Seniors in Morristown gain vital tech skills through free training program

Morristown, Tenn. (April 22, 2025) - Basic computer and mobile device skills have become essential rather than optional in today’s world. This is particularly true for older adults. Recognizing this need, Connected Nation (CN) is bringing its Digital Skills Training program directly to seniors across the country who need it most.

The Senior Citizen Center in Morristown, Tenn., recently partnered with CN to provide classes for its members at no cost to them.

“I heard about the program through a fellow Director in Campbell County,” said Valerie Farmer, the center’s Executive Director. “It was very easy for our seniors to participate in the class, and they received valuable instruction that helped them learn how to use their technology.”

On March 13 and 14, a total of 49 Senior Citizen Center members completed the training. Classes were focused on the essential skills everyone needs to successfully navigate technology, including: computer basics, internet basics, mobile device basics, videoconferencing, email basics, and cybersecurity.

The Morristown seniors were excited to learn new things and see how their new skills could apply to their future now that technology is becoming more relevant to their lives.

“I just knew that I needed to brush up on everything regarding how to work a cell phone and learning more about the various buttons on the computers,” said Evelyn Goodson, a center member and class participant. “This class has just been wonderful.”

While all the classes were a hit with the seniors, there was one topic in particular the majority of the participants found to be the most informative, and that was cybersecurity.

“I was really looking forward to the internet safety course,” said class participant Deborah Jones. “I was always afraid … if I didn’t sign out of my computer right, someone could steal my information. I learned the importance of a strong password and how to create one.”

Protecting yourself from scammers online is very important, especially for vulnerable groups like senior citizens. It’s easy for hackers to take advantage of older adults who might not know exactly what they are doing online. This course provides valuable tools and tips to help seniors better protect themselves and their private information.

Overall, the seniors from Morristown learned many new skills that they may have been struggling with before. They had nothing but wonderful things to say about the program.

“Pretty much everything I learned from the classes was really helpful,” said Jones. “Before this, I wouldn't even try these new skills on the computer because I was afraid. I would highly recommend these classes because if someone doesn't know online skills, they need to know now. Technology is only advancing from here on out.”

CN’s Digital Skills Training program is made possible by support from AT&T and, as a result, can be hosted by your local organization or community at no cost. In addition, CN offers financial incentives to groups based on the number of people they train.

To learn how to bring the program to your area, fill out this interest form or simply email Tammy Spring at tspring@connectednation.org.

Other Digital Skills Training Program stories:

• How Digital Skills Training can help end the cycles of addiction and incarceration
• Never too late to learn: Arlington resident gains confidence with digital skills
• From paper to laptop with help from Connected Nation's digital skills workshop
• Arlington Mill Community Center hosts three days of classes, trains 217 local adults in essential digital skills
• Bridging the Digital Divide in Bastrop County: A success story