HOW TO HOLD ATECHYTEA PARTY

At EE we hold Techy Tea Parties across our stores, contact centres and office, and we’re encouraging the nation to do the same. Holding a Techy Tea Party is easy. It’s just about bringing together people who want to get more confident using technology with those who can share a bit about, over some tea and biscuits.

WHAT IS A TECHY TEA PARTY? At a Techy Tea Party those in the ‘Tech Know’ spend an hour or so with anyone who wants a bit of help with their tech challenges. This might be learning how a tablet works, setting up an email account or finding out how to shop online. Guests are invited to bring the kit they want to learn more about and the Tech Knows bring their devices so they can demonstrate what technology can do.

WHAT ARE THE GUESTS LIKELY TO ASK? Our experience tells us that during these sessions people are most keen to learn about:

Tablets - What they are and how to use them.

Social media - Creating a FaceBook / Twitter profile and being able to use it.

Apps - How to download and use them.

Skype - What it is and how to use it.

Emailing - How to attach documents to emails and how to use email on a phone.

Online security - How to keep themselves secure, especially when shopping and using social media.

Texting - How to write and send texts.

WHAT DO I NEED?

1. A space – this can be a community centre, a café or your front room. It just needs to have chairs, tables and ideally WiFi connectivity.

2. Refreshments – a tea party wouldn’t be complete without tea and biscuits or even cake if you want to push the boat out.

3. Some ‘Tech Knows’ – a bunch of people who are happy to share what they know about the digital world.

4. Guests – people who are interested in getting a bit more tech savvy.

5. Devices – it’s good to have some tablets, mobile phones and laptops to demonstrate on. The easiest way to do this is to get people to bring along their own.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M A ‘TECH KNOW’? You don’t have to be an expert to help people learn more about technology. If you have a mobile phone and use the internet, it’s likely you can help people who lack confidence when it comes to technology. Maybe you’ve shown your gran how to text or helped your dad set up Skype.

Lots of people are missing out on the great things technology offers. Holding a Techy Tea Party will help give people in your community a bit of a digital boost.

1. Pick a venue and time•���Pick�a�time�that’s�suitable�for�your�guests,�

maybe�in�a�lunch�break�or�afternoon�tea�time.

•���Make�sure�your�venue�is�suitable�for�your�guests.�Check�it�has�comfy�seats�and�that�it�is�easily�accessible.

•���Local�community�centres,�church�halls,�libraries�and�care�homes�are�all�good�options,�or�if�you�go�for�your�living�room�make�sure�it’s�tidy!

2. Turn it into a Techy Tea Party�•���Make�sure�the�room�has�plug�sockets��

and�WiFi�connectivity�so�you�can�connect�the�devices.

•���Arrange�the�seating�so�your�Tech�Knows�can�work�one-to-one�with�the�guests,�we�recommend�around�five�to�ten�couples.

•���Remember�the�tea�and�biscuits�–�don’t�underestimate�the�power�of�a�chocolate�digestive!

3. Invite your Tech Knows and guests Remember�you’ll�need�to�recruit�Tech�Knows�and�guests.��

•��Tech Knows – Agree�your�army�of�helpers�before�the�day�so�you�know�you’ll�be�ready�to�help�your�guests�-�reach�out�to�friends,�family�and�community�organisations.�Promote�it�through�social�media�by�setting�up�a�group�on�Facebook�and�Tweeting�it�to�your�fellow�Tech�Knows�#EE #techyteaparty

•��Guests – we’ve�created�some�posters�and�invitations�to�help�you�advertise�your�event.�Download�them�at�www.ee.co.uk/techyteaparty Promote�your�session�in�the�places�your�guests�will�visit.�See�if�local�cafés,�shops�and�hairdressers�will�let�you�put�up�a�poster.

HOW DO I SET IT UP?

TOP TIPS FOR TECH KNOWS • Show them the basics – just teaching

someone how to use a search engine and send an email can be a huge achievement.

• Work on a one-to-one basis and be patient: take small steps and remember to talk clearly and to go through things more than once if needed.

• Remember to ask both your Tech Knows and guests to bring their devices along so it can be a really hands-on session.

• Check out the resources that are available online for you to help others, www.ee.co.uk/digital-living, www.digitalskills.com and www.digitalunite.com have a range of films and guides available to download.

WHAT NEXT FOR GUESTS• Think about ‘what next?’ for your guests.

Here are some ideas of where you can point them if they want to continue their tech learning journey:

The Post Office All Post Offices have a database of where to go for digital skills courses and support, your guests just need to ask at the counter.

UK Online Centres This is a network of centres who run online training courses in locations such as libraries and coffee shops. Visit www.ukonlinecentres.com or call 0800 77 1234 to find your closest centre.

Online There are lots of resources online where people can learn, for examplewww.learnmyway.com orwww.bbc.co.uk/webwise

If�you’d�like�more�information�on�EE�National�Techy�Tea�Party�Day�or�on�how�to�hold�your�own�Techy�Tea�Party�please�visit:

www.ee.co.uk/techyteapartyor�email�techyteaparty@ee.co.uk

EE�Techy�Tea�Parties�Working�in�partnership�with: