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For Immediate Release: Friday, September 10, 2021

Senior Planet Montgomery, a technology training program designed for County learners 50 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 for Seniors Sept. 13-17 will include All Things Zoom and How to Choose a New Computer.


In addition to classes in English, one class will be taught in Spanish, and one class will be taught in Mandarin. A variety of exercise classes also will be offered.


During the winter and spring program quarters, more than 3,000 participants joined 142 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This summer, 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 week of Sept. 13-17 will include:

  • All Things Zoom: Tuesday, 14, 11 a.m.– noon. Lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family. Learn about useful Zoom features and security options.
  • How to Choose a New Computer, Sept. 14, 3-4 p.m. This informational session addresses some of the most common questions surrounding how to choose a new computer.
  • Podcasts: Thursday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. – noon. Lecture will cover Podcasts. Learn where to listen and find these audio programs.
  • Hello Montgomery: Thursday, Sept. 16, 2-3 p.m. Join fellow Montgomery County residents for an hour of socializing
  • Protecting Your Personal Information Online: Thursday, Sept. 16, 4-5 p.m.. Lecture will cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like safe browsing, how to recognize online scams.


Class in Mandarin:

  • 科技問答小棧 (三), Sept. 15, noon-1 p.m. EST. 這科技小棧可給您學習美圖公司的機會。歡迎您來加入 Senior Planet 培訓師一起開放討論這個題材


English Translation for Class in Mandarin:

  • Meitu Tech Talk: Sept. 15, noon- 1 p.m. - This tech talk is an opportunity for you to learn about Meitu. Join our Senior Planet trainers who will lead an open discussion on the topic.


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 [email protected].


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: 21-718
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Senior