First time exploring cyberspace

Amherst Daily News

By Chris Dowbiggin

AMHERST- In today’s modern world, it’s hard to complete everyday tasks in the workplace and even at home without the skills to operate and control a computer.
At 61, Dana Farrell is just realizing that.
The longtime resident of Amherst has a few goals he wishes to complete in his lifetime, but first he has to learn the ins and outs of computerized technology.
“I want to do some writing on my own,” said Farrell.
“I have no experience with computers at all, and I feel a little bit lost. But it’s a good search tool. I’m going to be looking for information and do some research.”
Farrell is trying to write a book based on his personal memoirs of living in Amherst. And that’s why he is taking a computer course at the Four Fathers Memorial Library.
The six-week program is intended to help beginners understand and grasp the concept of the computer, and help them search the web, make their own websites and set up an email account.
Farrell is very enthusiastic about getting started.
“I’m looking forward to next class. Like I said, I have a book inside my head that I wish to write. I’ll be asking for information from people who might have been air cadets during the war, because my father was a founder of the air cadets. All 13 squadrons during wartime Nova Scotia,” said Farrell.
Farrell is not the only one diving into the complicated, binary world of computers. In fact, this is the third computer beginners course taking place at the library, and interest for learning about digital technology is increasing in older generations who missed out on the opportunity to learn about computers when they became a new addition to the home or workplace.
Thomas Skabar, 23 is teaching the program at the library. He said younger generations have the advantage of growing up with the new technology, and repeated use becoming a second nature to them.
“People who grew up with computers in the schools and computers in their homes sort of take for granted how easy it is and how naturally it comes to them now,” said Skabar.
“But for people now were are sort of playing catch-up with technology, these programs are a way for them to have a place they can come and learn for free, and also a place they can ask questions they have too, with anything specific they want to know. We just go over their needs, and help them find a basic comfort level with computer use.”
The program has become popular enough that it has branched out to other libraries in Cumberland County.
Once the Amherst program concludes in March, Skabar will be traveling around to Oxford, Pugwash, Parrsboro and Advocate during the course of the year. Helping out first-time computer users willing to broaden their computer knowledge.
Skabar has had a lot of success in the past when it comes to teaching, and is happy to hear input and feedback from his pupils along the way.
“As long as everyone has their own personal needs and requests covered by the end of the six weeks, I’m happy,” said Skabar.
“The feedback I’ve received so far has been largely positive, and the students have really embraced the opportunity to take this chance and learn for free, and to increase their computer literacy.”
As for Farrell, he’s already looking ahead to achieving his goal of writing a book many residents of Amherst will want to read.
“I expect my project to be very successful. I do. There are things I would like to find on the internet. For instance, my father had the largest funeral ever to take place in Amherst, and I don’t have a photograph of it. But maybe somebody has it,” said Farrell.