Mr Ker said the project would provide relatively low-cost computers or tablets to older people, who would then be taught how to use emails, chat using Skype and "set up a Facebook page if they could be convinced that might be a good idea", Mr Ker said.
Being able to keep in touch with people over the internet would break down the sense of social isolation felt by some older people, he said.
"We are aware of significant numbers of elderly folks in Dunedin who are basically confined to their homes ... and don't have the social communication and networks that the rest of us take for granted."
He said the polytech viewed the project as a "real opportunity ... to make a difference".
The initiative would be run by the polytechnic's community learning centre in conjunction with the Dunedin City Council's digital office and Mr Ker hoped a pilot involving 10 older people would get under way by the end of this year.
At present the polytechnic was looking for a business to sponsor the programme for the cost of the computers.
"We would hope to have this as part of a more overarching digital literacy strategy for the city," he said.
Age Concern Otago chief executive Susan Davidson said she fully supported the project.
Evidence suggested being able to use a computer for email and other purposes helped reduce social isolation, Ms Davidson said.
At the moment, older people who wanted to learn how to do use computers could receive tuition from their peers through SeniorNet, which had groups both in Green Island and in the city.
SeniorNet tutor Val Steele said she supported any initiative which helped improve computer literacy among older people.
