Today, computer literacy is needed by any modern person; computers are used in a variety of areas: education, entertainment, work, communication, etc. In order to master all the intricacies of computer programs, initial, basic knowledge is required. Without them, any personal computer user will feel insecure.

Often people of retirement age are simply afraid of the computer, believing that they cannot master the wisdom of computer literacy. Therefore, when implementing an educational program, they should be explained that working on a computer is as simple as working with kitchen appliances, which any woman can easily master, or an electric drill, with which every man is familiar with each other. As soon as a person understands that computer literacy is just as accessible to a pensioner as any other endeavor in which he has achieved some success, fear will disappear.

Why do pensioners need computer literacy?

Firstly to introduce them to the new information field.

Secondly, Through Internet networks, every pensioner will be able to find new friends, communication with whom will fill his life with new meaning and new opportunities.

Third, The Internet makes it possible to find old friends with whom we lost contact many years ago.

And finally, the Internet gives a person the opportunity to realize himself and his abilities in a new way. Free use of the Internet attracts people precisely because of the opportunity to realize their creative potential. Thus, computer literacy for retirees can be the beginning of their new life, perhaps more interesting and fulfilling than in all the past years.

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOU!

INFORMATION ABOUT COMPUTER LITERACY TRAINING

The State Regional Autonomous Institution of Social Services for the Population “Polyarninsky Comprehensive Center for Social Services for the Population” informs that since 2014, the institution has organized computer literacy training courses for pensioners under the program “Training the basics of computer literacy for elderly citizens for 2014 - 2016.”

If you are a pensioner, know that you simply need to learn how to use a computer and master the basics of computer literacy!

Be sure that you are fully capable of mastering computer lessons within certain limits!

Having learned to use a computer, you will be able to use the government services portal, visit any websites, communicate on forums, on social networks, read and watch the latest world news, listen to Internet radio, find and read books, watch films and paintings by great artists, visit virtual museums peace!

You will be able to exchange written messages with friends, relatives, children and grandchildren in real time! You will have the opportunity to see each other and have a conversation at the same time on Skype!

Using a computer, you can transmit water meter readings, track the progress of your mail, find out train and plane schedules, order theater tickets, a hotel room, a trip to a sanatorium or holiday home, and make an appointment with a doctor.

It is impossible to list all the possibilities that a computer presents to the user in everyday life!

The main thing is not to be afraid and master computer literacy step by step!

YOU WILL SUCCEED!

We are waiting for you at the address: Polyarny st. Sovetskaya 1

Information can be obtained by calling 8 (815-51) 71462, 71481

(newspaper "Polar Herald")

In 2014, Rostelecom and the Russian Pension Fund (PFR) signed an agreement on cooperation in teaching pensioners how to use a computer. The purpose of the agreement is to improve the quality of life through training in computer literacy and working on the Internet, as well as to assist the older generation in obtaining government services electronically.

As part of the implementation of the agreement, in 2014, Rostelecom and the Pension Fund of Russia prepared a special educational manual for older people, “The ABCs of the Internet.” The manual was developed by teachers, gerontological psychologists and IT specialists. The course program is constantly evolving, and the textbook is supplemented with new modules and up-to-date information.

The manual can be used as a self-instruction manual for working on a computer and on the Internet, and also as a textbook for specialized courses on computer literacy for pensioners, which are held throughout Russia. The electronic version of the textbook “The ABCs of the Internet” is posted on the educational portal www.azbukainterneta.ru. It also contains visual aids, presentations for each topic in the textbook, useful links, and methodological recommendations on the peculiarities of teaching people of the older generation and the necessary technical equipment of classes.

The first courses in the ABC of the Internet program were held in 2014 in Bryansk, Volgograd, Vologda, Stavropol and Tula. Special computer courses were organized for classes. In Nizhny Novgorod and the Nizhny Novgorod region, social protection authorities equipped and provided 128 computer classes for ABC training.

In November 2015, the program was presented at the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Yerevan. As a result of the event, materials adapted for Russian-speaking pensioners living in the Republic of Armenia appeared on the ABC portal.

The Internet portal is visited monthly by over 20 thousand users; 8,433 people are registered in the “Teacher” section. Since 2014, more than 305 thousand pensioners have taken part in the program, of which about 55 thousand people in 2019. In addition, regions of the Russian Federation use program materials as part of their own projects. For example, in the Tyumen region there is a program “Expanding Horizons”, which takes into account the methodological developments and recommendations of the “ABC of the Internet” program.

The training is divided into two courses: basic - for beginners and advanced - for those who have already mastered the basics of working on a computer and the Internet. In 2015, modules were published that talk about choosing a home computer and additional equipment for it, and provide recommendations on the use of social networks and regional Internet services: websites of regional authorities, enterprises providing housing and communal services. In 2016, the ABC portal published materials devoted to financial Internet literacy, searching for work on the Internet, and programs necessary for employment. In 2017, modules were developed on working on tablets and video communication programs. Today, materials from seven modules of the extended training course have been published on the website.

A significant contribution to the development of the project was online seminars for teachers and course organizers on the “ABC of the Internet”. The first seminar was attended by students from 13 regions; the seminar, which took place in May 2019, included more than 1,400 representatives of regional ministries of social policy, library staff and various social institutions, and university teachers from 51 regions.

The publication of “The ABCs of the Internet” is a charitable project for the company: the preparation, publication and free distribution of the textbook allows us to increase the number of pensioners who know how to use a computer and work on the Internet, and to facilitate older people’s access to electronic government services and social services.

In support of the “ABC of the Internet” project, an annual competition “Thank you to the Internet!” was organized, the participants of which in their works talk about how the Internet is useful for an audience of 50+, how it has changed and improved their lives. Participants in the V All-Russian Competition in 2019 submitted over 4.5 thousand applications from 79 regions of Russia. This is 23% more than in 2018. At the same time, 81% of the works came from residents of medium and small cities, as well as from rural areas. The oldest participant is 95 years old. 63% of competitive entries came from pensioners who completed specialized courses - 37% of pensioners studied independently, incl. according to the ABC of the Internet program.

You can download a free textbook and teaching materials on the portal

Currently, electronic forms of communication between authorities and citizens are 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 these issues are more difficult. It is here that computer courses for pensioners are now becoming so popular, which can also be taken absolutely free.

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 using it; to use e-mail, various editors.

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

The only thing is that a person learns to handle a laptop and other modern means of communication competently. And for pensioners this is simply an urgent need, since it makes life much easier.

The Russian version of the international program was used specifically to increase the level of computer literacy of the population, including pensioners. e-citizen, that is, "Electronic citizen".

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

The project proposes to train citizens, including the elderly and disabled, to work with a computer, and they are not charged money for this. Pensioners gain access to modern equipment and information technologies and learn the necessary skills to use them.

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

In addition, in every city there are places where computer literacy classes can also be held, for example, in the city library.

Each city's website contains information about the regional Electronic Citizen program. This is, first of all, a telephone number, by calling which you can find out whether your application to attend courses will be accepted immediately, or whether you will have to wait.

Those interested apply to participate in the program in advance, groups are formed 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 in all major cities of the region. The same is observed in other constituent entities 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 broader and cover broader topics.

How is the training carried out and what will an elderly person be taught?

The educational course within the framework of the “Electronic Citizen” program takes place face-to-face. 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 characteristics 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 a subject will always find a way to convey it to listeners in an extremely understandable and interesting form.
Such specialists, tutors, are specially trained. These are certified teachers who provide an individual approach to each of their students.
In such a favorable environment, pensioners are introduced to what may be most useful to them, namely:

  • working 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, customizing it and using it;
  • making purchases via the Internet.

At the next stages, course participants are trained in electronic communication with local and federal authorities. For example, course participants will learn how to access the website of the president or governor; how to find out details regarding housing and communal services; how to ask a question or submit an application to the Pension Fund; how to use legal information 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, and how to behave on thematic forums.

If there are enthusiasts on the ground, then the success of promoting the “Electronic Citizen” program increases sharply. 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 have the opportunity to organize a personal account and engage in commerce 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 reaches a wider audience and is also very interesting for retirees.

Here you will learn in detail about such an effective tool for obtaining services as the UEC - a universal electronic card. It works at both 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 educational and methodological materials. They take an independent test at the end of the class that shows how much they benefited from the class. In case of successful completion of the test, each student is awarded a Certificate of Completion of the course.

Among pensioners there are those who, due to the nature of their work, came across computers, and they will not consider it necessary for themselves to take up courses, even if they are free.

And others, perhaps, no longer want to go to classes, it’s awkward to feel like an inexperienced student at such an advanced age. The motivation for avoiding face-to-face courses may vary, but the need to learn how to receive services online still exists. And then we 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 on. Look for offers, make contact, ask questions. Many of these courses are paid, but they may have a discounted promotion specifically for retirees.

A query in a search engine is formulated, for example, like this: “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 during the lesson it will become clear that there are special groups with preferential treatment for pensioners. Sometimes this is practiced, especially in regional centers of the Russian Federation.

YouTube, if you own it, can also be a very useful resource - what 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.

Pensioners, as a rule, are active and curious people. Having devoted their whole lives to work and raising children, they were constantly busy, and then suddenly they had 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.

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

Why do pensioners need computer literacy?

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

  • Education. Using 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 or specialized specialists on the clinic’s website.
  • Employment and part-time work. Older people are learning new professions and earning money. They write texts, course projects, work as tutors, and do translations.

Studying a computer for retirees 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 government and private organizations. It is convenient for pensioners to pay for purchases in an online store, housing and communal services, duties and taxes.

How to learn for free

Learning to use a computer occurs in different ways. The easiest way is to ask friends or relatives for help. If this is not possible, consider other training options:

  • Online via the Internet. The method is suitable for those who have a basic level of computer knowledge and know how to use the Internet and Skype. For classes, you need to choose a training program, for example, web programming or computer graphics, and register on a specific website.
  • Offline. The method is suitable for experienced users and retirees with basic PC skills. To learn, you need to download the course from the Internet, burn the lessons onto a flash drive or CD. The advantage of this method is learning at a convenient time and anywhere.
  • Based on textbooks and tutorials. This option is suitable for people who have never used a computer. To learn how to use a PC, you need to buy books in a store or borrow them from a library.
  • Circles and sections that are formed with the support of 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. Territorial bodies of the Pension Fund of Russia (PFR), based in schools and libraries, together with IT companies, conduct classes for unemployed elderly people. All courses are free, and their students are recipients of old-age or disability insurance pensions. The purpose of the classes is to develop basic knowledge, learn to work on a computer, and use government information resources.

Since 2006, Russia has had an accessible “Electronic Citizen” program to teach computer literacy to pensioners and other socially vulnerable segments of the population.

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

ABC of the Internet

This joint project was created by the Pension Fund of Russia 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 use 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 perform work. If necessary, you can ask questions and get clarification from the methodologists.

It’s easy to test your skills on the site if you go to the “Test Questions” section.

Main objectives of the training course:

  • Gaining skills in working with computer equipment.
  • Socialization of elderly citizens, organization of their leisure time.
  • Ensuring the right to receive government services electronically.
  • Motivation to acquire new knowledge.

Virtual Computer Academy

The main goal of the project is to help older people get comfortable with the digital space, to show that a computer for pensioners is a means to lead a fulfilling lifestyle.

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

Where to study in Moscow

To keep up with new technologies, get a job, or watch your favorite TV series, you need to know how to use a computer. Pensioners with an active lifestyle can learn computer literacy in specialized courses.

An older person may need the Internet much more than a teenager.

There are several learning paths:

  • courses in groups;
  • online courses and services;
  • self-study using books and video lectures.

First of all, a pensioner may be afraid of the new, believing that he can cope without the Internet. In fact, training takes little time. The main thing is to interest an older person and tell them about new opportunities.

Why do pensioners need computer courses:

  1. Active mental activity is resumed, which prevents many mental and brain diseases.
  2. This is a quick way to find answers to questions, from a pie recipe to a television program.
  3. The ability to independently use technology will improve an older person’s mood, self-esteem and help relieve boredom.
  4. Now you can get a job, get a promotion, work online.
  5. If friends and relatives are at a great distance, communication via Skype will help brighten up the separation.

Attention! During training, you should not shout or swear at an elderly person. You need to correctly answer repeated questions and, if necessary, write down step-by-step instructions on a piece of paper.

How to make learning comfortable:

  1. Designate a personal computer that will belong only to the pensioner. Then he will be able to organize all the folders on his own and will be more confident in pressing buttons.
  2. There should be a minimum of programs on the desktop. While the student is mastering the standards, he does not need fancy games or applications.
  3. Create a browser shortcut on your desktop. All necessary windows should be pinned in the browser. This could be news, Yandex search engine, YouTube, mail.
  4. Perhaps an older person will be more comfortable learning the “old-fashioned” way. Then it is better to keep a notebook where the main steps will be written down, and you will also be able to independently record key points.
  5. Regularity can move mountains. If you work with a pensioner once a month, nothing will work. It is better to provide new information every day, but in small parts.

Free computer literacy courses

Charitable computer literacy courses can be found in almost any city in the Russian Federation. Training is carried out in libraries, Internet clubs, schools and social centers.

The state is interested in the active life position of pensioners, therefore Article 76 of the Law “On Education of the Russian Federation” guarantees free courses, certification and employment for people of retirement age.

For example, the “Electronic Citizen” program will allow you to learn a computer remotely. You just need to study the course of video lectures.

What types of training are there?

Studying for free is possible. But you need to choose which method will be productive for each retiree. It’s very easy to study online, through courses, join a charity group, or study the issue on your own.

Online services

If courses and groups have a limited flow, then Internet resources provide the opportunity to choose training to suit your taste.

Electronic citizen

The Electronic Citizen program exists with the support of the state. It is aimed at leveling the playing field for those who have not yet mastered the capabilities of the computer and the Internet. The program also helps you register for various services that will make life easier for pensioners, for example, the State Services website.

YouTube

YouTube is an excellent resource for free learning in any field. Just enter “computer literacy”, “computer training from scratch” into the search bar, and dozens of videos and playlists on this topic will appear.

Virtual computer academy for pensioners

The site is under the leadership of Sergei Avdevnin. He was amazed that grandparents were willing to pay money to register a mailbox. Therefore, he created a free project in the form of a website where you can get answers to popular questions.

Important! If you have any question related to your computer, you can enter it into the search bar. Usually the sites contain step-by-step instructions with pictures and tips.

Group training

Various charity courses are conducted in groups. Such courses can be found in pensioners' clubs, libraries, schools, etc. Courses are easy to find on the Internet.

As an example, group courses for Moscow residents:

  • “Free Internet Literacy Course for Seniors”– training in paying for housing and communal services, online shopping, Skype; registration requires minimal computer knowledge;
  • “All ages are submissive to the network”– free courses from MTS, here more experienced users teach beginners;
  • computer education training center– computer literacy classes are held regularly from 10.00 to 12.00 on weekdays.

In every city you can find a lot of groups, both paid and free.

These courses teach:

  • basic computer skills;
  • searching for information on the Internet;
  • registration on social networks, mail, Skype;
  • using online banking;
  • registration on the State Services website;
  • studying antiviruses, ways to protect your computer;
  • online entertainment, multimedia.

The characteristics of pensioners and their needs must be taken into account. New information is regularly repeated and put into practice. There are always more experienced users in the group who will help in difficult situations and set them up for further study of technology.

Individual training

Learning to use a computer individually is one of the most difficult ways, because... You will have to overcome personal fears and insecurities, and in case of an error, you need to look for the answers yourself.

However, such training has its advantages:

  • own rhythm of work;
  • choosing your favorite sources;
  • no need to leave home, spend money, etc.

Reference! For the initial stage of learning, it is better to master the tablet. It is difficult to turn off the computer and using the mouse is difficult.

First you need to learn the basic skills of using the device. Then go to the browser and search queries. If a pensioner can find the answer to a question on the Internet, he will independently learn not only computer literacy, but also any hobby.

Selfeducation

Learning from books and textbooks is most understandable to older people. New information can be re-read an infinite number of times, fixing it in memory.

It is better to purchase several tutorials and preview each of them. Even simple textbooks can seem confusing. You need to find your own level from which it will be easy to start learning without the help of others.

List of popular self-teaching books:

  1. Ivan Zhukov - “Computer and Internet from scratch.”
  2. Marina Winner - “Computer and laptop for those who are for... A simple and understandable tutorial.”
  3. Alexey Gladky - “Internet 100%. Detailed tutorial: from beginner to professional.”

Video lessons are a more visual aid, because... “naked” theory will not save a beginning student.

Free video courses can always be found on YouTube using the appropriate search query.

YouTube channels that can help with learning:

  • Computer Academy;
  • Sergey Chernykh – computer for beginners;
  • Andrey Sukhov's channel will help you master basic programs.

You should not download unknown courses. The file may contain viruses. At the initial stages, it is better to give preference to online services.

Review of the Neumeka and ABC of the Internet course

Neumeka and ABC of the Internet are online courses of the same name, sites where basic programs and their functions are clearly explained.

Neumeka

Neumeka is suitable for any level of training. Each lesson has pictures that complement the new material.

The site is divided into 3 blocks:

  • computer for beginners;
  • computer work;
  • training programs.

When going to each section, subsections open where the user can select a question that interests him. It is also possible to study the site sequentially, from 1 block, 1 subsection, gradually moving on.

Step-by-step instructions for the course:

  1. Go to the website, select the one you are interested in from 3 sections.
  2. Open a question of interest.
  3. Read the article carefully.
  4. Repeat all the steps described in the article on your computer.
  5. If necessary, repeat again.

Pros of the course:

  • detailed information;
  • there are pictures;
  • step-by-step training;
  • Both basic computer literacy skills and the development of websites and social networks are covered.

Disadvantages of the course:

  • for active users the information will seem too simple;
  • the site design has not been updated for a long time;
  • To select a new lesson, you need to constantly return to the main menu.

ABC of the Internet

The ABCs of the Internet are courses for pensioners and people with disabilities who want to learn how to use a PC.

The project is supported by the Pension Fund of Russia and Rostelecom.

Pros:

  • With the help of the program, pensioners are socialized;
  • the basic course consists of 14 chapters, each of which examines a specific topic in detail;
  • there is an extended course of 7 modules that is suitable for more advanced users;
  • There is a version for the visually impaired;
  • The lesson can be downloaded or watched online.

Minuses:

  • lessons consist of articles and images, there are practically no videos;
  • To learn using this site you need to have at least some PC skills.

Learning new things means not growing old. Pensioners are able to lead an active lifestyle, read the news, watch TV series and even write their own culinary blog. Thanks to the courses provided, you can become an active Internet user in 2-3 weeks and learn how to use a computer.