Planning
Motueka SeniorNet is proud to offer a range of sessions and groups to its members. These are prepared and delivered by a small number of dedicated volunteers.
Interested seniors who are non-members may enrol in a session, but they will be charged twice the fee of SeniorNet members.
Introductions to all devices – PC, Mac, iPads, Android tablets, smartphones – can be offered if there is demand. If you are feeling a little “rusty” we can also set up refresher sessions for small groups.
We can run courses on a range of software – word processing, email, photo editing, etc. Also on areas of interest such as YouTube, Skype, Facebook, Online shopping, Genealogy. Or focus on managing your computer, organising your documents and photos into folders, or backing up your files in the Cloud.
Let us know if you need a topic we are not covering. For some ideas refer to possible topics below.
Enrolment
All members will be kept informed about activities for the coming term – via this website’s side panel and reminder emails.
To enrol, phone or email the tutor listed in the reminder email.
If you want to find out any more about enrolling for a workshop or course, please contact one of our committee members.
NOTE: Members of Motueka SeniorNet can enrol in sessions offered by the Over 50s Hub for no fee other than the Door Fee. Members of the Over 50’s Hub can enrol in SeniorNet’s sessions.
Possible Topics
Basic Computer Skills
Build a foundation in computer use by understanding hardware components and peripherals and navigating operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux. The topic covers creating, copying, moving and deleting files and folders, basic troubleshooting, and using keyboard shortcuts and mouse operations efficiently.
Gmail
Learn to use Gmail confidently by navigating the interface, composing, replying to and forwarding emails, and organizing messages with labels, filters and folders. The topic also covers managing contacts and creating email groups, together with useful features such as Google Calendar integration and chat.
Android
Learn the fundamentals of the Android operating system and its user interface, including the home screen, app drawer and notification panel. The topic covers managing apps, widgets and shortcuts, customizing display, sound and security settings, and carrying out everyday tasks such as making calls, sending messages and browsing the web.
Microsoft Office
Learn to create, format and edit documents in Microsoft Word, create and format spreadsheets and use basic formulas in Excel, and create, design and present slideshows in PowerPoint. The topic also covers managing files, collaborating through Office 365 and OneDrive, and using cloud-based Office features.
Social Media
Gain an understanding of popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The topic covers creating and optimizing profiles, managing privacy and online safety, posting content and engaging with followers, building a social media presence, and understanding social media metrics and insights.
Internet Browsing
Learn to use web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge. The topic covers navigating websites, using bookmarks, managing browsing history, working with browser extensions and add-ons, adjusting privacy and security settings, and troubleshooting common browser problems.
Video Calls
Learn to use video calling applications such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime to stay connected with family and friends. The topic covers setting up and joining calls on smartphones, tablets and computers, managing audio and video settings, using screen sharing and virtual backgrounds, and resolving common audio, video and connectivity problems.
Digital Photography
Learn how to take and store photos with smartphones and digital cameras, transfer them to computers for safekeeping, and organize them into albums or folders. The topic also covers sharing photos by email or social media and creating printed photo albums from digital images.
Online Shopping
Learn how to shop online using e-commerce websites such as Amazon and TradeMe. The topic covers browsing products, reading reviews, comparing prices, creating accounts and managing shopping carts, understanding secure payment options, and tracking orders or handling returns and exchanges.
Smartphones and Tablets
Learn to navigate smartphones and tablets using iOS or Android, make calls, send text messages and manage contacts. The topic also covers installing and using useful apps for news, weather and entertainment, customizing accessibility and ease-of-use settings, and dealing with device maintenance and common problems.
Windows 10/11
Learn to navigate the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar and use Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for multitasking. The topic also covers Widgets for news, weather and calendar information, desktop and system customization, and security features such as Windows Hello and enhanced malware protection.
MacBooks
Learn to navigate macOS using the Dock, menu bar and Finder, and understand the basics of the Touch Bar on applicable MacBook models. The topic includes built-in applications such as Safari, Mail and Notes, customization of system preferences, accessibility and display settings, keyboard shortcuts, Siri and iCloud.
Files and Folders
Learn to use File Explorer to navigate and organize files and folders, understand libraries, Quick Access and file metadata, and create, rename, copy, move and delete files. The topic also covers searching and filtering, managing USB drives and external hard drives, and working with files stored in the cloud.
Backing Up and Restoring Data
Understand the importance of regular backups in preventing data loss. The topic covers File History in Windows 11 and Time Machine in macOS, configuring automated backups, restoring files after data loss or system failure, and using OneDrive or iCloud for additional backup and synchronization.
Photobooks
Learn how to create personalized photobooks using online platforms and software. The topic covers selecting and arranging photos by theme or chronology, customizing layouts, backgrounds and captions, adding stickers, borders and other personal touches, and ordering printed copies to share with family and friends.
Old Photographs to Digital Memories
Learn how to digitize old printed photographs using a scanner or smartphone app and restore damaged or faded images with photo editing software. The topic also covers creating searchable digital archives, making slideshows or online galleries, and incorporating old photographs into modern photobooks or multimedia presentations.
Messaging Apps
Learn to use messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Messenger and Signal. The topic covers setting up accounts and adding contacts, sending text messages, photos, videos and voice messages, making voice and video calls, and understanding privacy and security features.
Word Processing
Learn about the purpose and benefits of word-processing software such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs and Apple Pages. The topic covers creating and opening documents, navigating menus, toolbars and ribbons, and applying basic formatting to text, fonts, colours and alignment.
Spreadsheets
Learn about the purpose and benefits of spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and Apple Numbers. The topic covers navigating rows, columns and cells, understanding cells, ranges, formulas and functions, and organizing data effectively within a spreadsheet.
Online Banking and Financial Management
Learn how to use online banking portals to check balances, view transactions and pay bills. The topic covers direct debit, automatic bill payments and e-statements, as well as budgeting and financial-management tools for tracking expenses and savings goals. It also explains two-factor authentication, encryption and ways to recognize and avoid online banking scams and fraud.
Entertainment and Multimedia Content
Learn how to use Smart TVs, Chromecast and other streaming devices to access movies, television shows and music through services such as Netflix, Hulu, Spotify and YouTube. The topic also includes digital libraries and online archives for e-books, audiobooks and podcasts, virtual visits to galleries and museums, and user-generated content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Reddit.
Online Travel Planning
Learn how to use travel websites and platforms such as TripAdvisor, Expedia, Booking.com and Airbnb to research and book flights, hotels and accommodation. The topic covers comparing prices and deals, reading traveller reviews and ratings, planning itineraries and travel budgets, and using travel blogs, forums and social media for destination ideas and advice.