Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors Oct. 13-16 Will Include Online Bill Pay and Introduction to Hosting on Zoom

For Immediate Release: Friday, October 9, 2020

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 Oct. 13-16 will include Online Bill Pay and  Introduction to Hosting on Zoom.

In addition to classes in English, one class during Oct. 13- 16 will be delivered in Spanish. 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. No classes will be offered on Monday, Oct. 12, due to the holiday.

Classes to be offered Oct. 13-16  will include:

·       Online Bill Pay: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3-4 p.m. 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.

·       Telemedicine: Thursday, Oct. 15, 4-5 p.m. Lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with a doctor in real-time. Lecture also offers advice about how best to prepare for a virtual visit, from questions to ask to common concerns regarding connectivity, privacy and insurance.

·       Money Matters: Friday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.– noon. The internet can open a new world for saving money and managing finances. This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep financial information safe. Learn about online shipping and explore some digital resources for saving money on entertainment, prescription drugs, and everyday items.

·       Introduction to Hosting on Zoom: Friday, Oct. 16, 2-3 p.m. Lecture will go over how to start a Zoom meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success. Learn about special features for hosts, including ways Zoom keeps your meetings secure.

               Clases en Español:

·       ¿Tiene curiosidad por saber porqué Zoom se ha convertido en el software de videoconferencia preferido de todos? ¡Esta lectura explicará cómo usar Zoom para chatear con amigos y familiares, y tomar clases virtuales con Senior Planet! Aprenderá acerca de las funciones útiles de Zoom, ya sea que se conecte con un dispositivo iOS, Android o Windows. La lectura también repasará las consideraciones de seguridad y brindará consejos sobre cómo lucir lo mejor posible durante un chat de video.

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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Release ID: 20-583
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915