Web Tools for Seniors

What This Course Is About

The internet can feel like a foreign country when you've spent most of your life without it. That's perfectly normal — and it's exactly why this course was built. Web Tools for Seniors is a gentle, unhurried introduction to the core technologies that millions of Canadians use every day to stay connected, get things done, and communicate with the people they love.

Over the course of five weeks — or at whatever speed suits you — you will learn how to use email properly and confidently, make video calls with family or friends, share documents safely, and navigate websites without putting yourself at risk. Every lesson is written in plain English, illustrated with screenshots, and followed by a short practice activity that helps you apply what you've learned immediately.

We do not assume any prior technical knowledge. If you know how to turn on a computer or tablet, you have everything you need to begin.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is written specifically for:

• Seniors and retirees who are new to online tools
• People who use a computer or tablet but feel uncertain about certain features
• Anyone who wants to communicate more easily with family, friends, or organisations online
• Learners who prefer a calm, step-by-step approach over fast-paced video tutorials

You do not need to be "good with technology." This course was built for the person who worries they might do something wrong — we'll walk you through every step, and nothing you click in these lessons can cause any harm to your device.

What You Will Learn

By the time you complete this course, you will be able to:

• Set up and use an email account to send, receive, reply to, and organise messages
• Attach files and photographs to emails safely
• Join and host a Zoom or Google Meet video call — even if you've never done it before
• Share documents with others using Google Drive or similar tools
• Recognise phishing emails and avoid common online scams
• Use a browser safely, manage bookmarks, and search effectively
• Understand privacy settings and what they mean for your information
• Troubleshoot simple issues with connections or devices on your own

Why These Skills Matter

Being comfortable online is not just a convenience — it opens doors. It means staying in closer touch with grandchildren who live far away. It means managing everyday tasks like booking appointments or reading the news without relying on others. It means accessing government services, health information, and community resources that are increasingly digital.

We're not suggesting you need to become a technology expert. You don't. But having a working, confident understanding of a handful of core tools can make a genuine difference to your independence and daily life.

"I never thought I'd be video calling my sister in Nova Scotia every week. The course made it less scary than I expected — the instructions were so clear that I figured it out on my first try." — Course learner, Oakville, ON

How the Course Is Structured

The course is divided into five modules, each covering a different area of online communication. Within each module, you'll find two lessons. Lessons are written documents, not videos — this means you can read at your own pace, refer back to sections whenever you need to, and take as many breaks as you like.

Each lesson ends with a brief activity. These are simple, practical tasks — such as sending a test email to yourself, or joining a practice meeting link we provide — so that you're learning by doing, not just reading.

There are no grades, no tests, and no pressure. The goal is simply that you finish each lesson feeling more capable than when you started.

A Note on Online Safety

Throughout the course, we weave in practical safety guidance wherever it's relevant. Online safety is not a separate topic — it's woven into everything we teach. When we show you how email works, we also show you what suspicious emails look like. When we explain file sharing, we also explain how to make sure you're only sharing with the right people.

We take no shortcuts on this. Protecting your personal information and staying safe online is a priority in every module.

Technical Requirements

You'll need a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with internet access. That's it. The course materials are accessible from any modern web browser — you don't need to download or install anything additional.

If you have questions about whether your device is compatible, you're welcome to contact us before you start and we'll let you know.

Full Course Curriculum