Free Online Classes For MoCo Seniors: Oct. 13-16

GERMANTOWN, MD — Montgomery County seniors can take free online classes to learn how to better navigate life at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Senior Planet Montgomery, the county's technology training program for residents 60 and older, typically offers lectures, hands-on workshops, and multi-week courses at libraries and senior centers. But during this public health crisis, Senior Planet Montgomery is moving all its programming online.

Many of the online sessions will focus on online user-friendly tools and resources for seniors.

"More Montgomery County seniors are online than ever before," said Montgomery County Chief Information Officer Gail M. Roper. "The Senior Planet Montgomery programs provide a means for them to get more out of their internet availability, and we hope, more out of life overall. We have programs that are geared specifically to support the way seniors learn best — which makes so many things easier to understand."

Classes change on a weekly basis. From Oct. 13 to 16, participants will learn how to initiate a Zoom video conferencing call, contact lawmakers online, and signing up for home internet service.

Courses are also offered in Spanish.

Take a look:

Online Bill Pay

• When: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 3-4 p.m.
• Description: 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

• When: Thursday, Oct. 15, 4-5 p.m.
• Description: 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

• When: Friday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.– noon
• Description: 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

• When: Friday, Oct. 16, 2-3 p.m.
• Description: 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.

Click here to learn more about Senior Planet Montgomery and its virtual program offerings. You can also call and email the group at 240-753-0676 and mocoinfo@seniorplanet.org.