Computer Literacy Courses for Seniors

Are you interested in learning about computers and how to use them? Are you curious about what a computer can bring into your life? Computers entered our worlds a few decades ago and you may have learned some basics back then and didn’t keep up with the technology. Is it time to catch up with a computer literacy course?

We are far from the clunky, slow, complicated desktop computers with huge monitors of decades ago. Today, practically everyone owns a lightweight laptop or tablet that is easily transportable. 

As computer technology got better over the years, so did its ease of use. Most computers today are very user friendly and you can be surfing the internet and learning some software in no time. 

The Benefits of Learning How To Use a Computer

Why should you learn how to use a computer? There are many reasons why it’s a wise decision to learn to be tech-savvy. One of the main reasons seniors learn to use computers is to stay in contact with friends and family. 

Many families are dispersed across the country and sometimes around the world. Having a computer means that you can video chat with the grandkids for free. A video chat is so much better than a simple phone call. Imagine seeing the smiling faces and bright eyes of your loved ones while they are several states and time-zones away. 

Another reason seniors get computers is for entertainment. There’s an array of streaming movies and TV shows available to watch and also thousands of fun games to play on the internet. Or maybe you’ve always dreamed of writing your memoir? It would be so much easier with a word processor software, like Microsoft Word. 

But how do you get started? Let’s take a look at a few online computer literacy courses that are geared towards beginners and seniors. Unless mentioned otherwise, most of these courses are free. 

Helpful tip: You may want to ask for some help to get you started on your computer with the course of your choice. Ask a friend or a family member to set you up and show you some basics so you can start learning (grandkids are great at this).

Remember: There are two types of computers out there and each has its own operating system. Microsoft Windows and macOS. Make sure you take the courses that cover the information you need for the computer that you own (or will own).

Computer Literacy Courses for Seniors

Tech Boomers

Tech Boomers specializes in free online courses for seniors. They offer over 100 tech-related courses with thousands of easy step-by-step tutorials and informational articles. Learn the basics of the internet or learn how to set up your Facebook account so you can follow your friends and family and share your own photos and posts. 

Meganga

Meganga was created to offer online video courses designed for seniors and beginners. Their basic computer training course is perfect for you if you own an older computer with a Windows 7 operating system. The course covers everything from how to set up an email account to how to get started using Microsoft Word. 

GCF Global

GCF Global has been around for 20 years offering free online lessons to help people gain access to new skills. Learn everything there is to know about the internet and all the browsers available in comprehensive lessons explaining how to download and use each one. Learn all about your Mac computer or your Microsoft Windows computer through the basic operating system lessons that they offer. 

Skillful Senior

This is the website to go to if you want to learn the basics about how to use your mouse and keyboard. Skillful Senior will teach you how to use your hardware but doesn’t offer courses on how to use the internet and other programs. 

Senior’s Guide to Computers 

Senior’s Guide to Computers is the place to go to learn the ins and outs of personal computers. Their tutorials are simplified using terms, examples, pictures, and videos in easy-to-understand English. Learn all about computer hardware and software, or learn how to back up your data.

UDemy

UDemy is an online platform that offers courses on a variety of topics. It has the Basic Computer Skills for Senior Citizens course that is perfect if you are an absolute beginner. UDemy classes are typically not free but are very reasonably priced. For a small fee, you get video lessons and also gain access to asking questions to the instructor for a more personalized experience. 

Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Ok, we love the name of this website. At Old Dog University you can take over 40 hours of free computer training. From Computers 101 which covers everything you need to learn about computers and the internet, to a complete course on how to use Google and YouTube efficiently. 

Home and Learn

At Home and Learn you have access to hundreds of tutorials and lessons aimed at beginners. The content is geared towards Microsoft users and you can have access to a comprehensive guide about your specific operating system, be it Windows XP or Windows 10.

Alison

Alison is another online platform specializing in computer literacy courses on a variety of topics. The lessons may be a little more advanced and also often offer certification. Most courses for beginners are free after you’ve created a profile on their website. 

Free Online Training

This website offers a complete Basic Computer Skills course (for Windows users) divided into a series of lessons like how to create folders, how to install software, and how to add your favorites in web browsers. 

YouTube

YouTube has been around for many years and has grown to become a place to go and learn just about anything. Individuals or small businesses create YouTube accounts called channels where they record videos offering their knowledge to help other people learn. A good place to start is with the Computer Education For all account that will explain in short videos the basics of operating systems among other useful info. 

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn is a social media platform that specializes in career advancement and training. You may want to create a profile if you are still active in the workforce and also take a look at the variety of training courses that they offer for a monthly fee. 

SkillShare

SkillShare is an online platform where people can record their personal courses and lessons and offer them for a monthly fee. Computer Basics – How to make the most out of your device is a great place to start. When you become internet savvy you may even want to record and share your own skills as well. Great way to share your knowledge and make a few extra bucks.

Don’t let yourself be intimidated by computers and technology. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and maybe even frustrated at first but with time and practice, you will learn how to be comfortable using a computer or a tablet.