In just over 14 months, 68 year old retired lorry driver, Gerald Colwill has gone from never switching on a computer to becoming a learndirect Digital Champion in his local Library, encouraging and supporting others to get online.
Gerald first started attending Coleg Gwent's designated learndirect sessions that were held in Bedwas Library last year and quickly progressed from basic IT through to advanced and has even completed a specialist Digital Mentoring course that allowed him to pass on his skills and knowledge to others.
Gerald recently lost his wife and feared that he would feel isolated living on his own, especially as he got older. The internet offered him the opportunity to not only keep his mind active, but allowed him to socialise and is now even enabling him to buy and sell things online.
Gerald is now a self confessed elearning addict, preferring the style of immediate learning to that of a taught class where he often felt frustrated that he wasn't able to get the personalised help that he needed, nor could he work at his own pace in completing courses.
Gerald explains: "I have been thinking about getting to grips with computers for a number of years and then in 2010, I bought one for myself for Christmas. After then, I had to take myself to a class to learn how to switch it on! The learndirect sessions in Bedwas Library were ideal as they are local, small and informal and the tutor support as and when I needed was perfect for me. I don't think you can surpass elearning as you can go at your own pace and complete the learning at home, away from the class if you want to progress quicker."
Coleg Gwent's learndirect Partnership Manager, Fiona Heaton adds: 'Gerald is truly an inspiration to our other learners. His progress is outstanding considering that he has never been in contact with computers, and he overcame a number of barriers to not only be confident using ICT, but to also give something back and help others get online.
The sessions in the library are a huge success, with more and more people like Gerald, choosing to learn in their local community in an informal and friendly setting."
If Gerald's story has inspired you, and you would like to get online or become a digital champion as part of Digital Day 2012 then please contact 0800 101 901 or email cymru@learndirect.co.uk to find out where your nearest learning centre is.
Thanks for your help,
The learndirect team