Brisbane Seniors Online (BSOL) provides affordable computer training for learners who are seniors or over 50 in the Greater Brisbane area. Tuition is normally carried out on a one on one basis in the learner’s own home on their own computer using voluntary mentors. Training is provided on most devices including Windows PCs, Laptops, Apple devices, smart phones and Android. This tuition is provided at a pace that suits the existing knowledge that the learner has and on the things that the learner would like to learn.
Digital Photography, Linux and Apple Special Interest Groups normally operate monthly from the Woolloongabba Training Centre but currently suspended or conducted by Zoom. With the Coronavirus health crisis, the Digital Photography group are conducting more excursions with a recent visit to the Botanical Gardens at Mt Coot-Tha. Photographs are judged and selected photographs are published in the monthly BSOL newsletter.
Some good news in respect to funding. The Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor’s Community fund have approved a grant from The Gabba Ward.
Thank you to Cr Jonathan Sri, Councillor for The Gabba Ward for funding for a new multi-function printer and scanner for the Woolloongabba office. Cr Jonathan Sri attended BSOL Woolloongabba Training facility on 27 August 2020 along with Brisbane based ASCCA Board member Samantha Isaacs to see what BSOL did and where we were located. Vice President Ron Horst and Publicity Officer Dick Bennett were also in attendance. BSOL is a member of the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA).
Brisbane Seniors Online always welcomes new volunteer mentors across the BSOL coverage area particularly those who are confident in teaching any or multiple devices including Apple. Mentors receive support through the Mentor Support group currently using Zoom but normally face to face meetings. There is no fee payable by volunteer mentors and tutoring can be fun and also improve the existing skills of mentors.
Learners can be taught how to use emerging technology, recognise and avoid scams, do online shopping and banking, access MyGov and Centrelink, pay bills, use BPay, book travel and accommodation, carryout research and use genealogy sites to track your family tree.
Brisbane Seniors Online can provide a speaker to community or not for profit groups and talk about emerging technology and how BSOL can help seniors and over 50s. These talks are at no cost.
An affordable fee of a one-off $20 joining fee plus $45 a year applies to learners. As a guide, new learners initially receive around 12 x 1-hour home lessons with ongoing support for the balance of their membership year.
Tel 3393 2225 (leave message if necessary), email bsolhq@bsol.asn.au or see www.bsol.asn.au or Facebook.com/BrisbaneSeniorsOnline.
