Question: I feel foolish, but I am computer illiterate. What is email? What is text? How do I sign up? My grandson (on the mainland) wants me to get a “smart phone” for safety and says he will pay for it. He says we can “text and email” but I don’t even know what that means!
Answer: We can define those terms, but a better response would be to point you to a free, basic computer class designed for people 55 and older, which this summer also will include information about smartphones.
The class lasts two hours, and covers email, use of the internet, composing documents and other basics. Desktop computers are provided for use during class. You don’t need a smartphone to sign up, but any participant who has one is encouraged to bring the device. Depending on the level of interest in each particular session, instructors will discuss features of internet-capable cellphones (smart-phones), so senior citizens can use them more effectively.
Rene Mansho, who has coordinated the “Seniors Helping Seniors” classes for 17 years, says there are many senior citizens like you, who want to learn about and use technology, but are intimidated and don’t know how to get started.
The program’s volunteer instructors are especially patient, and, if space allows, participants can repeat the basic class until they feel comfortable and competent, she said. Intermediate classes are offered once basic skills are mastered.
Reservations are required; make one by phone (528-7388) or email (rene@greataloharun.com). Each class can accommodate 10 people, and there are dozens of class times available.
Here are the details:
Dates:
>> May 13-15, 20-22, 28-30.
>> June 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
>> July 1, 3, 5, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31
>> Aug. 5-7, 12-14
Times:
>> 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
>> noon to 2 p.m.
>> 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location:
>> 418 Kuwili St., Suite 102, Honolulu, HI 96817. This is the office of the Great Aloha Run/Carole Kai Charities, Inc., a nonprofit organization located in Iwilei.
The summer program will conclude with an aloha luncheon on Aug 15.
As for your questions, email is written communication transmitted electronically, such as between computers on a network. You can sign up for a free email account with Google or another provider, but would need a capable device and internet access to send and receive email. In this usage, texts are short messages sent electronically, usually from one cellphone to another.
Some people prefer texts to voice calls in certain situations. For example, if you had a smartphone and your grandson was busy or otherwise unable to call (let’s say he is at work), he could send a short text to check on you and you would reply in kind. His work would not be interrupted and he would be reassured that you are OK. You would know that he’s thinking about you, and you could let him know in your texted reply that you hope to hear his voice soon, when he’s free to talk.
Mahalo
While shopping at Sears at Windward Mall, my husband lost his keys as he was trying on clothes. We did not realize this until it was time to leave. We decided to wait at least an hour before we called someone to pick us up. We thought of all the keys we had to replace, and what terrible things could happen if we did not get them back. The security guard said nothing was turned in yet, but after 45 minutes he came by to check on us and made another call and one set was turned in. There was no name of who found it, but a big mahalo to that person! Honesty is alive and well in Kaneohe! Also, a big mahalo to the security guard. We were so distraught that we did not get his name, but visit the mall to thank him. — Grateful seniors
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
