Braga
International Event at Casa do Professor: Empowering Seniors through Digital Education
Wednesday, 24 January 2024
Partners from Italy and Slovenia arrived in Portugal and checked into their hotels in Braga.
Thursday, 25 January 2024
09:30-11:00 Welcome and Facility Tour
The day commenced with participant registration as attendees were welcomed to Casa do Professor, where they embarked on a comprehensive tour of the institution's facilities and departments. The visit began with enlightening presentations on Casa do Professor itself, followed by introductions to Sophia srl semplificata and STEP Institut, key partners in the Erasmus+ event. Amid engaging discussions, participants enjoyed a brief coffee break.
11:00-12:30 Exploration of the Nursing Home
An informative meeting started with an introduction outlining the objectives and website of the project, presented by Casa do Professor and Sophia srl semplificata. Following a fulfilling lunch break, attendees delved into a presentation of the pilot course on basic digitalization: "Navigating the Digital World: Basic Skills for Seniors," delivered by Casa do Professor and partnering institutions. Another coffee break provided a welcomed interlude before the next session. Participants had the opportunity to have lunch at Casa do Professor’s restaurant.
14:00-16:00 Pilot Course Presentation
The afternoon session was dedicated to a detailed presentation of the pilot course on basic digitalization, showcasing essential skills tailored for seniors. Participants engaged actively alongside Casa do Professor and its esteemed partners, fostering an enriching learning environment. A final coffee break punctuated the day's activities.
16:30-18:00 Exploration of Training Facilities
Concluding the day, participants embarked on a tour of Casa do Professor's Training Centre, Music Academy, and the innovative LOLA system equipment, furthering their understanding of the institution's multifaceted approach to education and technology integration.
Friday, 26 January 2024
9:15-18:00 Intensive Training Sessions
The session started with a testimonial from Ron Sellers, whose mother-in-law is a resident at Casa do Professor’s nursing home. Ron delivered a firsthand testimonial on the positive impact of new technologies on intergenerational communication. His mother-in-law also spoke about her personal and professional experience as one of the first female IT teachers in Portugal. They both mentioned how she communicates with her family essentially using her iPad. This was followed by a comprehensive training program divided into four parts, covering various aspects of basic digitalization, such as:
- Introduction to new technologies
- The Internet and the World Wide Web
- Security: passwords and browsing
- Communicating by video conference with family
- Videos and podcasts
The training mainly focused on the approach that professionals working with the elderly should adopt to enable them to navigate the digital world simply, without fear, and, importantly, safely. Energizing coffee breaks and a well-deserved lunch break were interspersed throughout the day. The training culminated in a thorough assessment (through a QR code that gave access to an online questionnaire) and the delivery of certificates to participants, acknowledging their dedication and successful completion of the course.
Saturday, 27 January 2024
9:30-18:00 Partner Engagement and Cultural Exploration
The event entered its final day with a partners' meeting, facilitating an exchange of feedback and suggestions among trainers and institutions. Participants actively contributed to the planning of future activities and the preparation of the final report, emphasizing collaborative efforts in advancing digital education for seniors. Following the lunch break, discussions centered on the pilot course's outcomes and overall meeting assessment. The day concluded with a captivating cultural visit to Braga (Bom Jesus and Sameiro), fostering camaraderie and cultural appreciation among participants and partners alike.
Conclusion
Throughout the event, Casa do Professor, in collaboration with its esteemed partners, demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering seniors through comprehensive digital education, fostering intergenerational communication, and advancing innovative learning methodologies. A total of 27 professionals working with senior people and caregivers attended the training activities.