Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors Jan. 31-Feb. 4 will include ‘All Things Zoom’ and ‘Instagram Basics’

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 28, 2022

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 Jan. 31-Feb. 4 will include “All Things Zoom” and “Instagram Basics.”

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 summer and fall program quarters, more than 3,000 participants joined 162 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This winter, 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 Jan. 31-Feb. 4 will include:

• All Things Zoom: Tuesday, Feb. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. In this introductory lecture, learn how to start a meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success.
• Instagram Basics: Thursday, Feb. 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m. This lecture offers an overview of Instagram's more popular features and how to use it.
• Google Workspace: Thursday, Feb. 3, 4-5 p.m. This lecture will introduce Docs, Sheets, Slides, Photos, and Drive. Explore practical and creative uses and demonstrate how to make the most out of Google's many free templates.
• Going from a Green Home to a Smarthome: Friday, Feb. 4, noon-1 p.m. Learn about what makes a home “green” and how smart technology can help make your home more energy efficient.

Classes in Mandarin:

• 介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊 會議主持人2/2, 12 - 1 p.m. 考慮舉辦自己的 Zoom 會議？在這個介紹性的講座中，我們將討論如何準備第一次會議所需，以及一些成功舉辦會議的技巧。您還將了解主持人的可用的特殊功能，包括 Zoom 確保會議安全的方式。

English Translation for Classes in Mandarin:

• Introduction to Hosting on Zoom: Wednesday, Feb. 2, noon-1 p.m. Thinking about hosting your own Zoom meeting? In this introductory lecture, we'll go over what you need to start your first meeting, as well as some hosting tips to make it a success. You'll also learn about special features for hosts, including ways Zoom keeps your meetings secure. After this overview lecture, you'll be ready for our hands-on workshops "Getting Started with Zoom" and "Hosting a Zoom Meeting," which include step-by-step instructions.

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: 22-071
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Senior