About Us

This is a brand new Idea, which will continue to evolve throughout 2014.

Introduction

The RDG was founded by Conrad Gardner in Jan-2014, through the RVUUF Adult Programs Committee. Roy Kindell has been very supportive with assisting in the launching of this project.

The main focus of the group is education. Providing an opportunity for folks interested in improving their understanding of technology. This will be achieved through guidance by skilled technicians, as well as by group collaboration on educational projects.

While also intended to provide assistance to individual "users" for their daily Digital Device needs...

The RDG is also a platform that will offer instruction and training for RVUUF Members and Friends who have the time and the desire, but possibly not the best development of skills, to effectively assist in many of the technology related day-to-day tasks at RVUUF. So the RDG will hopefully also act as a pool to draw from for volunteer help, to assist with routine RVUUF technology tasks.

As we all know, one of the best ways to learn is from applying skills to real-world applications. The RDG can provide both the training and the opportunity to apply new learning experiences to real-world applications. This way everyone wins... individuals get personal instruction to expand their knowledge and skills, and RVUUF gets to expand its volunteer base.

Most of the instructional and presentation time will be on computer related skills, from basic software usage, to how to build PC's, as well as maintenance and repair.

Computer recycling/refurbishing, largely through the use of the Linux OS (Operating System), will also be a part of our activities. With the impending "death" (cessation of "support") of Windows XP beginning 8-April-2014, it is anticipated that a lot of still functional PC's will be heading for landfills everywhere. The RDG hopes to help make this process a bit more "Green". Through this refurbishing program we hope to also provide "recycled" PC equipment, including "free" systems, to folks that can use them.

We'll be spending a lot of time on basic fundamentals initially, while also taking time to occasionally look at a broad spectrum of evolving technology.

Knowing where we are going (technology wise) is almost as important as understanding what is currently available.

No one can know it all, there is just way too much out there. As the RDG evolves though, we expect that other highly skilled folks will develop or show-up, who can also assume teaching roles. Then we can break-up into smaller groups in meetings, each one focusing on a specific topic... with a leader or teacher for each. This will provide a greater opportunity for Individual Instruction. This is another Win/Win situation... providing opportunities for all to teach, as well as learn.

Topic List

Though a great deal of detail cannot be achieved on all of it... Topics for the RDG to cover can include:

• Basic PC use... Hardware, Software, etc.
• Smartphone, Tablet PC, and other "hand-held" device use... as well as common home items such as "TV Boxes", recorders, etc.
• Use of Web Apps and Services
  • Productivity Suites (Google Apps, etc.)
  • Social Networks (Facebook, etc.)
• Management of Digital Images (photos, graphics, etc.).
• Building and Fixing PC's.
• Computer Networking.
• Wireless Device use.
• Website Development and Management.
• etc., etc.

Concepts of these digital processes will be strongly emphasized. In our training experience, most folks struggle with computer, digital systems, and other advanced technology use largely due to a lack of fundamental knowledge of the basic concepts of what they are trying to work with.

Initially the topics to chose will be determined by whoever shows up, by consensus. Eventually a more structured program will be developed, with prepared presentations on specific topics announced ahead of time.

We welcome you to visit our meetings, and learn a bit more about the Digital World that is all around us!

:-)