My Reasons for Creating a 'Secret' Group Blog

Earlier this year I was asked to volunteer helping a group of 'extra-care' residents access the internet, helping them use a pc, laptop, mobile phone, ipad, basically anything that has internet access.

The residents had only had instruction from their digital inclusion project leader for a few months but had already got a fascination with the internet and how to use it. They needed help in 'moving around' the internet, using their equipment, learning how to access websites and finding out the benefits of using the internet and certain sites.

Most of them had a Facebook account, which had been set up for them by family or friends. But they were very wary of using Facebook and the amount of people who were able to see their information and being approached by 'strangers on the net'. Some also did not see any benefit in using Facebook.

As a group we worked together helping the residents set up their security settings to Friends/Friends & Family only, preventing unwanted contact from people they dont know.

I then thought it would be nice for the residents to have their own 'Group' on Facebook either as a 'Closed' or 'Secret' Group. A place where they could 'hangout' and chat, share photos and their news. And if for some reason they could not come down to their communal lounge for a digital inclusion session they could still log on to the group and join in the session from their accommodation. For those residents who live alone it also meant they could log on the group during evenings when they want to be cosy in their homes but still have company. The group could also be used as a central contact for informing the residents of what will be happening that current week during their digital inclusion sessions.

I spent a lesson with them discussing what a 'Secret' Group on Facebook was and the benefits of it to them. A place basically where they could almost 'hide' on Facebook but still be sociable with each other, speak more freely without having others on Facebook contribute to their posts and comments.

They loved the idea! So I then set up a Secret Group for the residents. There are eleven members in the group, so far. We even have one or two members who were not so keen on joining now join, also one or two who initially did not want their photo put up now asking for us to help them upload their photo to their account.

The group is in its early days, so to help them along I have posted the odd photo to make it more visual for them and asked them questions to encourage them to start posting and not just read.

I am hoping once they are more confident using the group that I can just stand back and let them take control.