Brisbane Seniors Online (BSOL) provides affordable computer training for learners who are seniors or over 50 who reside in the Greater Brisbane area, which includes the Redlands area. Tuition is usually conducted one-on-one in the learners’ homes on their own computers, using volunteer mentors. Training is provided on most devices, including Windows PCs, laptops, Apple devices, smartphones and Androids. Tuition is provided at a pace that suits the existing knowledge that the learner has and the things that the learner would like to learn.
Brisbane Seniors Online welcomes new volunteer mentors across the BSOL coverage area, particularly those confident in teaching any or multiple devices, including Apple, Windows and Androids. Mentors receive support through the Mentor Support group, which currently uses Zoom and face-to-face meetings. There is no fee payable by volunteer mentors, and tutoring can be fun and improve mentors’ existing skills. Mentors need to be patient and able to communicate well with learners over 50 and seniors.
Mentors can teach learners how to use emerging technology, send email and photos, recognise and avoid scams, do online shopping and banking, access MyGov and Centrelink, pay bills, use BPay, book travel and accommodation, carry out research and use genealogy sites to track your family tree.
Digital Photography, Mentor Support, Linux and Apple Special Interest Groups normally operate by Zoom, face-to-face, or a combination of both.
Brisbane Seniors Online appreciates the ongoing financial support from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund over a number of years.
An affordable one-off joining fee of $20 plus $45 a year applies to learners. As a guide, new learners initially receive around 12 hours of lessons with ongoing support for the balance of their membership year. Call 3393 2225 (leave message if necessary), email [email protected] or see www.bsol.asn.au
or Facebook.com/BrisbaneSeniorsOnline.
