Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors Feb. 14-18 will include ‘Cloud Storage’ and ‘iPhones’

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 11, 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 Feb. 14-18 will include “Cloud Storage” and “iPhones.”

In addition to classes in English, one class will be taught in Spanish, and two classes 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 Feb. 14–18 will include:

• Cloud Storage: Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that allows the storage of documents, images, and other media files remotely. Lecture will demonstrate most popular services currently available to consumers.
• iPhones: Thursday, Feb. 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Lecture will provide an overview of the features and history of the iPhone.
• Streaming and Smart TVs: Thursday, Feb. 17, 4-5 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 facilitate viewing videos from the internet on a television.
• Smart Thermostats: Friday, Feb. 18, noon-1 p.m. Learn about the benefits of installing a programmable or smart thermostat as well as incentives like rebates through the Empower Maryland program. Additionally, learn how smart thermostats can be integrated into a smart home and controlled through apps and smart home hubs like Alexa and Google Home.

Class in Mandarin:

• iPhone （Apple 智慧手機 ) 2/16, 12 - 1 p.m. 如果您好奇 iPhone 能做些什麼和為什麼它那麼的普遍，歡迎來看聆聽這堂講座。您會學到最新款項的 iPhone 與它的特徵以及您想買一台 iPhone 的話，該考慮些什麼項目。請注意，這堂講座的目的不是要教您如何使用 iPhone–如果您有那一方面的疑惑，您可以請教我們的一對一的電腦科技的協助團隊。

English Translation for Class in Mandarin:

• iPhones: Wednesday, Feb. 16, noon -1 p.m. If you are curious about what an iPhone can do and why it’s so popular, come to this lecture. You’ll learn about the latest iPhone, its features and what to consider if you’re thinking of buying one. Please note this lecture will not teach you how to use your iPhone--ask about our Tech Talks if you need assistance with your iPhone.

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: 22-104
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Senior