Greetings, dear readers.

If you opened your browser and found this article, you have already taken a big step towards new knowledge and skills. Today I will talk about what computer literacy courses you can take in order to quickly master the basics of working with technology and the most necessary programs.

This material will be useful for older people and all novice personal computer (PC) users. Let's talk about different learning formats and consider several online services. At the end of the article there will be addresses and phone numbers of “live” free courses for the elderly in large cities of Russia.

There are several options for learning how to work on a computer from scratch. Consider each of them, highlight the pros and cons.

Gaining knowledge online on special sites

Online learning platforms have a lesson plan on various topics, tests and tasks to test knowledge can be provided, as well as support and answers to questions in the comments to the materials. The main advantages of this approach:

• Do you plan your own study time?
• you can return to the past information at any time and refresh it in your memory;
• you can take only relevant lessons, it is not at all necessary to go through the entire training program from beginning to end.

Now about the disadvantages of the method. Learning online requires discipline and intrinsic motivation. There is no teacher who grades and makes you carefully study the topic. Even with well-established and fairly quick responses to comments, it can be difficult to get a detailed answer to your question.

It is also difficult to master something beyond the given lesson. That is, the site simply may not have the information you need.

In general, this option is quite convenient if you find a good site where the material is presented simply and clearly, and feedback works quickly. Below I will talk about a few successful projects.

Studying in courses in a group or individually with a teacher

In many cities you can find private schools that teach beginners how to work with a computer. You need to come and sign up for a group or individual lessons with a teacher. The advantages of this way of learning:

• the presence of a teacher does not allow you to relax, you have to work at full strength;
• the mentor answers all questions, helps when difficulties arise, all this happens quickly, you do not need to wait for an answer for several hours or days, as is the case with online resources;
• learning in a group additionally stimulates the acquisition of knowledge and skills, helps to cope with shyness and indecision.

The main disadvantage of such lessons is the need to allocate time and adapt to the schedule of the training center. But for older people, this is even a plus. You can take a walk, meet fellow students and communicate, which is also important at an older age. Another disadvantage is that this is often a paid basis, but there are social projects with free education for pensioners. I will talk about them a little later.

You can also learn how to work at a computer for free if you ask your friend to become a teacher. It is often difficult for older people to find a common language with their grandchildren and children: it is hard to learn from them, there is not enough patience among teachers and students. But you can find a good mentor among friends of grandchildren or children.

Books

A good book can replace online learning and even a teacher. The advantages of this method:

• availability at any time;
• information is always at hand in a convenient format, you can take the textbook in your hands and immediately apply knowledge at the computer;
• you can make notes, bookmarks, take a book with you for a walk, to the clinic, subway, to the beach;
• a fairly detailed disclosure of what online courses may lack.

The disadvantages include the need for discipline and a great desire to learn, as well as the cost of books. Good benefits don't come cheap. Try asking your acquaintances and friends, perhaps they have such a textbook, and you can study it for free. Another option is to ask children or friends to give you a good allowance.

I like the books in the For Dummies series. They are written in an understandable language and analyze in detail all the actions with examples. In this series there are such textbooks on the basics of computer literacy:

• a guide to working with the latest version of the most common operating system today, “Windows 10 for dummies”,
• “Internet for dummies”,
• “PC for dummies” and “Computer for dummies”,
• "Laptops for pensioners".

If you are used to learning from books, then this method will help in mastering the computer.

"The ABC of the Internet" - a textbook for pensioners

The resource “azbukainterneta.rf” was created by PJSC “Rostelecom” together with the Pension Fund of Russia specifically for teaching older people, but you can get trained at any age, there are no restrictions on free knowledge. The site provides online lessons, and you can also download a textbook and study without access to the Internet.

The course covers 14 topics:

1. The device of a computer in simple terms.
2. Working with files and folders in the Windows operating system.
3. Word text editor for beginners.
4. Basics of working with a browser, access to the Internet.
5. Search for information on the net.
6. Internet security.
7. Creating and using e-mail.
8. Registration and receipt of information on the State Services website “gosuslugi.ru”. Websites of the authorities of Armenia.
9. Sites of federal bodies of Russia. Armenian online social services.
10. Work with the web resource of the pension fund of the Russian Federation.
11. Useful services and purchases on the Internet.
12. Social networks.
13. Installing and using Skype.
14. Job search on the Internet.

In my opinion, this is one of the most successful free courses that teaches you how to use a computer for everyday tasks from the very beginning and without unnecessary information. To start studying the materials, go to the site “azbukainterneta.rf” and click on the “Start classes” button.

If you have been using a computer recently, then start with the very first lesson. At any time, you can open the section that is relevant to you and go through the material on it. To do this, click on the "View Lesson" button.

The information is presented in text form with screenshots. At the end of the material on the topic there are control questions to consolidate the knowledge gained. To return to the section selection, click on the arrow in the browser window.

Another option is to use the menu on the left. To do this, you need to go up to the header of the site.

At any time, you can download the textbook to your device to view the information at a convenient time and print it if necessary.

The only drawback of the “ABC of the Internet” project that I saw was the obsolescence of information. In particular, work with Windows 7 is considered, and now Windows 10 is already most common. Their interface is significantly different.

"Neumeka" - a course for mastering computer programs

1. "Computer for beginners", which includes the basics of working with Windows.
2. “Working on a computer” helps to understand the structure of the device and basic terms, as well as the settings of the operating system at a basic level.
3. "Teaching Computer Programs" includes the basics of the most popular programs: Word, Excel, Paint.
4. “Internet for beginners” is needed to master the work with the browser, popular social networks, Skype. The author also paid attention to modern slang in the network.
5. "Email". This block discusses working with such popular email clients as Mail.ru, Gmail, Yandex.Mail.
6. “Master class” allows you to study services and programs in more depth, work with information on the network.

This course is designed for the path from beginner to advanced user, it is more in-depth than the ABC of the Internet. After mastering it, you can find and start earning while at home. But there are no topics related to government services and online shopping.

To start learning, go to the site “neumeka.ru”. There are 3 tabs at the top of the screen:

1. “Computer from scratch” - this includes the first 3 blocks of lessons described above.
2. “Education for the Internet” - here is collected all the information on working with programs and services on the network.
3. “Archive of lessons” is a complete list of materials.

It is convenient for me to watch the topics in this last section. Go to it and click on the title of the lesson you want to learn. Screenshot example.

When you have read the information and want to return to the list of lessons, click on the arrow in the browser window.

The Windows lessons have screenshots and explanations of the latest version of the program, the materials are constantly updated, the author keeps in touch with his students through comments. The site "neumeka.ru" can be a good helper in mastering the computer and many popular programs and services.

Other Online Resources for Beginners

Elderly people are increasingly using computers, gadgets - smartphones, e-books, laptops. Not all pensioners are able to master computer literacy on their own. The state helps to learn how to work on a computer for free.

Why pensioners need computer literacy

The ability to use a computer is necessary for work and in other areas of life:

• Education. With the help of a personal computer (PC), pensioners have access to online libraries, receive knowledge remotely, and participate in master classes.
• Healthcare. Citizens make an online appointment with a therapist, specialized specialists on the website of the polyclinic.
• Employment and work. Elderly people learn new professions, earn. They write texts, course projects, work as tutors, and make translations.

Studying a computer for pensioners is an opportunity to easily communicate with friends and family, find like-minded people, view photos, and conduct correspondence.

Having access to the Internet, you can send applications to public and private organizations. It is convenient for pensioners to pay for purchases in the online store, utility services, duties and taxes.

How to master for free

Computer training takes place in a variety of ways. The easiest way is to ask friends or relatives for help. If this is not possible, consider other training options:

• Online over the internet. The method is suitable for those who have a basic level of computer knowledge, know how to use the Internet, Skype (Skype). For classes, you need to choose a training program, for example, web programming or computer graphics, register on a specific site.
• Offline. The method is suitable for experienced users and retirees with basic PC skills. For training, you need to download the course from the Internet, burn the lessons on a USB flash drive or CD. The advantage of this method is learning at a convenient time and in any place.
• From textbooks and tutorials. The option is suitable for people who have never used a computer. To learn how to work on a PC, you need to buy books in a store or borrow from a library.
• Circles and sections, which are formed with the support of the social protection authorities. The main advantage is classes in small groups, where you can always get answers to questions from the teacher.

Online lessons

The country has adopted a state program to support the education of pensioners. The territorial bodies of the Pension Fund of Russia (PFR), based on schools and libraries, together with IT companies, conduct classes for non-working elderly people. All courses are free, and their listeners are recipients of insurance pensions for old age or disability. The purpose of the classes is to form basic knowledge, learn how to work on a computer, use state information resources.

Since 2006, an accessible program "Electronic Citizen" has been operating in Russia to teach computer literacy to pensioners and other socially unprotected segments of the population.

Students are given a set of teaching aids. Upon completion of training, senior citizens can take the test and receive an international certificate.

Internet ABC

This joint project was created by the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation and OJSC Rostelecom. The main task is to teach pensioners and people with disabilities the basics of working with a computer and the Internet. Official site - www.azbukainterneta.ru. You can learn how to work on a PC for free. Take the course online or download the textbook.

After training, pensioners can use the Internet, request certificates and documents, make payments, search for and do work. If necessary, you can ask questions and get clarifications from the methodologists.

It is easy to check your skills on the site if you go to the "Test questions" section.

The main objectives of the course of study:

• Gaining computer skills.
• Socialization of elderly citizens, organization of their leisure.
• Ensuring the right to receive public services in electronic form.
• Motivation to acquire new knowledge.

Virtual Computer Academy

The main goal of the project is to help older people get used to the digital space, to show that a computer for pensioners is a means to lead a full-fledged lifestyle.

• Windows operating system;
• text editor Word;
• Photoshop;
• work on the Internet;
• creating your own website;
• social networks.

Where to study in Moscow

Computer courses for pensioners "GTsDPO" in Moscow is an effective practical training in working on a computer in small groups, an accessible presentation, a comfortable environment, a friendly atmosphere. After 12 lessons you will be on "YOU" with your computer!

Why are our PC (Computer Literacy for Senior Citizens) courses effective and popular?

• You can choose the schedule of classes that is convenient for you and easily get to our training center from any administrative district of Moscow (VAO, ZAO, YuZAO, YuAO, YuVAO, SVAO, SAO, SZAO). We are just an 8-minute walk from Belorusskaya metro station.
• The cost of the computer courses offered is minimal and affordable for pensioners and the elderly.
• The curriculum covers all the aspects of working with a personal computer and on the Internet that are necessary for a beginner.
• You acquire specific applied knowledge and practical skills without spending time studying abstract theory and immersing yourself in the history of PC creation.
• Each student has the opportunity to receive individual advice.
• The methodology for teaching pensioners how to work with a PC and the simplicity of the presentation of the educational material guarantee the high effectiveness of the courses. All you need is a desire to learn!

Our teacher tells in detail how computer literacy training for the elderly is carried out.

The result of learning to work on a computer at a PC course for pensioners

After completing the curriculum, you will be able to:

• choose and purchase a personal computer or laptop that suits you without overpaying (if necessary, our teachers will be happy to help you decide on a PC package);
• confidently work on a computer, using all its functionality;
• easy to navigate in the controls of the PC and its desktop;
• independently install programs and useful gadgets (for example, "Weather" or "Clock");
• perform operations on files and folders;
• work with documents in Microsoft Office Word and print them;
• find the necessary information on the Internet and save it on your computer (from plain text to e-books and films), communicate in social networks, make purchases and pay utility bills;
• use all the benefits of free Internet telephony (talk with friends and family on Skype).

And this is not a complete list of opportunities that our computer courses for pensioners will open for you.

Do you want a personal computer to become your friend and reliable assistant, opening up wide horizons for communication and self-realization? Forget about your age, we are waiting for you in the classroom and wish you success in mastering the PC!

Sign up for the Computer Literacy Course in Moscow right now!

Course Curriculum

Module1. Main characteristics of the computer

1. Introduction. The concept, characteristics of a personal computer.

The concept of the operating system. Program types.

Turning the computer on and off.

Launch notepad program.

Working with the window (moving, resizing, closing, minimizing).

2. Keyboard.

Turn the small numeric keypad on or off.

Switching between languages.

Printing punctuation marks, symbols, letters.

Printing in upper and lower case.

Save text to desktop.

Practical work.

Module 2. Basic skills in the programWindows

Concept of file and folder.

Folder and file naming rules.

Desktop concept.

Work with a folder on the desktop (create, rename, open, delete).

Create a file in a folder on your desktop.

Information carriers.

Practical work.

Module 3 WordPad text editor

1. Getting started in a text editor.

Launching the Word Pad program.

The structure of the program window.

Customizing the program window (calling the tape and scaling).

2. Working with a document file.

Saving (new document, changes).

Closing the document.

Opening a document.

Create a new document.

3. Working with text.

Typing.

Highlighting text elements.

Align or move text.

Changing text parameters (font size, color, style, font).

Practical work.

Module 4

1. Working with paragraphs

Rules for printing paragraphs.

Paragraph formatting.

Work with paragraphs (red lines, spacing between lines and paragraphs, text alignment).

Text editing (creating an empty line, deleting an empty line, splitting a line into two, joining 2 lines into one).

An example of a letter.

1. Working with a flash card.

Information contained on a flash card and ways to open a document located on a flash card.

Ways to disable a flash card.

Practical work.

Module 5 Work with text

1. Text Formatting

Error correction.

Creation of lists (bulleted, numbered).

Superscripts and subscripts (superscript and subscript characters).

Copying and moving text.

Page settings.

Automatic page numbering in a document.

Preparing for printing and printing a document.

2. Work in the Windows program.

Placing a photo as a desktop background.

Customizing the screensaver program.

Practical work.

Module 6

1. Work in the Windows program.

Mouse speed setting.

Setting the date and time.

1. Work in the program "Explorer".

Program launch.

Folder structure of the operating system.

View photos, videos.

Sound file management.

Working with folders

Ways to move and copy files and folders.

Removing and restoring information.

Change the appearance of file and folder icons.

Organizing information.

Practical work.

Module 7. Working on the Internet. Browsers.

1. The concept of a browser. Overview of browsers.

Connecting a computer to the Internet.

Installing a browser program on a computer.

1. Create a mailbox.

Mail login.

Practical work.

Module 8 Internet work. Working with letters

1. Formation of letters. Attaching files to emails.

Receiving letters.

Create a response to a received email.

Saving contacts.

Deleting a single letter and a group of letters.

Exit mailbox.

2. Rules for downloading books on the Internet.

Practical work.

Module 9 Skype program (skype)

1. Learning the rules for using the Skype program (Skype).

Ways to install the program on a computer.

Program use rules.

Basic program settings.

Search for a person in the program and add to your list.

The operation of a call (call) in the program.

2. Studying the terms of use of the YouTube site.

Terms of use of the YouTube site for watching movies, receiving video information.

Practical work.

Module 10. WebsiteYouTube.

1. Rules for downloading video materials from YouTube

2. Using maps in Yandex.

Finding the location of an object by address.

How to build a route.

3. Search for goods and purchase on the Internet.

Search for goods on the Internet, compare prices.

Purchase and registration of goods in online stores.

Module 11 Finding and saving information on the Internet. Registration on the portal of public services of the Russian Federation

Search for information.

Saving a site page.

Saving graphic information.

Saving text information.

Practical work.

Module 12. Registration on the portal of public services of the Russian Federation and work on the site. Social networks.

Registration on the website of public services of the Russian Federation, entrance to the website of public services of R.F. and the use of its resources (formation of a payment document, entering readings from water meters and electricity meters and making payments).

Practical work.

Final examination.

At present, an electronic form of communication between the authorities and citizens is being widely introduced in Russia. The country is large, there are many regions, among them there are those in which the level of computerization is quite high, but there are many others where it is more difficult to deal with these issues. It is in them that computer courses for pensioners are now becoming so popular, which, moreover, can be taken absolutely free of charge.

The state is implementing a strategy for the development of the information technology industry, and increasing the literacy of the population in this area is one of its main tasks. They are trying to attract citizens to the Internet, to communicate with relatives and friends with its help; to the use of e-mail, various editors.

The ability of citizens to communicate with government agencies without leaving home, through a home computer, is especially encouraged. Such communication is characterized by accuracy, increased efficiency and convenience.

The only thing is that a person learns how to deal competently with a laptop and other modern means of communication. And for pensioners, this is just an urgent need, because it makes life much easier.

Especially to improve the level of computer literacy of the population, including pensioners, the Russian version of the international program was involved e-citizen, that is, "Electronic Citizen".

This program was immediately transferred to the regional authorities in order to organize its launch on the ground, to find funds and opportunities for training teachers, equipment, classrooms and other things.

The project proposes to teach citizens, including the elderly and the disabled, how to use a computer, and they are not charged for this. Pensioners get access to modern equipment and information technologies, master the necessary skills to use them.

This gives them the opportunity to feel at a decent level among other citizens, increases their mobility, makes them more free and confident. So there is a direct reason to learn.

In addition, in each city there are, in which computer literacy classes can also be held, for example, in the city library.

The website of each city has information about the regional program "Electronic Citizen". This is, first of all, a phone number, by calling which you can find out whether your application for attending courses will be accepted immediately, or you will have to wait.

Those who wish to apply for participation in the program in advance, groups are formed according to them and classes are planned.

The official website of the Ministry of Transport and Communications has a complete list of settlements in which such free computer courses operate.

In the Sverdlovsk region, for example, there are more than 50 centers in various municipalities, including all major cities in the region. The same is observed in other subjects of the Russian Federation, and it all depends on how successful things are with financing the needs of the population in a particular region.

In Moscow and St. Petersburg, for example, such courses are more numerous, their programs are wider and cover a wider range of topics.

How is the training going and what will the elderly person be taught?

The educational course within the framework of the "Electronic Citizen" program is held in person. Classes are held in specially equipped classrooms, At least 40 hours are allocated for the entire course.

The course is designed in such a way as to take into account the peculiarities of the age and mentality of pensioners, and at the same time provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills regarding the use of Internet resources.

A specialist who is fluent in the subject will always find a way to convey it to the audience in an extremely understandable and interesting way.
Such specialists, tutors, are specially trained. These are certified teachers who carry out an individual approach to each of their wards.
In such a favorable environment, pensioners are introduced to what can be most useful to them, namely:

• work with popular office applications, the most convenient and understandable;
• searching the Internet for the necessary information using various search engines;
• use of e-mail;
• working with Skype, setting it up for yourself and using it;
• making purchases over the Internet.

At the next stages, course participants are taught electronic communication with local and federal authorities. For example, course participants will learn how to access the site of the president or governor; how to find out details regarding housing and communal services; how to ask a question or apply to the FIU; how to use information and legal systems.

Students are taught how to fill out a declaration, a questionnaire, how to download a form, book a train ticket or a hotel room, how to protect your computer from malware, how to behave on thematic forums.

If there are enthusiasts in the field, then the success of promoting the "Electronic Citizen" program increases dramatically. For example, in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, this project has been operating since 2006, and several stages of this program have already been implemented.

The simplest and most necessary skills make up the first stage. It mainly covers preferential categories of citizens, which include pensioners.

At the second stage, students get the opportunity to organize a personal account and do business via the Internet. For some pensioners, it is acceptable and even tempting to trade without leaving home, especially if they are familiar with the specifics of the profession.

Since 2012, it has become possible to teach students how to use the e-government service (www.gosuslugi.ru) and its regional segment. This course covers a wider audience, it is also of great interest to pensioners.

Here they introduce in detail such an effective tool for obtaining services as the UEC - a universal electronic card. It works both at the state and municipal levels and is the key to a wide range of electronic services.

Course participants are provided with the necessary set of teaching materials. They take an independent test at the end of the class, which shows how much they benefited from the class. In case of successful completion of the test, each student is awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Among retirees there are those who, by the nature of their work, have come across computers, and they will not consider it necessary for themselves to start with courses, even if they are free.

And others, perhaps, no longer want to go to classes, it’s embarrassing to feel like an inexperienced student in such respectable years. The motivation to avoid face-to-face courses may vary, but there is still a need to learn how to receive services over the Internet. And then you need to look for other ways, alternative to face-to-face classes.

You need to find courses that are suitable for the topic online or remotely - and take them up. Look for offers, make contact, ask questions. Many of these courses are paid, but they may have a discounted promotion specifically for retirees.

The query in the search engine is formulated, for example, as follows: “Free computer courses in …” or “Computer literacy training for pensioners for free in …”, and put the name of your city (Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Omsk, etc.). If you know that there is no such service in your city, then all the more you need to look on the Internet.

It happens that in paid courses the first lesson is provided without payment - take part. Perhaps, in the course of the lesson, it turns out that there are special groups for pensioners, preferential ones. Sometimes this is practiced, especially in the regional centers of the Russian Federation.

YouTube, if you own it, can also be a very useful resource - which is not there. Some pensioners, very advanced for their age, communicate, share knowledge with other visitors, acquire their own video channels and even earn money from user views.

Retirees tend to be active and curious people. Having devoted their whole lives to work and raising children, they were constantly busy, and then they suddenly got a lot of free time at their disposal.

Mastering the computer and its capabilities is not only useful for them, but also excitingly interesting. And they are happy to start life anew, almost like the postman Pechkin, but at a higher, absolutely modern level.