Learning a new skill at any age can be challenging but perhaps it is more so for those who find that they're seniors in a tech savvy world filled with technology and computer jargon. It can be exceptionally intimidating and overwhelming when you are surrounded by smart devices and you find that you don't understand how they work.
Technology can be highly profitable and helpful to the user who understands how to work with it and manage it. Learning how to use technology like computers and the internet will be beneficial and can even make your life a lot easier when you know how to put these devices to use in your life.
So many of life's day to day activities can be done via the internet and when seniors know how to put this tool to use, they can simplify many of the things which turn out to be difficulties later in life. Why navigate a busy shopping centre when you could simply just order all your necessary groceries online with just a few clicks of the mouse?
Learning how to work the technology in your life doesn't have to be a daunting task to face. It can be made super easy by putting to use some of these online learning tools that will give you all the basic instruction you need to get you using the computer and other devices like a pro.
Before we get started, you may want to check out the program Eldy. This is a completely free program designed and created by an Italian non-profit organization. It can be downloaded and installed on your computer and comes in a few different languages.
It will turn your computer (whether it is a laptop, iPad, tablet or just a desktop computer) into a simple and easy-to-use device by changing your home screen into a six button interface.
While this is not an online website, it makes navigating your computer screen so much easier because there are only six options to choose from. There is a button for Mail, Internet and Chat to name but a few.
Learning new skills is also a way to keep the mind young, even whilst the body ages. Studies have shown that those who learn a variety of skills later in life can increase their cognitive abilities to levels that are close to those around thirty years younger.
With such an incentive you'd be hard pressed to come up with any acceptable excuse to not make use of some of the online courses that are out there.
1. Techboomers
This website was designed to fill a specific void -- that of there not being enough websites out there that specifically target those in the senior phase of life that want to learn how to use computers.
With over a hundred free courses to choose from, you will find thousands of tutorials that have step-by-step instruction on how to do different things. Whether you want to know how to open a social media account or simply how to navigate through Google to find information, there is sure to be something here that will help.
There are also courses on how to set up and use online shopping, which is definitely something that is worth learning about as this simplifies everything from pharmacy trips to ordering ready-made meals so that you won't need to cook if you don't want to. There are even courses on how to stay safe whilst working online.
Techboomers has such a vast range of helpful courses that you will soon become comfortable with using the internet and you'll develop those computer skills which will allow you to further explore other online learning options.
2. Future Learn
This website has got some amazing online courses available that will have you tech savvy in no time at all. Unfortunately the free version only gives you a limited access time period, but the paid version is certainly worth the investment. You will learn how to work your computer and other devices and also how to find your way through the internet safely.
Future Learn not only has courses in IT (internet technology) and computer science, but it also covers a vast field of other topics such as the arts, history, and business management and so on. Added to this, if you subscribe to the monthly package you will even receive a certificate when you have completed the course.
You get to learn at your own pace and will not need to feel rushed by others.
3. TakeLessons.com
This website offers a variety of computer lessons at affordable rates and the lessons are all presented by educated and top rated experts. You will be able to have your choice of online lessons, with some lessons being given by the instructor in a studio. There is also the option in some instances to have an instructor give the lesson in home, although that may carry an extra cost.
Each instructor has their own pricing structure for an hour of instruction but the average cost is around $70 per hour. You can search through the list of instructors for the subject you want to study in order to find someone who matches your needs and requirements. Then all you do is set up a meeting and get cracking.
TakeLessons.com has quite a few different lessons on computer skills training that would be beneficial to any senior. Not only that, but their instructors are also patient and willing to teach at a pace that you are comfortable with.
4. TeachUcomp, Inc.
Founded in 2001, TeachUComp, Inc. started out as a classroom training center but rapidly grew into a provider of educational materials for customers found all around the world. It doesn't matter whether you are new to the computer world or whether you just want to brush up on some computer knowledge, this site has what you need.
You can learn all about how to use the complete Microsoft Office package as well as programs like QuickBooks, Teams and even Photoshop (to edit those slightly unflattering holiday photos). You are able to choose between a one month subscription, a one year subscription or a two year subscription.
5. Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
This website takes you to a YouTube channel that contains hours of free lessons that will guide you through how to use Microsoft Outlook and other Microsoft package tools. There is also a handy course on Google as well as Computers 101 which will give you tips on how to be a better computer user.
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks is brilliant for those who do not wish to spend money and still wish to acquire the skills needed to navigate through the basics of computer use. However, should you wish to partake of one-on-one training with Tony (the founder) you can do so for a fee.
6. Home and Learn
Home and Learn offers free online courses that will help you to better understand the world of technology. It will make sense of the infinitely vast scope of programs such as Word, Excel and even the basics of web designing. There is even a course or two on computer programming for the more adventurous.
The course on Excel will teach you how to enter formulas, open new workbooks and create charts. The Word course will teach you everything from formatting your document to adding pictures and multiple pages. It also focuses on instructing how to use shortcuts and access the different features on the toolbar. In no time at all you'll be able to whiz through Word like a pro.
In Closing ...
In addition to the above websites, there is also an option from Microsoft. Microsoft has many tools to help users navigate around their software. One of these tools is Windows Accessibility, which helps people with specific difficulties and needs to more easily access and navigate around their computer.
There are features which will help seniors customize their computers for more streamlined ease of navigation while allowing for more comfortable use. Not only does Microsoft Accessibility have these features but it also has tutorials on how to access and apply the features.
At the end of the day, the thing to remember is that the world around us is rapidly becoming enveloped in technology and we really need to know how to use it. Technology can make life a lot easier once you know how it works and what it can do.
You might not be able to travel like you used to, but with just a few clicks of a mouse button you can be happily chatting away with your grandchildren as if they were in the same room ... Well, almost in the same room.
These days just about everything can be done with computers, so even if you've never used a computer before it would be advisable to start learning how to with one of these helpful online sources mentioned above. Just knowing the basics will already help you in many ways. Especially if you're thinking of investing in smart devices to help you age in place.
As always, if you're needing any kind of additional help with your computer or navigating the internet, consider reaching out to HelpCloud technicians for remote support.
