Press Releases
Montgomery County Public Libraries and ultraMontgomery Offer Digital Learning Program for Seniors
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Under its Digital Literacy program, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is collaborating with the County’s Department of Technology Services and ultraMontgomery to launch a series of classes to help seniors learn technology and overcome the obstacles they face in connecting with others via technology.
An iPad Basics class, also available in Spanish, will introduce seniors to the basics of operating an iPad and navigating the internet in ways that might enrich an older person’s life. The Ready, Set, Bank class is designed to help older adults access the benefits of online and mobile banking. The classes address many older adults’ concerns regarding security and privacy.
The courses are designed especially for older adults by New York based Older Adults Technology Services (OATS), which operates the Senior Planet technology center in Manhattan.
“Connected seniors are less likely to be isolated, have more opportunities to communicate with family members and have improved access to health information, public services and financial management resources,” said MCPL Director Parker Hamilton. “MCPL is committed to providing digital learning opportunities for this growing demographic. We hope to expand these classes to additional locations this summer.”
“Older adults have always been, and continue to be, an important and productive part of the County’s demographic and economy. As increasingly more services become available online, the County’s Senior Planet Montgomery program aims to help older adults leverage the use of technology to enhance their daily lives,” said Montgomery County Chief Information Officer Sonny Segal.
“Getting older adults comfortable and confident with using Internet-based technology is good for the businesses, and great for our community,” said Mitsuko Herrera ultraMontgomery director.
“Older adults are a primary market for health management technology and devices, and they are a growing segment of grocery delivery and shared transportation services that support independent living,”
The classes will be taught by OATS-trained MCPL library staff and will meet twice a week for either five (Ready, Set, Bank) or ten (iPad Basics) weeks. Classes are accepting new registrants.
Class dates, times and library locations are:
Marilyn Praisner, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
Class: iPad Basics
Start date: March 6
Class meets: Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Class: Ready, Set, Bank
Start date: March 6
Class meets on: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Long Branch, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring
Class: iPad Basics (Spanish)
Start date: March 6
Class meets: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Class: iPad Basics
Start date: March 6
Class meets on: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.
Germantown, 19840 Century Boulevard
Class: iPad Basics
Start date: March 1 (still accepting students)
Class meets on: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
For additional information about this program, please contact Mary Ellen Icaza at 240-777-0006.
Release ID: 17-439Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6536