Greetings, dear readers.
If you opened your browser and found this article, you have already taken a big step towards new knowledge and skills. Today I will talk about what computer literacy courses you can take to quickly master the basics of working with technology and the most necessary programs.
This material will be useful for older people and all novice personal computer (PC) users. Let's talk about different training formats and consider several online services. At the end of the article there will be addresses and telephone numbers of “live” free courses for older people in major cities Russia.
There are several options for learning how to use a computer from scratch. Let's consider each of them, highlighting the pros and cons.
Gaining knowledge online on special sites
On online learning platforms there is a lesson plan for different 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 also works quickly Feedback. Below I will talk about several successful projects.
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 sessions with the 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.
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.
“The ABCs of the Internet” – a textbook for pensioners
The resource “AzbukaInterneta.rf” was created by PJSC Rostelecom together with the Pension Fund of Russia specifically for training older people, but training can be completed at any age, there are no restrictions on free acquisition of knowledge. The website provides online lessons, and you can also download a textbook and study without access to the Internet.
The course covers 14 topics:
- Computer device in simple language.
- Working with files and folders in the Windows operating system.
- Word text editor for beginners.
- Basics of working with a browser, accessing the Internet.
- Searching for information on the Internet.
- Internet safety.
- Creating and using email.
- Registration and receipt of information on the State Services website “gosuslugi.ru”. Websites of Armenian authorities.
- Websites of Russian federal bodies. Social online services in Armenia.
- Working with the web resource of the Russian Pension Fund.
- Useful services and online shopping.
- Social media.
- Installing and using Skype.
- Search for work on the Internet.
In my opinion, this is one of the most successful free courses, which from the very beginning and without unnecessary information teaches how to use a computer for everyday tasks. To start studying the materials, go to the website “Azbukainterneta.rf” and click on the “Start classes” button.
If you are new to using a computer, start with the very first lesson. At any time, you can open the section that is relevant to you and go through the material on it. To do this, click on the “Watch lesson” button.
The information is presented in text form with screenshots. At the end of the material on the topic there are test questions to consolidate the knowledge gained. To return to section selection, click on the arrow in the browser window.
Another option is to use the menu on the left. To do this, you need to go to the site header.
You can download the textbook to your device at any time to view the information at a convenient time and print it if necessary.
The only drawback of the “ABC of the Internet” project that I saw was the obsolescence of information. In particular, work with Windows 7 is considered, but now Windows 10 is the most common one. Their interface is significantly different.
“Neumeka” – a course for mastering computer programs
- “Computer for Beginners”, including the basics of working with Windows.
- “Working on a Computer” helps you understand the structure of the device and basic terms, as well as operating system settings at a basic level.
- “Training in computer programs” includes the basics of the most popular programs: Word, Excel, Paint.
- “Internet for Beginners” is needed to master working with a browser, popular social networks, and Skype. The author also paid attention to modern slang on the Internet.
- "Email". This block discusses working with such popular email clients as Mail.ru, Gmail, Yandex.Mail.
- “Master class” allows you to study services and programs and work with information on the network in more depth.
This course is designed for the path from a beginner to an advanced user; it is more in-depth compared to the “ABC of the Internet”. After mastering it, you can find and start earning money while at home. But there are no topics related to public services and online shopping.
To start training, go to the website “neumeka.ru”. There are 3 tabs at the top of the screen:
- “Computer from scratch” – this includes the first 3 blocks of lessons described above.
- “Internet training” – all the information on working with programs and services on the Internet is collected here.
- “Lesson Archive” is a complete list of materials.
I feel comfortable looking at the topics in this last section. Go to it and click on the title of the lesson we want to learn. Example in the screenshot.
When you have read the information and want to return to the list of lessons, click on the arrow in the browser window.
The Windows lessons contain screenshots and explanations of the latest version of the program, the materials are constantly updated, and the author keeps in touch with his students through comments. The site “neumeka.ru” can become a good helper in mastering the computer and many popular programs and services.
Other online materials for beginners
Many pensioners have already appreciated the benefits of confidently using a computer and the Internet. Someone actively resists the benefits of civilization and prefers to live and act the old fashioned way.
If you have such friends, show them this article. If you yourself want to improve your level of knowledge, you have definitely come to the right place. We hope you find it useful!
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;
- 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 photos and videos different countries and cities, study and self-educate.
- 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 held at state expense - usually in training centers, libraries, pensioners' societies, veterans' councils. Information about them can be found in the center social protection 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 tutorials 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.
Online computer literacy courses for pensioners
Let's consider several reliable courses where the information is presented simply and accessible. Let's start with the free ones - fortunately they are the majority.
“ABC of the Internet”
This educational project was created by Rostelecom together with the Russian Pension Fund specifically for pensioners. You can study online or download the course program to your computer. You can also return to a specific lesson at any time and refresh your knowledge.
The course program includes 14 topics:
- computer device;
- what is Windows system;
- how to work with files and folders;
- Word editor;
- how to work with Internet browsers;
- how to access the Internet;
- how to create an email;
- how to communicate on social networks and via Skype.
Separate lessons are devoted to Internet safety, working with the State Services website, the Pension Fund website, and searching for work on the Internet.
Information is given in text form. At the end of each lesson there is a list test questions to check yourself.
Virtual Computer Academy
Lessons are given in text form, with detailed instructions and pictures. They are divided into sections: mastering a computer, Windows and Word, “Photoshop” for beginners, creating a website, everything about social networks. The latter are devoted to many separate topics. You will learn how to register and communicate on Odnoklassniki, Facebook, VKontakte, and Skype.
detailed information- on the official website of Sergei “Virtual Computer Academy”.
KKG - computer literacy courses
Another free one basic course, which covers the following concepts:
- how a computer works;
- what kinds of computers there are (tablet, laptop, netbook, etc.);
- external computer connectors and their types;
- what is a computer desktop?
- what is a shortcut, file, program, folder;
- how to use the mouse and keyboard;
- how to come up with a password when registering on the site;
- what are antiviruses;
- what is a browser, website, domain;
- how to find a person on the Internet;
- how to turn on WiFi;
- how to sit at the computer correctly;
- how to choose exercises for the eyes and much more.
Please note: all lessons are given exactly in the order in which the course authors advise taking them. Not all topics are available yet - the creators promise to write relevant articles soon. Those that are already available are highlighted in red.
All articles are well-researched and explain seemingly complex things in simple language. The abundance of pictures and instructions promotes understanding and assimilation of information. Here, for example, is a screenshot of an article on how to connect speakers and headphones.
Everything is explained very simply “Neumeka” – a course for mastering computer programs
A website with a self-explanatory name for beginners is the author’s project of Ilya Krivosheev. Lessons are given in text form and are divided into 3 large blocks (you see them in the menu in the screenshot above).
- “Computer from scratch” - this block includes working with Windows, basic terms, computer structure, training in basic programs: Word, Excel, Paint.
- “Teaching the Internet” - lessons on how the World Wide Web works. These are the basics of working with a browser, communicating on forums, on social networks and Skype, by email, and training in various useful services and programs. A separate section “Master Class” is for those who know the basics of working and communicating on the Internet and want to improve their skills.
- “Lesson Archive” - all materials and lessons in one place.
Detailed information is on the official website of “Neumeka”.
Computer Literacy for Beginners 2.1
Information is provided in the form of letters that will be sent to the student by email. The idea is simple: one lesson - one letter. A total of 10 lessons are expected at the initial stage. Here are their topics:
- what is a computer and what is it for?
- what is an operating system;
- how to work and type texts in a text editor;
- what the keys on the keyboard mean;
- what is the touch typing method?
- how to work with a computer mouse: basics and secrets;
- mouse and keyboard duo;
- what is a touchpad;
- how to write in Russian if there is no Russian keyboard.
When you complete these lessons, you will receive a link to the next ones. To sign up for the course, you need to fill out the form on the website: “Computer literacy for beginners 2.1”.
Paid courses for retirees and beginners
While I was looking for information for this article, I realized that there are more free courses on the Internet than paid ones. This is an unexpected and pleasant discovery!
However, in free courses mostly the same things are dealt with. If you want to study the hardware in more detail, it may make sense to fork out for paid courses. Their undoubted advantage is a lot of practice (you will have to do homework), prompt communication with teachers and the issuance of a training certificate.
Online computer literacy course from HEDU
This course is not only for pensioners - for schoolchildren, people who just bought their first computer or those who have only mastered the very basics - beginners, in general.
Lessons are held in video format. They can be listened to online or recorded later. After each lesson you will be required to complete homework. The knowledge is checked and lectures are given by professional teachers who also accompany students throughout the entire training. You can contact them if you have problems learning the material or doing your homework.
In the course program:
- General concepts about computer structure, characteristics, data storage and transmission, basic programs, storage media.
- Windows operating system: how to set it up, how to work, what programs are available. Work documents, files, folders, computer disks, working with the keyboard.
- What's happened Microsoft Word: how to work with a text editor, print and format texts, create tables, design documents beautifully.
- What's happened Microsoft Excel: creating tables and text in them, working with calculations and formulas. You'll learn what keyboard shortcuts are and how to create charts.
- Graphic editors and archivers: how the Paint program works, how to create images and edit them. What are archivers and why are they needed? How to install an antivirus on your computer.
- How to work and search for information on the Internet: basic things and secrets. What are browsers, social networks, Skype, email. Possibilities of the Internet for everyday life.
At the end of the training you must complete and defend your own project. For this you will receive a training certificate - a significant plus when finding a job!
The cost of the course is 10,900 rubles. Detailed information can be found on the website: irs.academy/computer_literacy.
Computer literacy from pcgramota.ru
On this resource you can choose both free and paid courses and lessons. For example, the “Internet” course for beginners costs only 450 rubles. It consists of 15 video lessons that cover the very basics:
- how to communicate with family using social networks and Skype, how to exchange photos and videos;
- how to create an email account, write and send letters, attach files;
- how to quickly and efficiently search for information on the Internet;
- how to create a page on a social network; enter into necessary groups, secure your page;
- what are cloud data storages and how to use them.
For more information, visit: pcgramota.com/courses/internet-for-beginners/.
You can also find separate lessons on narrower topics on the site. Some of them are paid, some are freely available.
For each lesson you can leave your comment and see what other users wrote. You can also ask a question and get an answer.
Conclusion
So, we have listed the main ways to improve computer literacy for older people and beginners. Which format - paid or free - is up to you to choose.
You can consult with your relatives, or even better, find like-minded people and go conquer the Internet space together! Good luck to you!
In our age of digital technology, it is impossible for the modern generation to imagine life without a computer. A personal computer has long ceased to be a luxury or an item used by the elite; now it is a necessary technical gadget, an assistant that allows you to keep up with the times. Children grow up with gadgets, so for them computer literacy is absorbed naturally, but their grandparents have problems with it. It’s easy for elderly parents to buy a computer, but not everyone can teach them how to use it, since it requires a long time and a lot of patience. But this does not mean that for the older generation the road to the world information technologies closed. Learning computer literacy for retirees is a complex science that requires skill and practice. This task is best accomplished by special computer courses for retirees, where experienced teachers know well how to present this or that material to older people. We invite you to enroll in our computer literacy course for seniors from the CODDY school in Moscow. This course with full-time training adapted to the capabilities of people of retirement age who want to master the basics of computer literacy and learn how to use the Internet.
Computer courses for pensioners. Why is this necessary?
Mastering a computer opens up completely new opportunities for people of retirement age:
- Read the news, find out the weather forecast or program schedule without buying newspapers and magazines.
- Watch your favorite films and shows at a convenient time, and not what is shown on TV.
- Communicate on thematic forums with people who share your interests.
- Search and download the necessary information.
- Find relatives, classmates, classmates, colleagues whom you have not seen for a long time in in social networks and video chat with them.
- Free communication via Skype along with phone calls for a subscription fee.
- Make an appointment at the clinic or find out which pharmacy in the city has the necessary medicine and where it is cheaper.
- Buy a ticket to an event of interest, train or plane.
- Pay utility bills and make purchases in stores without leaving home.
- Advanced users of retirement age become video bloggers and their own channel on YouTube, where they can share their experience, becomes an excellent assistant for them and a source of additional income - more about this in the course.
And even though some features may seem very difficult at first, beginner older users can master basic skills in our course without any particular difficulties. The main objective of the course is to teach the basics of using a computer and the Internet. The classes are divided into module blocks, each of which is devoted to a specific topic. Teaching pensioners computer literacy begins with the basics, with general concepts, without complex and abstruse terms, without “water” and gradually moves on to more complex issues, all this is accompanied by mandatory practice. Classes are held at a relaxed pace, study groups are completed exclusively by age, which allows our grandparents to relax when surrounded by their peers and to learn the material more effectively and with interest.
The curriculum includes all aspects of working with a personal computer and on the Internet necessary for novice users. The training course consists of 3 blocks, covering such topics as the components and control elements of a computer, applications and Explorer built into the operating system, working in a text editor, working with the Internet, navigating and searching for information on the global network, communicating via email, instant messengers and social networks, safety rules and much more.
Computer courses for pensioners in Moscow are effective practical training in computer use in small groups, accessible presentation, comfortable environment, friendly atmosphere. By enrolling in computer literacy courses for seniors at our school, you acquire only specific applied knowledge and practical skills, without wasting time studying abstract and unnecessary theory.
As a result of the training you will be able to:
- work confidently on a computer, using all its functionality;
- easy to navigate the controls of the PC and its desktop;
- independently install programs and useful gadgets;
- perform operations with files and folders;
- work with documents in Microsoft Office Word;
- find the necessary information on the Internet and save it on your computer;
- work with USB drives;
- communicate via email and social networks;
- take advantage of all the benefits of free instant messengers;
- protect your computer and learn the rules of safe behavior on the Internet.
And this is not a complete list of opportunities that our computer courses will open up for pensioners.
Do you want your personal computer to become your friend and reliable assistant? Forget about your age! We are waiting for you in class and will be happy to help you discover new opportunities for communication and self-realization with the help of information technology.
How do we understand that a student has mastered the program?
During training, we evaluate both the practical side of the issue (how to do it?) and the understanding of the topic (why and why).
Students demonstrate their knowledge by solving problems in their own way, explaining algorithms in their own words, helping classmates correct mistakes, and creating presentations on their completed projects.
The Ministry of Social Development of the Moscow Region has launched a pilot project to provide free Internet to residents of the Moscow region over 60 years of age who have completed computer literacy courses. At the moment, this service is available to residents of Elektrogorsk, Kurovsky and the village of Davydovo in the Likino-Dulevo urban district.
Who is the project aimed at?
Source: Press service of the Governor of the Moscow region
Pensioners over 60 years of age can participate in the project. They must register on the portal of state and municipal services of the Moscow region and complete computer literacy courses at third-age universities in the Moscow region.
The project provides for the installation of home cable Internet. The project participants will have to purchase the router themselves, but it is possible that over time they will be able to provide it for free.
How to participate
Source: Photobank of the Moscow region, Alexander Kozhokhin
An application for the service must be submitted to the local social security office.
Before this, pensioners must take computer literacy courses at third-age universities near Moscow. A document confirming completion of the course must be submitted to the comprehensive social service center.
Third Age Universities
Source: , press service of the Kotelniki city administration
The work of third age universities is aimed at enlightening and educating older people, developing their creative and social activity, and promoting healthy image life and physical activity. They are available in almost all municipalities at social service centers and boarding schools for the elderly and disabled in the Moscow region.
Computer literacy courses
Source: Ministry of Social Development of the Moscow Region
At third age universities, older people can learn the basics of computer literacy. Pensioners get acquainted with computer design and software, learn to use the Internet, by email, Skype and government services website. Here they will learn how to make an appointment with a doctor online through an electronic registry, and will also master the operation of the Sberbank Online service.
A resident can complete computer literacy courses even without temporary registration in the Moscow region; the fact that the person lives in the project area is sufficient.
Pilot sites
Elderly people are increasingly using computers and gadgets - smartphones, e-books, laptops. Not all pensioners are able to master computer literacy on their own. The state helps people learn how to use a computer for free.
Why do pensioners need computer literacy?
The ability to use a computer is necessary for work in other areas of life:
- Education. Using a personal computer (PC), pensioners have access to online libraries, receive knowledge remotely, and participate in master classes.
- Healthcare. Citizens make an online appointment with a therapist or specialized specialists on the clinic’s website.
- Employment and part-time work. Older people are learning new professions and earning money. They write texts, course projects, work as tutors, and do translations.
Studying a computer for retirees is an opportunity to easily communicate with friends and family, find like-minded people, view photos, and conduct correspondence.
Having access to the Internet, you can send applications to government and private organizations. It is convenient for pensioners to pay for purchases in an online store, housing and communal services, duties and taxes.
How to learn for free
Computer training takes place 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 knowledge of working with a computer, knows how to use the Internet, 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.
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 kit 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 train pensioners and people with disabilities basics of working with computers and the Internet. Official site - 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.
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 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.
- Windows operating system;
- text editor Word;
- Photoshop;
- work on the Internet;
- creating your own website;
- social media.
