Senior Planet Montgomery Free Online Classes for Seniors May 16-20 will include ‘Facebook’ and ‘Google Maps’

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 13, 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 May 16-20 will include “Facebook” and “Google Maps.”

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

During the fall and winter program quarters, more than 2,000 participants joined 201 virtual programs hosted by Senior Planet Montgomery. This spring, 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 May 16-20 will include:

• Facebook: Tuesday, May 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m. This lecture offers an overview of Facebook’s evolution, its most popular features, and tips for getting in on the action.
• Google Maps: Thursday, May. 19, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Google Maps is a mapping application that offers satellite imagery, street maps, and street-view perspectives. During this lecture, receive an introduction to the platform and a demonstration of how to use it.
• Introduction to Social Media: Thursday, May 19, 4-5 p.m. This presentation provides a general introduction to social media. Learn about popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Class in Mandarin:

• 遊戲科技問答小棧5/18, 12 - 1 p.m. 這科技小棧可給您學習遊戲的機會。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:

• Games Tech Talk: Wednesday, May 18, noon-1 p.m. This tech talk is an opportunity for you to learn about games. 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 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: 22-283
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Senior