Our session on 2 October - 'Keeping up in our Digital World - Artificial Intelligence' - provided the chance to brainstorm ideas for content and dip into and discuss 'what is out there' in terms of U3A courses and other training resources on AI as a precursor to U3A Benalla offering a course on AI next year. In doing so we also dived in to two 'Hot Topics' as examples of what could be included.  ​

We began with an icebreaking activity which modelled a useful way in which to 'Read the Room', enhance interactivity/connectedness with participants and include their ideas in the session.  We all shared a precis of our work background, our entry into the world of computers and current confidence experience in using AI.  This is always a great way of assessing differing levels of knowledge and skills - ie. 'entering behaviours'. 

As people spoke, ideas about how their background and current interests might feed into session design abounded - there could be guest speaker/ other segments, individual sessions, even short courses, on areas of interest - AI and Photography; AI and the Police Force/Justice System; AI and the changing role of Celebrants; 

Structuring session - the session modelled good practice in which  'chunks' or 'segments'  are  linked in a logical way 

• Use an interactive icebreaker/other activity to provide insights into what participants 'bring with them', something about their entering level of interest, knowledge and skills - for session presenters, informally assessing and understanding 'entering behaviour' in this way leads to a more effective session. Interactive icebreakers (and sub group tasks etc) enhance social connectedness. 
• Have a coffee break to further encourage connection and informal sharing of interests/progress 
• Wind up with a 'call to action' of some sort, nothing pressured or compulsory.
• Have segments which are 'biteable chunks' of no more than 15 minutes each in each half of the session (before and after coffee break).
• Strategically select and places Ted talks and other videos from the huge number now available to provide information in an engaging way and foster discussion. 
• Retention of information - Keep in mind that TED talks, which are valued highly around the world, prioritise retention and are usually 13 minutes! 
• Also a reminder about the importance of ensuring accessibility - can everyone see the screen and read any content? Is print size ideally 28 - 32 on slide shows?  Is there contrast between background and text? Is the sound level comfortable?  Are subtitles available/used? Could using a microphone help?

We took a look at some recent video resources on current issues which might be included as 'Hot Topics' in class sessions, and in the process, learnt about 'AI Agents', 'Agentic AI' and 'AI and Creativity'. 

BBC News a week ago!  Henry Moore, Liv McMahon and Chris Vallance
Sat 26 September 2026 at 12:43 pm AEST

An OpenAI agent has gone "rogue" and "infiltrated" an Australian government website in what cyber-security experts are calling the first hack of its kind.

But why did it take the government months to discover what happened - and could it happen again?

What was hacked and why did it take Australia so long to realise?The hack was carried out by an AI agent - an autonomous computer program that uses AI to complete a task with minimal human oversight.
​
On 18 June one of OpenAI's agents went rogue during a test exercise - the company has said it was supposed to "look up answers, and available statistics for questions about Australia during an internal evaluation".

Great article on meaning and scope of Agentic AI https://agentic.ai/what-is-agentic-ai

Although not as engaging visually, 'AI agents explained' complemented the first video, confirming the concepts and information conveyed in it.

Currency - March 2026   Time 13 mins

Highly recommended - U3A Network Victoria's AI Community of Practice.

​You need to register or be registered on Microsoft Teams.

To join the AI Community of Practice (CoP) email [email protected] with your name, email, which U3A you are from and that you are wanting to join the CoP. 

Examples of some of the Resources available -

CONVERSATION IS ALL WE NEED, How Natural Language AI Can Help Seniors Overcome Limitations and Unlock their Potential by Ross Bloore PhD U3A Kyneton

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence - A Personal Journey -  Don Kordick

AI Training in Victorian U3As - Benchmark Reading and Model course

Well worth joining to access these and other resources.

Melbourne based  InfoXchange is concerned to provide information and training about AI for the not for profit sector.

The InfoXchange web site provides: -

• resources for volunteers in non-profits who are being introduced to AI and
• resources to support not for profits to respond to AI at an organizational level - here's the link to the latter -  

Artificial intelligence  

The InfoXchange webinars provide a user friendly way of tapping in to what is happening 'out there'.

While you can open some of the resources without registration, it is well worth registering - and it's free.  

https://learning.infoxchange.org/?utm_source=Infoxchange&utm_medium=product_page

Recently Bev watched an information rich InfoXchange webinar providing a perspective on support ing women to engage with AI.  It's a grand idea to add your email address to receive emails or join to get emails which flag upcoming webinars.  You will even get certificates of completion for webinar training you complete!

Towards the end of the session we drew upon an article which was generated by AI to discuss a model course based on what is being taught about AI currently by other U3A's!

​AI Training in Victorian U3As - Benchmark Reading and Model course

Reading the whole article is recommended, however without time in the session for this, we went straight to the model course.  There was general agreement that:

• It provided a useful model to work from, particularly the first four sessions.
• Each session would be enhanced by drawing upon the interests and backgrounds of  participants when generating case studies and choosing resources for discussion.

In terms of finding a convenor for the course - the consensus ...

• It may be difficult to find someone to be 'a fully informed convenor' prepared to run the course as it is such a developing field with many trajectories in many fields
• We have access to people who may be prepared to offer particular sessions or provide case studies as part of a session
• A facilitative team of coconvenors would probably work best in current context.  .

Bev Lee

Post Script -

Given the change to course name to 'Unlock your Digital World' next year, the AI course could come under the 'Unlock your Digital World' banner - eg. a five session semester length course titled 'Unlock your Digital World - Artificial Intelligence'.   
​   

Our digital learning journey continued in early September in a session titled ‘Member Wizard and More’.  The focus was an introduction to the Member Wizard Online Membership System.  It wasn’t long into the session before participants were actively on their devices finding the trial website and following the instructions to log in as ‘New Members’.  There was lots of discussion in the process, and some follow up phone calls and catch ups later to check out progress.  Thanks so much to class members for being so motivated and prepared to dip your toes into the world of Member Wizard; you were our first group of general members in what will become regular training sessions as the system is introduced. 
 
As this newsletter goes to press, we are offering two session which should be interesting:  
 
Keeping up in our Digital World - What's Challenging Us and What's Changing?  Wednesday 30 September from 2 to 4 pm 
What's coming next in our digital world?  What's causing confusion?  And what are older people asking for help with?  Our local computer expert Michael Plex will share what he's seeing on the digital frontline - and what he thinks we should be ready for. A Q&A session after the coffee break will provide the chance for audience members to share observations and reactions and ask questions.
 
'Keeping up in our Digital World - Artificial Intelligence' Friday 2 October from 2 to 4 pm
A chance to dip into and discuss 'what is out there' in terms of U3A courses and other training resources on AI as a precursor to U3A Benalla offering a course on AI next year. No doubt we'll also discuss some of the current issues relating to AI.   Bring along 2 or 3 (or more!) ideas which you think should be included and/or resources which could be helpful.   All welcome!
 

Bev Lee, Ruth Jelliff and Dawn Stephens

It's wonderful to hear good news stories about things members and friends try...

"I'm testing out a Youtube viewer on our website. It is still experimental and not fully developed but, hopefully, you should not have any trouble. It has not yet been tested for viewing on mobile screens so, preferably, try it on your computer screen.

Let me know of any difficulties please.

The videos are ones we made years ago after our travels overseas and in Australia for each trip. There are more which have not been added yet.

Hope you enjoy these.

Terry Dillon

https://tdwebs.com/ytdemo/"

I really enjoyed watching Meg and Terry's holiday videos!

This led in to checking out Terry's website https://tdwebs.com - like our website, it's been added to over the years and is now a rich historical archive which Terry, Meg and others can dip into! 

*  Bev - used a new format for the Seniors Month pages on website:  Go to News on the menu above - scroll down to Seniors Month - two pages to click on
​*  Other:
​

​Key link referred to in presentation - our Member Wizard Trial Website -
  ​https://u3abenallamwtrial.weebly.com/

If the following presentation won't open on your machine, click on the image which follows:

Bev...   Temu???.... Help!
​Other?

9 am to 1 pm - Melissa Antony - One to One problem solving appointments - 30 minute appointments.x 8

2 to 3; 3 to 4 -  Michael Plex on 
* emerging trends which will present to older lifelong learners in coming years
​*  issues and difficulties he is coming across when responding to older lifelong learners

* We are requesting replacing 1st Friday pm general session with 2nd Wednesday pm -  2nd Wednesday free in Room 1 for most of 2026 until Member Wizard training started; 1st Friday too close to 5th Wednesday; Wednesday a better time generally.
​
* New name? ---   Update - This was discussed during session - outcome?  'Unlock Your Digital World' -  Feedback that 'Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learners'  confusing - Asked AI for suggestions...it's final recommendations  'Digital Discovery' or 'Unlock Your Digital World' -Class members all responded positively to 'Unlock your Digital World' and it was voted for overwhelmingly 
Here are the links to Chat GPT discussion:  
https://chatgpt.com/s/t_6a9a373b109881919279a586bbd5761c  
and https://chatgpt.com/s/t_6a9a3762aa208191b21bdffdb169f03a

Other?  

Our next session on Friday 4th September from 2 to 4pm is titled ‘Our lifelong learning journey continues – Member Wizard and more!'  

It’s a chance for us all to ‘show and tell’ things we’ve learnt, to raise problems we are encountering. 

We'll be sharing what we have learnt and are learning while introducing the Membership Wizard Online Membership system, which comes on board in early December for enrolments in 2027.  

We'll also have a few of our own digital upskilling highs and lows to share.  

Bring along your learning achievements and goals to share. 

​

Bev Lee, Ruth Jelliff and Dawn Stephens

Our session in early August provided the opportunity for interested members to check out a range of online resources available online for family research.  We'd like to thank our Family Research Convenor, Deb Saunders, for preparing a most informative session and for making available her online family resource suggestions to people unable to attend to check out (see previous post).  Deb is pictured (centre) with Wendy Preston and Andrew McFarlane, who were caught chatting with Deb after the session. 

Our next session on Friday 4th September from 2 to 4pm is titled ‘Our lifelong learning journey continues – Member Wizard and more!'  It’s a chance to ‘show and tell’ things we’ve learnt, to raise problems we are working on.  We'll be introducing the Membership Wizard Online Membership system, which comes on board in early December for 2027 sharing what we’ve learnt and what we are learning. Bring along your learning achievements; challenges and goals to share.

September has a 'Fifth Wednesday' so there will be sessions on Wednesday 30 September from 10 to 12 and 2 to 4.  Watch this space over the next few weeks to find out what will be on offer.  

Bev Lee

Deb Saunders
Family Research Convenor
7 August 2026

​We had great plans for our session ‘Getting more from your photos’ on Friday 3 July, but the connection to the overhead projector in Room 1 had other ideas!  We had planned to look at lots of different uses of photos - we can add them to Facebook; include them on blogs and websites; include them in travel blogs (such as Find Penguins) which can be converted into books; crop and enhance them for various types of photo books, and more. 
 
By the end of the session, we had switched rooms, and thus computers, and were able to show examples of how to use ‘Find Penguins’ – a program very useful, if travelling, to record your experiences and to follow others on their travels. We also ran through making a photo book in ‘Snapfish’ to permanently record travels or other special occasions. We hope the few who were present were encouraged to give either, or both, of these a try.
​
At our ‘Fifth Wednesday’ sessions in late July, eight members were able to spend 15-to-30-minute problem solving time slots with Melissa Antony.  Just a few of the topics covered were Banking; Finding apps to make life easier; Storage issues and Connectivity.   Participants found this private time very beneficial.  If there is enough interest, we will hold more of these appointment-based sessions with Melissa (pictured in the centre here with Malcolm and Wendy) in the future.

At our next session ‘On-line Family Research for Lifelong Learners’, on Friday 7 August from 2 to 4pm, our Family Research convenor Deb Saunders will set you in the right direction for lifelong learning in family research.  If you already have confidence in using your device and the internet, you’re halfway there!

Ruth Jelliff, Bev Lee and Dawn Stephens

A reminder about our upcoming 'Fifth Wednesday' sessions on Wednesday 29th July  
 
Our 'Fifth Wednesday' sessions are taking a different flavour this month. Melissa Anthony is going to host Drop-In Sessions. She is kindly making herself available for 15 minute time slots to use as problem solving sessions.

Wednesday 29 April from 10 to 12.   Wednesday 29 April from 2 to 4pm.
 
These sessions will be private so you can confidently bring along passwords, and other sensitive information you might think helpful, along with devices you will need. Mel is happy to leave it open – so bring along any issues you have, though if your issues are more complex, it would be useful to fill out the comments section of our form in advance.
 
We will open up the morning session first for appointments, and if there is enough interest move to the afternoon. Please secure your time slot by phoning, or texting, Ruth on 0437 904 554, completing the form below and returning to Ruth at [email protected] 
 
For those who would like to follow up our previous sessions some of the resources used are included on our web page at https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/digital-up-skilling-for-lifelong-learners 
 
As you are a member of the class list, you will always have the opportunity to attend classes from the menu which interest you.  If you have ideas for sessions you would like in Semester 2, we'd love to hear about them. 

Attached Form: :

Morning Session - Interview Times (Word)
Morning Session - Interview Times (PDF)
​

Ruth Jelliff, Bev Lee and Dawn Stephens

Our next 'Fifth Wednesday' program on July 29th features morning and afternoon 'Drop In' session with Melissa and the Digital Upskilling team.

The aim is to provide a space for 'Digital Upskilling for Life Long Learners' class members to ask questions about, get help in problem solving, relating to our topics covered in Semester I - loosely grouped as -
​
- Understanding and Using Apps
- An Overview of Microsoft Office
- An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Unlock your Planning Potential with Artificial Intelligence
- Making a Short Movie on your iPhone
- Getting More from your Photos (including using Canva and Photobooks, etc)

You can click on the titles above to gain a reminder of what we covered and questions you would like help with.  

It's also a chance for our members, who aren't beginners, but as confident users of their devices and the internet, also have problems which have become hurdles!  So, feel free to bring in your 'Questions from the Floor'

We are currently planning this session, which will be built along the lines of the model Melissa is presenting at Yackandandah.  It will focus  on 'digital dilemmas' relating to topics covered in class this year, but if there's time, would allow you to raise other digital dilemmas.   

Bring along your phone, laptop or tablet - 15 minute help sessions will be available with Melissa, however you are welcome to stay and be supported in your learning by other class members and the digital learning team.  

This will also be advertised to other members - however they will need, like our class members, to be comfortable using the internet and their device/s.  It is not a beginner's sesssion - beginner's are best to start with Robyn and Jenny who run 'Tech Advice'.  

At our regular June session on Friday 5 June we were again fortunate to have Melissa Antony from Community Business Connect come along. Melissa talked to us about taking better photos, editing and using filters to create the best photo possible. We put this into practice and took photos, edited them, and then shared them with other class members.
​
Melissa then briefly demonstrated, for us, how to create a photo book using Canva. It appears to be relatively easy but she emphasized the importance of firstly deciding on a plan for our project and having suitable photos. We will develop these themes at future Digital Upskilling classes. Some resources introduced during the session have been included below.

​Ruth Jelliff and Bev Lee

Take a look at this video recommended by local photographer Rene Martens as a starting point to thinking more deeply about the photo you are taking before you press the shutter.... (and also when you are cropping photos)...

Reading this article on 'The Rule of Thirds' is a great follow up -​https://photographylife.com/the-rule-of-thirds.​

Here's another video recommended by Rene ...

From Melissa at Click Region - source Click Region Resources at ​https://clickregion.org.au/courses/click-region-subscriber/lessons/marketing-essentials/topics/7-simple-photography-tips-to-elevate-your-shot/

​A small group met on Friday, 1st May, to discuss simple ways to create short films using an iPhone. Thank you to members for your interest and contributions.

Tips for Making a Short Film with an iPhone
 Keep your story short and focused.
 Free up storage and use Airplane Mode to avoid interruptions.
 Film in 1080p at 30 fps for good quality and manageable file size.
 Use natural light where possible and lock focus and exposure.
 Stabilise your phone by leaning it on something solid.
 Keep clips short to make editing easier.
 Edit using the Photos app or iMovie.
 Back up your clips before deleting originals.
 Headphones with a microphone can improve sound quality.

Handout 1 - Knowing your iPhone Photos App - 'Slide-shows' and 'Memories'​ (PDF)
Handout 2 - iPhone Short Film Checklist (No Special Equipment)​ (PDF)
Handout 3 - Adding audio to iPhone video using iMovie-music & voice overs (PDF)

​
​Dawn Stephens

​Wednesday April 29th saw the launch of our ‘Fifth Wednesdays’ program. Morning and afternoon sessions on the theme, Artificial Intelligence, were presented by Melissa Antony from Community Business Connect. 

During the afternoon session, ‘Unlocking your Planning Potential with Artificial Intelligence’, Melissa emphasized that while the possibilities with AI are endless, it is a computer, not a human, so what we get from AI is only as good as the information we provide. Convenors were reminded they can use AI to create content and help with report writing.  Melissa also suggested other uses for AI. For example, decision support. We can ask it to give us reasons to support our decision or ask it to pull it apart.

Participants kept Melissa busy with very interesting questions/comments that we all had concerns about. We now feel far more competent and enthused to expand our use of AI.  

Ruth Jelliff

​A look at how data centers operate, and why they require a lot of electricity and water.,,

A recent video for those familiar with the 'tech side of things'.... go to 

​Other Resources: 

Presentations:  

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence - Melissa drew upon this slide show during the session.  

Using AI for Authentic Communication - Melissa Antony, Community Business Connect/Click Region (PDF of slide show).

Article: Authentic Voice in the AI Age: How to Keep Your Communication Human
blog.mavigadget.com/authentic-voice-in-the-ai-age-how-to-keep-your-communication-human/


​Bev Lee

We did have some trouble reading the presentation screen.
Below is a copy of the slide presentation Jackie drew upon in our session.

​As a refresher we are adding three short videos which will reinforce the session

Excel Tutorial for Beginners – YouTube 16:16 mins​

Learn the BODMAS Rule To Solve Order Of Operations! – YouTube 5:58 mins 

​Dawn, Ruth & Bev​

At our first session,  co-convenors Bev, Dawn and Ruth set the scene for the 'Digital Upskilling for Life Long Learners' course this year, with an introduction to the course by Bev, an overview of Be Connected as a flexible resource for lifelong learners by Ruth and an overview of U3A Benalla Online by Dawn.  

​At our second session on Friday, March 6 from 2 to 4 pm, Melissa Antony from Community Business Connect is presenting 'A Beginner's Guide to Microsoft Office'. ​

Open to Digital Upskilling for Life Long Learning group members and to other U3A members who have an interest in this topic.  Just phone Ruth on 0437 904 554 if you would like to attend.
​
Bev, Dawn and Ruth

"The Gather My Crew app, allows people to ask for and receive practical help from friends and family in tough times. Create a profile using the app available on www.gathermycrew.org.au  and invite people, including friends, to be part of a crew to provide support for a relative or friend you are caring for. List the support tasks needed and when – and members can put their name to the ones they can do as they are posted, plus see what others have already picked up on. It will also give the person being cared for security as they can see who is doing what for them." 

Link to using the app – good explanation https://www.gathermycrew.org.au/helptech/"

Where there's a website, but no app, it's useful to put an icon link to the website on your phone or tablet.   Here are Dawn's instructions for iphone, ipad and windows PC users...

New Course!  Digital Upskilling for Lifelong Learners commences on Friday 6 February at 2 pm in Room 1.  It is held monthly on the 1st Friday from 2 pm to 4 pm, with additional ‘5th Wednesday’ sessions in April, July and September. 

The topic for our first session on Friday 6 February at 2pm is ‘Benalla Online’, an opportunity to better understand the process of downloading and using Apps from Google Play and the App Store while exploring apps and services that connect you with the Benalla community.

Bring along your mobile or ipad/tablet device - you will be tempted to try the apps we will be introducing.

We are delighted that Melissa Antony from Community Business Connect will be taking workshops in Semester 1, including A Beginners Introduction to Microsoft Office on Friday 6 March; Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Authentic Communications (am) (encore session) and Using AI for Planning Courses and other Activities on Wednesday 29 April (pm);  and Getting more from your photo’ on Friday 5 June (encore)

Choose sessions which meet your learning needs –you don’t need to attend every session. 

Bev Lee, Dawn Stephens and Ruth Jelliff 

Stay curious and connected with Digital Upskilling workshops to be offered throughout the year designed to help you make the most of your devices. Topics being planned include using webinars and podcasts for learning and enjoyment; applying practical AI tools in everyday life; using Canva for marketing and publicity and creating simple videos using your phone.
 
You'll also hear about opportunities to join Fifth Wednesday short courses and train the trainer sessions for U3A convenors.

Convenors:  
Bev Lee 0478 607 838; Ruth Jelliff 0437 904 554 and  Dawn Stephens 0418 552 932
Depending on funding availability, some sessions will also be conducted by Melissa Antony from Community Business Connect. 

Time and Place: 
1st Friday 1 to 4 pm 
5th Wednesday 9am to 12 noon and 1pm to 4pm