Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 50 and older, is offering free online classes that focus on how to thrive at home. Classes, which are offered live via video conference, enhance a wide variety of life skills. Classes for Seniors Dec. 13-17 will include “Startup” and “Smart Cities.”
In addition to classes in English, two classes will be taught in Spanish, and one class will be taught in Mandarin. A variety of exercise classes also will be offered.
During the spring and summer program quarters, more than 3,000 participants joined 195 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This fall, classes have covered how to use and host on Zoom, online basics, popular social media sites, lowering one’s utility bill, financial security and civic engagement.
The program is supported by the County’s Department of Technology Services’ ultraMontgomery program in partnership with nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technology Services). The County’s Department of Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries also are partners in helping provide the classes at no charge to participants.
Sessions concentrate on user-friendly tools and resources and are designed to enable older adults to learn to utilize technologies to improve their daily lives. Senior Planet Montgomery utilizes curricula created by OATS, which also provides training staff and works with numerous County departments to identify topics of interest for Montgomery residents. OATS sponsors similar Senior Planet programming in six states. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection contributes to the program’s course offerings by producing sessions on how to lower energy costs.
Classes change on a weekly basis. A home internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are all that is required to participate.
Classes to be offered week of Dec.13-17 will include:
To sign up for the Senior Planet Montgomery newsletter, which includes detailed information about upcoming classes, go to https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/newsletters/.
During the spring and summer program quarters, more than 3,000 participants joined 195 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This fall, classes have covered how to use and host on Zoom, online basics, popular social media sites, lowering one’s utility bill, financial security and civic engagement.
The program is supported by the County’s Department of Technology Services’ ultraMontgomery program in partnership with nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technology Services). The County’s Department of Recreation and Montgomery County Public Libraries also are partners in helping provide the classes at no charge to participants.
Sessions concentrate on user-friendly tools and resources and are designed to enable older adults to learn to utilize technologies to improve their daily lives. Senior Planet Montgomery utilizes curricula created by OATS, which also provides training staff and works with numerous County departments to identify topics of interest for Montgomery residents. OATS sponsors similar Senior Planet programming in six states. The County’s Department of Environmental Protection contributes to the program’s course offerings by producing sessions on how to lower energy costs.
Classes change on a weekly basis. A home internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are all that is required to participate.
Classes to be offered week of Dec.13-17 will include:
- Startup: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lecture gives an overview of some important digital tools to help you get an online business up and running. Learn about e-commerce sites and how social media can help promote business.
- Stop Wasting Money on Your Utility Bill: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 3-4 p.m. Presentation will cover the difference between conservation and efficiency and the benefits of using less energy, plus some of the most efficient ways to do it.
- Smart Cities: Thursday, Dec. 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn how the Internet of Things (IoT) technology is being integrated into even the most essential functions of cities across the globe. Smart cities are improving things like public transportation, connectivity, power supply, sanitation, and waste management.
- Virtual Museum Tours: Thursday, Dec. 16, 4-5 p.m. Lecture will explore virtual galleries, as well as digital tools that help bring art, architecture and history to life.
- Smart Phone Photography: Wednesday, Dec. 15, noon -1 p.m. Interested in learning more about your smartphone camera? Come to this lecture to explore your smartphone's camera and some features like recording video, adding filters to pictures and using your camera's timer. Class will go over some basic tips for taking good selfies, selecting backgrounds and using optimal lighting. Presentation will cover Android and iPhones.
To sign up for the Senior Planet Montgomery newsletter, which includes detailed information about upcoming classes, go to https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/newsletters/.
