Yesterday I was in my garden… over the fence, Arthur (my neighbour) said, “Bal… you’re good technology. Can you help me set up Skype?”
“Off course I can Arthur… but what would be better is, if we keep our distance… and I share with you how to do it… “
And that is how I helped Arthur set up Skype on his Samsung tablet (other makes are available). I did it in a very process orientated way…
First – download the app.
Second – when downloaded, install. Then when installed, open. When opened…
Third – put in your telephone number. You’ll get a code on your mobile phone… put that code into the skype app when it asks you to.
Fourth – fill in the details such as your name, etc…
Fifth – When all completed you should see the Skype User Interface (Display!)
Sixth… then I shared some basics on how to use Skype… and off Arthur went to make some video calls with his family!
Then I helped download WhatsApp…. and he was truly up and running! And it’s with this process step by step thinking and sharing, that we can enable our elderly and vulnerable people to stay connected to friends and family.
Stay connected…. and as they know you are there, they are also helping you, by not coming close to you… keeping their distance.
Now, there’s various other apps… and software that is available. Apple (iPhones, iPads, etc..) you can use Facetime which is built in (that’s if all members have Apple devices).
Other good tools to stay connected… Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc…
In fact, Zoom is a good one – we’re using that on Tuesday night for Football Training! We even tested it out yesterday with the other coaches… I’ll have the ‘spotlight’ on me, explain the exercise and then let the participants do the exercise… then I’ll watch, and ask how they’re getting on. There’s another local grassroots football team that are doing this and it worked for them!
I’ll let you know how we get on…..