By Eddie Roach,
VillagesOKC Media
The recent icy weather did not slow down staff at VillagesOKC. Because of familiarity with digital technology, they didn’t miss a beat.
“Our office was closed,” said VillagesOKC Office Manager Britni Bergman. “But, our technology-savvy seniors made it happen with a Zoom meeting. That’s just one example of how learning and using technology helps keep older adults connected.”
In addition to the use of Zoom and Google Meet to share information virtually, VOKC members have free access to workshops for both Apple and Android mobile devices so they can make the most of their phones and tablets.
Steve McMaster, a retired senior engineer who led software development projects at Lucent Technologies and the FAA, hosts a monthly Android class. The 90-minute class is usually the second Tuesday of the month.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Android enthusiasts, share your knowledge, and collaborate on what we’d like to explore in future meetings,” McMaster said. “Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Android user, you’ll leave with new insights, tips, and tricks.”
Jeff Albright, owner of iCan Help, an on-site and in-home Apple Training service, is in his third year of offering iPhone classes at VillagesOKC. Albright is an expert with over 17 years of experience. The class is usually the third Wednesday of the month.
It’s 90 minutes of training and troubleshooting with an expert on any and all Apple devices. Participants are encouraged to bring their iPhones or iPads and all their questions. Members may attend this class as many times as they like for free. Non-members are welcome to attend for $20.00 each class. “The main reason I love teaching older adults is what I learned at the Apple store when I first got there,” Albright said. “They called them ‘Wow Moments.’ It’s whenever I would teach someone how to do something they had not experienced before or had no clue where to begin. I would enjoy walking them through that in a way that draws them along by their own intuition.”
That’s the experience VOKC member Jim Olson had in the iPhone classes he attended.
“He has lots of helpful hints to help use the iPhone better,” Olson said about Albright. “One of the benefits I received from the class is how to save the battery on my phone, which is one of my issues.
Check the VOKC calendar at LoveYourAge.org or call (405) 990-6637 for upcoming class dates.
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