Ask The Techspert: Your Guide to Senior Planet Resources

Have a tech question that’s got you stumped? Send your tech questions to Techspert Jonathan using THIS FORM. He’ll be tackling one question a month from readers.

Are you familiar with all of the different resources that Senior Planet has to offer? You may have explored some in the past, like our live classes or my past Techspert columns, but there are many different types of resources available depending on your learning preferences and needs. This article covers our most popular resources, so feel free to bookmark the link on your internet browser tab (I’ve linked a video about how to bookmark a website at the bottom of this article). 

The Senior Planet Hotline

If you prefer to chat with a live human about your tech troubles, the hotline will be the most convenient resource for you. I recommend that you save this number as a contact in your mobile phone or write it down somewhere easily accessible. When you call the hotline, a dedicated and patient technology trainer can help you find solutions for basic technology dilemmas or answer a question about upcoming classes. The Senior Planet Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 8:00pm ET. Call the Senior Planet Hotline at: 888-713-3495

Tech Tips Videos

Tech tips videos are short, succinct videos that help you learn the basics of tech-related concepts. These videos are created by Senior Planet and updated frequently! Tech topics covered in our current library include:

• Downloading apps
• Setting up a Gmail account
• Spotify
• Personal Hotspot
• and much more!

Visit our entire library of tech tips videos. Below is an example of a tech tips video you will find at the link above Bookmarking a website on Chrome (Desktop):

Glossary of Technology Terms

Let’s face it, jargon terms that you can’t understand make learning a new skill more difficult than it needs to be! Our newest tech resource is an online glossary of tech terms – explained in simple, understandable words – and with links leading to additional information such as an article or video. This glossary is a living resource that we will keep adding to and improving. Visit the Glossary of Technology Terms

Ask a Tech Expert Group on SPC

Senior Planet Community (SPC) is our safe and ad-free social media platform exclusive to older adults. The platform is group-based, typically organized around interest areas like photography or pets, but there is a unique group called Ask a Tech Expert where users can post tech questions to receive direct access to tech experts via the group. Senior Planet Technology Trainers and Verizon Volunteers will then reply back to the posts – and users can follow up with additional questions as they arise! 🧑‍🔧  💻  Visit the “Ask a Tech Expert” group on SPC

Tech-related Articles

There is always a supply of new tech articles available on the Senior Planet website in the articles section. Senior Planet publishes multiple articles in the technology category each month to update you on the latest tech trends. You can visit our extensive library of articles on technology at the link below. Read all technology articles

Technology Classes and Events

Arguably our most beloved tech resource, Senior Planet live classes are offered both online and in-person at Senior Planet centers and partner sites across the country. Browse through all of our upcoming online lectures at www.seniorplanet.org/classes or try one in-person at the locations below:

• New York City, NY
• North Country, NY
• Montgomery County, MD
• Denver, CO
• San Antonio, TX
• Miami, FL (Coming soon)
• Browse partners who offer Senior Planet classes locally

If you do not live close to any of the above locations, you can still benefit from our in-person classes thanks to our Licensing Program. This program allows local organizations across the country to offer Senior Planet classes. Click here to find nearby organizations hosting Senior Planet classes. Plus, if there’s not a licensing program partner near you, you can always ask your local library to become one. Visit the OATS website to learn more about how local organizations can join the program for free. 

1-on-1 Tech Tutoring

Senior Planet offers virtual Tech Tutoring sessions with Verizon Volunteers, where participants receive help via video call with technology-related questions. These personalized sessions are hosted on Zoom using individual breakout rooms, and are offered in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.  Click here to register for 1-on-1 tech tutoring. (Please note, English sessions are currently full. For assistance, call the Senior Planet Hotline at 888-713-3495.)

Bonus: Save Money on Internet

Learn more about how the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can help low-income households get help paying for internet and devices. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Learn more about the ACP

Your turn

Comment below with one of your favorite Senior Planet tech resources and suggestions for resources you’d like to have!

 

Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planet’s Sr. Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer. He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.

Are You Digital Skills Ready?

Want to get even more digitally savvy? Senior Planet is proud to work with AARP Foundation on the Digital Skills Ready@50+™ initiative, made possible through a generous grant from Google.org. The resources focus on digital essentials to help older adults find and secure jobs, change careers, or explore entrepreneurship. Visit here to learn more and register  – registration is required.

Jonathan, Senior Planet’s Techspert columnist, answers one of your questions every month.