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For information contact us by email or phone 02 4961 6576 (during business hours). This will probably go to a voice mail – please leave your name & phone number & the subject you want to talk about – we will get back to you ASAP.
Are You OK?
We are aware of the challenges of keeping our own energy levels up as COVID goes from a sprint to a marathon, and we’re sure many of you feel likewise. While the media headlines are focused on case numbers and community transmissions, we shouldn’t forget the hidden toll this pandemic is having on the collective mental health in our communities. It is more important than ever to look out for ourselves and each other, and as a club, we will continue to explore ways to make sure we’re playing our part and providing the support that’s needed.
One way is the ongoing Zoom Sessions on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings. We are also doing one-on-one sessions directed by phone to help anyone who hasn’t used Zoom before. There is a wealth of helpful lessons available online and we can point you in the right direction to get the help you need. A primary topic will be notified by email prior to the sessions but we often cover other topics after the main one has been covered and you will always learn something. Most importantly, the weekly sessions (W,Th,F) are a great way to share in the companionship in a happy and fun way with our other members (many you will know – or get to know). The whole process is interactive and everyone can participate or just ‘sit in’. Either way, enjoy! Don’t be lonely! We want to see you.
How vastly different is 2020 from last year at Computerpals when we had held several events to promote our club and at this time were gearing up for the Annual General Meeting.
Unfortunately, the AGM had to be postponed and our 20th Birthday celebration as well.
We look forward to the time when we can meet face to face and enjoy the camaraderie with all our members and friends.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ ALL THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE
Regularly check back here for any changes.
WHAT ARE PODCASTS?
Simply put: a podcast is an audio programme, just like Talk Radio, (they can also be video – Vodcasts) that you can subscribe to it on your smartphone or tablet and listen to it whenever you like.
In a little more detail, a podcast is a series of spoken word, audio episodes, all focused on a particular topic or theme, like for example cycling or health.
Enter the wonderful and relaxing world of radio podcasts (pre-recorded programs). Using the BeConnected links below we show you, step-by-step, how to use the free ABC listen app to download and listen to your favourite radio programs. We also explain the different ways you can save precious mobile data when listening to podcasts.
iPhone: Listening to podcasts
Android phone: Listening to podcasts
iPad: Listening to podcasts
Android tablet: Listening to podcasts
HERE IS A PODCAST (OR VODCAST) FOR YOU TO WATCH
On today’s podcast (13/06/2020) Leonie Smith (The Cyber Safety Lady) and Nan Bosler – chat about how seniors are doing online? During this pandemic, what are the clear disadvantages and advantages that our seniors are experiencing online and how are they coping with shopping, banking, and communication and keeping in touch while they are apart from loved ones.
(Click on the link below)
We are running online learning Sessions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings starting at 10:00 am – check your email or send an email to us and enquire what is coming up. These are also a great opportunity to socialise and banish loneliness and isolation – join us.
Email us at Contact@computerpals.org.au and request the link and instructions.
Regularly check back here for any changes.
Joining a Zoom Call for the First Time; Fun and Easy Online Connection
Click on the link below for a YouTube video that explains Zoom Meetings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9isp3qPeQ0E
For all course descriptions (see what you can learn) – click here.
If you see a class you would like to do please contact in person, by phone 4961 6576 – this will probably go to a voice mail – please leave your name & phone number – we will get back to you ASAP.or email: contact@computerpals.org.au and request a class (we will do our best to arrange something for you).
2020 Club Calendar is here (though all activities are presently suspended).
Are you new to ComputerPals?
You may have heard us refer to ASCCA and wondered what we meant.
ASCCA is short for Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association.
They are a ‘peak body’ that helps affiliated computer clubs from around Australia in a variety of ways. They also advocate on behalf of our sector in the halls of government and business.To hear more on the aspect of the NBN and ASCCA click on the picture below and watch the video.
Click on the photo above for the full story
Be Connected – What is it?
Be Connected is an Australia wide Federal Government initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world. There are online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners – the Be Connected Network – who offer in-person support so you can develop your digital skills and confidence.
ComputerPals for Seniors – Newcastle Inc. is a Be Connected Network Partner.
Be Connected classes are FREE
If you have a need to develop skills to use a computer/tablet or smart phone – these classes are for you. The training is offered in small groups to allow personalised learning and one-on-one coaching. Phone 4961 6576 (This will probably go to a voice mail – please leave your name & phone number – we will get back to you ASAP) to enrol in the program through us and get our support.
CLICK HERE for the Be Connected website for more information and scroll down for an introductory video
ComputerPals Mission
Our mission is to educate seniors in the use of computers and other technology (phones & tablets) as a way of enriching their lives and making them more self-reliant. We bridge the generation gap and assist seniors to find ways to benefit the community through their collective experience and knowledge.
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2020 ASCCA DIGITAL PHOTO COMPETITION
Entries closed on 1 September 2020.
Our club had seventeen entrants which was an excellent participation. Thank you to all.
Competition winners will be announced at the 2020 ASCCA Conference on 10th November or by email to entrants and be posted on the ASCCA website after the Conference.
The conference will be held via Zoom this year.
There will be a “Peoples Choice” award in each category and we will be advised more details (between now and then) of how to see and vote in due course.
KEEP CHECKING HERE FOR THAT INFORMATION!
Want to catch up with us on Facebook? CLICK HERE
STAY SAFE ONLINE…. (a video)
@EmpowerITS (click on the link) has put together this fantastic resource for Staying Safe Online, to help older Australians to take the next step in their online journey. A great initiative from Good Things Foundation Australia
Easy steps to secure your online information
Their Easy Steps Guide shows how you can better protect yourself from these threats and secure your accounts and devices, by stepping you through a six-day plan.
On completion of the Guide, you will have strengthened the security of your online accounts and your information. Click Here for their website.
Want To Join Computerpals? – For a Membership form, click HERE, print it, complete it and send it to us.
Cash payments cannot be made to tutors.
Payments are only made to the Treasurer by mail, through the bank or online banking (or in cash at Enrolment Days or Morning Teas.)
For more information go to the ‘Payments’ tab above and follow the instructions regarding payment.
Who Provides Our Training?
Tutoring is provided by a band of volunteers, prepared to share their knowledge and give their time, so that we can provide training at minimum cost. Being a member of ASCCA ( Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association ), we have access to ASCCA’s resources and links to other Seniors’ Computing Clubs throughout Australia. If you would like to become involved as a tutor, or if you know someone who has the skills but is not yet a member, please contact our Tutor Co-ordinator.
SO WHAT DOES COMPUTERPALS OFFER?
We are conducting online classes on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 10:00 am (check your email or send us an email to enquire what’s on and when).
Classes in the club room 
Classes are normally up to a maximum of eight people in computing subjects that chances are you need to improve your knowledge and skills using modern technology. The scope of subjects is fairly broad – covering applications using desktop computers, laptops, tablets and phones. Your specific needs should be discussed with a tutor – ideally at the next enrolment day where we can work together to identify the appropriate class(es) for you and you can enrol in the class at the same time.
Interest Groups until we can safely gather together.
And lets not forget our interest groups: MemoryPals (recording your family memories and memorabilia digitally and by other various methods) 1st Monday Monthly 1:00 pm, WriterPals (creative writing) 2nd Monday Monthly 1:00 pm, DigiPals (digital photography) 3rd Monday Monthly 1:00 pm.
These are group activities and not a class but hopefully it will still be a fun learning experience. Donation $2 on the day.
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We also have Laptops Assistance Sessions on the 2nd Friday Monthly 10:00 to 12:00 and Device Assistance Sessions on the 4th Friday Monthly for iPads/iPhones 10:00 to 11:30 and Android Tablets/phones from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Cost is $5. We do ask you to book in to these sessions in advance so we can try to get sufficient tutors along to assist you.
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On top of all that, we are a fun group who enjoy the social contact with other seniors with morning teas once a term and occasional social outings once a term – see our Club Calendar. you are invited to join us!