Thanks to a New Horizons for Seniors Program grant from the Government of Canada, we're able to offer seniors free virtual technology training. We hope this will improve social connections and access to information.
All courses on this page are free and hosted in person or virtually on Zoom. If you have any questions, please send us an email or call 519-741-2501.
Register online for a free technology course
On this page:
- Register online
- Subscribe for updates
- Borrow a Chromebook or iPad
- Inclusion support
- Tech support session
- Introduction to iPad
- Introduction to Chromebooks
- Introduction to the Internet
- Google Drive and Documents
- Stay safe online
Register online
You can register for a Kitchener Tech Connects program:
- online on ActiveNet (learn how to use ActiveNet)
- in person at any of our community centres or indoor pools
- by phone at 519-741-2200, ext. 2382
To register in person or by phone, please have the program code or name of the program ready when you register.
If you have any questions, please send us an email or call 519-741-2501.
Subscribe for updates
Click the green button on the right side of this page to get an email when we post new courses.
Borrow a Chromebook or iPad
The goal of this program is to help older adults access technology and improve their digital literacy. As a registered participant of this program, you can borrow an iPad or a Chrome book, as well as take part in any of our free technology training programs. Some devices are enabled with LTE/cellular service for those who do not have access to Wi-Fi.
Use our online form to request a loan for a Chromebook or iPad. If you have any questions, send us an email or call 519-741-2501.
Loan period
You can borrow a Chromebook or an iPad for up to 30 days at a time. If you want to extend the 30 days, send us an email 3 to 5 days before the due date to ask if an extension is possible. If there is no waiting list the device you are using, the due date can be extended for another 14 days.
Technical support
We cannot offer technical support for the Chromebook or iPads borrowed. If you have challenges using the device, there are a few different community resources that can help you, including:
- EnTECH: EnTECH is a club at the University of Waterloo that aims to improve the lives of older adults in the Waterloo Region by engaging them with technology for the purposes of keeping them in contact with their families, and for recreation. Visit their website to learn more.
- Bits and Bytes Computer Club: Provides ongoing monthly Zoom training sessions, virtual events including speakers' meetings, computer “drop-in” support, and presentations on a variety of technology topics. For more information, visit their website or email bitsbytes35@gmail.com
- Cyber Seniors: Free technology support to older adults delivered by trained youth or senior mentors. Training methods are flexible and can be delivered through structured virtual classroom style training, to one-to-one training. For more information, visit their website or call 844-217-3057
Inclusion support
If you require an accessible document or support to take part in a city meeting or city program, let us know. We're happy to accommodate you.
Or, contact Olivia Curtis, Inclusion Services Coordinator, program and resource services, at 519-741-2200, ext. 7229 (TTY 1-866-969-9994).
Tech support session
Support Sessions are designed to provide the opportunity for help or advice on any topic related to the effective use of technology. There will be no ‘agenda’ for Support Sessions; the learning will be driven by participant questions.
Some possible questions could be:
- how do I organize photos on my iPad?
- how can I bookmark websites on my laptop?
- how can I ensure that I’m being safe when I’m shopping online?
- I don’t know what I don’t know - I need help
This is a one-and-a-half-hour session. Due to the interest in this session, please only register for one date.
Introduction to iPad
Participants will learn the physical parts of the iPad, navigation, gestures, settings, camera, photos, the App Store, apps, Safari, and more as time allows. Please bring your iPad and your iTunes account information (username/email and password). This is needed if you wish to use the App Store.
This course is four one-hour sessions.
Introduction to Chromebooks
Participants will learn about the physical features of a Chromebook, its basic functionality and how it differs from other laptops and devices. We will explore the Chrome browser and learn how to use it to access common websites. Any device can attend this course.
This course is two one-hour sessions.
Introduction to the Internet
Participants will learn common terms related to using the internet, ways to access the internet, common purposes for using the internet, how to ‘google’ effectively, how to locate and save favourite websites, and basic safety practices for being online.
This course is two one-hour sessions.
Google Drive and Documents
In this introductory level two-part course, we will explore Google Drive for file storage and Google Docs for the creation and organization of documents. Participants must have a Google/Gmail account and bring your own device.
We will ask for your Gmail address before the class so that we can send you material before the class starts.
Stay safe online
Participants will explore why and how to maintain safe online practices, the importance of safe passwords, examine common scams and how to recognize and avoid them, and how to stay current with their digital literacy.
Any device can attend this two-day course.