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.