Free Online Classes For Montgomery County Seniors: May 4-7

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 May 4 to 7, participants will learn how to set up an online account with a utility company, navigate Spotify's audio streaming service, and more.

Courses are also offered in Spanish.

Take a look:

Spotify

• When: Tuesday, May 4, 11 a.m.-noon.
• Description: In this lecture, learn about Spotify's important features, including how to search for songs and create playlists. Learn how to follow friends and artists.

Online Bill Pay

• When: Tuesday, May 4, 3-4 p.m.
• Description: In this hands-on workshop, 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.

Video Chat

• When: Thursday, May 6, 11 a.m.-noon.
• Description: In this lecture, learn about commonly used, no or low-cost video chat apps, learn about their features, and explore video chat tips.

Streaming and Smart TVs

• When: Thursday, May 6, 4-5 p.m.
• Description: Lecture 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.

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.