Beginners Computers for Retired people

Certification: n/a

Duration: 7 wks x 2 hrs

All Courses in Westgate Computer Centre are TAUGHT COURSES facilitated by fully qualified trainers.

Aim - to encourage older people to become part of the Internet community and deliver skills which are life enhancing, attainable and fun! New windows of opportunity will open eg:

• Being able to communicate cheaply by email
• Using the internet to access more information
• Pay bills on-line and compare prices
• Catch up with the younger generation
• Get information on health issues
• Follow your favourite sports club on the internet
• Book holidays and cheap flights
• Play Bridge and Poker on-line
• Access your favourite radio channel
• Learn about anti-virus software
• Order groceries online

This course is a fun and informal Introduction to Computers and the Internet. The aim of the course is to make older people feel comfortable using a computer and to teach them the skills necessary to communicate using the internet and email. Many people think that computers and the internet are only for office workers, which is not true. There is nothing to be afraid of and learning on this course is not difficult.

Course Content

Basics of Using a Computer

• Desktop
• Windows
• Files and folders

Introduction to Word

• Create, open, close, print and save documents
• Formatting and aligning text

Introduction to the Internet

• Browsing the World Wide Web
• Hyperlinks and web addresses
• Using search engines

Introduction to Email

• Create, send and receive email messages
• Reply and forwarding email messages

Audience - This course starts at the very beginning and introduces some practical ways of using computers. It is aimed particularly at older people who have missed out on the development of technology in recent times.  The physical distance older people have from family and friends is critically important to overcome and getting to grips with computers helps to reduce isolation, quite apart from satisfying a desire to keep an eye on the latest developments.

This course is currently scheduled as follows: