Queensland Rural Womens Network

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In 2009, the QRWN propose to run a state-wide series of practical skills-information forums focused on:

Coaching rural women and other rural business and community members in the "best use" of contemporary telecommunications technology - anything from MSN chat and Skype to webinars. video-conferencing, the effective use of mobile phones and how to choose the best internet options
Applications for livelihoods (ie effective, contemporary telecommunications for both primary production as well as town or home-based businesses)
Applications for life (ie telecommunications that add value to family interaction-online, online recreation and social connection, online information and advocacy, online shopping etc)

A Background To The Technology Today Project

In late 2008 a survey was sent out to QRWN members and associates which asked numerous questions regarding Telecommunications and Superannuation. The QRWN carried out this survey because we wanted to know what our members' concerns and issues in these areas were.

The collated surveys revealed the following key points:

That most people rely on satellite for their internet
That provided mobile phone coverage improved, most people would upgrade to wireless and next G internet connections as speed and price are a concern
That most rural men and women are pretty computer savvy and reliant on this technology as per the 2007 ACMA report (180K PDF)
That access to services and advice are a huge concern and need to be ongoing for both IT and superannuation

The surveys also disclosed that many people are unaware of:

The best way to use technology to maximize good, cost-effective communication
New telecommunication options
How to use technology they've never tried before (eg: MSN chat which can be incredibly cost-effective and easy to use (but only when you know how to use it!)

As a result, they lose opportunities to reduce costs and add value to their lives and livelihoods.

Interested members can obtain a copies of both surveys and the collated results below:

Telecommunications survey (1.8Mb Powerpoint)
Superannuation survey (2Mb Powerpoint)
Survey results (250K Excel)

The Next Step In The Technology Today Project

In 2009 the QRWN would like to hold seminars throughout Queensland to update our members (and other interested people) about current options in technology and communications.

Suggested locations for these seminars are at QRWN branches and/or member catchments around the State (eg: Innisfail, Tully, Mackay, Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Biloela, Gayndah, Gympie, Brisbane, Longreach, Roma, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Inglewood).

The proposed format would be:

Half day to full day workshops, with practical hands-on activities as well as information transfer
Delivered in school hours or weekends (subject to discussion with members and service providers)
Workshops should include a morning or afternoon tea, with really good coffee and tasty nibblies (or a lunch with wine! (whatever suits the group) to enhance social networking and interaction
Content should have some level of customization to local priorities and aims.

Excel and Skype workshops were trialled for advanced and intermediate users in Kingaroy just before Easter.

We've also been exploring the best software to use for webinars (where all participants can see the same screen) so that we can deliver training or undertake trouble-shooting sessions remotely.

And we're also looking at providing many ITC updates, workshops, practical tips and resources in this area at the Annual QRWN Conference in Dalby.

Want to get involved in this QRWN project, have specifc needs you'd liket to see us address or want to find out more information? Then email Linda Silburn by clicking here, or Val Sapin by clicking here.