Free, 3-week series, launches June 7 at Smith Village
Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl., will host Tech Tuesdays, a free, three-part series sponsored by 19th Ward Ald. Matt O’Shea and BAPA and designed to help seniors harness more of the power in their digital devices.
Sessions, open to all area residents, will be held Tuesdays, June 7, 14 and 21, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Participants are invited to arrive as early as 10 a.m. to visit with each other and to enjoy Smith Village’s hospitality.
While the classes are free, participants are asked to make reservations for each of the three classes online at the19thward.com or by calling 773-238-8766. Please indicate the kind of digital device you use.
“Smartphones and tablets can be incredibly helpful, yet often even experienced users only master a few features instead of leveraging the power of what we hold in our hands,” said Ald. O’Shea. “These classes can help participants use their devices more effectively.”
With the goal of providing specific instructions and hands-on assistance, one classroom will be designated for participants using Apple products including iPhone and iPad, and a second room for Android users with Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and Google devices.
The series of classes includes:
Applications to make life easier –June 7
Access information from the 19th Ward, City of Chicago and BAPA; set up and manage telehealth visits; master transportation applications like Uber, Lyft and Curb; and discover the most useful and popular apps for seniors.
Staying connected –June 14
Learn how to use FaceTime, WhatsApp and Zoom, as well as how to set up email and text groups to stay in touch with friends and family. Plus, discover ways to take, save, share and print photos and videos.
Taking safety and security measures – June 21,
Learn how to identify scam emails; delete and unsubscribe from unwanted emails; and install Ring and other doorbells with security cameras. Learn how social media tags your searches to send unsolicited information and how to identify accurate, unbiased stories on social media.
All participants must bring their own devices so they can immediately apply what they’re learning to their own smartphones and tablets.
“We are so delighted to be able to sponsor these classes in person this year,” said BAPA Executive Director Mary Jo Viero. “The classes were wonderful on Zoom last year, but they will be even more powerful when we all can be together.”
“Smartphones and tablets are woven into everyday life,” said Smith Village Executive Director Marti Jatis. “We are pleased to host this series because we know first-hand how important it is for older adults to stay in touch and to expand their understanding of the devices that most already have.”
