Course Overview
Stay connected with family, friends and your community with our Make Calls and Send Messages workshop!
Your smartphone is much more than a device for making phone calls. It allows you to stay in touch through text messages, photos, video calls and messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger. Whether you want to send a quick message to a family member, call a friend, or keep in touch with a community group, your smartphone makes communication easier than ever.
Many people use only a small number of their phone’s communication features because they are unsure where to start or worry about making a mistake. With guided practice and support, these everyday tasks quickly become easier and more familiar.
This practical workshop provides a safe, relaxed environment where you can learn at your own pace, ask questions and build confidence using your smartphone. You’ll learn how to make and receive phone calls, send and reply to text messages, manage contacts and understand notifications, helping you stay connected and communicate with greater confidence.
This workshop is designed for seniors who are new to smartphones or would like to feel more comfortable using the communication features on the device they already own.
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:
- How to make and receive phone calls
- Different ways to make a call using your Phone, Contacts and Messages apps
- How to use speakerphone, mute and voicemail features
- How to send, receive and reply to text messages
- How to send photos, emojis and voice messages
- How to recognise and manage missed calls and message notifications
- How to add, edit and delete contacts
- How to organise favourite contacts for quick access
- An introduction to messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Messenger and iMessage
- The difference between text messages and internet-based messaging apps
- How to communicate safely and confidently using your smartphone
Course outcome
After this workshop, you should feel more confident using your smartphone to communicate with others.
By the end of this course, you will:
- Make and receive phone calls with confidence
- Send, read and reply to text messages
- Recognise and manage notifications, missed calls and messages
- Add, edit and organise contacts on your smartphone
- Understand how messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger work
- Feel more confident staying connected with family, friends and community groups
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 or tablet
- Your device charger
Other information
To make phone calls and send text messages, your device will generally require a mobile service or Wi-Fi connection. Bringing your own smartphone or tablet will allow you to participate in the hands-on activities and practise the skills during the workshop.
About your trainer
David has extensive experience helping seniors build practical digital skills and confidence using computers, smartphones and online technologies. His patient and supportive teaching style helps learners feel comfortable exploring technology and asking questions in a relaxed environment.