In Irkutsk, new groups of the Grandma Online project have started, where residents over 55 learn computer skills for free. They study Word, Excel, the internet and social media, and in the second course, more advanced internet use, presentations and Photoshop. The project has run since 2009, helped 940 people, and broadens social circles.

The next groups of the “Grandma Online” project have begun training. The first classes started at GASIS. The students’ age is 55 and older. Moreover, there are quite a lot of project participants who are over 70 years old.
The training program includes working in Word, Excel, and the Internet, including social networks. For those wishing to gain additional knowledge, a second-course program has been developed. It provides for a more in-depth study of the Internet, working with presentations, and mastering Photoshop.
The project to teach computer literacy to older people has been implemented in Irkutsk since the fall of 2009. Over the entire period of implementation, 940 people have completed the courses. This gives older people the opportunity not only to acquire the knowledge necessary in modern conditions, but also to make new friends and significantly expand their social circle.
The departmental target program “Interaction of the local self-government bodies of the city of Irkutsk with the population, non-profit organizations, and territorial public self-governments for 2009-2012” includes funds to pay the instructors’ salaries; all the technical base for conducting the courses free of charge is provided by Irkutsk universities. Project partners: ISU, NII IrSTU, IrGUPS, IGLU, GASIS, Irkutsk College of River and Road Transport, VSGAU.
In the first half of 2012, classes have already been held in 25 groups, and 417 people have received knowledge. In the second half of 2012, training will take place in 35 groups for 525 elderly people. Classes are held 1-2 times a week, and the training course lasts one and a half months. For all participants, it is completely free of charge.
The groups for this year have been fully formed. Registration for participation in the “Grandma Online” project takes place twice a year: February 1 and August 1 from 9:00 to 18:00 by phone 52-04-14, 52-04-16. The next registration is February 1, 2013!
Based on materials from the press service of the Irkutsk city administration