Brisbane Seniors Online (BSOL) which has operated in the Greater Brisbane area (Redlands, Moreton and Brisbane) for over 20 years is seeking more seniors and over 50 learners in many areas. Some areas also need more volunteer mentors desperately to tutor an influx of new learners. Mentors who are confident to teach any or all of the following systems Android, Windows and Apple are welcome to join. Both male and female mentors can join and required. BSOL is broken up into 10 hubs across the Greater Brisbane area and managed by a hub coordinator.
Recently Brisbane Seniors Online received grant funding from the Sunnybank Community and Sports Club who gave BSOL a generous donation to do advertising to recruit new members. This financial support is welcomed.
Pictured today are Brisbane Seniors Online members Ken Bourne and Effie using a Apple Mac computer during the Apple Special Interest Group meeting at the Woolloongabba Training Centre.
Brisbane Seniors Online provides computer and internet training on Windows, Android and Apple devices. BSOL specialise in home tuition on the learner’s own device and at a pace that suits them using an empathetic volunteer mentor. Home tutoring on a one-on-one basis is more conducive to quicker and more confident learning. Learners can request a male or female mentor and the hub coordinator for the area can assign a mentor based on the requirements of the learner and if possible, someone living close to them to avoid excessive travel.
With the coronavirus and the closing down of shop fronts and the move towards more online transactions like banking, dealings with Centrelink, home shopping and paying bills, there is a significant risk of scams and fraud. BSOL can show learners how to identify and avoid scams and keep their computer up-to-date and safe against hacking. Learners pay an affordable fee of a $20 one-off joining fee and $45 for a year and as a guide around 12 hours of home lessons and ongoing support for the balance of the membership year.
Brisbane Seniors Online have a number of monthly special interest groups. These include Apple, Senior Shutterbug digital photography and Linux. New mentors receive a formal induction before their membership is approved and training is available throughout the year. For volunteer mentors, a mentor support group provides an opportunity for mentors to meet each other and resolve technical issues.
Brisbane Seniors Online can be contacted on 3393 2225 or see www.bsol.asn.au. Also, on Facebook.com/BrisbaneSeniorsOnline
