Many topics were covered this month. We discussed downloading “Find Hub” again. Wendy is going to show us, at the Aug 6th session, some further research she has done on this topic.

We took another look at how to download photos, from our phone, to a computer/laptop in order to sort them out.

With numbers slightly down, for our second session, we had the opportunity to look at “how to find the clipboard”. This was quite enlightening for most members. As expected lots of other issues developed as we explored further.
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It is very encouraging to have motivating engagement from all members.
Our sessions offer friendly discussion, questions are always encouraged, and we use real life examples throughout.

Ruth Jelliff
 

Our June sessions were mostly focused on the Google Find Hub app and solving other individual issues.

Google Find Hub (previously Find My Device)

One of our members was able to share with us an experience that has proven to us how helpful this app is.

Originally it was thought that the phone in question was stolen whilst shopping in a Benalla supermarket. After a very distressing few days, including cancelling cards, informing police, and getting help from friends Monday morning finally came around and a visit was made to Harvey Norman where the phone was purchased.
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They were very helpful and used the app, downloaded a couple of years ago during a U3a BeConnected course, to pinpoint the location of the phone. The very important point here is that we need to know the password, or how to access our Google account, on a different device, if a similar situation ever arises.

We had a very happy ending as the phone was in the rubbish bin behind the supermarket. It had accidently fallen from the conveyor belt into the staff rubbish bin and then emptied into the larger bin.

As a result we have a very happy participant in the BeConnected course and a very happy Convenor.

Please note commencing July 2nd we will begin half an hour earlier, at 9.30am, Our course will run from 9.30am until 11am.

Our sessions offer friendly discussion, questions are always encouraged, and we use real life examples throughout.
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Ruth Jelliff

During our first session in May, we took a closer look at Gmail. It is worth considering because:

• We all have Gmail accounts
• Gmail is free
• Other email providers may eventually increase their prices, making them less sustainable

For this reason, it may be a good idea to gradually use Gmail more often and become familiar with its features.

At our next session, the time flew by as we looked at individual issues. Many contributors helped solve nearly all of these. It was a lively discussion time and a refresher for most people.

Our sessions offer friendly discussion, questions are always encouraged, and we use real life examples throughout.

Ruth Jelliff

In April, we focused on exploring Google apps. We looked at the range of apps that come pre-installed on a new phone, as well as additional free apps available to download from the Google Play Store.

A key area of interest was Google Wallet. We explored the different ways to store tickets and cards digitally, making them easy to access when needed.

We also spent time reviewing saved passwords within Google. While this is often easier to manage on a computer or laptop, we found that it can still be done effectively on a mobile phone.

Our sessions offer friendly discussion, questions are always encouraged, and we use real life examples throughout.

Ruth Jelliff

Discussion time, as always, was lively (if not a little confusing), when we practiced how to put a caller on hold whilst not losing our original caller.

We also discussed using the camera and taking our best photos.

Our sessions offer friendly discussion, questions are always encouraged, and we use real life examples throughout.
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Ruth Jelliff

We had a wonderful rollup for February classes. It is always a little daunting at the beginning of any course however, once introductions were over, we looked at using U3a WiFi and joining the 'BeConnected' website. We had a few hiccups so thank you to everyone for your patience.

Things ran more smoothly at our second session. We quickly revised using U3a WiFi and the 'BeConnected' website. Then we were able to look at some “mysteries” on our phones that many people find annoying. For example ‘How to lengthen the ring time on our phones”.

Our sessions offer friendly discussion, questions are always encouraged, and we use real life examples throughout.

Ruth Jelliff

Using my Android Mobile
Ruth Jelliff 0437 904 554

Would you like to learn how to use your android mobile phone more effectively? Participants will be supported to reach their own level of competency depending on their goals. Some of the topics covered include Settings, Email, Google, Photos, Scams, Online shopping, AI and more. This course will draw upon a range of resources including the Be Connected Online Learning Resources.

​1st and 2nd Thursday 10:00 am to 11:30 am
U3A Room 1

November was the last of our sessions for 2025.

We used this opportunity to have a very interesting conversation about lots of things we have learnt throughout the year.

We then started on our list of what I call “How To’s”. This is often a challenge as many people know the hints and tweaks that can be helpful. On the other hand there is usually at least one who doesn’t or has forgotten to put them to use. We also add many more hints to the list as the year progresses.

In 2026 I would like to invite anyone, who would like to learn how to use their mobile, along to my rebranded course -Using my Android Mobile. This course will be very similar to the last few years, relying on BeConnected as a resource, but the new name more closely reflects the course content.
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Have a great break and I look forward to seeing previous, and new participants, in 2026.
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Ruth Jelliff

At our first session in October we  looked at using Google Docs, which led to having a look at how AI can help create document content in seconds. We created a document titled “The Best of Benalla”. It looked very professional.

As a request we learnt how to attach multiple photos to text messages to be sent in one text.

We explored the calendar and saw the advantages of using that app on our phone, even though most of us admitted to still using other methods to keep track.

Back to basics, we looked at settings. We changed the font size and adjusted the brightness. All which make using our phones easier.

In our next session we searched Google and saw how to block pop ups on either our computers, laptops or phones.

The battery life of our phones can be extended by simple steps. We searched the settings to see how to optimize the battery life.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
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Ruth Jelliff

We had lively discussion, with great participation, about our mobile phones and never ending new phenomena to discuss -  from "Do we need to worry about every new technology, eg passkeys?" to "When it is time to call on outside help eg. Telstra, computer experts?"

Every person has different expectations from their devices - maybe we only need to be “experts” on aspects that directly affect us.

A document can be created using Google Docs on our phones. We will all give this a try.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.

Ruth Jelliff

August turned out to be a great catch up opportunity for Android users. We were able to clean up our apps and generally work on individual troubling issues.

We also touched on Google Home and IT. Both of these topics will be investigated and discussed in the future.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
                                                                                                                                                 Ruth Jelliff

During July we learnt how to use “find my phone” and how to create a message on the lock screen to help with lost phones.

We had a very interesting demonstration by Bev on the use of Google Home Assistant and a Sprout Speaker. There were many questions for Bev and great discussion on devices that can assist us with daily living. Thank you, Bev.

In August we will delve further into some of the issues Bev touched on, for example, ChatGPT, as well as revisit some more basic topics.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.

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Ruth Jelliff

June saw us looking again at Facebook and getting those interested to have a look at U3A Benalla’s page.

We then used the BeConnected website to play games on our devices. These are free to use and there are many different games and levels to amuse us.

Next month we will look at gadgets we can use to enhance our experience with technology.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
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Ruth Jelliff

In May, we looked at Facebook, and briefly, Instagram. Most of us enjoy using Facebook and can do so confidently.

We also had a very mixed session where we saved cards to google wallet and learnt how to easily see codes that get sent to our mobiles (for verification).

Next month we will look at staying safe with our devices and online shopping.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.

Ruth Jelliff

In April, once again, we looked at the never ending issue of storage space for our photos on our devices. Many of us have found that we have used the space allocated so we need to know what alternatives, or solutions, there are available.

We also looked at emails, folders within emails, and terminology used for functions in emails.

Next month we will use the ‘Be Connected’ website to continue with the email theme. Also, by request, we will begin to delve into the world of Facebook and Instagram.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.


​Ruth Jelliff

In March we looked at the various apps that come with Google. Participants were familiar with the common apps, - maps, gmail, photos and some others, so we concentrated on the less frequently used like google docs and calendar. Others to look at are wallet, keep notes, chat, meet, podcasts and files. There will be more that we will come across throughout the year.

Next month we will use the ‘Be Connected’ website to learn more about emails. Particularly how we can guard ourselves against scams and how to create new passwords.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
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Ruth Jelliff

Welcome to our past and new participants. It has been great getting to know one another.
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In February we learnt how to connect to different Wi Fi and to ‘Be Connected’ which will be the source of our information for this course.

We watched a very informative YouTube on checking settings on our devices to ensure we are getting the best use of them. We particularly checked the permissions settings on our apps and removed any that were unnecessary and could cause us harm.

Next month we will use the ‘Be Connected’ website to learn more about notifications and also discover all the different apps that Google has available for us.
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We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
 
Ruth Jelliff

Our first session in November was all about photo storage. We looked at saving photos to the cloud using google photos, and how that affects photos in our phone’s gallery.

At our last session for this year we expanded on the photo storage theme and saving photos to external devices.

After a break I look forward to seeing new, and returning, participants for a back to basics start to our course in 2025.
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Ruth Jelliff

During October we used the BeConnected website to look at, and try, some free games. We challenged ourselves by playing ‘Wordle’ and ‘Global’ – other free games available on the internet.

We also looked at different ways we could cast from our devices to our TV’s, to allow us to view our favourite movies or photos, on a larger screen.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
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Ruth Jelliff

In September we were unfortunately only able to hold one session. We have some members taking overseas holidays shortly so we looked at how we can use our phones overseas, or in fact if we really need to rely on them (other than for photos and emergencies).

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
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Ruth Jelliff

In August we explored WhatsApp. We learnt that although WhatsApp is not used as frequently as it used to be it can still be a very useful free app. We watched a Be Connected video on how to make video calls with the app.

We visited the Service Victoria website and discussed the pros and cons of the many services available to us there. We also refreshed our scanning QR codes skills.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.

​Ruth Jelliff

In July, with dwindling members attending, we have used the opportunity to focus on storing photos and signing in to the “BeConnected” website successfully.

Before we consider creating photo books we need to have our photos at their best quality possible and we also need to choose which photos we want to include to tell our story. We looked at different ways to categorize pictures and then different ways to save them to suit our individual needs.

The importance of the content that the BeConnected website offers offers cannot be overstated. We went back to basics and learnt how to join and sign in to the website.

We also watched a very helpful YouTube video showing us how to initially utilize the settings on our android devices.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
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Ruth Jelliff

​In June we looked at Online Shopping and The Internet.

Online shopping can be an enjoyable and time saving experience. Initially we need to spend some time becoming familiar with the process, but, if we are constantly vigilant, it can be as safe as any other activity on our devices.

The Internet has become almost essential to our lives. We briefly touched on what the internet is and tackled the difficulties of filling out forms online.

In Semester 2, if there is sufficient interest, every alternate week we will focus on short project-based courses on topics such as Photo Books, word processing using Google Docs and other small projects. Meanwhile we will continue with issues from the Be Connected website, for example downloading documents, printing, signing if necessary, and then submitting them.
 
We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.

​Please note that for July only our sessions have been postponed by a week to the 11th and 18th.


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Ruth Jelliff

In May we looked at Scams and “The Cloud”.

Most of us are aware of scams in general so we spent some time looking at Impersonation Scams. Accessing Be Connected we explored these scams to considerable extent.

In our next session we demystified the area of “The Cloud”. We tried Google cloud and looked at the other cloud storages available to us free of charge.

In June we will look at online shopping and the internet, whilst spending time on issues that have arisen from previous sessions.

We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.
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Ruth Jelliff

Our two sessions in April reinforced to us that there are a myriad of ways to achieve our preferred outcomes on our devices.

Firstly we looked at using the camera. Taking photos and selfies and then editing them. Then we looked at an issue that we all seem to have to deal with at some time – sorting all our photos. Deleting duplicates – out of focus pics – other unwanted photos. Once we had some of these sorted we created folders for our photos so we could deal with them as we wish. Just a reminder, if there is sufficient interest, in Semester 2 we will concentrate, and maybe even produce, a photo book or other product using our sorted photos.

Whilst focusing further on how to connect to the “BeConnected” website we were led down the path of passwords and security. We discovered how most of us are able to find our passwords if we have saved them at some stage in google. This is both a positive and a negative feature as we do get to use apps and passwords that we had forgotten about but it was pointed out how easily an unwanted third party could potentially find the same.
In May we will explore the world of scams, online shopping and the internet.
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We continue to encourage class members to suggest topics and issues they would like help with.

​Ruth Jelliff