In 2025, Be Connected - Tech Advice will continue to be an appointment only tech problem solver session providing one to one help.

• 'Devices' - for advice in operating mobiles, tablets or laptops with either Robyn Lukey (Android Devices) 0403 164 931 or Jenny Sawyer (Apple Devices) 0409 545 182.
• 'Family Research - Intermediate' - for members who have developed their family tree using Ancestry.com or My Heritage who come across problems and would like support to resolve them.  Bev Lee 0478 607 838.
• 'Community Projects' - for members working on community group websites Facebook and other IT community projects.  Bev Lee 0478 607 838.

Available to all enrolled U3A members.  One on One appointments are held in Classroom 2.  Referral on will be suggested if necessary.  

On Wednesday 16th October U3A Benalla celebrated Get Online week with an Overview of the Be Connected program presented by Margaret Jenkins followed by a BBQ held on the veranda of the Benalla Seniors Community Centre.

Margaret outlined the variety of subjects that form the Topic Library in the Be Connected program, and showed a small portion of the All About Data Topic.

​This video showed Morris using Wi-Fi and mobile data as he goes about his daily life. The use of the video was to demonstrate how easy the programs are to understand.

We also looked at the fliers the Good Things Foundation, which runs the Be Connected program, had promoted for Get Online Week. These included How to Make your device easier to use, Save Money and Compare Prices Online and Safer Online Banking and Payments. These fliers can be viewed by clicking the link 'Get On Line Week 2024'.

Ruth Jelliff who runs the Be Connected Android class and Robyn Lukey who gives Tech Advice on a one-to-one basis were both in attendance. They encouraged the members and visitors present to enrol for their Be Connected programs in 2025.

Thank you to the Ukulele group who played and sang several songs while the U3A members were enjoying the BBQ which had been cooked by the Benalla Lions Club. Altogether a really great day!

Margaret Jenkins

In late September, nine members of our 'Be Connected' digital learning convenors/mentors; Publicity/Media and IT support teams attended a workshop focused on updates in the digital space.

The workshop was led by Melissa Antony, a program manager for Startup Shakeup and Click Region, with strong ties to the Benalla Business Network and Supporting Benalla Business. Melissa, who is passionate about digital upskilling, presented three sessions recommended by Bev, who had recently attended a conference at which Melissa had presented in Shepparton.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Melissa demonstrated ChatGPT, explaining its applications, strengths, and limitations, giving us a deeper understanding of AI.
2. Social Media Integration: The second session focused on integrating Facebook accounts with websites. Melissa showed us how to use Meta's scheduling tool on our U3A Benalla & District Facebook page.
3. Introduction to Canva: The final session introduced Canva, an online graphic design tool for creating pamphlets, posters, Facebook graphics, and more.

​​Participants found the workshop valuable, leaving feeling energized and eager to apply their new skills in their teaching and support roles. Melissa’s practical approach, state of the art knowledge and ability to handle a wide range of questions impressed everyone.

On Thursday 26th September from 1 to 5, a training afternoon has been offered to our 'Tech Advice' and digital learning convenors/mentors; Media and IT support ‘teams’ and related members (including convenors/members working on community websites and social media).   

The training comprises three sessions relating to some of the ‘Challenges and Opportunities of the Digital Era’ and will be presented by Melissa Antony.  Melissa has worked in small business, family-owned enterprises, big corporation, owned her own business and is currently a program manager and presenter for Startup Shakeup and Click Region which have strong links to the Benalla Business Network and Supporting Benalla Business. Melissa is passionate about upskilling others in the digital space and offers a ‘state of the art’, straightforward approach to marketing, social media and more.

Agenda
1pm to 2+pm    
Welcome//Session 1: Using Artificial Intelligence for Authentic Communication – if you haven’t already had a play with Chat GPT, this is recommended before attending this workshop.  Here is the link to start out https://chatgpt.com/​ - type your request in the bar at the bottom of the page.  Perhaps also google an introductory video such as this one!   ​

If you have time, perhaps check out this video which has lots of ideas for the wording of requests.  If not, don't worry, it could also be helpful to watch after the session.  It may be helpful to go into settings and change the playback speed to .75%

We have occasionally used Canva graphics for FB posts..but there is much more on offer!

​What to bring:   BYO phone, tablet, laptop, or whatever device you have.
​
Coffee, tea and biscuits will of course be available throughout the afternoon.
​
For more information – contact Bev Lee 0478 607 838.
 
Margaret Jenkins
U3A President
 
Bev Lee
Website Manager/Technology and Program Support

We will be holding a Get Online Week function on Wednesday 16 October.  An Overview of the Be Connected Program which U3A Benalla have been involved with since 2016 will commence at 11.30 am after Meet and Mingle’s morning tea.  This presentation will be followed by a BBQ Lunch outside under the veranda of the Benalla Seniors building. The Ukulele group are going to entertain us during lunch. 

Please bring anyone who would benefit from Digital Instruction so that they can find out about the programs we have on offer.  Ruth Jelliff, Jenny Sawyer and Robyn Lukey will all be attending.

Margaret Jenkins

A reminder that anyone who is a U3A member can obtain some ‘one on one’ help in operating and using their mobiles, tablets or laptops by booking a time with either Jenny (Apple) 0409 545 182 or Robyn (Android) 0403 164 931.   Meetings are usually held in Meeting Room 2, or the office if the small class isn't available. 

Advice is also available from Bev 0478 607 838 for members who are working on community websites using the Weebly platform we use for our website.  Members Peter Maddock and Anna Smith are pictured here taking a break while working on the Benalla Shorts Film Festival website recently with mentor Bev Lee.

​A reminder that anyone who is a U3A member can obtain some ‘one on one’ help in operating and using their mobiles, tablets or laptops you can book a time with either Jenny (Apple) 0409 545 182 or Robyn (Android) 0403 164 931.   Meetings are usually held in Meeting Room 2, or the office if the small class isn't available.
​
Jenny Sawyer/Robyn Lukey

During December 2023 we were notified by the Good Things Foundation, which set up the Be Connected online course, that U3A Benalla had been awarded a Building Digital Communities Grant Round 1.

The aim of this grant is to offer an opportunity to Bendigo Bank customers at risk of being left behind in the digital world to have access to local digital skills training.

U3A Benalla offer several digital literacy programs in 2024. These include the Be Connected - Android course with Ruth Jelliff as Convenor, and the Be Connected - Tech Advice program which provides one on one assistance by appointment with Robyn Lukey and Jenny Sawyer.

We look forward to helping the Bendigo Bank customers seeking assistance with digital training to access these programs.

Margaret Jenkins and Ruth Jelliff

In 2024 our Tech Savvy Beginners-Android and Tech Advice courses are coming under the heading ‘Be Connected’.  

'Be Connected--Android'  Convenor:  Ruth Jelliff
Semester 1 - Be Connected - Android will assist beginners who lack confidence in using their Android Mobile Phone or tablet to gain skills while at the same time having fun operating these devices.  One-to-one appointments will be available to assist beginners gain confidence.
Semester 2 - Our focus will shift to short project-based courses on topics such as 'Photo Books', word processing using 'Google Docs', and more.
Throughout the year class members will be able to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.  The course will draw upon a range of resources including the Be Connected Online Learning Resources. 

'Be Connected--Tech Advice' Robyn Lukey (Android) and Jenny Sawyer (Apple).

'Be Connected Projects - Bendigo Bank On-Line Banking'

Jenny Sawyer is taking time out next year from convening Apple courses, while Robyn Lukey has stepped back from convening courses.   Thank you, Robyn, for convening Android classes for beginners for the past three years.  Your patient approach, interest in innovations and digital wisdom have been greatly appreciated by group members.

​Following the break after the presentation on 'Stroke' by Fiona Kleinitz at Meet and Mingle on Wednesday 18 October, we moved on to our 'Get On Line Week' celebration, commencing with a presentation from Benalla based leading Constable Lisa Atkinson, who spoke about computer scams.

David Palmer

During Get Online Week during Seniors Month in 2023, we have organised a guest speaker at 11.30 am followed by a free lunch for members on Wednesday 18th October at 12 noon. 

Our speaker on Cyber Security and Scams at 11.30 am is Leading Senior Constable Lisa Atkinson. Jenny Sawyer and Robyn Lukey, who have ran the Be Connected program Managing Money Online in Semester 1  and who run our popular Tech Advice program, will be in attendance. 

Please come along and enjoy lunch, hear a little about our Digital Technology programs and be entertained by the Ukes4Fun group in their very first public ‘jamming’ session!  

​Margaret Jenkins

While first semester’s Be Connected - Managing Money On-Line and Tech Savvy Appe – Pages courses have finished, the Tech Savvy Beginners – Android class continues to draw upon the excellent Be Connected Topic Library. 

An application has been made for a Get Online Week grant from the Good Things Foundation, which is associated with Be Connected.  If successful, we will be holding a BBQ on Wednesday 18th October at 12 noon, and hopefully enjoying lunch on the veranda of the Benalla Seniors Centre.
 
‘Tech Advice’ - one to one sessions for members experiencing problems operating mobiles, tablets or laptops continue to available by appointment during Semester II.  Contact Robyn (Android Devices) 0403 164 931 or Jenny (Apple Devices) 0409 545 182*.

 'Be Connected' Team - Margaret Jenkins, Robyn Lukey and Jenny Sawyer

We had a great discussion on safety/security using Paypal Accounts in May/June. 

An excellent resource, ‘How to get started with your Paypal Account’, suggests following these steps to deposit money to cover bills:

1. Select your account type:
2. Create your login details.
3. Tell us more about yourself.
4. Link your credit or debit card*.
5. Verify your email address.
6. (Optional) Verify your mobile phone number.

‘Be Connected’ has very comprehensive tutorials on Internet Banking which can be found at https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/internet-banking . 

It also has a very good resource on setting up and using a PayPal Account at https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/topic-library/introduction-to-buying-and-selling-online/how-to-pay-online/setting-up-a-paypal-account .

Our ‘Managing Money Online’ session on June 19th was the last ‘Be Connected’ class for 2023.   ‘Tech Advice’ one to one sessions will continue to available by appointment during Semester II. 
 
Robyn Lukey & Jenny Sawyer

*Some suggest using a specific, separate card to pay accounts.

This month we spent some time navigating the Be Connected website. We all now Sign in using our email address and password. By doing so we are able to check on our progress through the different courses.

By looking at our own individual progress table we can click/tap on a unit ‘In Progress’ and pick up from where we had last been working.

We are still working through ‘Internet Banking’.

Jenny paid her car registration bill via her banking app and used the BPAY option. To record the transaction complete with receipt number you can
- screenshot
- hand write the receipt number on to your bill with date paid
- have an email sent to you

Next time we will be looking at PayPal. Our next class is Monday 8th May.

​Jenny Sawyer and Robyn Lukey

We continued our banking online focus and worked through the Be Connected Unit Internet Banking, Introduction to Online banking Laptop and Desktop computers. We looked at setting up online banking. This can be done online and or at the bank. There are a few things you need for online banking -

• a bank account and some personal ID
• a computer, smartphone or tablet with up -to -date software
• a secure home internet connection
• a mobile phone number

Next session is on Monday 17th April. Jenny will demonstrate setting up a BPAY biller and making a BPAY payment to Vicroads.
​
Jenny Sawyer/Robyn Lukey

Welcome to all Be Connected participants old and new. We began by signing in or signing up our 2023 participants to Be Connected. Our focus is managing money online and our first module was Internet Banking.

We’ve looked at

• What you need for Internet banking.
• How you bank online.
• Connecting to your bank online.

Jenny demonstrated setting up a new payee on her banking app.

​Our next class is on Monday 20th March.

Anyone who is a U3A member can obtain some ‘one on one’ help in operating and using their mobiles, tablets or laptops you can book a time with either Jenny (Apple) 0409 545 182 or Robyn (Android) 0403 164 931 on the 2nd or 3rd Monday of each month - 12:30pm - 1:00pm

​
Robyn Lukey & Jenny Sawyer 

On Wednesday 19th October following Meet and Mingle, we went on to our Get Online Week function which was supported by the Good Things Foundation who run the Be Connected program. We talked about the benefits of the Be Connected program and the variety of Topics that are available in the Topic Library. Topics can be accessed through the website www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au

A paper copy of these topics was given to those who attended so that they can access any topic which they required help with at home.

The theme of this Get Online Week program was Try One Thing. Jenny Sawyer who runs our Apple Beginners class then demonstrated being able to buy books online. She went through the process of selecting an appropriate website, and then choosing the most suitable version of the children’s book. Jenny walked us through the payment process using PayPal.  Jenny also talked about using Borrow Box to download books and audio books from the local library, and being able to use these for up to 14 days.

After Jenny’s talk we all enjoyed a delicious lunch on tables placed under the veranda of the Senior’s centre. Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable morning.

The Be Connected regular program is not running in November due to lack of participants. However, some of the new people who attended Try One Thing are participating in Robyn Lukey’s Android group, which uses Be Connected's resources, for the remainder of 2022.

Be Connected will recommence in February 2023.
​
Margaret Jenkins ​

This month we had Jenny Sawyer running the first session of Be Connected before she and Neville went on an overseas trip. Thank you, Jenny, for the effort you have put into running Be Connected for the majority of 2022.

The second session saw Margaret Jenkins, ably assisted by Geraldine McCorkell, run a session on using My Gov for those that attended. My Gov is a relatively new innovation which encourages everyone to use it to contact Medicare, Centrelink, The Australian Taxation Office, My Aged Care and many other Government departments. Using My Gov saves people wanting to find out information being on the phone for a long period of time to the relevant department.

Be Connected have a very good segment on My Gov, and explain that all anyone needs to start a My Gov account is an Email address and a mobile phone number. Once the initial My Gov account is set up for one entity such as Medicare, other Government departments can be added at a later date as required.

This month we revised some online skills. I paid my Telstra bill using PayPal and my North East Water bill using BPAY, projecting the transactions onto the TV screen.  Sometimes it can be daunting paying bills online for the first few times.  You could ask a trusted friend or relative who has experience with online payments to be with you when you are learning.

So then, in light of the long cold winter we are having, we went to the Games Centre in The Topic Library.  The games differed depending on what device you are using. We all had tablet devices so went to the unit for them--Games for smart devices - touchscreens.

We tried all of the games--Jewel Match, Word up! Night Piano, Fill, Fruit Swipe, Car Park, Hidden Objects. Beware! We did find ‘Jewel Match’ was a bit addictive, but probably the most fun.

Due to my forthcoming overseas trip, Margaret Jenkins will be taking over the Be Connected classes from Wednesday 14th September.
​
Jenny Sawyer

This month we continued the unit ‘Online Hobbies’ and looked at Blogging.

​Blogging is a means for you to share your interests and hobbies online with either a closed audience- people you select or the whole world - those who find your blog online.

Many people using blogs use a travel blog to share their travel stories and photos.

When visiting the App Store, some blogging apps are free and others you will need to pay.

​Google has a free blogging site called Blogger.

More recent social media such as Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr are another form for posting and sharing interests and hobbies.
​

Jenny Sawyer

This month we explored the Google Earth App. The Unit, ‘Exploring Google Earth’, is found in the Online Hobbies Section of Be Connected topics. ‘Google Earth is a computer program that’s like an interactive digital atlas. It shows you the whole planet, right down to your own house.’ Be Connected's Google Earth Program gives you information about places and links to find out more.

You can plot distances on maps and view in various modes.  It must be remembered that none of the real-life images are in real time.    They are satellite images taken beforehand - sometimes years ago.   

​So, over the course of two weeks, we familiarised ourselves with Google Earth and went searching and exploring the earth.

And yes, we all found our current and sometimes a previous house that we had lived in. 

​Jenny Sawyer

In May we continued the theme of buying online. In the Be Connected Topic Library we viewed ‘How to Pay Online’.

The main focus was using PayPal. There is an informative video explaining setting up a PayPal account.

PayPal is now an option on some service providers eg. Telstra bills for payment.  So, I demonstrated a real payment to Telstra using PayPal.

Some advantages of using PayPal online are that -
~. A PayPal password is a lot easier to type in than your credit card details.
~ You receive a payment receipt almost straight away via email.  

I did receive my new iPad cover which I purchased in class through eBay in April using PayPal. 

Jenny Sawyer

​We had two sessions in March. Again, we discussed the Internet and made sure all participants were connected to the U3A Internet by looking for the appropriate network and then entering the passcode.  If already connected previously then we checked that devices were set at automatically connect.

​To save time we added the Be Connected site to our Home Page as a direct link eliminating a Google search.  

​The ensuing lessons were focused on ‘Using Email’:
​

• What is email?
• Creating an email account.
• Sending an email.

​
Jenny Sawyer