Learning and Entertainment Online
Hi there. Welcome back to “Your Canadian Senior Moment”!
Congratulations! You’ve mastered the basics of connection and safety. Today, we’re beginning our final module, which is all about using the internet for personal enrichment and fun. The internet is the largest classroom and library in the world, and we’ll show you how to use it to learn new skills, explore new interests, and find entertainment.
The Power of Online Learning
It’s never too late to learn something new. Whether you want to learn a new language, brush up on history, or master a new craft, you can do it all for free from your computer or tablet.
- YouTube Tutorials: Think of YouTube as a gigantic “how-to” library. If you want to learn how to play the ukulele, fix a leaky faucet, or start a knitting project, you can find a video tutorial for it. Simply use the search bar on YouTube and type in what you want to learn.
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Websites like Coursera and edX offer thousands of free university-level courses from top institutions like Princeton and Oxford. You can audit most of the courses for free, allowing you to learn without the pressure of exams or assignments.
- Khan Academy: This non-profit organization provides free, world-class educational content in subjects like math, history, and science, tailored for all ages.
Your Local Library’s Digital Doors
Your local public library is one of the best sources of free digital entertainment and learning. You just need your library card!
- eBooks and Audiobooks: Most Canadian libraries use apps like Libby to let you borrow eBooks and audiobooks right to your device. You can download a book instantly and read it on your tablet.
- Free Online Classes: Many library systems partner with companies like Gale Courses or LinkedIn Learning to give cardholders free access to thousands of structured, instructor-led courses on topics ranging from photography to business and technology.
- Streaming Videos: Some libraries even offer free access to streaming video platforms with documentaries and independent films.
Your Turn to Practice!
Think of one thing you’ve always wanted to learn (a simple recipe, a basic skill, or a piece of history). Go to YouTube and try searching for a quick tutorial on that topic.
What’s Next? In our next lesson, we will talk about how to organize and preserve your digital memories. We’ll show you how to safely store photos and important documents online. We’ll see you then!
(Please remember: Your device and screen may look slightly different from our examples. If you run into any difficulty, please describe any problem in the comments and we’ll do our best to help you individually.)
Warmly,
Bill and Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
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