Some Texas seniors recently spent their free time learning about computers and smartphones

Midland, Texas (August 27, 2025) - A senior center in West Texas brought Connected Nation’s (CN) technology skills workshops to their participants and impacted their lives.

On July 15, Midland Senior Citizens Center held two workshops through CN’s Digital Skills Training (DST) program. The DST program, facilitated by CN in partnership with AT&T, offers multiple course options to meet every community’s unique needs. Training can be provided in person or virtually.

Over two days, the senior center hosted the Computer Basics course, followed by the Mobile Device Basics workshop an hour later. Each workshop offers essential skills, because there are differences between the way smartphones and computers operate. An individual might only have proficiency in using one of the devices but not the other.

Midland Senior Citizens Center trained 19 people during the first day of workshops! Computer and mobile device skills classes were offered again on day two, and 16 additional people were trained. A total of 35 seniors were taught in person by one of CN’s expert Digital Skills Trainers.

One participant from the first day of training, Rogelio Prado, came from Mexico to the United States 30 years ago. He had not yet had the opportunity or resources to learn digital skills in a supportive, no-cost setting like the one CN provides.

He was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program and expressed appreciation for the chance to learn technology skills in both English and Spanish. Even though Prado has learned English over the years since moving to the United States, he found the learning process much easier and more effective by having access to the materials in both languages. 

On the second day of training, 78-year-old Mike Podraza attended the workshops to enhance his computer skills, which he described as "pretty weak." The sessions were a great refresher – they helped bring back knowledge he had previously learned.

Innovative technologies are constantly being developed, and it is important to stay current on the basics, like staying safe on the internet. Being equipped with the latest digital skills helps individuals stay prepared.

"It's the world we live in," Podraza said.

He found immense value in the workshops and said if his friends and family were not already tech-savvy, he would recommend DST classes to them. 

Digital skills help people prepare for the future, and any updated technologies that may emerge. If you’re interested in setting up or participating in one of these no-cost workshops, click here.