The search for the top free computer classes for seniors is quite popular. Compared to two decades ago, nearly double the number of seniors are on the web today!
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More than half of the senior population are Internet users. This population is only growing larger. With grandparents wanting to stay in contact with their children, grandchildren, and relatives – learning to adapt to the digital age is becoming more popular.
For younger generations, computer skills come naturally as they grow up in the digital age. For seniors, computers and technology are a matter of adapting. While seniors may take a little longer to adjust, free learning tools can help speed up the process.
Computer classes are available for users of all skill types. Starting at a basic level for beginners, moving to intermediate and advanced levels. Training classes, software programs, and apps offer free services for anyone trying to navigate through the world of technology.
The Top Free Computer Classes for Seniors
We put together a list of some easy-to-use online programs for seniors to become educated on computers and how to use them. Additionally, the classes make it easy enough for anyone to understand and everyone is welcome.
Age is no limitation; check some of these programs out and discover the right one for you.
Skillfulsenior
The website Skillfulsenior is an excellent tool for anyone new to computers. This computer skills program uses easy-to-understand tutorials. The most basic courses teach how to use a mouse and keyboard. Also, typing games make learning fun, provide practice skills, and improve typing speed.
It is a perfect place for elders to learn new essential skills. Emailing your children and grandchildren is a great way to stay in contact. Additionally, you can learn how to get your medical info right on your computer.
TechBoomers
Tech-savvy seniors are even on social media platforms. These social media outlets have taken over; from Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and more. Wanting to learn new things and make technology work for them, seniors seek how-to options to understand these platforms.
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TechBoomers offers tutorials for each platform. Venturing into the world of social media can be intimidating. Also, depending on what outlet you start with, this site provides multiple tutorials for all social media inquiries.
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, despite being different and challenging to learn at first. Luckily, TechBoomers offers an easy crash Instagram course, taking you through how to use the app step-by-step.
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
The creator of the website Teach an Old Dog New Tricks suggests that learning starts with Microsoft Word. This site offers 40+ hours of free computer training. Each MS Word training video and tutorial is brief, making it easier to learn specifics.
Starting from 2 to 5 minutes each, the courses are like mini-training sessions. Every new lesson is a step up from the last. Here, you can gain a vast range of computer knowledge. You can start with the basics, like how to work a mouse and keyboard, and before you know it, you’re connecting your Bluetooth speaker to your iPad.
Goodwill Community Foundation Learn Free
Learning how to live and work in the 21st century can be difficult for many worldwide New advances in technology often require an essential skill set to operate. Fortunately, GCFLearnFree.org offers thousands of learning opportunities.
The site includes tutorials for Microsoft Office and others teaching how to operate an email account. Additionally, some courses start from the computer basics.
Goodwill Industries, the nonprofit that brings you the well-known thrift shops, believes income shouldn’t hinder a persons’ ability to learn. They offer free services to help individuals continue their education or start learning.
Top Free Computer Classes for Seniors: Intermediate and Advanced
After mastering the basics of computing, many seniors are interested in moving on to intermediate or advanced classes. These computer courses cover topics like advanced computer applications, program design, data analysis, and even cybersecurity.
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Skilledup
The company Skilledup has a collection of free and paid online computer science courses from which to choose to further your computer education. These classes range from self-paced to requiring week-long or month-long studies.
Longer courses are comparable to online college courses – minus the debt, as all classes are free. Subjects include cryptography, compilers, program design, hardware security, programming fundamentals, web development, intelligence, and big data.
Once you familiarize yourself with using a computer, searching for instructional videos on computers and social media should come easily. Also, you can find DIY and instructional videos on YouTube. Instructors will give short, to-the-point reviews on things like how to set up a social media profile or make a video call.
More and more seniors use computers to keep up with the digital age. After using free computer training classes, many began to use their computers to listen to music, find dates, watch movies or TV, and even manage their bank accounts and pay and bills online.
Meganga
Meganga is another excellent online website that gives users a basic overview of computers and Microsoft Office. This video-based learning tool covers various topics for seniors and people new to computers. Other video tutorials include basic internet skills, troubleshooting, setting up email accounts, etc.
Popular courses cover photo-editing, web design, and essential computer functions. One of the benefits of using Megana’s website is that it is easy to navigate and does not require an account. If you are seeking free, basic computer training, check out Meganga!
Alison
Alison is another e-learning platform where seniors can increase their computer literacy. This website offers over 3,000 free courses. Still, you must purchase a certificate after successfully completing a class if you wish to have one.
Over the past few years, more Baby Boomers are going back to college. If you are interested in earning a degree online or feel more comfortable with in-person classes, options are available.
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How to Use Your Newfound Computer Skills
At first, learning something new may seem difficult or even impossible. However, taking it step-by-step and learning to become tech-savvy is easy. All you need are the free resources above. Before you know it, you will become a computer expert.
Then, you can put your skills to use by comparing Medicare Supplement plan policy rates online. The great part about Medicare Supplement plans is your ability to enroll or change your plan at any time throughout the year, as long as you can pass medical underwriting.
Put your computer skills to the test. Find the right plan to fit your health needs by completing our online rate comparison form today. We look forward to working with you.
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I joined the US Air Force when I was 19. My job was communications. Our computer took up a whole building. After the AF I worked 2 years for AT&T on a computer. I moved to a different state and started working for The Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office on a computer and I knew all the goodies. Microsoft Word. Excel. And others. I retired 19 years ago. When my employmet ended in 2003 I couldnt keep up new technology. Since then I have almost completely lost all computer knowledge because everything started changing so fast. I recently got a laptop and dont know what to do with it. I can turn it on. ????. I look forward to checking out the sites you listed. I’m pretty sure with that and a son and Daughter-in-law who are computer nerds (getting paid a lot) I will conquer this new age of computers with the help of others who are already on top of new technologies.
I like the basic computer classes.
Megahga
I can barely operate my phone it is not an iPhone. I struggle at work. The younger ones can’t help. The supervisor is good with computers. My only child lives 4 hours away and works a lot. I’m lost. If I don’t learn something new I won’t be working much longer because of this.
Jessie, I completely understand why you are feeling this way. Technology is constantly evolving, and it can be so hard to keep up. However, there are plenty of options for someone like yourself to jump in and learn all there is to know. I recommend looking up the programs listed above and finding the best fit for you.
I’m in the same position. I have been using a computer for work since 1980. Once I’m trained , I can do the job. I can’t navigate anything outside of that. My manager just told me I need classes. I’m feeling so overwhelmed.
Hello Lindsay, I’m trying to teach myself and I’ve been hacked and caused myself more harm then good. Since my teacher passed away [my son], Its been a total nightmare,So here I am trying to send this comment for help for the 4th time. Frustrated but need to learn ,this is the way of the worlds living now a days.Where do I begin and can this old girl even learn.?
Hi Nancy! Yes, you can learn! If you cannot get in-person help, I would try searching YouTube for beginners courses. Or, you could reach out to your local library. A lot of times they offer classes for computers as well.
I need more computers classes in excel or Microsoft office. I have the beginners basic knowledge just recently got termed from my job of 11 years for not having the necessary computer skills.
HI Lindsay, I am a semi-retired generation 1 computer nerd for way back in the days of the dinosaur (60-70’s, Cobol, Assembler, RPG) looking to learn the newer technoloies like Linux System Administration and the Python programming languages. Due to health reasons I was forced to move in with my daughters family now consisting of 3 adults and 7 children ranging in ages from pre-term to 12 years of age, making online instruction impossible. I know some colleges offer seniors to audit some classes but one of the restrictions is computer courses are not offered. I reside in the great state of Colorado and I was wondering if you would have any advice or Recommendations?
Hi Jay! If you’re unable to find a quiet place to do the online courses, I would check out your state library. A lot of times they offer free computer courses each month! However, that’s mostly for beginners. If you’re trying to learn Linux & Python, your best bet is to bring your computer to your local library so you can focus on your online course. Or maybe your local coffee shop. The colleges might even allow non-students to use their library.
i am a senior who is wanting to get back out into the work force, but need computer skills updated.
Hi Kathy! Then one of these computer classes would be great for you!
We have been taught basic from our children but would like to learn a little more advance. Like selling, setting up web pages. Doing Apps, taking bar codes etc, so many thigs to learn
Hi Sherri! I think a great place to learn the above would be YouTube!