Keeping our elders safe on the Net

July 2, 2011 7:58 PM

Looking for training videos & resources designed for older generations to familiarize them with basic Internet skills including checking email, using web searches, and how to avoid various scams and be web safe.

I'm looking for resources to help the older generations in my family access the Internet safely and proficiently so that they may stay in-touch with distant friends and family.

posted by MeatyBean to computers & internet (7 answers total)

Lifehacker has started a series called Emailable Tech Support that might be useful to browse through.
posted by miasma at 8:16 PM on July 2, 2011

This sums it up nicely.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 8:38 PM on July 2, 2011

The BBC's Webwise: a beginner's guide to using the Internet.
posted by bentley at 8:45 PM on July 2, 2011

How about Teach Parents Tech?
posted by la petite marie at 8:45 PM on July 2, 2011

I'd start them at 20 Things I Learned About Browsers & The Web, which is also a very nice demonstration of modern web technologes, assuming they are set up with a modern browser.

I apoligise in advance for the self links that follow, but it was the lack of clear, basic, and up-to-date introductory material of the kind you are looking for that caused me to write my own for some beginner classes I teach to adult students: articles on the difference between the Internet and the web, efficient search techniques, using HTTPS, creative ways of using Google and alternative search engines which you may find useful.
posted by Bora Horza Gobuchul at 10:39 PM on July 2, 2011

MakeUseOf.com has a lot of free downloadable guides on various tech topics.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:33 AM on July 3, 2011

On a whim, I checked out the AARP's site, and sure enough, they have some introductory technology guides too.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:35 AM on July 3, 2011