Part of our class will involve an online game that we will play at the same time, from either your cellphone or your computer.  The instructions are below, as well as a video which shows the first few minutes from the phone's point of view as well as the host (instructor) screen.  

Here, you can find an overview of concepts learned from the past semester.  For questions or more clarifications, go to the lesson includes this information.  (Scroll further to find skills and tools).

Concepts discussed:

·        Types of devices and operating systems:  Our devices include computers, smartphones, tablets, watches, ereaders and more.  Each of these devices has its own operating system which allows us to use them “out of the box”.  Updating the operating system regularly is vital to the health of your device.

·        Cloud based services:  Examples of cloud-based services include Google Drive, iCloud drive, Dropbox, Amazon (for shopping), your banks, online media sites and many more.  Any site that you have created a username and password for is on the cloud.  Data stored on the cloud is digital and easily shared.  Websites are identified by URLS.  It is important to make sure that the URL is pointing to the correct domain name.  Some clouds will allow automatic uploading of all files (OneDrive, iCloud) or they may allow automatic uploading of certain files (such as photos and Google photos).  You can also manually upload files to your clouds.

·        Web browsers vs Search engines:  Both are software which is downloaded to your device.  Web browsers have search engines built in (Google, Bing) but you can use alternate search engines by going to their domain (google.com, bing.com) Web browsers allow features like bookmarks and reading lists, collections, and extensions.  Search engines are mostly for searching for and finding resources. 

·        Online safety affects us all.  Review lesson for ideas on spotting phishing and scams.  Use online resources if you are targeted.  Phishing is where attackers try to get individuals to reveal sensitive information.  Common avenues of phishing  are usually delivered via email, but can be phone calls, text messages or fake websites.  Look for certain clues (grammatical errors, fake logos, an odd URL and more)  Beware of the top 3 scams for older adults:  Grandparent scams, romance scams and home improvement scams.

·        Photo management:  You can download your pictures to your computer.  Or you can allow automatic upload of pictures to cloud.  You do not need to have multiple clouds (Google and iCloud).  You also do not need to keep all images on your devices if they are uploading to the cloud.

·        Google and iCloud photo  storage:  Each are powerful tools with the opportunity to create new albums, share with others, create media like photos books and videos and more.  Stay up to date as the operating systems are upgraded.

·        File manager and Finder:  When you save a document, picture, folder, you save it to your device and/or the cloud.  Regardless of where it is saved, it can be found in your “File explorer” (Windows) or “Finder” (Mac).  Files can be shared, moved, copied and more from this program.

·        Artificial intelligence is springing up in many formats:  It involves using computers which learn from data to do tasks.  Deep learning uses multi-layered networks and complex pattern recognition and is behind such tools as ChatGPT and Dall-e.  These computers are trained on vast amounts of data (scraped from the Internet) and are referred to as “large language models”.  Conversational AI allows natural language processing technology to engage in human-like dialogue, allowing a stream of questions and answers.  Generative AI can generate new content such as text, images and videos.  These resemble human-created content.  There is a lot to learn, and AI currently makes mistakes, so we cannot rely on it for reliability and bias.

·        Improve the battery life:  Tips on improving battery life  on your smartphones include  optimized charging (ideally 20% - 80% rule), using high quality chargers and avoiding heat.  Don’t worry about clearing the apps continuously (may use more battery in this case) but do clear if you are experiencing slower loading of apps.

·        Remembering passwords:  Password managers are helpful in keeping track of all passwords.  If you only use Apple devices, you can rely on keychain to keep track.  Otherwise, your options include browser password managers (not as secure) or 3rd party managers (much more secure).

·        Caution with social networks:  Social networks can be helpful to us in keeping connected with others and learning new things.  However, review the privacy of sites before signing up for them, and limit your use to people/organizations you trust.  Be wary of misinformation circulating on social media and do not repost unless you are certain they are legitimate. Some suggested social networks include AARP community, Next Door  and Meet up (for in person communication).  Continue to always include safe practices online and review privacy policy often.

·        Misinformation and Disinformation:  There is a difference between misinformation and disinformation, and that is “intent”. Both terms refer to media that is unreliable and biased.  It can affect entire communities.  Understanding the types of mis/dis information, and how to recognize it can help limit the use. Use sources which are high in reliability and more neutral than biased when possible. Use fact checking sites to verify things which seem suspicious.  Study media which depicts controversial things to see if they may be AI generated.

Here are some of the things we learned about during this semester.  If you have questions, go back to the lessons to find instructions.  Lots of information included!

·        Copy and paste

·        Saving a website shortcut  to the desktop or files

·        Finding how much storage is available on your device in settings

·        Working with browsers:  Search vs find a site, clearing the cache, bookmarking, Private browsers, finding settings

·        Search and find information 2024:  Perplexity (search engine), ChatGPT (general questions) and more

·        Resources for identity breaching, scams, phishing and more (download the handout!)

·        Phishing quiz (new and current)

·        Saving and access photos on the cloud (iCloud/Google/other)

·        Finding files and folders:  Downloads, creating folders, searching

·        AI and Conversational AI (ChatGPT)

·        How to clear open apps

·        Using a password manager (iCloud vs browser vs 3rd party)

·        Access settings in Gmail and Outlook

·        Add file to Google Drive and OneDrive and collaborate with others

·        Setting up and using Google photos

·        Using Microsoft tools online

·        Finding settings in social media accounts and making them more private

·        Ways to stay safe when on social networks

·        Identifying websites which are unbiased and reliable (not so easy)

·        Identifying AI posts and media: Practice with some images

·        Using fact checking sites:  Review factcheck.org and Politifact.com