Course Overview
Step into the world of smartphones with our Get to Know Your Smartphone workshop!
Smartphones today are like small computers you can carry in your pocket. While older mobile phones were mainly used for calls and texts, modern smartphones allow you to send emails, browse the internet, take photos, join video calls, use apps, and much more.
Most smartphones use a touchscreen, which means you control your phone by tapping, swiping, and using simple gestures instead of pressing physical buttons. Apps appear as icons on your screen, and with just a tap, you can open them to perform different tasks—from messaging and photos to maps and online services.
Learning to use a smartphone may feel unfamiliar at first, but with guided practice and support, it quickly becomes easier. This workshop provides a safe, relaxed environment where you can take your time, ask questions, and build confidence step by step.
This workshop is designed for people who are new to smartphones or want to better understand the device they already own. Whether you’re upgrading from a basic mobile phone or just getting started, you’ll gain practical skills to help you feel more comfortable using your phone in everyday life.
Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!
What you will learn
Course outline
Topics include:
- What a smartphone is and what it can do in everyday life
- How to identify key features such as the touchscreen, buttons, cameras, and charging port
- How to turn your phone on, off, and unlock it securely
- Basic touchscreen gestures such as tapping, swiping, and scrolling
- How to navigate the home screen and open apps
- How to find and use essential apps like Messages, Contacts, and Settings
- How to adjust settings such as brightness, text size, and volume to suit your needs
A smartphone can:
- Make voice and video calls
- Send messages and emails
- Take photos and videos
- Access the internet and browse websites
- Use apps such as maps, banking, weather, and entertainment
- Help you stay organised with contacts, calendars, and reminders
Course outcome
After this workshop, you should feel more confident using your smartphone without fear.
By the end of this course, you will:
- Understand what a smartphone is and how it works
- Confidently use touchscreen gestures to navigate your phone
- Make and receive calls and send messages
- Open and use everyday apps
- Adjust your phone’s settings to make it easier to see, hear, and use
- Feel comfortable exploring and practising new features on your own
What you need to know
Entry requirements
This level is for the complete beginner and assumes no prior knowledge.
Prerequisite: Essential
Participants must be over 60 years old. Tech Savvy Seniors is an initiative of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is funded in partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra.
What you need to provide
- Notepad and pen
- An internet-connected smartphone
- An existing Apple account (Apple ID) for downloading apps on an iPhone
- An existing Google account for downloading apps on an Android smartphone
Other information
To get the most out of a smartphone, you need a mobile plan that includes data. This is not strictly necessary, but without a data plan you won’t be able to access the internet, download new applications, or send emails when not connected to Wi-Fi. In some cases, you may not be able to use GPS navigation.