Literacy
This collection offers a variety of digital literacy resources, including in-person classes, live online sessions, and self-paced tutorials. Covering topics from basic computer skills to online safety, the resources cater to diverse learning needs, including workforce development. Multilingual options are also available.
Basic Digital Skills Tutorials
In-Person Learning
Santa Barbara Public Library–Basic Computer Classe
A six-session course in English and Spanish focused on computer literacy. Participants learn key skills needed to succeed in today’s technology-driven world. Check the library’s calendar for upcoming dates.
New to Tech Computer Basics
A six-week course offered in English and Spanish that teaches essential digital skills for adult learners. It has been held at locations like the Goleta Community Center, Lompoc Adult School, Carpinteria Community Library, and River View Townhomes in Guadalupe, among others. Participants receive a free Chromebook upon completion. For the latest locations and updates, follow Partners in Education on Facebook.
Get Your Small Business Online
A nine-week course teaching entrepreneurs how to establish an online presence. Available in English and Spanish. Hosted across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Partners in Education–Personalized Coaching
One-on-one sessions where participants can learn tasks like setting up email, attaching documents, and more. Sessions are offered via Zoom, phone, or in-person at the Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO).
California Department of Aging
The CDA’s Access to Technology (ATT) and Digital Connections programs offer devices, internet plans, and training for older adults and people with disabilities. To find a program near you, call 1-800-510-2020 and state your county’s name.
Live Online Learning
Senior Planet–Live Online Classes for Seniors
Senior Planet offers nearly daily online classes for older adults, covering a wide variety of topics. Recent classes have explored subjects like tracing your family history online, using Spotify, navigating Twitter and Google Workspace, and managing digital wallets. Classes are also available in Spanish and Chinese.
Cyber Seniors Webinars
Cyber Seniors hosts technology-focused webinars every few days, each covering a unique topic. Recordings of past sessions are available.
Partners in Education–Internet Safety Training
Weekly virtual sessions in English and Spanish covering cyberbullying, phishing, privacy settings, parental controls, and more. Held every Wednesday at 5 PM (English) and 6 PM (Spanish).
Basic Computer Skills, Tuition-Free Certificate Program
Santa Barbara City College offers a free computer skills certificate program, available at the Wake Campus or online via Zoom. Each of the two levels consists of four classes, helping learners build professional development skills, particularly useful for clerical and administrative roles.
Self-Paced Online Learning
DigitalLearn Courses
Easy-to-follow courses on topics like using YouTube, signing up for Facebook, and accessing health information. Lessons range from 5 to 40 minutes and can be completed at your own pace. Available in English and Spanish.
Senior Planet Tech Tutorials
A wide range of how-to videos with instructions for setting up an Apple ID, using Google Docs, creating an Instagram account, ordering a Lyft, and more.
Santa Barbara Library Northstar
Self-paced online courses from the California Public Library. Participants can take assessments after completing lessons to earn a certificate in digital skills.
How to Use An iPad
The California Department of Aging provides tutorials for iPad use, covering gestures, security, accessibility, and even fun features like creating a Memoji.
GenerationsOnline
Offers screen-by-screen explanations and practice for Apple, Android, and Amazon Fire devices.
Internet Basics Guides
A variety of articles from web safety tips and browser comparisons to guides on clearing cookies and improving digital skills. Learn how the internet works, troubleshoot computer issues, and boost your online security.
Tech Exchange Instructional Videos
Step-by-step video tutorials on essential skills like creating a Gmail account, connecting to WiFi, and using Zoom. Available in English and Spanish.
GCFGlobal Courses
Free courses on topics ranging from learning to use your device to navigating the internet and more.
Online Safety and Privacy
Cyber Seniors–Cybersecurity Videos
A series of videos about how to stay safe online.
Cyber Seniors–Cybersecurity Blogs
Blogs on various topics related to internet safety.
National Cybersecurity Alliance–Resources and Guides
A collection of digital resources about cybersecurity and staying safe online with easy-to-follow guides.
Connect Safely–Quick Guides
A series of short, easy-to-understand PDFs offering internet safety guides for older adults, parents, and general users. These resources cover various online safety topics and are available in both English and Spanish.
Netsafe Guides
A digital safety hub designed for older adults, offering practical tips to protect personal information and identify online scams. These guides aim to empower seniors to navigate the digital world with greater confidence.
The Senior’s Guide to Online Safety
Offers essential tips for older adults on staying safe online. It covers creating strong passwords, using privacy settings, avoiding scams, and managing spam.
Job Skills and Workforce Development
Skills for In-Demand Jobs
Microsoft and LinkedIn offer free courses on skills needed in today’s job market, with certificates available upon completion.
Job & Career Accelerator
An online resource available through Santa Barbara Public Library, offering tools for creating resumes, job searching, and interview practice. It also provides career exploration and scholarship search features. A library card is required to access it remotely or at any library branch.
CareerOneStop
A free resource from the U.S. Department of Labor that provides job search tools, resume and interview tips, career exploration, and more.
Educational Resources
Coursera
Over 5,000 courses and certification programs in multiple languages, emphasizing skills for in-demand jobs.
Udemy
Offers a wide variety of courses across disciplines, from professional development to creative skills.
Edx
Provides access to university-level courses across various subjects, many of which are free.
Class Central’s Ivy League Courses
Offers free online courses from prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, allowing learners to access top-tier education at no cost. Subjects range from computer science to business and the humanities.
Domestika
Focuses on creative and design skills, offering courses on subjects like graphic design, illustration, and photography.
EveryoneOn–Education in the Digital Age
A collection of educational online resources from EveryoneOn, designed for both children and adult learners to enhance digital literacy and other essential skills.
Other Resources
Glossary of Technology Terms
A simple, easy-to-navigate glossary that explains common technology terms like “5G,” “Voice Assistants,” and more, helping older adults better understand digital jargon.