Be Connected - every Australian online
A free, user-friendly, online learning program aimed at helping older Australians connect to the internet.
Register your interest in becoming a volunteer Digital Mentor
For those who wish to help others explore the Be Connected learning program by delivering training or support at one of our community branches, at a National Seniors event or other community groups. Mentors receive one full day training plus follow up support. Training sessions will be held in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Canberra. Please include your city in the message.
Contact us to find the closest training program to you, or stay tuned to the Events page on our website.
Some older Australians are deterred from using the internet, despite awareness of the convenience it offers in maintaining connection and managing daily life. Lack of knowledge, skills, confidence and security concerns are the main barriers. To help older Australians get online confidently and securely we are working with The Good Things Foundation – a strategic partner who specialises in digital connection and education.
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner and Good Things Foundation have developed the online learning program, Be Connected, which is funded by the Australian Government. This free learning program contains easy to follow click-through modules on a range of topics aimed at helping older Australians connect digitally. Modules start at the very basics to set up a device and progress into other topics like connecting to others, staying safe online, and online hobbies like researching family history, playing games and listening to music.
National Seniors are running a volunteer digital mentor program commencing in August 2019. ‘Digital Mentoring: Helping your community Be Connected’ is an interactive, free training and support program. Mentors will receive one full day of training plus follow up support, building their confidence in delivering digital skills support to older people in their community via National Seniors branches or other groups. Mentors will use the existing Be Connected learning platform to teach people digital skills one-on-one or in small group settings.
Digital mentor training
You don't have to become a National Seniors mentor to help someone you know. Click here to complete a 30 minute online training module to assist you in supporting someone you care about.
The absolute basics
The absolute essentials of using your device, whether it is a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone
Getting to know your device
The basic functions of a keyboard, a mouse and a computer, including how to change settings and manage your files
Getting started online
Some essential skills to getting started online
Safety first
Essential skills to stay safe online, the why and how of passwords, paying for goods and tips to avoid scams
More online skills
How to connect with friends and family using social networks, how to use a digital camera and how to watch TV or listen to music online
Connecting to others
How to get set up to make video calls and different ways to make free video calls using Skype, WhatsApp and FaceTime
All about data
What data is, how we measure it, how you can buy it and what plans are available
Wi-Fi and mobile networks
All about Wi-Fi and how to connect at home or in a place, like a café, that has free Wi-Fi
Online hobbies
Researching family history, writing a blog, and using Google Earth
All about apps
What you can do with them, where you can get them and how to be safe using them
Self-paced learning
For those who have access to a computer, laptop, smart phone or tablet device, know how to use email and have access to the internet. Sign up to the program at home or at your local library, and explore the topics that interest you at your own pace.
Important: remember to select National Seniors Australia as the support centre
Attend a training session
For those who would like a little more help or prefer the social atmosphere of shared learning. Our network of community branches will be holding some 'bring your own device' learning sessions, and also holding some training workshops with devices provided. New events will be added to the events calendar as they're planned or contact your local branch to see if they are participating.
