Computer literacy courses for retirees and other novice PC users. Computer literacy courses for retirees and beginners: free and for money

How can an elderly person master a computer and the Internet?

There are several learning paths:

courses in groups;
online courses and services;
self-study using books and video lectures.

First of all, a pensioner may be afraid of the new, believing that he can cope without the Internet. In fact, training takes little time. The main thing is to interest an older person and tell them about new opportunities.

Why do pensioners need computer courses:

Active mental activity is resumed, which prevents many mental and brain diseases.
This is a quick way to find answers to questions, from a pie recipe to a television program.
The ability to independently use technology will improve an older person's mood, self-esteem and help relieve boredom.
Now you can get a job, get a promotion, work online.
If friends and relatives are at a great distance, communication via Skype will help brighten up the separation.

Attention! During training, you should not shout or swear at an elderly person. You need to correctly answer repeated questions and, if necessary, write down step-by-step instructions on a piece of paper.

How to make learning comfortable:

Designate a personal computer that will belong only to the pensioner. Then he will be able to organize all the folders on his own and will be more confident in pressing buttons.
There should be a minimum of programs on the desktop. While the student is mastering the standards, he does not need fancy games or applications.
Create a browser shortcut on your desktop. All necessary windows should be pinned in the browser. This could be news, Yandex search engine, YouTube, mail.
Perhaps an older person will be more comfortable learning the “old-fashioned” way. Then it is better to keep a notebook where the main steps will be written down, and you will also be able to independently record key points.
Regularity can move mountains. If you work with a pensioner once a month, nothing will work. It is better to provide new information every day, but in small parts.

The modern Moscow pensioner is an example to many schoolchildren!

Computer literacy is necessary for them to study, find a job and have a successful career. However, there is another, not so numerous, but no less important category of listeners - older people. Moscow pensioners and simply older people have different reasons for looking for high-quality and affordable computer courses, but they are all united by the desire to learn how to competently and skillfully use PCs and mobile devices.

A person’s life does not end with the arrival of retirement age, but sometimes it is just beginning. There is time for leisure, communication and learning new things. The modern world is filled with computers and mobile gadgets, and not only young people, but also older people have to be able to use them correctly and for their intended purpose. After all, using a computer is so convenient to make calls anywhere in the world, communicate with friends or family, learn something new using the Internet and watch your favorite movies and shows online. A skilled PC user has ample opportunities that are completely independent of age.

The courses will definitely come in handy if you are a pensioner and you need:

learn to use the Internet and do it without the risk of catching a virus;
use popular communication tools such as Skype;
Easily apply the best computer programs in your life;
make purchases in online stores following all security rules for electronic payments;
use portals of government, municipal and medical services.

This short list of basic student capabilities, which is mastered quite simply and quickly, can be expanded or shortened.

Where to start mastering a computer?

Learn to turn it on and off.

To turn it on, press the start button, and to turn it off, click the “Start” button at the bottom of the screen on the left side and select “Shut down.”

There are shortcuts on the desktop. Select the one you need, double-click on it with the left mouse button, and the program will open. If there is no shortcut, then you need to go to the “Start” menu, a list of programs will open, from which select the one you need.

In order to close a program or open windows, you need to left-click once on the cross in the upper right corner.

To find the necessary information, a browser is most often used to work with the Internet. At the top of each of them there is a search bar where you need to enter a question. Then click the “enter” key or click the “Find” button, after which a list of sites on the selected topic will appear.

Sometimes you need to save the information you find.

To do this, you can use one of the following methods:

Save the site page to your browser bookmarks. In the top line of the browser you need to find the “Add to bookmarks” icon and click on it;
Save the information to your computer. To do this, move the mouse to the beginning of the text, hold down its left button and move the cursor down as much as the text needs to be saved.

On the selected text, right-click and select Copy.

Open the desktop, click on the Microsoft Office Word shortcut, a white sheet will appear, right-click on it and select “Paste”. Save the text.

Main keyboard keys:

Esc - exit;
Tab - used to move to another tab stop;
Caps Lock - designed to fix the change of case of letters from lowercase to uppercase;
Shift - designed to enter capital letters;
CTRL (Control) - system button, used as a modifier on the keyboard;
Alt is also a modifier key, used to change the value of other keys;
Enter - (input), serves for line feed when typing;
Insert - designed to switch from “insert” mode to “replace” mode;
Delete - when typing, the key deletes the character following the cursor.

How to master a computer faster

To master the computer faster, follow some tips:

Display shortcuts to programs that you often use on your desktop;
Try to remember all the actions rather than writing them down on paper. By performing the same operation several times, you will be able to remember it faster;
Don't be afraid to learn new things. With a little diligence and patience, working on a computer will be a pleasure. The computer will become an indispensable friend and assistant, from where you can get the answer to any question;
To find the answer to your questions, use the Yandex or Google search engine;
If you are not satisfied with the image, it is too small, enlarge it by holding down the Ctrl button and simultaneously rotating the mouse wheel;
Remember motivation. You must clearly understand why you need to master a computer. This could be ordering goods, communicating with friends, or maybe earning money.

Free snippet - Computer literacy basics for retirees

Computer

The computer device can be divided according to the type of user interaction:

- information output devices - a connected device helps the computer convey information to us in a form that we understand (for example, visually on a monitor or on a printer, audio information through speakers.),

- input devices - the device makes it possible to give instructions to the computer (keyboard, mouse).

— input/output devices — devices that combine the two points described above (flash drives, external drives)

Now let's take a closer look at all the main devices that make up a computer.

How to choose a computer for yourself?

But let's be honest: it is not necessary to know the structure of a computer; not everyone will need this information in practice, but for those who want to broaden their horizons: a computer consists of a system unit, a monitor, a keyboard and a “mouse.”

A system unit is a set of elements that connects all the elements of a computer. It used to be the size of a room, then it became like a box, now it unfolds like a book (laptop) or has no keyboard at all (tablet) or can be located in your phone (smartphone).

The processor is the main computing part; the speed of your “Personal Computer” will depend on its speed. There are two competitors on the market, AMD and Intel, it will be difficult for you to understand all the models of these manufacturers, but the more cores in one processor, the faster the computer will be.

RAM is required for the processor to operate; the larger it is, the more information your computer can process.

A hard drive is a storage medium; it determines how much information your computer can remember.

And much more, but you should pay special attention to the characteristics of these parts; the presence of an SSD drive in the computer, this will significantly speed up the operation of the computer.

Why do computers cost differently?

A computer needs a certain amount of time to perform some action; it needs to receive, process and store information, that is, “think.” The higher the characteristics of the parts that are responsible for this, the higher the performance and the higher the price. That is, the components of the system unit are responsible for how and at what speed your computer works. For most people, the performance is enough to allow them to easily work with basic programs, surf the Internet, and watch movies, but for professionals who work with large photos or videos, this is not enough, so they need more powerful computers.

Appearance of parts of the system unit

Monoblock

In modern computers, computer parts are minimized, they fit into the monitor case and they are called Monoblocks.

Monitor

A monitor, scientifically speaking, is a device for displaying text and graphic information. Behind such a clutter of words lies a simple essence. This means that after the system unit with all its components has processed the information, “calculated”, it produces a result, this result can be displayed either in text form, or using images, pictures, photographs, etc. (then is with the help of graphical information). He conveys this result to us through the monitor.

Monitors come in different sizes. The size of the monitor is determined by the length of the diagonal, which is measured in inches. Everything is clear here, the more inches, the larger the screen size. (1 inch = 2.54 cm.)

System unit

The system unit is the most important part of the computer, but what makes it so important is not its appearance, size or name, but what is in it. What's inside? We'll look at this in the next topic, but now let's look at the evolution of the computer.

The Harwell Dekatron was developed between 1949 and 1951 and is the oldest working computer today.

Now the computer is in the palm of our hands, and in the future...

Keyboard

This is an information input device, with the help of which we “type” text.

There are a lot of keys on the keyboard, but we still don’t have enough of them, so each button carries several characters. For example, each button has two letters: in Cyrillic and in Latin. Which mode is installed and you can change it on the “Taskbar” with the left mouse button. In the form of the sign RUS and ENG (RU and EN)

Popular myths about computers and the Internet

It's bad for your health. The eyes will go blind, the back will not straighten, and so on. Of course, if you sit at the computer from morning to evening, you can ruin your health. But nothing will happen in a couple of hours - you won’t even feel how they fly by!
This is harmful to the psyche. And in general, the Internet is dulling. Of course, it's mind-numbing if you watch all sorts of nonsense all day long. But you won't do that! Now the Internet is a repository of knowledge of the entire history of mankind. Here you can read books, take virtual tours of museums around the world, watch photographs and videos of different countries and cities, study and educate yourself.
It’s difficult—it’s hard to learn new things when you’re old. But that’s not true! In fact, everyone can master the basics of computer literacy. Next, we will give examples of courses and programs where everything is explained literally on the fingers.
It is expensive. A simple netbook (small laptop) costs around 10 thousand rubles. If you can’t pull it off yourself, ask your children and grandchildren for a gift, they will only be delighted with your activity and modernity.
I’m not used to it (la), it’s easier for me the old fashioned way. Well, you once got used to using cell phones and appreciated their convenience! Believe me, the computer will be even more useful in life - it has a lot of useful functions.

Computer literacy courses for retirees and beginners: free and for money

Why does a pensioner need a computer?

It's easier to say why it's not needed. Nowadays, it seems, almost everything is done using a PC and the Internet. A pensioner will need computer literacy skills to:

search for the information you need quickly and for free (excluding the cost of the PC itself and the Internet, of course);
to pay for utilities online, rather than stand in queues for hours;
to communicate with family and friends online and for free - for example, via Skype or on social networks;
to keep a blog - an analogue of diaries, write memoirs, share useful tips with descendants;
to store memorable photographs in a convenient digital archive;
to listen to music and watch movies. If you sometimes can’t find old and rare records in stores, you can find everything on the Internet!
to make money on the Internet. We wrote about ways to earn money for retirees in this article;
to make an appointment at the clinic, buy tickets online for travel, theaters, exhibitions.

All this is possible, you just have to discard stereotypes and take a step towards something new.

Popular myths about computers and the Internet

It's bad for your health. The eyes will go blind, the back will not straighten, and so on. Of course, if you sit at the computer from morning to evening, you can ruin your health. But nothing will happen in a couple of hours - you won’t even feel how they fly by!
This is harmful to the psyche. And in general, the Internet is dulling. Of course, it's mind-numbing if you watch all sorts of nonsense all day long. But you won't do that! Now the Internet is a repository of knowledge of the entire history of mankind. Here you can read books, take virtual tours of museums around the world, watch photographs and videos of different countries and cities, study and educate yourself.
It’s difficult—it’s hard to learn new things when you’re old. But that’s not true! In fact, everyone can master the basics of computer literacy. Next, we will give examples of courses and programs where everything is explained literally on the fingers.
It is expensive. A simple netbook (small laptop) costs around 10 thousand rubles. If you can’t pull it off yourself, ask your children and grandchildren for a gift, they will only be delighted with your activity and modernity.
I’m not used to it (la), it’s easier for me the old fashioned way. Well, you once got used to using cell phones and appreciated their convenience! Believe me, the computer will be even more useful in life - it has a lot of useful functions.

What will you learn in the courses?

Basically, computer literacy courses teach the basics—the very basics. Here's what's included in most standard programs:

What components does a computer (laptop) consist of?
Computer capabilities, important programs and buttons.
How to work with the Internet:

how to register and communicate on social networks;
how to create an email;
how to use search engines;
how to shop and pay bills online;
how to save and download the necessary information.

If you like it and want to understand further - you can easily find more detailed information on the Internet - now you can!

Numerous video tutorials and webinars (video seminars) on a wide variety of, even highly specialized topics are freely available.

Computer Literacy Training Options

If you do not already have a computer, you will not be able to take the online course. Another option is to use the computer of your children and grandchildren. In this case, we advise you to attend free courses, which are available in many cities and are conducted at the expense of the state - as a rule, in training centers, libraries, pensioners' societies, veterans' councils. Information about them can be found in the center for social protection of the population.
Video tutorials, articles on various sites. In this case, you will have to look for them yourself. And not just search, but systematize - go through lessons from simple to complex, for example. This is quite difficult if you are not in the subject at all.
Online courses - both free and paid. We will talk about some in this article. The convenience of this method is that you choose the time when it is most convenient for you to study. Just save articles or video lessons and watch them whenever you want - even at night if you have insomnia. And the classes in such courses are already ordered from simple to complex - you only need to watch them sequentially.

What opportunities do computer literacy courses offer for pensioners?

Believe in yourself, and you can master the basics of computer literacy in 1-2 months. After successful training, the following opportunities will open up to you:

reading “latest” news or books via the Internet;
watching your favorite films and TV series at a time convenient for you;
communication with classmates, relatives or work colleagues through social networks;
making an appointment at the clinic;
purchasing tickets and goods online;
obtaining information about the location of a specific city object;
drug price monitoring;
pay for utilities and cellular services online;
and much more.

Standard training programs are developed taking into account age characteristics. The lessons are structured in such a way that the pensioner gradually receives the necessary information and is able to develop the ability to give the computer relevant commands. After completing the courses, you will master the Windows operating system, basic programs, email, flash drives and peripheral devices, and will also be able to configure your device.

Online lessons

The country has adopted a state program to support the education of pensioners. Territorial bodies of the Pension Fund of Russia (PFR), based in schools and libraries, together with IT companies, conduct classes for unemployed elderly people. All courses are free, and their students are recipients of old-age or disability insurance pensions. The purpose of the classes is to develop basic knowledge, learn to work on a computer, and use government information resources.

Since 2006, Russia has had an accessible “Electronic Citizen” program to teach computer literacy to pensioners and other socially vulnerable segments of the population.

Students are given a set of teaching aids. Upon completion of training, older citizens can take a test and receive an international certificate.

ABC of the Internet

This joint project was created by the Pension Fund of Russia and OJSC Rostelecom. The main task is to teach pensioners and people with disabilities the basics of working with a computer and the Internet. Official website – www.azbukainterneta.ru. You can learn how to use a PC for free. Take the course online or download the textbook.

After training, pensioners can use the Internet, request certificates and documents, make payments, search for and perform work. If necessary, you can ask questions and get clarification from the methodologists.

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Pros and cons of a prenuptial agreement

It’s easy to test your skills on the site if you go to the “Test Questions” section.

Main objectives of the training course:

Gaining skills in working with computer equipment.
Socialization of elderly citizens, organization of their leisure time.
Ensuring the right to receive government services electronically.
Motivation to acquire new knowledge.

Virtual Computer Academy

The author of the project is Sergey Avdevnin. He created a special website www.pc-pensioneru.ru, where in the form of articles he gives free advice to pensioners on how to learn to work with a PC.

The main goal of the project is to help older people get comfortable with the digital space, to show that a computer for pensioners is a means to lead a fulfilling lifestyle.

By visiting a portal or specialized groups on social networks, a person will gain knowledge in the following areas:

Windows operating system;
text editor Word;
Photoshop;
work on the Internet;
creating your own website;
social media.

Training formats, their pros and cons

There are several options for learning how to use a computer from scratch.

Gaining knowledge online on special sites

On online learning platforms, lesson plans are built on various topics, tests and assignments can be provided to test knowledge, and there is also support and answers to questions in the comments to the materials. The main advantages of this approach:

you plan your own time for studying;
you can return to the information you have covered at any time and refresh it in your memory;
You can take only relevant lessons; it is not at all necessary to go through the entire training program from beginning to end.

Now about the disadvantages of the method. Studying online requires discipline and internal motivation. There is no teacher who grades and forces you to carefully study the topic. Even with well-established and fairly quick responses to comments, it can be difficult to get a detailed answer to your question.

It is also difficult to master anything beyond the given lesson. That is, the site simply may not have the information you need.

In general, this option is quite convenient if you find a good website where the material is presented simply and clearly, and feedback is provided promptly. Below I will talk about several successful projects.

Electronic citizen

The Electronic Citizen program exists with the support of the state. It is aimed at leveling the playing field for those who have not yet mastered the capabilities of the computer and the Internet. The program also helps you register for various services that will make life easier for pensioners, for example, the State Services website.

Studying courses in a group or individually with a teacher

In many cities you can find private schools that teach beginners how to use a computer. You need to come and sign up for a group or individual lessons with a teacher. The advantages of this method of learning:

the presence of a teacher does not allow you to relax, you have to work at full strength;
the mentor answers all questions, helps when difficulties arise, all this happens quickly, there is no need to wait for an answer for several hours or days, as is the case with online resources;
Studying in a group additionally stimulates the acquisition of knowledge and skills, helps to cope with shyness and indecisiveness.

The main disadvantage of such lessons is the need to allocate time and adapt to the schedule of the training center. But for older people this is even a plus. You can take a walk, meet fellow students and communicate, which is also important at an older age. Another drawback is that it is often a paid basis, but there are social projects with free training for pensioners. I'll tell you about them a little later.

You can also learn how to use a computer for free if you ask a friend to become a teacher. It is often difficult for older people to find a common language with their grandchildren and children: it is difficult for them to learn, and teachers and students lack patience. But you can find a good mentor among friends of your grandchildren or children.

YouTube

YouTube is an excellent resource for free learning in any field. Just enter “computer literacy”, “computer training from scratch” into the search bar, and dozens of videos and playlists on this topic will appear.

Books

A good book can replace online learning and even a teacher. Advantages of this method:

availability at any time;
information is always at hand in a convenient format, you can pick up a textbook and immediately apply your knowledge at the computer;
you can make notes, bookmarks, take the book with you for a walk, to the clinic, the subway, to the beach;
a fairly detailed discussion of what online courses may lack.

The disadvantages include the need for discipline and a great desire to learn, as well as the cost of books. Good benefits don't come cheap. Try asking your acquaintances and friends, perhaps they have such a textbook, and you can study with it for free. Another option is to ask your children or friends to give you a good allowance.

I like the books in the “For Dummies” series. They are written in clear language and explain all the actions in detail with examples. This series contains the following textbooks on the basics of computer literacy:

a guide to working with the latest version of the most common operating system today, “Windows 10 for dummies”,
“Internet for dummies”,
“PC for dummies” and “Computer for dummies”,
“Laptops for pensioners.”

If you are used to learning from books, then this method will help you master the computer.

How to learn for free

Learning to use a computer occurs in different ways. The easiest way is to ask friends or relatives for help. If this is not possible, consider other training options:

Online via the Internet. The method is suitable for those who have a basic level of computer knowledge and know how to use the Internet and Skype. For classes, you need to choose a training program, for example, web programming or computer graphics, and register on a specific website.
Offline. The method is suitable for experienced users and retirees with basic PC skills. To learn, you need to download the course from the Internet, burn the lessons onto a flash drive or CD. The advantage of this method is learning at a convenient time and anywhere.
Based on textbooks and tutorials. This option is suitable for people who have never used a computer. To learn how to use a PC, you need to buy books in a store or borrow them from a library.
Circles and sections that are formed with the support of social protection authorities. The main advantage is classes in small groups, where you can always get answers to questions from the teacher.

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What are the features of training for older people?

lack of unnecessary technical knowledge in the course program;
training in using all socially useful portals in Moscow (for example, the State Services website);
The speed of delivery of material is adapted to the capabilities of the pensioner;
A weak initial level of training or a complete lack of basic knowledge is taken into account;
The necessary assistance is provided for independent work.

In general, the education of older people is not much different from the education of middle-aged people. Of course, we understand that with age it becomes more and more difficult to master new information, especially if it concerns computers. But nothing is impossible: competent teachers, an effective curriculum, a lot of visual aids and materials, practical assignments and timely consultations - all this will help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills to handle computer equipment on a first-name basis.

Pensioners only need special computer courses

Very often we hear from our clients stories about unsuccessful experiences of attending other courses, where instead of stories about the assignment of keys and the concept of a file, an elderly person is “carefully” immersed in the intricacies of processor architecture and BIOS settings. To avoid this, there is only one piece of advice - look for specialized courses for pensioners! Our training center has prepared just such a training program. "Alliance" is one of the oldest training centers in Moscow, where various areas of computer courses are collected, and they know first-hand what educational and methodological preparation is and the quality of teaching! We provide clients with various needs and capabilities with the necessary knowledge and skills to work with computers and application programs. Everyone: from children to pensioners, has the opportunity to gain high-quality and useful knowledge. In particular, the computer courses under consideration have some features that make them adapted and effective specifically for older people.

What are the features of training for older people?

lack of unnecessary technical knowledge in the course program;
training in using all socially useful portals in Moscow (for example, the State Services website);
The speed of delivery of material is adapted to the capabilities of the pensioner;
A weak initial level of training or a complete lack of basic knowledge is taken into account;
The necessary assistance is provided for independent work.

Forms of training

Corporate

Special courses for personnel of organizations

Individual

Lessons with a tutor visiting the client

Remote

General webinars and personal lessons in online format

Difficulty levels

Elementary

Teaching computer programs from scratch

Professional

Advanced computer skills

Recommended programs

MS Excel

All aspects of working with spreadsheets

MS Project

Project management automation program

MS PowerPoint

Creating and demonstrating effective presentations

Apple

Skills in using technology on Mac OS and iOS

Our courses will definitely come in handy if you are a pensioner and you need:

learn to use the Internet and do it without the risk of catching a virus;
use popular communication tools such as Skype;
Easily apply the best computer programs in your life;
make purchases in online stores following all security rules for electronic payments;
use portals of government, municipal and medical services.

This short list of basic student capabilities, which is mastered quite simply and quickly, can be expanded or shortened. After all, we work individually, taking into account the needs of each of our clients. By enrolling in Alliance computer courses, every Moscow pensioner can easily choose the most convenient form of training for themselves, which is best adapted to the needs of an elderly person.

And remember: it’s never too late to learn!

Why does a pensioner need a computer?

It's easier to say why it's not needed. Nowadays, it seems, almost everything is done using a PC and the Internet. A pensioner will need computer literacy skills to:

search for the information you need quickly and for free (excluding the cost of the PC itself and the Internet, of course);
to pay for utilities online, rather than stand in queues for hours;
to communicate with family and friends online and for free - for example, via Skype or on social networks;
to keep a blog - an analogue of diaries, write memoirs, share useful tips with descendants;
to store memorable photographs in a convenient digital archive;
to listen to music and watch movies. If you sometimes can’t find old and rare records in stores, you can find everything on the Internet!
to make money on the Internet. We wrote about ways to earn money for retirees in this article>;
to make an appointment at the clinic, buy tickets online for travel, theaters, exhibitions.

All this is possible, you just have to discard stereotypes and take a step towards something new.

Free video tutorials and materials

What else can you watch and read for free for those who are learning to use a computer, basic programs and the Internet:

Computer mastering course “Neumeka” from beginner to advanced user
Articles for beginners and those who already know the basics
Series of books from the Dialectics publishing house: “For Dummies” (computer, windows 10, internet, etc.)
Online tutorial for pensioners and more - about working on a computer and on the Internet
Website about computer literacy for beginners
A couple of courses on the basics of working in Windows 10
Another collection of lessons about working on a PC
Blog about computer literacy, safety and working on the Internet