Kitchener Tech Connects
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. If you have any questions, please send us an email or call the City of Kitchener.
On this page:
- Register online
- Borrow a Chromebook or iPad
- Inclusion support
- Making the most of your iPad
- Using Email effectively
- Using the internet effectively
- Safe and Savvy Online
- Google Drive and Docs
- Introduction to Chromebook
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 519-741-2907
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 519-783-8560.
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 519-783-8560.
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:
- Kitchener Tech Club: Hosts different types of events, including special guest speaker meetings, group learning events, and individual support sessions on a variety of technology topics. Email for more information.
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 Julia Whittaker, Inclusion Services Coordinator, program and resource services, at 519-904-5793.
Making the most of your iPad
In these hands-on and fun sessions, we will cover physical parts of the iPad, navigation, gestures, settings, native and favourite apps, the camera, photos, Safari, how to use the App Store, 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.
Three one-hour classes.
Using Email effectively
Participants should bring their laptop, tablet or phone to class, logged in to your email. In class, we will learn about the effective and safe use of email - various platforms, uses, account maintenance, how to manage your inbox, best practices / etiquette, phishing and personal account protection.
One ninety-minute class.
Using the Internet effectively
In these sessions, we will learn common terms related to using the internet, show ways to access the internet on different devices, discuss common purposes for using the internet, demonstrate and practice strategies to search more effectively, discover how to locate and save favourite websites, and outline basic safety practices for being online.
One ninety-minute class.
Safe and savvy online
In this important and timely course, we will look at the wide range of opportunities available to us for online activity. 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. We will learn how to keep up with trends and safety measures that are critical to managing personal digital security.
One ninety-minute class.
Google Drive and Docs
In this introductory level two-part course, we will explore Google Drive for file organization and storage, and Google Docs for the creation and sharing of documents. Participants must provide a GMAIL address when they register, and should bring a laptop (preferred) or tablet with the Drive and Docs apps loaded.
Two one-hour classes.
Introduction to Chromebook
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 and create bookmarks.
Please note: Participants will need a Gmail address and password to sign in to the Chromebook and should bring their own or a borrowed Chromebook (not another type of laptop) to class.
One-hour class.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.