Free Online Classes For Montgomery County Seniors: Feb. 8-12

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 Feb. 8 to 12, participants will learn how to choose the right computer, energy-efficient light bulbs, and more.

Courses are also offered in Spanish.

Take a look:

Lighting and Smart Bulbs

• When: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 3-4 p.m.
• Description: Lecture reviews common lighting terminology like watts and lumens and explains the differences between the many types of bulbs currently on the market. Learn which bulb offer the most in terms of energy efficiency that can help lower a utility bill. Additionally, explore the benefits of smart bulbs and smart lighting and how they can be controlled through applications and smart home hubs like Alexa and Google Home.

Streaming and Smart TVs

• When: Thursday, Feb. 11, 4-5 p.m.
• Description: Presentation will provide 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 allow streaming from the Internet.

How to Choose a New Computer

• When: Friday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-noon.
• Description: Session addresses some of the most common questions surrounding how to choose a new computer: Where to start? What’s a reliable brand? How much should you budget? Also addresses technical specifications.

Clases en Español:

Aplicaciones Para La Atención Plena

• Cuando: Lunes, 8 de Febrero. 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.
• Descripción: La atención plena es la habilidad de estar plenamente presente y consciente. Puede practicar la atención plena a través de actividades sencillas. Esta presentación introduce la atención plena y sus beneficios físicos y mentales, por ejemplo, cómo reducir la ansiedad, mejorar la memoria y bajar la presión arterial. Aprenderá sobre aplicaciones populares que enseñan técnicas de respiración y meditación, también sobre nueva tecnología como los monitores de respiración portátiles y las colchonetas inteligentes para yoga.

Todo Sobre Aplicaciones Para La Atención Plena

• Cuando: Miércoles, 10 de Febrero 11 a.m.- 12 p.m.
• Descripción: ¿Tienes curiosidad por saber más sobre Aplicaciones Para la Atencion Plena? ¿Quiere practicar sus habilidades de meditación? ¡Únase a este programa para responder todas sus preguntas acerca de Aplicaciones Para la Atencion Plena!

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.