8.28.2020 Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors Aug. 31-Sept. 4
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 Aug. 31-Sept. 4 will focus on Facebook, Online Bill Pay and How to Use Zoom.
In addition to classes in English, two classes during Aug. 31 -Sept. 4 will be delivered in Spanish. A variety of exercise classes also will be offered.
During the spring quarter more than 4,700 participants joined 124 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This summer, classes will cover Health and Fitness Technologies, the Internet of Things, Creative Writing, Civic Engagement Online and Using Zoom.
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 Aug. 31 – Sept. 4 will include:
- Make Energy Cents: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 11 a.m.- noon. Lecture will introduce the new County website, www.
MontgomeryEnergyConnection.org . It brings together trusted information and helpful solutions for managing and lowering energy usage and costs. Learn how to use the site for finding energy-saving programs, exploring energy-efficient technology and getting help understanding a utility bill. - Facebook: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lecture offers an overview of Facebook’s evolution, its most popular features and tips for getting in on the action. It will also cover privacy settings as well as the role of advertising on Facebook.
- Hello Montgomery County: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join fellow Montgomery County residents for an hour of socializing.
- Online Bill Pay: Thursday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.- noon. In this hands-on workshop, learn how to set up an online account with a utility company and explore its many advantages, including automatic bill pay and paying with a credit card or from a bank account. Learn how to better understand a bill using the color charts and graphs that show energy usage.
- How to Use Zoom: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join this program for orientation and information on using Zoom videoconferencing software as a participant. Learn the features available to video chat with friends and family and how to take virtual classes with Senior Planet. Program is designed for beginner Zoom users.
- Mindfulness Apps: Thursday, Sept. 3, 4-5 p.m. 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.
- Twitter: Friday, Sept. 4, 11 a.m.- noon. Learn about Twitter’s important features as well as the social importance the service has gained over the last 10 years. Information will be discussed on how users can access breaking news and important information even without signing up for a Twitter account.
Clases en Español:
- Cómo Proteger Tu Información Personal En Línea (Protecting Personal Info Online): Lunes, 31 de Agosto. 11 a.m.- noon. En esta presentación, aprenderá los pormenores de cómo proteger su información personal en línea. Exploraremos tácticas para mantenernos seguros en el ciberespacio, cómo navegar sitios de web de una manera segura, reconocer estafas del internet, y entender cuándo es apropiado-o no- compartir su información personal en línea.
- Tech Talk: Todo Sobre Passwords: Miércoles, 2 de Septiembre. 11 a.m.- noon. Las contraseñas se han convertido en una realidad al participar en el mundo digital y hacer un seguimiento de ellas puede ser una tarea ardua. Únase a esta charla técnica para analizar las mejores prácticas para administrar las contraseñas de sus cuentas en línea.
For more information about Senior Planet Montgomery and to view its virtual program offerings, visit https://seniorplanet.org/
To sign up for the Senior Planet Montgomery newsletter, which includes detailed information about upcoming classes, go to https://seniorplanet.org/get-
