How timely and appropriate it is in today’s global socio-economic landscape, for Wesley Methodist Church to launch Learn Digital@Wesley (LDW), an initiative of Wesley Communications in collaboration with Wesley Glowing Years Ministry (WGYM). Coming into Dorscon Green after three years of Covid-19 restrictions, and the way things are moving so rapidly, every resource Singapore has will go a long way to help our tiny nation chart turbulent times encountered now and ahead. Such resource includes seniors who can communicate, respond independently, and contribute to society – by becoming familiar with digital technology.
Making Digital Headway in Wesley
From the feedback received, it is evident that senior participants at Wesley are indeed overcoming once perceived fear of the digital, to emerge as more confident users of online platforms. They are enthusiastic to learn how to access information and carry out everyday tasks more expediently online. As Koh Geok Cheng, vice-chairperson of WGYM says, “We’re delighted to partner Wesley Comms in this instructive, educational project. The main challenge for seniors to overcome is the fear of making mistakes, and falling prey to scams. We hope that through LDW, they will be more confident in obtaining information, accessing their personal data on government sites, and communicating digitally with others.”
To help seniors take their first-steps confidently, lessons are conducted through well-paced training and group peer-learning support. According to Kevyn Lai, Wesley’s Pastoral Team Member (Communications), “We want Wesleyans and friends to gain confidence and not feel left behind – but to use digital technology confidently in their daily lives, to support their discipleship journey.”
Discussion and planning for LDW started as early as 2019, led by then Communications Chairperson, Alvin Tay. It was halted when Covid-19 set in, and resumed at the end of 2022 in partnership with SG Digital Office (SDO), which engages seniors at SG Digital Community Hubs and roving counters to teach them digital skills – to communicate online, access digital government services, make e-Payments, and learn about cybersecurity. LDW has been customised to include modules specific to Wesley. Packaged in four sessions over three months, the workshops scheduled from 10am to 4pm, are led and facilitated by SDO’s Digital Ambassadors. (Visit sdo.gov.sg to find out more about SDO and its programmes.)
Designed For Seniors
Echoing the need to help Wesleyans navigate the digital landscape with confidence, WGYM’s Geok Cheng elaborates, “Seniors may become increasingly isolated if they do not go digital – not only socially, but also in their daily living, as seen by how the Covid-19 pandemic has evolved and transformed the way we do things.”
To support the communication needs of the church ministries, LDW participants learn to access Wesley’s website and other church platforms such as its Telegram channel for information and to perform online registrations. Besides being aware of cybersecurity issues, they also learn to connect to Wesley Wi-Fi while in church. In addition, the participants also familiarise themselves with government websites such as SingPass and Health Buddy; and the use of communications platforms like email, WhatsApp and Telegram.
“Just as church staff gather for micro-learning sessions under the Wesley Learning Circle workshops to support each other with software solutions relevant to ministry work, the same concept is applied to the objectives and facilitation of LDW,” says Kevyn.
Approved By Seniors
Fully subscribed soon after it was offered, the programme’s hands-on practice and on-the-spot consultation were especially welcomed. Claris Keong, who serves in Worship & Music Ministry, appreciates the ‘30-persons’ cap which “allows enough personnel to attend to the participants.” Adding that the SG Digital Office’s digital ambassadors and Wesley Comms staff were very accommodating, she elaborated, “Their explanations were clear and accompanied by videos. I now appreciate and make better use of WhatsApp, and know the difference between Android and iOS applications.” During the session on Cybersecurity, the SDO partnered with the Neighbourhood Police Centre from Tanglin Division to give participants a clearer picture of scams, and the latest ways to counter them. Said Claris, “I’m glad the SDO invited these very kind experts. I hope anyone who is interested, not only the seniors, will join LDW to benefit from the lessons.”
Hoping that participants who have taken part in the first run will share with others the experience they have gained, Geok Cheng shared, “Through Wesley Tidings and the weekly Wesley Highlights video, we hope to feature Wesley seniors as digital role models who will encourage fellow seniors to take a leap forward if they have not already done so.”
Future Plans
Registrations for Part Two of the first run of LDW will open soon for Wesleyans and friends, who seek to learn in a group setting, skills that will help them access online platforms. This is planned for July 2023, and will further include practical applications such as Digital Transactions, Google Translate, Transport, Food, and Media Channels.
Meanwhile, WGYM is blessed to celebrate the appointment of their own team of Digital Ambassadors, John Lim and Ng Chai Seng, who have been actively supporting the learning and administration of LDW workshops – by mingling with participants onsite to provide immediate solutions to their digital teething difficulties. They also help the LDW team to gather feedback, and work on improvements for future sessions.
Midway through the series, the programme has received more encouraging feedback from participants.
“The cybersecurity session made me aware of the different types of scams, and how to handle them – there’s no need to panic! I learnt to download the ScamShield app, how to report scams, and how to block unwanted numbers. I now have stronger passwords for my different accounts. I’ve also learnt many WhatsApp tips and functions. The Q&A sessions were very helpful!” ~ Cathryn Tan (serves in Wesley Women Cancers Support Group)
“Learn Digital @Wesley is welcoming and fun. I feel very comfortable to ask questions, and approach the trainers who make all the difference – they are patient, explain clearly, and give us one-on-one assistance. This workshop has widened my digital understanding in an unthreatening manner. Thank you, Wesley!” ~ Doris Chow (serves in Small Group Ministry)
“I’m pleasantly surprised and glad that Wesley cares for ‘computer-bodoh’ people like me – to arrange this helpful series of talks. They have been very enlightening. ~ Tan Kee Cheong (serves in Discipleship & Nurture Ministry)
Photos by Marjorie Tan
Read also: ‘Freeze a Moment in Time and Preserve it Forever’: Photography Workshop for Volunteers at WMC
