Some Baby Boomers are nervous when it comes to learning computer skills, like navigating the web, but the knowledge is becoming increasingly essential.
And the PG Council of Seniors wants to encourage the mature demographic to explore the world wide web with basic computer instruction classes designed for those aged 50 and up.
In 2007, Statistics Canada reported that 20 per cent of baby boomers said their lack of skills or training was one reason they did not go online.
So many active baby boomers are now learning the basics of the Internet and search engines for the first time.
More and more seniors are looking to find holiday information about flights, destinations, motels and restaurants. They're staying in touch with family and friends via email and Facebook. They're involved in discussion groups. They're reading electronic newspapers and magazines.
Around 100 adults over the age of 50 complete the beginners' computer classes each year, said Lola-Dawn Fennel, PG Council of Seniors manager.
The 90-minute classes run once a week for six weeks and cost $10. Topics covered include sending and receiving emails, adding and opening email attachments, and Internet surfing.
The Prince George Library also offers free computer courses for adults with classes like Internet basics, email basics and computers basics.
The computer basics course is perfect for the absolute beginner. Participants will learn about the different parts of a computer, how to turn a computer on, how to start a program.
The Internet and email basics course is for adults who have no knowledge of how the Internet works. Participant will learn how to accesses websites, how to use search engines and how to use email.
A follow-up computer basics course builds on the knowledge gained through the previous classes. Participants will learn to use Word, how to save and open files and advanced Internet searching tips.
The classes are taught by volunteers, said Fennel, and the class size is limited so each student receives individual assistance.
