Workshop Topics
Workshops are available for groups from 5 - 30 attendees. Curated for seniors, the topics are cross-platform (Android and iOS), presented in simple, understandable language, and basic enough for all skill levels, while also allowing for discussion and detail should the attendees desire to seek more information. Workshops can last from 30 minutes to one hour.
Staying Safe Online
The US Department of Justice estimates that each year, seniors lose over $3 billion dollars to fraud and scams committed over the phone and the internet. The threat of being taken advantage of online is one of seniors’ biggest aversions to using technology. In this workshop, we will discuss Spammers, Scammers, and Spoofers, and learn the differences between the three. We will see and hear examples of scams that seniors are more likely to fall for, and learn how to identify them when they come our way. And finally, we will discover tips and tricks for keeping yourself safe while using the internet. The internet will feel like a much friendlier place once you’ve learned how to protect yourself.
Staying In Touch with Family and Friends
With technology, staying in touch with family and friends near and far is easier than ever. But with so many ways to do it, how to you decide which communication method to use? In this workshop, we will discuss email and text messaging, and explore the differences between the two. You’ll learn how to find friends and keep in touch using Facebook, and how to stay safe while doing it. And for those occasions when you just need to talk, we’ll go over how to use the phone, as well as video chat services like Skype and FaceTime so you can feel closer than ever to those your love.
Using Technology to Get Around
Staying mobile is very important, and luckily there are more ways than ever to get where you need to go. In this workshop, we’ll discuss how your technology can be the key to getting you out of the house and where you need to be. We’ll talk about Google Maps, an app that can show you how to get where you’re going. We’ll become more familiar with Lyft and Uber, the new ride-sharing services that can provide a ride anywhere for much less than a cab. We’ll discover apps that you can use to find out when a bus, MAX, or Streetcar will arrive and how long it will take you to get you where you’re going. And finally, we’ll explore how to talk to your phone using virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to do all the work for you!
What is “The Cloud”?
The Cloud is one of the most difficult concepts in technology to understand. In this workshop, we’ll explain it as simply as possible, only touching on the aspects that are relevant to you. We’ll cover what the cloud is, what it does, and why it’s important. We’ll also discuss its security and how it affects us on a day to day basis. If you’ve ever wanted more information about “The Cloud”, your questions will be answered, all without leaving your head spinning!
Watching, Playing, and Creating with Technology
Gone are the days of three or four channels on the TV with nothing to watch! There’s a whole world of entertainment out there, you just need to know how to access it. In this workshop, we’ll discuss services like Netflix, Youtube, and Hulu and learn the differences between them. We’ll also discover how you can use your phone or tablet to play games, from classic card games like Cribbage, Bridge, and Solitaire, to word and puzzle games like Scrabble. And if you’re a creative person, we will explore apps that will allow you to draw, paint, or sketch, all without needing any of the tools and with none of the mess! Let’s have fun with technology!
Tips for Fun and Safe Online Shopping
Doing your shopping online is convenient, fast, and can save you money. But it’s also important to know where to do your shopping and how to make sure you’re safe and secure while you’re at it. In this workshop, we’ll cover shopping for groceries using services like Instacart, and getting food delivered with Grubhub or Postmates. We’ll discuss using Amazon and eBay to shop for products and how to get them delivered to your door in a day or two. And you’ll learn tips and tricks to make sure that your credit card number and personal information stay just that: personal.