Research Project: These Digital Tools Helped People in Rural Areas Through the Pandemic
The results were surprising: Brass bands digitised their sheet music and clubs founded online embroidery courses from Goldhauben groups. Even at the age of 80, people proved to be digitally savvy.
The coronavirus pandemic has shown just how much we rely on digital technologies. This can be particularly challenging in rural areas, especially during times when social contact is extremely limited. Therefore, it is even more important, writes Uli Meyer from the Institute of Sociology at the University of Linz in a press release from the FWF, that digitalisation is "thought more broadly" - beyond the cities.
Occupation During the Pandemic: From Digital Sheet Music to Online Embroidery Circles
The amount of creative digital solutions that the surveyed clubs came up with surprised the scientific team: Sports clubs watched football matches together via Zoom meetings or organised training challenges online. Brass bands digitised their sheet music, a youth group had repurposed a scavenger hunt app for confirmation preparation.
That every age group can handle digital solutions was proven, for example, by the Goldhauben groups, who uphold an Upper Austrian tradition and started as a craft network of women. "Many members are still actively involved at the age of 80," explains Michaela Griesbeck. Together they make and repair the golden headgear that is part of the traditional costume culture. "During the pandemic, the Goldhauben, for example, organised online embroidery circles and all women coped with the digital solutions," says Griesbeck.
Some Things, But Not Everything, Can Be Replaced
The common assumption that many people, especially older ones, lack technical competence, proved to be wrong according to scientists. However, not everything, such as social gatherings, can be replaced. Only a few digital solutions will continue to be used after the pandemic. "Many tools simply missed the needs of the people," emphasises Uli Meyer. No online solution, for example, can replace a personal conversation with the pastor. What will continue to be used, however, are tools with administrative tasks, such as providing sheet music or member management.
On the contrary, debt or violence counselling services, which had switched to online counselling by organisations like Caritas during the pandemic, seem to have had very good experiences. "This has been well received and will stay because anonymity is an important factor in social counselling," stresses Griesbeck. "Now they can anonymously seek support from home."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.