Smartphone Basics & Beyond (Android)

Get comfortable with your android smartphone—learn essential skills and helpful features.

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    About the workshop

    Android phones have become an essential part of daily life — they keep us connected to family and friends, help us find information, capture memories with photos, and even handle everyday tasks like shopping, banking, or checking the weather.

    But with all their powerful features, Android phones can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming, especially if you did not grow up using them.

    This four-hour workshop is designed to make Android phones less intimidating and more useful. Together, we will explore:

    • The basics of how Android phones work and what makes them so popular
    • How to navigate your phone’s settings and controls
    • Tips for sharing photos safely through text, email, and social media
    • Fun and practical ways to use your camera beyond taking pictures

    You will practice each skill step by step with guidance, ask questions freely, and leave with increased confidence, new skills, and a handy resource guide to use at home.

    Workshop Price: $100
    Special Offer: CARP members receive a 10% discount.

    4 Hour Workshop Outline

    Topic Content Activities
    Welcome & Introduction – Overview of Android phones and why they matter in daily life
    – Workshop goals and flow
    – Setting expectations     		Icebreaker: “What do you use your Android phone for most — or what would you like to learn?”
    Android Phones at a Glance – What an Android phone can do: communication, information, entertainment, organization
    – Common uses and benefits
    – Basic buttons and gestures     		Demonstration & Q&A
    Getting to Know Your Android Phone – Touchscreen gestures: tap, swipe, pinch, long press
    – Finding and using Settings
    – Connecting to Wi-Fi, adjusting brightness, volume, and notifications
    – Tips for maintaining and securing your device     		Hands-on: Adjust brightness, Wi-Fi, sounds; navigate Settings
    Break Light refreshments —
    Exploring Key Android Features – Understanding the Home Screen, Quick Settings panel, and App Drawer
    – Using essential apps: Phone, Messages, Chrome, Play Store
    – How to download and update apps safely     		Guided exploration of essential apps
    Communication Made Easy – How to make calls, send messages, and use video calling (Google Meet, WhatsApp)
    – Managing contacts and favorites
    – Using voice commands with Google Assistant     		Hands-on: Call and text a partner; set a reminder with Google Assistant
    Sharing Photos and Staying Safe Online – Taking photos and finding them in the Photos or Gallery app
    – Sending via text and email
    – Sharing on social media (e.g., Facebook, X)
    – Understanding privacy settings     		Hands-on: Take a photo and share it with a partner
    Break Light refreshments —
    Android Camera: Beyond Taking Pictures – Scanning QR codes
    – Using the camera to translate text and measure objects
    – Using Google Lens and other built-in tools
    – Understanding privacy and permissions     		Hands-on: Scan a QR code, translate a sentence, measure an object
    Practical Tips & Everyday Uses – Customizing your Android phone (wallpaper, widgets, ringtones)
    – Accessibility features for easier use
    – Backup and updates     		Guided customization & demo
    Open Lab & Troubleshooting – Participants practice what they found most useful
    – Instructor and assistants provide one-on-one support     		Individual practice
    Wrap-Up & Resources – Recap 5 key takeaways: navigation, communication, camera, sharing, safety
    – Provide printed handouts & resource list     		Final Q&A and feedback