Bolinsky: Hosts Senior Technology Workshop
NEWTOWN- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106 Newtown) welcomed Newtown residents to a senior technology workshop May 19th at the Newtown Senior Center. The event, presented by AT&T, provided basic training for senior citizens on common electronic devices.
AT&T staff members began the workshop by explaining the value of smartphones, tablets, laptops and many of the “apps” that make navigating these devices easy. Staff spoke about how video phone call applications for iPhones, Android devices, Windows phones, tablets and PCs can be used to speak to and see loved ones. One app in particular, Facetime® was discussed as the Apple version of the popular communication app, Skype®.
The workshop included a tutorial on how to download and use apps and how to manage privacy settings on a phone. AT&T staff members also reviewed a breakdown of cell phone plans and data usage fees, an explanation of why calls are dropped and what dead zones are, a lesson on Wi-Fi and networks, and a review of the differences between device producers (Apple, Motorola, Samsung, etc.) and carriers/networks (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.).
“The seniors were very responsive to the workshop,” said Representative Bolinsky. “The Newtown Senior Center is always awesome! My AT&T liaison told me they do workshops around the state and this was the largest turnout he’s had for one of these events. Everyone was engaged and excited to learn. At a time when advances in the way we communicate with our loved ones and friends continues to evolve, it is never too late to learn something new.”
Before leaving, the AT&T team said they would look forward to visiting again and hope to host future technology workshops with the Newtown Senior Center. For more information about future programming, the senior center can be reached at (203-270-4310).