Non-profit Elpida launches e-learning for seniors Elbot.cz
Press Release - Prague - 20 November 2023
Anytime, anywhere. That's how seniors from all over the Czech Republic can study from today, thanks to the e-learning platform Elbot, launched by the non-profit organisation Elpida. In an environment friendly to seniors, they can learn foreign languages, check information on the Internet, work with a mobile phone, and even exercise and train their memory.
The idea for the platform was conceived a few years ago, during a covid. The two Elpida Education Centres in Prague were closed from one day to the next and clients had to stay at home. At that moment, Elpida started distance education, which gradually attracted up to a thousand seniors.
"We were surprised and inspired. Almost overnight, more than 50% of our clients went online, where they could meet the tutor and their classmates. It was the only option; in person was not an option. Based on this experience, we decided to enable a modern way of learning for all seniors from all over the country," says Jan Bartoš, head of the Elpida Centre, describing the birth of the idea of the e-learning platform Elbot.cz.
He adds in one breath that e-learning has the advantage that the interested person can study and have fun whenever he wants, for example at two in the morning when he cannot sleep. All he needs is a computer or smartphone and an internet connection. "We know that many seniors are not able to attend classes physically, either because of their health or because they are caring for someone. And Elbot is a way for them to get involved. Plus, it's completely free," Bartos sums up the benefits. Elbot already includes, among other things, a course called "Really, yeah?", which aims to guide seniors through the ins and outs of the internet in five instructional videos in a fun and humorous way and teach them healthy critical thinking.
The development of the platform has been supported from the outset by NN Insurance and Pension Company as a major partner. They see huge potential in the new form of lifelong learning, and not only for seniors. "Increasing life expectancy is no longer just a statistical trend, but a reality for all of us. Already today's 30-somethings can half expect to live to 95. In order to not only live to old age, but also enjoy it, we need strong social ties and the ability not to be afraid of change, in addition to good health and financial security. This is what Elbot can help us all with - thanks to the modern form and quality content of the courses, we will learn new things and at the same time find new joys and perhaps even friends in the online and real world," says Martin Tesar, spokesperson for NN Czech Republic.
Elpida has big plans for Elbot. In the future, it will also allow seniors to create their own simple educational content for others and will also offer the possibility of communication between people with a common interest through chat and discussion forums. "Our ultimate goal is to run a digital academy for seniors, accessible anytime and anywhere in the country in a user-friendly format for everyone. We intend to offer educational content in both synchronous and asynchronous e-learning formats, which will include courses, audio recordings of lectures, podcasts, video, online lessons, and articles with auto-read option. Programming tools allow the learning material to be interspersed with interactive activities such as digital memory game, crossword puzzles, eight-hole puzzles, drug and drop test and other quizzes and exercises to reinforce knowledge, train thinking and have fun," concludes Bartoš.
Contact for media
Iveta Čížová ~ PR ~ iveta.cizova@elpida.cz ~ +420 773 480 505
Elpida is a non-profit organization that has been supporting seniors in active life since 2002. It operates 2 educational centres in Prague, a nationwide toll-free Senior Citizens' Helpline 800 200 007, publishes the magazine VITAL, has a ladies' choir Elpida and is behind the project Socks from Grandma. Elpida is a pioneer in media education for seniors and a leader in training workers with seniors in the SEFTE tutor academy. It is currently developing a unique e-learning platform that will allow seniors across the country better access to education and culture.