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 July 6-10 will focus on Smart Homes, Streaming and Smart TVs and How to Choose A New Computer.

In addition to classes in English, one class during July 6-10 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. In July, classes will cover Computer and Internet Basics, Shopping and Entertainment Online, Financial Tools and Saving Money Online, Health and Fitness Technologies, Discovering the Internet of Things, Finding Your Voice Online, Social Media Basics and Lowering Your Utility Bill Online.

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 July 6 -10 will include:

• Internet of Things Smart Homes: Monday, July 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Learn how the Internet of Things (IoT) technology is transforming homes. Control lights, temperature and even household appliances with a smartphone. These smart devices are more than just gadgets.
• Home Internet Access: Tuesday, July 7, 11 a.m.-noon. Lecture covers basic information when signing up for home Internet service. Learn about discount programs that allow eligible seniors to get home internet at a low price.
• Streaming and Smart TVs: Tuesday, July 7, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Presentation will give an introduction to streaming: what it is, how to use it and the variety of content available. Learn how to watch live TV without cable and how smart TVs and streaming devices can let viewers watch videos from the Internet on your television.
• All Things Zoom: Wednesday, July 8, 4-5 p.m. Learn how to use Zoom video conferencing software to chat with friends and family. Also: how to take virtual classes with Senior Planet.
• Hello Montgomery County: Wednesday, July 8, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join County residents to gather and share locally-relevant tips and tricks.
• How to Choose a New Computer: Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m.-noon. Session addresses some of the most common questions surrounding how to choose a new computer: Where to start? What’s a reliable brand? How much should you budget? Also addresses technical specifications.
• Online Shopping: Thursday, July 9, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com. Learn how to search for products, make comparisons and add items to an online shopping cart.
• Money Matters: Friday, July 10, 11 a.m.-noon. This presentation gives an overview of how the internet can open a new world for saving money and managing your finances. Topics will include online banking, keeping your financial information safe, entertainment, prescription drugs, and everyday items.

Clases en Español:

• Las Transmisiones en Vivo Y Televisores Inteligentes (Streaming & Smart TV's): Lunes, 6 de Julio. 11 a.m.-noon. Cada día, más y más personas están “cortando los cables” y cancelando sus suscripciones de cable. En vez de cable, más personas están usando servicios de “streaming” gratuitos o de bajo costo, como Youtube, Netflix, y Hulu, para ver sus programas y películas en lí Aprenderá información general sobre “streaming”: qué es, cómo usarlo, y la variedad de contenido disponible. También aprenderá cómo ver programas en vivo por televisión, y cómo los televisores inteligentes y dispositivos que usan la transmisión en vivo o "streaming" le permite ver videos del internet con el televisor.

For more information about Senior Planet Montgomery and to view its virtual program offerings, visit https://seniorplanet.org/Montgomery. The team can be contacted at 240-753-0676 or via email at mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.

To sign up for the Senior Planet Montgomery newsletter, which includes detailed information about upcoming classes, go to https://seniorplanet.org/get-involved/newsletters/.

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