Fermanagh shoppers got a little more than they bargained for when they were offered the chance to learn how to use the internet, as well as a range of interactive services, while doing the weekly shopping.
As part of the nation-wide campaign, 'Get Online Day', Tesco Enniskillen and digital inclusion initiative, EverybodyOnline, joined forces to help people step into the virtual world and discover what the internet has to offer at a series of one on one taster sessions..
Members of the EverybodyOnline team were on hand in Tesco Enniskillen to show shoppers how to use the free public touch screen internet kiosk. The newly installed kiosk, supplied by KDS Systems Ltd, provides free internet access to the public and acts as a central portal for online government, council, community and tourism services.
Lisa Campbell, EverybodyOnline Project Officer for Fermanagh/South Tyrone said: "Digital technology and the internet is becoming an essential part of everyday life. Children use mobile phones, computers and the internet on a daily basis to learn, communicate and socialise with friends and family. The older generation, however is being left behind, thereby missing out on its benefits.
"Being online can help people save time, money and make informed decisions. The internet kiosk enables people to access the internet for free and take advantage of these benefits while out and about doing their shopping.
The Tesco Enniskillen internet kiosk is one of many installed in public venues, including shopping centres, government buildings and supermarkets across Northern Ireland as part of the Government's digital inclusion strategy.
As well as offering free internet access to the public, the kiosks provide a direct link to a range of local Council, community, tourism, and online government services such as Job Centre Online and driver and vehicle test bookings.
The kiosk also directs people to a new service offered by Access to Benefits which helps older people across Northern Ireland maximise their take-up of benefit entitlements.
