Free basic computer classes available to seniors

Seniors interested in learning computer basics — starting with how to turn one on — can now take free classes taught by their peers at the Ed Brown Center.

But they will want to sign up fast since spots are limited to eight per session, the August session is already full and at least two were on the interest list for September as of last Friday. To sign-up, call 858-487-9324 or go to the center at 18402 W. Bernardo Drive in Rancho Bernardo Community Park.

The next available four-week session will begin on Sept. 6 and be taught over eight classes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The course will be repeated monthly.

The classes are being taught by a group of Casa de las Campanas residents who have partnered with the nearby Ed Brown Center for Active Adults.

Five of the refurbished computers in the center’s new lab were donated by San Diego Futures Foundation, which trained the Casa instructors. Three more refurbished computers were donated by local resident Larry Saunders, said Lynn Wolsey, EBC board president. All of the computers are PCs and have been loaded with the Windows 10 operating system.

My Nguyen, a project manager at SDFF who focuses on senior digital literacy, said the non-profit organization primarily provides PC and not Apple computers because used PCs are more readily available from donors, including the County of San Diego.

She said it is important that seniors who enroll in the Rancho Bernardo program attend all eight classes in their session. They will be introduced to the technology; learn basic terminology; file management, including how to create, move and save files; how to get online; use an internet browser to conduct an online search; and how to set up an email account, send and read emails. They will also be taught online safety and possible pitfalls of downloading attachments.

Nguyen said the seniors do not need to own a computer, since local libraries provide free access. Wolsey said the Brown center’s computer lab is also available from 9:30 to 3 p.m. on weekdays, when the classes are not occurring.

Pat Stevens, one of the Casa instructors, said Casa partnered with the Brown center as part of its community outreach.

Bob Nelson, another instructor, said participants will take a “little” test at the end of the course and are welcome to enroll in another session if they are still unsure about some concepts.

“Any adult can take the class, but it is geared toward seniors,” Wolsey said. “It is a really basic class.”

“(Seniors) should not be scared away if they do not have a computer,” said Bob Lange, another Casa instructor.

Nguyen said the instructors can provide information to seniors interested in purchasing a computer — through San Diego Futures Foundation or a retail store — so they only buy the computer they need, without upgrades if those are not necessary for their intended use.

Wolsey said depending on response to the beginner course, Brown center officials are interested in providing higher-level computer courses available through SDFF in the future.

Since 1999, San Diego Futures Foundation has provided free computers to area non-profits and low-cost computers to seniors (62 and older), low-income households, veterans, the disabled, foster families, nonprofit employees and others who meet eligibility guidelines. The program’s purpose is make information technology available to undeserved populations and bridge the digital divide in the community.

The low-cost refurbished computers start at $100 for a desktop and $150 for a laptop. Free one-on-one tutoring is available to buyers. By having a computer in their home, children can get homework assistance and the unemployed can have a tool useful in their job search, Nguyen said. For details, contact the foundation at sdfutures.org or 619-269-1684.