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Connection · Friendship & community as an adult

Tech Made Easy: a computer and smartphone course for seniors

Six short lessons on getting started, making your device easier to use, messages and email, video calls, everyday tasks online, and staying safe simply.

trainyourselfCourse guide · step-by-step lessons
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About this course

Computer and smartphone course for seniors.

Starter · About 1 hour of learning · 6 lessons · 14 quick checks · 1 download

  • Who it's for

    Older adults learning to use a phone, tablet or computer, and family or friends helping them.

  • How it works

    6 guided lessons in your browser, with worked examples, exercises and a quick check after each lesson. Progress is saved in this browser only, and you can restart at any time. You start with just your first name and email, and you can take one whole course that way. After that, a free account lets you continue past lesson 1.

  • Sources we rely on

    12 published sources, mostly regulators and official bodies, listed below so you can check the original guidance yourself.

By the end you can

  • Choose your first goals and find trusted tech help in your country
  • Make text and the display bigger and easier to use
  • Send messages, photos and email, and use a family group chat
  • Make and join video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom
  • Do everyday tasks online with three simple safety habits

Downloads

  • Tech made easy workbook .docxLarge-print full versions of the course exercises: learning plan, settings checklist, keeping in touch practice, video call card, everyday tasks, and a safety card with next steps.

Rules by country

Australia
Be Connected (Australian Government, eSafety): free online courses and free classes at libraries and community centers; myGov.
United Kingdom
Age UK guides and local Age UK computer training; NHS App for GP appointments and prescriptions.
United States
Senior Planet free classes online and in person; your local library.

Learning time

About 1 hour of learning. May count towards your CPD or professional development; check your professional body's rules. Estimated from reading time, exercises, quick checks and downloads.

Sources

Check the originals.

How these courses are made. Spotted an error or out-of-date rule? Send a correction.

Not therapy or counseling. If you're struggling, please contact a support service. In an emergency call 000 (AU), 999 (UK), 911 (US/Canada) or 111 (NZ). Anywhere else, call your local emergency number.

Publisher

Who publishes this course.

Published by trainyourself.org, a trading name of Combine TRS Pty Ltd (ABN 42 112 983 678), Brisbane, Australia.

How it's made: researched from published official, public-health, university and support-service guidance (general education, not counselling or therapy), then run through automated quality checks against our course depth standard and automated source checks that match each rule to its official source, listed above. Read how these courses are made.

Last updated:

General education, not counseling, therapy, medical or legal advice. If you are struggling, contact one of the support services named in this course; in an emergency, call your local emergency number. Spotted an error or an out-of-date rule? Send us a correction.

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