Learn About AI, Get Tech Tips With Virtual Classes

When it comes to artificial intelligence, Zeke Tijerina wants the adults he teaches to realize it doesn’t have to be scary or mysterious. In fact, you may already be using AI without realizing it.

“If you go on bestbuy.com and you start talking to the chatbot there, that’s AI,” says Tijerina, an instructor for Older Adults Technology Services from AARP. “Your email is using AI to keep track of spam.”

The use of AI in everyday tasks is among the tech topics Tijerina will discuss in a series of hour-long virtual classes that AARP Minnesota is promoting this month.

“We want to make sure that people of any age aren’t left behind,” says Cathy McLeer, AARP Minnesota state director.

A class on Monday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. will focus on mobile health apps that can help users count their steps, check their heart rate and track other fitness information. Another session, on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m., will feature common applications of artificial intelligence.

Recordings of the talks—including two previous sessions on how to save money using technology and how to send money safely through peer-to-peer payment apps—can be viewed through the end of November.

AARP volunteer Linda Donovan, 67, helps Tijerina with tasks such as distributing electronic handouts, welcoming latecomers and monitoring the chat room during classes.

Donovan says she’s enjoyed learning more about peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and Zelle, as well as how to protect her privacy online.

“These lectures ... go into specifics about privacy and security and what you need to know about so you don’t get scammed,” she notes.

To learn more and to register, go to aarp.org/mnevents.

—David Lewellen