ACCS Offers Digital Skills Course
One of the valuable programs offered by the Australian Croatian Community Services (ACCS) is a computer and smartphone/tablet literacy course called Digital Essentials level 1, where participants have the opportunity to learn the basics on how to use various apps to access content and communicate more effectively in today’s digital world.
ACCS, an organisation dedicated to providing aged care services, is part of the Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) program, supported by the Victorian Government. The aim is to deliver accredited training for adults in the community, with a particular focus on improving digital and communication skills among older individuals.
Currently, the course—led by mentor Vladimir Jakopanetz—is still underway. Participants have four weeks remaining before the current course concludes.
All updates and information can be found on the official website: https://www.accs.asn.au
, on their Facebook page: ACCS Facebook, or by calling 1800 953 963.
For participants who want to continue and learn more ACCS is also organising advanced Digital Essentials level 2 course, designed to help older adults refine their digital abilities. Depending on the interest new course is scheduled for September this year and will last for 12 weeks.
“Google, Folks, Google!” – How One Course is Transforming Seniors’ Tech Skills
Eduard Piljić, who successfully completed the advanced course last year, shared his thoughts on the knowledge he gained and the true value of the program:
“Honestly, this was phenomenal. I wasn’t a complete beginner, but I never imagined I’d learn so many new and practical things—like how to edit a photo before uploading it to Facebook, how to send documents, photos, or music via email or Messenger, and so much more.
What stood out most is how the course is tailored to us older, more mature participants. Things are repeated until everyone fully understands each action on the computer or phone. There’s no stress or rush—everything is taken at a comfortable pace. We’re encouraged to ask questions whenever something isn’t clear, and that’s what makes this course truly special.
The teaching method used by the instructor is also worth mentioning. He often poses a question no one knows the answer to, and we all start wondering what it has to do with computers or smartphones. One day, he asked if anyone could tell him who Elizabeth Schwarzkopf was. Not only I, but no one had a clue. Just as I was getting frustrated, thinking it was a waste of time, he suddenly exclaimed: ‘GOOGLE, folks, GOOGLE! There’s no reason to feel embarrassed about not knowing something anymore! Let’s see if Google knows who she was.’
And of course, Google did know—and we all remembered from that moment that we have an all-knowing companion in our mobile phones. He also introduced us to Google Translate by asking how to say ‘Good day, how are you?’ in Chinese.
Again, we were all confused—we weren’t there to learn Chinese! But the message was clear: there’s no reason not to greet your neighbour from China or Pakistan, even if they don’t speak English. That moment stuck with us.
Every class was engaging, informative, and across ten weeks, we learned so much—alongside making new friendships. I would wholeheartedly recommend the ‘ACCS Computer Course’, as we called it, to anyone over 60 who isn’t entirely confident with English or digital technology.”
This course highlights how empowering older adults with digital skills can dramatically improve their confidence, social interaction, and ability to stay connected in an increasingly online world.
Access to online resources, communication tools, and language support not only enhances their independence but also helps bridge generational gaps and reduce feelings of isolation. Initiatives like this are vital in ensuring no one is left behind in our digital age.
