Our Programs

Connected Canadians uses a customized, hands-on centred approach to learning. Volunteers with a high comfort level in technology are paired with senior clients. Working together, either one-on-one or in group workshops, clients’ various technology challenges are addressed.

CUSTOMIZED 1:1 TRAINING/Support SESSIONS

One of our outreach coordinators will conduct an initial needs assessment to identify main gaps and goals. After this, a client support specialist will work with the client to meet their short and long term technology learning goals.

One-on-ones are normally about 60 mins in length. Examples of topics covered include:

• Setting up and using email (including how to send photos)

• How to video chat (e.g FaceTime / Skype / Zoom)

• Communicating by text using your phone

• Facebook/YouTube basics

• How the Internet can help you cook

• Music and the Internet

Availability

Remote 1:1 Sessions -

Based on volunteer availability, these are usually held outside of business hours (eg. after 6pm / on weekends)

Wellness Series: At Home Fitness Part 1

Connected Canadians now offers FREE online fitness classes. The Mindful Mobility Class is a seated exercise program suitable for all levels of fitness. Inspired by the movements of Chair Tai Chi and yoga, the 45 minute class is designed for people looking to add a gentle, no-low risk activity to their routines.

Availability

• Mindful Mobility Chair Class - registration is OPEN!

• Register below to add your name to the email list

• Receive email notifications and Zoom links when new classes are added

• Class schedule based on volunteer availability

• Support on “How to Connect to Class” available

Connecting Through Art

Connected Canadians has partnered with The National Gallery of Canada on a new initiative connecting seniors with one-on-one digital support to become comfortable navigating gallery.ca and other NGC platforms. Together we have developed a customized program that helps older adults stay connected through virtual art programming. We believe that everyone should be empowered to use technology and have access to explore art and the NGC offerings online.

Availability

Based on volunteer availability, these are usually held outside of business hours (eg. after 6 pm / on weekends).

Sessions are typically 60 minutes in length.

remote Social Gaming For Seniors

One or two of our client support specialists will work with a small group of seniors (2-6 people, typically situated in different locations) to facilitate players getting online to play a Pictionary-style word game or similar, while also connecting to video and audio chat for social interaction.

Online gaming sessions are typically 45-60 mins in length.

Prerequisites to play include (for each participant):

• Reliable wifi

• Passwords at hand for downloading games and apps

• Phone number of participant to help during set-up

• Device with a larger screen and integrated microphone (eg. Laptop, iPad or other Tablet)

• (Preferred) Functioning webcam on device

• (Optional) Headphones, if the player will be participating in a noisier environment

Availability

Social Gaming Sessions -

Based on volunteer availability, sessions are usually booked a minimum of one week in advance. Our team will follow up with you to confirm additional details as needed.

Support for Families of Hospital Patients

Due to quarantining procedures in health care institutions, elderly patients are now more physically isolated than ever before. To ensure that those with family in hospital have the skills they need to connect with their loved ones, Connected Canadians has created a program to help families of patients get connected.

Availability

Support for Families of Hospital Patients -

Based on the availability of the nurses and PSWs caring for the patient in question. Please check in with the health care institution where your loved one is located.

Workplace Volunteering Program Sessions

These sessions are typically 45 minutes to an hour in length, and are geared to volunteers who are using employer-sponsored volunteer hours. To learn how your workplace team can mentor seniors in technology at a nearby retirement residence, contact Connected Canadians using the Learn More button on the right.

Availability

Workplace Volunteer Program Sessions -

Monday - Friday, Business Hours

INSTRUCTOR-LED WORKSHOPS

Retirement home administrators, community groups, churches or caregivers can contact Connected Canadians to discuss which options best suit their community and budget. Workshops can hold up to 15 people, and are normally 60 mins in length.

Workshops include: 

• Staying Safe on the Internet: How to Spot Phishing and other Scams

• Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems: What 5 Things Should You Try First? (Mac and PC versions available).

• Facebook and YouTube Overview

• Bring Your Own Device: General Troubleshooting

Availability

Monday-Sunday

Business Hours

Coming Soon: Certification Programs

Would you like to obtain more formal training in order to act as a Connected Canadians Certified Instructor or Support Specalist? We provide training programs with practical experience for those who wish to help build up digital literacy skills in their communities.

• Connected Canadians Certified Volunteer Instructor (5 hours of course-based training, 10 hours of practical experience)

• Connected Canadians Certified Support Specialist (5 hours of course-based training or equivalent experience, 10 hours of phone or video conference based support)

Availability

Saturday
Morning, Afternoon + Online Component

Coming Soon: ONLINE RESOURCES

Connected Canadians is continually working with subject matter experts to build up our own carefully curated knowledge base of FAQs, articles and videos to help Canadians wherever they are located. 

Check out the Knowledge Base section of our site using the menu at the top of the page, if you'd like to contribute by asking a question or contributing some content, contact us.

Availability

24/7