Gangseo-gu Opens Free Classes for Middle-Aged and Older Adults Struggling with Smartphone Use

From KakaoTalk to ChatGPT: First-Come, First-Served Recruitment by Skill Level

Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon) will operate the 'Gangseo Smart Classroom' from September to November this year for middle-aged and older adults who have difficulty using smartphones.

This education program is designed to help participants easily utilize digital devices such as smartphones. Classes are divided into basic (smartphone basic functions, contact management, transportation and shopping apps, etc.) and advanced (banking apps, online shopping, ChatGPT, etc.) levels to accommodate different skill levels.

The basic class covers fundamental smartphone usage such as turning on Wi-Fi, sending text messages, taking photos, finding directions, and using kiosks.

The advanced class includes topics such as online shopping, using banking apps, creating short-form videos, and utilizing the ChatGPT AI app. Cultural lessons on preventing voice phishing and copyright protection are also provided, helping seniors become familiar with digital devices through repetitive learning.

There are a total of five classes: three basic and two advanced, each with 20 participants, recruiting a total of 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Any senior wishing to enroll can select one class and call the Education Support Division of the district office.

Classes will be held 20 times per class from September to November. Basic classes will be held in the lecture rooms on the 3rd floor of the Wanggok 2-dong Community Center and the 3rd floor of the Deungchon 3-dong Community Center, while advanced classes will be held in the lecture room on the 1st floor of the Gangseo Lifelong Learning Center.

The courses are free, and participants only need to bring an Android smartphone. Detailed recruitment schedules and class-by-class education content can be found on the Gangseo-gu Office website under Notices.

Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, “I hope that through these lectures, seniors will become familiar with using smart devices and actively participate in social activities.”