Frequently Asked Questions
In this section you will find answers to to the questions most often asked of ASCCA. Many enquiries relate to finding a computer course; others relate to best practice for computer clubs; others relate to computer problems.
We have divided the Questions and Answers into sections as outlined in the links to the left of this screen. Click on the relevant section to find the questions and answers.
This section is still being completed. Please contact ASCCA if you cannot find the answer to some of the listed questions, or have an additional enquiry.
Where can I learn?
There are a variety of places you, as a senior, can learn to use a computer. If you want to learn in a relaxed atmosphere from other seniors with a bit more knowledge than you at an affordable course fee, and usually during the day time, then one of the computer clubs for seniors may very well suit your needs.
Costs for these courses are generally much lower than community college courses, because the courses are mostly run by volunteers, and are attuned to the lifestyle needs of seniors rather than being focussed on workskills as TAFE courses are.
Alternatively, if you want to undertake a course to improve work skills or return to the workforce, then you will need an accredited course with formal assessments, then you should go seek a TAFE course, or an accredited course through a community or evening college.
How old do I need to be to join?
Most clubs accept members from age 55, although each club sets its own lower age limit. Most clubs also reserve the right to accept mature age people who have not reached that age, especially if they have retired from the workforce or work part-time or have a disability.
There is certainly no upper age limit. Many clubs have members in their late 80s and 90s.
Is there a computer club near me?
There ar many computer clubs throughout Australia set up especially to assist seniors learn how to use a computer or further your skills. A full list of these can be found at Member clubs. Just click on the relevant state and scroll down the list. Click on the name of the club, and you will be given a phone number and email address to contact that club.
Are clubs all the same?
No, clubs are definitely not all the same, although clubs certainly learn from each other, and there may be similarities between clubs.
Many of the larger clubs - 60-500 members - are incorporated non-profit associations run by a management committee which is totally dedicated to running a computer club for seniors. Some of the smaller clubs are run within a retirement village for their residents, or are part of another organisation, such as University of the Third Age (U3A), Probus, a charitable organisation such as Legacy, aged care hostel or a community college or Community Technology Centre.
The legal set up of the club will effect the way they operate.
How do seniors computer clubs operate?
This is difficult to answer. Most, but not all, clubs have formal computer courses, where seniors have the opportunity for hands-on-learning, generally one to a computer.
Clubs differ in how they teach, whether learning is by group (generally 6-10) or one-on-one. Clubs differ in how many hours a session is - one hour, two hour, three hours with a break, and how many weeks a particular course runs. Generally speaking courses are once a week, no more.
Some clubs run seminar style presentations with demonstrations by skilled trainers. Some run a mixture of courses and presentations.
Clubs which are incorporated associations are run by a management committee, and usually rely completely on volunteers to undertake all their activities. Clubs which are part of a larger group generally have a computer co-ordinator on their management committee, to advise the organisation about the needs of the computer group.
Most clubs tend to emphasise social opportunities hand in hand with life long learning, and all aim to keep their fees as low as possible due to the low fixed incomes of most of their members.
Most clubs have regular get togethers - monthly, bi-monthly or fortnightly where all members are invited to keep informed about club matters, listen to a speaker or presenter and socialise with other members.
What fees can I expect?
This is also difficult to answer. Fees are kept as low as possible by all clubs, but fees vary between clubs depending on their operational and equipment costs. Many clubs charge a small joining fee ($10-20); an annual fee ($20-$60); and course fees which vary widely according to the length of the course. Other clubs charge a small weekly fee per session attended.
Some clubs need to pay rent on their secure premises, others are lucky enough to find discounted or free premises, or share with other organisations.
Fees are very competitive compared with community colleges, where tutors are paid a salary. Computer club trainers are 99% volunteers. Additionally, clubs try and obtain community grants to offset the cost of equipment.
You'd need to ask the club in your area about fees.
I can't see the screen very well. What can I do?
There are ways to increase the size of words on the screen, or improve the contrast to facilitate screen reading. ASCCA has a pamphlet to assist you find the right answer for you. Additionally, go to ASCCA's Barrier free website for further information.
You may find this word document Enlarging Text useful.
I have difficulty using a mouse. What can I do?
There are a number of alternatives to using a mouse - for example using keyboard short-cuts and/or changing the way you use the mouse. ASCCA has a pamphlet to assist you find the right answer for you. Again, go to ASCCA's Barrier free website for further information.
I want to use computers to make my lifestyle in retirement easier.
Unlike TAFE, computer clubs for seniors place an emphasis on learning skills that will help you enjoy your hobbies and lifestyle outside the workplace. You may enjoy travel, craft, gardening, digital photography, scrap-booking, researching your family tree, creative writing, keeping your budget or creating greeting cards, or researching an interest you never had time for when working.
Computer clubs for seniors can help you with all these interests. There is also an emphasis in many clubs on cheap or even free ways to keep in contact with family and friends around the world.
Do I have to be on the Internet to learn computing?
No you don't. Most software applications taught by clubs don't need the Internet. Basic computing, word processing, digital photography, spreadsheets are examples. Clubs can even teach you to use email - such as Hotmail or Gmail - without your needing to subscribe to an internet service provider. Besides, if you are a beginner, there is enough to learn about mouse and keyboard skills without worrying about the Internet.
However, if you want to communicate with family via computer or undertake research from home, you will need an Internet connection.
What is the difference between courses run at computer clubs for seniors and TAFE or community/ evening colleges?
Computer clubs for seniors recognise that people in retirement are often just as keen to meet people with similar interests as they are to increase their computer skills. Of course there are a proportion of seniors who just want to learn a skill and move on, but many others like the social focus and stay on to do a variety of courses, to volunteer their assistance as trainers or computer buddies once they've gained a few skills or to help out in other ways.
The courses also reflect the interests of seniors, rather than gaining skills for the workplace.
On the other hand, TAFE courses generally focus on work skills, and are accredited courses, requiring formal assessment so that certificates may be awarded and competencies attained for recognition by employees or college administrations for entry into more advanced courses. Courses for seniors at TAFE whilst they can certainly be recommended, do not have the same social outcomes, and the fees reflect that fact that trainers are paid.
Community colleges also run excellent courses, but may not be exclusively for seniors, and are also more expensive than club courses due to their trainers being paid.
I've had some experience at work or elswhere. Do I need to start with computer basics?
Many clubs run formal or informal assessments to see whether new members need to start at the beginning with computer basics or not.
Some new members may have used customised data bases to enter or retrieve information but not have used software applications. Others may have used outdated operating systems - for example DOS or Windows 3.1. In these cases, it is well worthwhile doing a basic computing course to learn current operating systems such as Windows XP, and various software applications.
I'm really quite frightened of computers - is there a course for me?
Many people are fearful of computers when they first begin. It's only natural, and older people can be particularly anxious because the terminology is so unfamiliar. Seniors' computer clubs are well aware of this, and most trainers remember well how anxious they were when starting out.
Laughter is one of the main features of computer clubs for seniors, so don't let anxiety stop you from booking a course. Members in all clubs help each other, and you will soon lose your fear.
Will I meet people who know how I feel?
We'd be most surprised if you didn't meet up with others your own age group with similar experieces. They might have never been part of the formal workforce. They may have retired before computers became common on office workdesks. They may have worked in industries where personal computers were unknown.
Additionally, many members feel somewhat overwhelmed by their grandchildrens' ease with computers! It is amazing how you will find that children are often bluffing, or know less than seniors about applications that really matter!
Where can I buy a low cost but reliable computer that will get me going?
There are many computer renewal services around, including WorkVentures and Wesley E-Recycling. These non-profit companies obtain computers from large companies and rebuild them for resale at a lowc cost to people on Centrelink pensions and benefits. See ASCCA's information on WorkVentures or Wesley E-Recycling for more details.
There are similar services in states outside NSW. You local computer club will be able to direct you to sources of low-cost and reliable computer systems.
Are there any discounts on computer products?
ASCCA has negotiated a range of discounts on computer products for students at its member computer clubs throughout Australia. These range from software to training CDs and DVDs. Check ASCCA's Products and Services page for details.
Can I learn to make the most of my digital camera?
Digital photography and photo enhancing courses are among the most popular courses at many computer clubs. Check with the club of your choice.
ASCCA holds an annual Digital Photography competition for member clubs and individual members of clubs. Check the Competitions information on ASCCA's What's new page.
Where can I find out about low cost or free software applications and systems to run my computer?
Free ware and open source software is available from many sources. One of the most popular is openoffice.org. You can run much of this software both on a Windows platform or a Linux platform. Check out the Free Software Directory for around 5000 other options.
Can I join ASCCA?
No, I'm sorry you can't. Only computer clubs or organisations with similar objectives can join ASCCA, which is a peak body.
Individuals must join a computer club to gain the benefits of ASCCA discounts and services.
Answers to the following questions are not yet completed.
How much does it cost for our club to join ASCCA?
The annual subscription for ASCCA membership is $100 per club. The fee is payable from 1st July to 30th June each year. When a club joins for the first time, the annual fee is calculated on a pro-rata basis, depending on the date the club joined.
The application form for membership can be found at the webpage Establishing a new computer club.
Why should our club join? What are the benefits?
Just looking at ASCCA membership from a purely cost perspective, there can be thousands of dollars of benefits for the $100 membership. These include discounts on products and vast savings on software products.
There are also many information and networking benefits - regular newsletters from the president; conference and seminar activities; and quarterly club meetings. More information can be found at Advantages of ASCCA membership - a pdf file.
Where can we find computers to get us going?
The computers you use for seniors' training do not need to be the very latest on the market, even if you wish to run the latest operating systems. If you are happy to run with Windows XP or Linux whilst you are building up some resources to purchase top of the line computers (assuming you really think you need them!), there are a number of options. These include:
- purchasing pre-loved but reliable systems rebuilt by non-profit organisations like WorkVentures for approximately $300,
- seeking redundant equipment from more well-established clubs - ask ASCCA for a referral
- seeking ideas from the local organisations, including Council and Rotary. There may be local industries happy to support you.
- Seeing an equipment grant through your local Council community funding program or your retirement village (if relevant).
ASCCA strongly encourages clubs to build into your budget - including your member fee structure - a sinking fund to replace equipment. A successful and growing club will eventually grow out of its donated hardware.
If we start a club, where can we obtain software?
If your group has been actively working with ASCCA to become established, you should discuss your software needs with ASCCA. Email Nan Bosler or phone the office on (02) 9286 3871. ASCCA maintains some software in the office specifically for new clubs.
Additionally, clubs should consider open source software, which is either freely available or available at very low cost from developers. One of the most popular is openoffice.org. You can run much of this software both on a Windows platform or a Linux platform. Check out the Free Software Directory for around 5000 other options.
ASCCA clubs can also obtain Microsoft and Cisco software through subscribing to the Donortec program.
What training manuals are available?
Over the past two years, ASCCA's training officer has produced a number of manuals for use by member clubs, if they wish. These manuals, many of which build on Microsoft's manuals developed for the Microsoft Unlimited Program, can also be changed to suit a club's specific needs, as long as ASCCA and Microsoft Unlimited Potential (where appropriate) are acknowledged.
Check out the list at ASCCA's Training Manuals webpage.
Many established clubs are also very willing to share their own courses, developed by skilled members. Many have made these manuals available to ASCCA for the very purpose of sharing them with other clubs.
Can ASCCA put our club in touch with more established clubs?
Many well established clubs are more than happy to share their experiences - expertise and challenges - with other clubs. ASCCA can help with contacts. Additionally, ASCCA conferences, workshops and quarterly members' meetings are great ways to meet club representatives who can assist.
What support does ASCCA offer clubs?
Check out the answer to What benefits does ASCCA membership offer?
ASCCA staff can assist you by phone anywhere in the nation, or you can email the president or the office..
Insurance is expensive. What advice can ASCCA give us?
It is in your club's interest to ensure you have appropriate cover for public liability (at least $10 million); property insurance (for replacement of your computer equipment and office assets; and volunteer insurance.
If your club is part of a larger organisation, such as a retirement village, U3A or like organisation, insurance will be the responsibility of that organisation. Your responsibility is to check that their insurance coverage is adequate, especially for your property.
If your club is an incorporated association, you may find that your Association Incorporations Act (depending on your state of registration) no longer requires associations to hold public liability insurance. However, most funding bodies require applicants to hold such insurance.
If you wish to
