Limerick Technology Fair an outstanding success
The first Limerick Technology fair which took place in Thomond Park Conference Centre on Saturday November 1st. was a technology fair with a difference. The fair organised by Limerick City ICT Steering Group, City of Limerick VEC and the PAUL Partnership not only featured the best in new technologies from the likes of Dell, Adobe, Microsoft, and Sony (to name but a few) but also featured twenty five interactive displays built by community and education groups. It also featured a huge variety of workshops and fun activities for all the family.
Community and education groups showcased their technology projects from Podcasting to Facebook, Skype to Youtube. Michael O’ Regan from St. Munchin’s Community Development Project was one of a group of keen ‘silver surfers’- all over 65’s and from all over the city - who were demonstrating how to “google”, “email”, “skype” and “you-tube” with the best of them. . Michael explained why he got involved in this event: “if people only got a chance to see what computers can do and they get started they would find them really useful”. Michael explained his particular interest was podcasting “Podcast is a word you will hear a lot if you listen to the radio” explained Michael “simply put it is a version of a radio show that is put up on the internet, and you can listen to old Gerry Ryan and Ray Darcy shows if you missed them.”
What made the day unique was that it gave community groups and learners a chance to rub shoulders with technology giants and it showcased the capacity of community groups to get the best from new technologies: From Youthreach participants (pictured) involved in film production to VTOS learners producing digital displays; from the latest in interactive classroom technology to the launch of Sonys latest psp game ‘littlebigplanet’; from the ‘how to do almost anything online ’ interactive displays to the numerous digital technology workshops, the fair really had something for all tastes. The involvement of Munster Rugby with a Munster Rugby interactive stand, special guest Shaun Payne and the opportunity for all present to get their picture taken with the Heineken Cup helped to ensure that many people who might not always come to a technology fair came along on the day.The idea for the Fair originated in response to research commissioned by the ICT Steering Group recently, which showed that despite the rapid growth of digital technology large numbers are being excluded from the benefits technology have to offer. The study found that in certain parts of Limerick 47% of respondents had never used a computer, never wanted to use one and did not see the relevance of technology in their lives. Only 35% of the same respondents had ever used the internet, 12 % had ever shopped online and internet connections in these areas were 50% lower than national levels. The research called for a jargon-free presentation of technologies and approaches focused on practical relevant activities.
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