT in Armenia Quindío Colombia, Works every day looking for the program ‘adulTICo’ open up a huge window of opportunities for the elderly people and consequently this will be an example to other cities and countries around the world. This would allow elderly adults to keep current, active and in contact with the world. In addition, Older Adults are aware that the use of ICTs contributes to improving their quality of life, as it reduces inequality, empowers citizens against their governments, saves time and benefits entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs.

To provide literacy in digital skills to the older people as a way of social inclusión, reducing the digital gap by offering opportunities for development and abilities to participate in the information and knowledge society, obtaining their independece, autonomy and competitiveness improving their quality of life. To provide ICT Access to the elderly people through digital education programs which brings opportunities to reduce the digital gap that has separated them from their families and society. To create training spaces to ensure that older adults acquire the skills needed to use the computer tools and basic software. To promote the use of the Internet among the elderly as a consultation tool through ‘Puntos Vive Digital’ which are in Armenia Quindío Colombia. To make know among adult people the supply of services that ‘Gobierno en Línea’ has for them, which can be made through government web site.

The adulTICo Program leaded by Secretary of ICT of Armenia Quindío Colombia, seeks to support people who have not been given the opportunity to use properly the technology resources, especially seniors who mostly are poor and vulnerable. In some ways they have been left behind and socially excluded because of their scarce or almost zero contact with technologies. Day by day technology gives us a wide range of opportunities that changes our lives, it allows us to keep in touch with the world, traveling without leaving home, knowing other cultures, recovering contact with relatives who live in other contries and many other benefits offered by the use of technological tools that elderly adults should enjoy. This group of people inspire the educational program called “adulTICo”, through which the Secretary of ICT of Armenia has contributed to change their lives.

In this regard, the Secretary of ICT of Armenia Quindío Colombia is committed to present a policy of participation, accesibility and usability of the information and communication technologies as a public good, through which any person, whatever their age, physical and sensorial conditions, have the right to interact with society, to develop essential skills to use of information society services.

El proyecto pretende que las personas mayores a través de la alfabetización digital logren autonomía y que sus competencias digitales les permitan la operación básica de computadores, tabletas, teléfonos y televisores inteligentes, cajeros electrónicos y demás dispositivos electrónicos de uso cotidiano. A su vez, esta apropiación de las tecnologías de la información y comunicaciones facilita la inclusión social y participación en la era tecnológica contribuyendo a la disminución de la brecha digital. La Alcaldía de Armenia, a través de la Secretaría TIC, pretende incluir en la sociedad de la información y el conocimiento a las personas mayores mediante la inclusión a programas de capacitación Alfabetización Digital, considerando que las tecnologías impactaron en la vida de los seres humanos generando nuevas necesidades y desafíos. En este sentido, es necesario implementar nuevas estrategias para alfabetizar digitalmente a la población excluida, mediante capacitaciones interactivas tipo “seminarios-taller” a través de la metodología aprender haciendo con el fin de construir conocimientos y habilidades a través de la interacción y la actividad, es decir, se realizan sesiones de manera dirigida y supervisada, con participación compartida para grupos máximo de 16 integrantes residentes en diferentes sectores de la ciudad de Armenia (Quindío).

4935 elderly people from Armenia have been affected by the Project adulTICo. This persons had acquired new knowledge that offer the opportunity to show themeselves that age is not an impediment for learning, leaving behind the wrong thought that says “old parrot can’t learn to talk”, as a result therefore today they feel independent because they no longer depend on the support of another person to use digital tools. The trainings are interactive type "seminar-workshop" applying the learning-by-doing methodology, where the following activities are proposed: • Know the main elements of the computer (screen, mouse and keyboard). • Adapt to the visual work area improving laterality, directionality and location through the screen with the keyboard and mouse. • Use the tools to prepare text documents by writing tasks on the computer. • Recognize the internet access icons and use their tools. • Identify, know and apply the utilities of browsers and search engines. • Learn to use YouTube. • Learn to use social networks (Facebook). • Create, access and interact with each other through email, chat and video conferencing (Skype). In the same way, elderly people who have participated in the program, are able to make virtual procedures implemented by the national or local government.

adulTICo Program has an innovative character because in Armenia and the national territory, there was not an initiative that allow elderly people to access directly to the technological tools. This kind of projects always involve groups of young people restricting the entry of old adults. Although the majority of Older Adults considers that at their age it is not possible to learn to use technology, since they think that "the old parrot does not learn to speak", the ICT Secretariat has the physical and technological infrastructure of the Live Digital Points. and with the right personnel, who motivate and encourage them to take the opportunity to participate in this type of training, where the tutors take on the challenge with patience and the love they impart to the training process. The way in which the seniors finds or assumes their inclusion in the use of technology, to improve their quality of life and interaction with their family and social environment. The Adult Program is innovative because we can find adult people with the knowledge and skills necessary to interact with high technology devices (computer, tablets, smartphones), as well as applications such as WhatsApp, Skype, email and office management among others.

This program indeed wholly original and appears from the needs of elderly people to use tablets. To this end, a proposal was made for them to access to a teaching program in which they could acquire necessary knowledge to use not only tablets but also computers and other devices. Although the majority of Older Adults consider that at their age it is not possible to learn to use technology, since among them the expression "old parrot does not learn to speak" is very used, this has been solved with the Program adulTICo that Through the physical and technological infrastructure of Vive Digital Points and counting on suitable personnel, motivates and encourages Older Adults to take the opportunity to participate in this type of training, where the tutors take on the challenge with patience and the love they impart to the training process. The use of ICTs contributes to improving the quality of life for all, since it reduces inequality, empowers citizens against their governments, saves time and benefits entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs.

For the development and implementation of this innovative idea, we have the adequate facilities of 8 ‘Puntos Vive Digital’, which are located in Armenia. Also we have people working there who have the knowledge and skills, but above all, we have the meaningful participation of older adults from Armenia, who are involved in the program. ‘Punto Vive Digital’ is a location used for training, entertainment and other alternatives for ICT services which seeks to generate knowledge for the use of basic e-skills, acquisition of technical and technological expertise which contribute to social and economical development of community and the improvement in quality of citizens’ life as this initiative promote research, the generation and transfer of technological knowledge through the use of Information and Communications Techcnology ICT.

Yes

Yes. In Calarcá Quindío Colombia is being set up a similar strategy which is a succesful Colombian government Project that could be used for any official institution. In the same way other governements that have heard about adulTICo Program and have known its results, are interested in implementing this idea whose main objective is to provide a teaching space for old people. With the implementation of this experience many more older adults have been able to participate in Digital Inclusion, leaving aside the thought that the old man does not learn, thus achieving his independence, autonomy, to have a better quality of life and social inclusion. CERTIFICATIONS PER YEAR (during the term of the adulTICo program) Year No. Certificacions 2014 50 2015 717 2016 2048 2017 2120 Total Certifications 4935

Once the seniors find in the use of technology a means to improve their quality of life, they continue to advance and put into practice the knowledge learned at different levels of the training, they feel included in a changing world that leads them to assume Challenges. The TIC Secretariat monitors the knowledge acquired by the elderly with the realization of activities such as THE DAY OF THE TIC CHALLENGE, through which they evaluate the competences and skills acquired in the management of technology adulTICo Program is a totally sustainable initiative because in Armenia we have the infraestructura required (8 ‘Puntos Vive Digital’) Spaces that provide access to Information and Communication Technologies through a sustainable services model which allows community to participate in trainings, entertainment services and other alternatives of ICT services. This contribute to the social and economic development of people and improve the quality of life of Colombians. The Ministry of ICT provides the technological infrastructure, computers and pay the execution; the operator suppplies the connectivity, maintenance of equipments and hire system administrator. The governmet of Armenia brings the location and its adaptation, provides monitoring and public services. The places ‘Puntos Vive Digital’ that are operating in Armenia are: 1. PVD Estadio Centenario 2. PVD Simón Bolívar 3. PVD Rufino Sur 4. PVD Ciudad Dorada 5. PVD Santander 6. PVD Las Margaritas 7. PVD San José 8. PVD de Libreros This spaces are equipped with internet service, computers, headsets, digital board, video beam and home theather, essential tools to hold the clases (Seminar-workshop) where the adults learn by doing and this service is free. For this reason, older adults from lower income strata, can acces this teaching program. These people can save time because the PVD are located in each commune.

The adulTICo Program have an inagotable target population because the older population in Armenia is on the increase, due to the rise in life expectancy around the world. These people need acquire the e-skills not only in Armenia but also in Colombia and all over the world. Once trained the Elderly will be able to train others and transmit their experiences and knowledge through the use of Technological Tools (Computers, Tablets, Smartphones) and interaction in Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Skype, Youtube Channel). As the ICT Secretariat sustains itself with its own resources, this allows it through the Adult Program to teach literacy in digital competences to the elderly, reducing the digital divide by offering development opportunities and skills to contribute to their full participation in the information society. independence, autonomy and competitiveness, improving their quality of life.

Yes

The adulTICo Program has a great impact on the Elderly in the city of Armenia, providing greater autonomy by using technological tools, achieved independence because they do not depend on another person to access the management of mobile devices, make video calls, use social networks, or to have their channel on Youtube. Yes. This initiative has been formally evaluated through the nomination for the UNESCO Intenational Award “La Alfabetización en un Mundo Digital”, held in 2017. This proposal is one of the 3 winners among 126 proposals presented across the world. This prize was presented in September at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris France. This event was attended by Carlos Mario Álvarez Morales, Mayor of Armenia; the engineer Bernardo Arango Restrepo, ICT Secretary and Oscar Vargas representing older adults who were certificated by this program. There was also present Mrs. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO. The TIC Secretariat ran the adulTICo Program for the National Award for State Promotion of Citizen Participation, convened by the Ministry of the Interior of Colombia in 2016, obtaining a second place.

The program today reaches 4935 certifications in 3 training levels: Basic computer: The elderly know computer components and lose their fear to approach them. Social network use: (Facebook, E-mail, Whatsapp, their own YouTube Channel) Handling of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, smartTV) According to the level at which the older adult attends, the acquired learning is evaluated, taking into account his / her skill and mastery of the topics. It has been a very rewarding experience that has brought satisfaction for old adults as well as PVD administrators who train them on the use of ICT. With enthusiasm and satisfaction we can see how the program participants use the ICT and achieve the improvement in their lives. They have ways to productively use free time. Today it is possible they use the language that technology has.

The adulTICo Program of Armenia Mayor’s Office has indicators permiting the evaluation of the participants. There is a follow up on the teaching and learning process that enables it to move forward in the levels the program has. Nivel I: Informática Básica • Conocer elementos principales del computador (Pantalla, ratón y teclado). • Adaptarse al área de trabajo visual mejorando la lateralidad, la direccionalidad y la ubicación a través de la pantalla con el teclado y el ratón. • Reconocer los iconos de acceso a Internet. • Identificar navegadores web (IE, Chrome, Firefox), • Utilizar YouTube. • Crear una cuenta de correo electrónico y manejar sus herramientas básicas. Nivel 2: Redes sociales • Crear una cuenta de Facebook • Información y foto del perfil • Privacidad de la cuenta • Consejos para mantener segura su cuenta • Cerrar sesión • Funcionamiento de Skype Nivel 3: Uso de dispositivos móviles • Teléfono inteligente y sus características • Iconos de pantalla • Recibir y hacer llamadas • Guardar números de contactos • Escribir mensajes (Whatsapp, Messenger, otros) adulTICo Program has a handbook with the required concepts for teaching, tools to support and evaluate each level. It guides teachers step by step taking into account teaching techniques for older adult students.

The aging population imposes the unavoidable goal of guaranteeing, throughout the life cycle, activities and actions that allow people to grow and develop in accordance with their needs, for which the ICT Secretariat of Armenia (Quindío) offers the Elderly an alternative to the participation, accessibility and use of information and communication technologies. Everyone has the right to interact socially, to develop skills and potentialities in the various spheres of daily activity, to freely use and enjoy all the services offered by the information and knowledge society, improving their quality of life. Teaching older adults to use technologies, reduces the digital divide because it brings development opportunities to participate into information society. This achieves their Independence, autonomy and competitiveness. This is a program that allows eradicate technological illiteracy, eradicate the stereotype “older adults do not learn”. It is a challenge to demonstrate that they can learn no matter their age, because the most important in the learning process is being able, desire to learn, discipline, enthusiasm and passion which things are being done.

With the evolution of technology that brings new challenges and greater ease of access to technological devices, we must have the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain its maximum benefit, for which the ICT Secretariat has the Adult Program directed to the population conformed by Seniors of the city of Armenia (Quindío), as population aging imposes the unavoidable goal of ensuring, throughout the life cycle, activities and actions that allow people to grow and develop in accordance with their needs. The adult program makes a great contribution to the elderly population, offering a digital inclusion space to take on the challenges of technology, as the approach to the computer, its interaction in social networks and the management of smartphones are the main theme of the program that at the end of the three levels of training empowers the Elderly in areas of knowledge that once was unthinkable for them, because what matters most in a learning process is to have availability, desires to learn, discipline and the enthusiasm. There have been many achievements with this Digital Inclusion Program, evidencing that older adults who have attended this type of training, today feel included, valued and above all have the satisfaction and pride to continue with autonomy and independence, its process of learning, to enjoy all the advantages that today technology offers them as it keeps