WASHINGTON, DC— AARP announced that it is offering, with the generous support of Google Fiber, two sessions of a workshop, titled Connecting Online Using Technology, Oct. 3 and Nov. 13 in Austin. Presented with the support of Google Fiber and run by AARP TEK, the three hour workshops are designed to provide information, interaction, and assistance to people looking to discover how to connect with friends, family, employment opportunities, health information, entertainment and much more. The free workshops show beginners the basics of getting connected using touchscreen devices and, tablets are provided for hands-on practice during the sessions.

AARP TEK (which stands for Technology Education and Knowledge) launched last year. It includes hands-on workshops in select cities as well as the AARP TEK Academy, at aarptek.org, which is a free, easy-to-use online classroom. Both are designed to allow Americans to connect with people and passions in their lives using technology. 

“Google Fiber has started bringing fiber to residents and non-profits across Austin and this is an excellent opportunity for AARP TEK to build on that great work by creating awareness and providing an educational experience for the Austin community on the best ways to use technology to connect with family and friends, pursue interests and job opportunities in order to live their best lives,” said Anne Jacoby, interim vice president, AARP. “We’ll cover a range of great topics, from touchscreen basics to Internet safety. Not only are these workshops free, but parking is free and we’ll have bilingual TEK guides offering one-on-one support.”

“Now more than ever, the Internet is one of the best resources for connecting with loved ones, learning new things, and finding opportunities at the click of a button.” said Parisa Fatehi-Weeks, Community Impact Manager for Google Fiber. “Still, almost one-third of people who stay offline find the Internet too difficult to use. We’re proud to work with AARP TEK, and help the Austin community take full advantage of the Web through educational, hands-on workshops.”

Session information is below:

Workshop topics will include a variety of the following: touchscreen basics, typing dictation, Google Maps, connecting to the Internet, surfing/searching, messaging, photos and videos, intro to apps and downloading, e-books and online safety.

The workshops will also include an all-day help desk, assistance setting up free email accounts, and TEK Academy demonstrations (online technology education portal where users can view videos and recorded events and join online seminars to further their learning). 

To register, visit aarp.cvent.com/aarptekaustin or call 1-866-591-8105.

These AARP TEK workshops join a roster of existing sessions in more than 30 cities across the United States. For more information on AARP TEK or for more details on scheduled workshops, visit the Events tab on aarptek.org.

About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more atwww.aarp.org.​

CONTACT:
Tara Dunion, 202.434.2667, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia