Free 1-hour online webinars tailored for the Over 50s 🤓
Learn to use technology with confidence, how to protect yourself online and find out what opportunities the internet can provide by joining a range of Be Connected free online presentations.
Hosted by the eSafety Commissioner, these presentations cover a range of topics to help improve the digital skills and online safety of older Australians.
If you are ready to learn more about using technology join us to be stepped through the essentials, in an easy to understand format with Greg our knowledgeable and friendly presenter.
Register to book your spot as bookings are limited per session.
Who should attend?
- Age group 50+
- No experience to beginner/intermediate ability
- Anyone wanting to develop their digital skills and online safety knowledge
Presentation topics
Learn more about the presentation topics and available dates below:
- Can you spot a scam?
- Staying safe on Facebook
- All you need to know about data and public Wi-Fi
- Safer online shopping and banking
- Protect yourself against scams
- Selling Safely Online
- Connecting to others
- How to use smart home technology
- How to use zoom to make video calls
- Helpful apps for your smart device
- How to use government websites
Can you spot a scam?
Australians aged 55 and over lost close to $141 million to online scammers in 2021. It serves as a reminder that the internet is a wonderful place to explore and connect with others, but it pays to be savvy.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- Common scams including the latest Tax and Medicare scams
- Tips on how to spot them
- What to do and what not to do
- Where to go for help
Dates:
- 6 September: 10 – 11am AEST
- 8 November: 11 – 12pm AEDT
Download PDF • Can you spot a scam summary sheet
Staying safe on Facebook
With over 2 billion daily active users, Facebook is the world’s most popular social networking site. It helps people stay connected, especially when they’re in different parts of the world. In this webinar, we will explore how when used with proper care, Facebook can be an enjoyable source of entertainment and a great way to connect with others.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- What you can do on Facebook
- How to take control of your privacy settings
- Common scams on Facebook
- How advertising works on Facebook
Dates:
- 9 September: 2 – 3pm AEST
- 10 November: 3 – 4pm AEDT
Download PDF • Staying safe on Facebook summary sheet
All you need to know about data and public Wi-Fi
Whether you’re using the internet at home or on your mobile, everything you do online uses data. Knowing how and when to use your mobile data or Wi-Fi can help you stay safer online and save money.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- How to get the best value for money from your mobile data plan
- Tips on managing your data allowance
- How to keep your data costs down while out and about
- How to use public Wi-Fi safely
Dates:
- 20 September: 11.30 – 12.30pm AEST
Download PDF • Can you spot a scam summary sheet
Safer online shopping and banking
For many Australians, a connected lifestyle includes the convenience of online shopping and banking, however, privacy and security concerns can stop those who aren’t as confident online from enjoying the same experience.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- The benefits of shopping and banking online
- How to safely shop and pay for things online
- How to do every day banking safely online
- What to look out for
Dates:
- 11 October: 11.30 – 12.30pm AEDT
Download PDF • Safer online shopping and banking summary sheet
Protect yourself against scams
A scam is a term used to describe any fraudulent business or scheme that takes personal information, money or other goods from an unsuspecting person. With the world becoming more connected through the internet, online scams have increased. It therefore pays to be cautious and follow a few simple steps.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- How to protect your personal information from scammers
- How to safely make friends online
- How to spot investment scams
- Where to go for help
Dates:
- 6 October: 3 – 4 pm AEDT
- 6 December: 10 – 11 am AEDT
Download PDF •
Protect yourself against scams summary sheet
Selling Safely Online
With more and more people seeing the benefits of online shopping, now is a great time to begin selling online. Before you get started learn some simple tips and tricks to help you confidently sell on the internet and, most importantly, learn how to keep yourself safe while enjoying the benefits selling online can bring.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- What to sell online
- How to get started on the top three online selling platforms
- How to open a PayPal account and accept payments
- How to keep yourself safe while selling online
Dates:
- 25 October: 10 – 11am AEDT
Download PDF • Selling Safely Online summary sheet
Connecting to others
Although it may be necessary for you to physically isolate yourself from other people during the coronavirus outbreak, it’s vital to stay in touch with friends and family.
You can make video calls, send typed or instant messages and share photos and written updates with your friends on social media services. Being in touch with friends and family will help you to stay connected and feel less isolated.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- How to set up for video calling
- How to use Skype
- How to use WhatsApp
- How to use FaceTime
Dates:
- 22 November: 10 – 11am AEDT
Download PDF • Connecting to others summary sheet
How to use smart home technology
With the increasing popularity of smart home technology in Australia, you may have already heard the term ‘smart home’ but wondered exactly what it is and how it works. We will introduce you to the benefits of smart homes, tell you what you need to set one up, and how to protect your privacy and safety while enjoying all the convenience this technology brings.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- The benefits of smart home technology
- What you need to set up a smart home
- How a voice assistant works
- How to protect your information and keep yourself safe
Dates:
- 22 September: 3 – 4pm AEST
Download PDF • How to use smart home technology summary sheet
How to use zoom to make video calls
With millions of meeting participants worldwide, Zoom has become one of the world’s most widely-used video conferencing services. The Zoom platform allows users to see and talk to anyone, anywhere in the world in real time. However, like any online application it’s important to keep your safety in mind while using Zoom.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- The benefits of Zoom
- What you need to get started
- A step by step guide to signing-up and using Zoom
- How to protect your privacy while using Zoom
Dates:
- 13 December: 11.30 – 12.30pm AEDT
Download PDF • How to use zoom to make video calls summary sheet
Helpful apps for your smart device
Apps, or applications, are the programs you use on your smart device to get things done. Some apps are just for fun while many can help us in our daily lives. With millions of apps available to choose from they can seem confusing at first, but we’ll give you some tips to get the greatest benefit from your apps so you can use them with confidence.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- What an app is
- Where to find and download an app
- Which apps might be helpful and interesting to you
- Tips about managing your apps
Dates:
- 13 October: 3 – 4pm AEDT
- 8 December: 3 – 4pm AEDT
Download PDF • Helpful apps for your smart device summary sheet
How to use government websites
From news and weather to health warnings and essential government services, there is so much useful information available on Australian government websites. The best part is, it’s free to access! We’ll show you how using government websites can benefit you, including a step – by -step guide to setting up your own MyGov account so you can manage your online government services easily and conveniently.
Join the 1-hour webinar to learn:
- Which government websites might benefit you
- How to set up a MyGov account
- How to link other government services to your MyGov account
- How to keep your personal details safe and secure
Dates:
- 3 October: 10 – 11am AEDT
Download PDF • How to use government websites summary sheet
To register or learn more about the free courses, visit the Be Connected government website here.
Note: All sessions are based on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), so if you live outside of NSW, QLD & VIC – please check the local time when booking in your state.
Are you new to webinars?
Here’s some helpful information on what a webinar is, how to join, and what you can expect.
You can also watch a short 5-minute video on how to join a webinar – watch here.
Webinar basics
What is a webinar?
A webinar is a presentation held over the internet whereby a host can share information with an audience. The advantage of a webinar is that you can view the presentation from the comfort of your own home or workplace.
What do I need to join a webinar?
First and foremost, you’ll need an internet connection along with a device such as a computer, laptop or iPad, with sound. There’s no need for a microphone or camera as the presenter will not be able to see or hear you. It’s also recommended that Google Chrome is used as your internet browser.
What do I do if I want to host a webinar?
If you’re hosting a large group, you’ll need a large enough screen so your audience can see the presentation. It’s also recommended that Google Chrome is used as your internet browser.
To help spread the word that you are hosting a group presentation at your venue Be Connected has an online toolkit you can use for promotion to your members and guests including; posters, newsletters, social media resources.
To register or learn more about the free courses, visit the Be Connected government website here.
