Chinese Culture and Community Service Center

11.13.2020 Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors Nov. 16-20

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Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 60 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 Nov. 16-20 will include Tech and Energy and Person 2 Person Payment Services. 

In addition to classes in English, two classes during Nov. 16-20 will be delivered in Spanish and one class will be delivered in Mandarin. A variety of exercise classes also will be offered.

During the spring and summer program quarters, more than 7,000 participants joined 234 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This fall, classes will cover 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 Nov. 16-20 will include:

  • What to Expect From a Virtual QHEC: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 3-4 p.m. This lecture helps find out how a household is using energy and how to save money. A QHEC is a Quick Home Energy Checkup and is usually provided at no additional cost by a utility serving Montgomery County. Crystal Faison, owner of Shepherd Energy, will present this event on both VHECs and QHECs, the differences between the two, the measures a customer may be eligible for and other frequently asked questions.
  • Hello Montgomery County!: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2-3 p.m. Join fellow MoCo residents for an hour of socializing.
  • Protecting Your Personal Info Online: Thursday, Nov. 19, 4-5 p.m. Presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect personal information online. Learn tips for staying safe in cyberspace such as safe browsing, how to recognize online scams and when it is acceptable to share personal information online.
  • Mindfulness Applications: Friday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m.-noon. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware. Learn to practice mindfulness through simple activities. Lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory and lowering blood pressure. Learn about popular apps that teach breathing and meditation techniques, as well as new technology like wearable breath monitors and smart yoga mats.
  • Zoom Q&A: Friday, Nov. 20, 2-3 p.m. Lecture is designed for beginner Zoom users. For those who have attended other sessions on Zoom and could use a bit more help, this question and answer lecture on using Zoom videoconferencing will be a great fit. Zoom works with iOS, Android, and Windows operating systems. Zoom can be used in a browser, or through the app on a device. A Zoom account is not required to join this lecture.