Technology assistance for Seniors
Why this page?
We are often faced with technology challenges. Who do you turn to? This page will serve as a guide to learning more, from SDCCE related tasks (emails, registration) and other technology challenges (using your smartphones, your computers, and understanding how technology works in our busy lives). This page is updated often.
On this page, find:
Resources to assist with SDCCE related questions
Information on Digital Navigators
Classes on technology (in person, online, recorded)
SD Access for all: A city program to help bridge the digital divide
One on one help in the community (free and low cost)
Free and low cost computers and Wi-Fi
Resources to support SDCCE: student email, portal assistance, discounts with student email account
Questions about student email? Send a note to: support@student.sdccd.edu or call: 619-388-1140
SDCCE Support desk: Information on student help, programs and more. Allows you to request help via forms. Access the page here.
Go to a campus: You can always go to a campus to request assistance with SDCCE related things. NOTE: You can also get a student ID card with a picture at select campuses (ECC, Mid-City and Cesar Chavez). Call first to see what times they are available. Link to Campus Locations: https://sdcce.edu/organization/campuses .
Discounts with your new student email: Having a student email account means you can access student discounts from services such as Amazon Student Prime, Adobe Creative Cloud for Students, NFL Sunday Ticket, New York Times and more. In addition, a website for college students called Juno lists a number of possibilities (check first to make sure they are still available).
Getting help
SD Access for all: A variety of resources to help seniors understand technology, and to provide tools to help bridge the digital divide (https://www.sandiego.gov/sdaccess) Includes:
Map with over 300 public free wi-fi spots
Laptops for loan up to 2 hours at libraries
Hotspots available to check out for 90 days at a time (view more information)
Digital Navigators:
Call our toll-free HELPLINE:
1-800-350-6945
Monday - Tuesday: 11:30 a.m. ‑ 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sources for free and low cost computers and Wi-Fi
There are options for obtaining free or low cost computers and Wi-Fi for seniors and lower income adults. Possibilities include:
San Diego Futures Foundation (equipment, tutoring, classes, one-on-one) https://sdfutures.org/
Computers4Kids (equipment for low income and seniors) https://www.c2sdk.org/
One on one help in the community
Digital Navigator Program: This program provides assistance on campuses and libraries. They can also can provide telephone help. Do you want to see a calendar of this month's help? Click here to view (takes you to their site).
Oasis Think Tank: Sign up for an in person 20 to 30 minute session with a technology expert through Oasis. Available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and the 3rd Saturday of the month. $5 a session. Click here to sign up for a 30 minute session. Find more at: https://san-diego.oasisnet.org/tech-tank/
Senior Computer Group: This group meets on Saturday mornings via Zoom. They offer tech talks on a variety of issues, and are available for questions after. Visit their website for links to the Zoom, resources and information about the weekly topics. https://scgsd.org/
Classes and lessons
In person and online classes
Communicating with Technology: An Emeritus class which features topics on technology as well as instruction on using devices. Online. Free.
Tech on the Go: Offers classes on various topics including smartphones, apps, community resources and more. Calendar updated each month. (https://sdfutures.org/digital-literacy/)
AARP: AARP offers a few virtual classes on technology related topics. View upcoming classes here.
Oasis: For a small cost, you can attend classes in person (Grossmont Center or the new Rancho Bernardo center) or online. On this page, you can see just the technology classes. Classes begin at $5/class and up. You must sign up for a membership (free to sign up). Here is the information on setting up a membership.
Recorded technology lessons
Senior Planet: On this AARP sponsored site, you can find recordings on how to do things involving technology (phone, tablets, computers, etc.) (https://seniorplanet.org/videos/)
2021 Oasis Technology Fair: View videos from experts from past Technology events sponsored by Oasis. (https://san-diego.oasisnet.org/technology-fair)
LiveWell Videos: A nice assortment of videos which help us to better understand technology. Click here to view the options.
Self paced tutorials
GCF Learning: This is an excellent non-profit tutorial site with a wide variety of offerings. It includes not only technology, but other areas as well. Definitely worth a view. https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/
Tech Boomers: Lots of tutorials and information about technology questions for seniors including online shopping, social networks, online entertainment, useful websites and apps and technology basics. This is really a great and informative site. https://techboomers.com/
