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Carol retired in June 2020 after a 28-year-long career as a librarian in her local school system in the Detroit suburbs. She has a degree in library science and a master’s in instructional design and technology. 

As a long-time member of the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), Carol was active in its Special Interest Group in Online Learning. At work, she encouraged staff to set up online versions of their classrooms to supplement their lessons with rich web-based resources. And, it’s a good thing she did because just after she retired, Covid hit, and the teachers needed that valuable skill set.

Lifelong learning in retirement

Carol has spent the last year and a half exploring internet resources and digitizing family snapshots from the past 20 years. In fact, she made digital scrapbooks for her kids on flash drives.  

She learned about GetSetUp from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and her local library. One of the things she likes about GetSetUp is the variety it offers.

“GetSetUp offers so many different classes. I could pick and choose. There’s such variety, and you can pick whatever you like and explore without commitment.”

She considers herself a self-directed lifelong learner and has taken a wide range of classes. Before retirement, she taught several workshops for teachers but feels there’s always something new to learn. The GetSetUp Google classes were a wonderful way to pick up additional tips that make using the platform easier.

“A lot of the tech stuff I learn on my own, but it’s nice to have someone explaining, and you can ask a question, and think ‘Oh, I get it.’ I like the tech stuff because I can learn just a little bit more each time.”

Researching her ancestry

A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Carol is interested in the GetSetUp genealogy classes. Years ago, her grandmother wanted to become a member of the DAR, so her grandfather traced their ancestry back to the Revolution.  Carol is now interested in learning how to research additional ancestors.

She’s also enjoyed classes on wine and selling your stuff online. Something that she’s been impressed with is the communication from the Guides and how quickly they send out class notes after each session.

She’s been happy to recommend GetSetUp to her friends. 

“GetSetUp is great, and I love that the focus is on older adults who may not be particularly comfortable with technology.” 

For many older adults, the barrier is downloading and understanding how to use Zoom. Now with the GetSetUp Lounge, learners can watch classes without needing to use Zoom. Instead, they can gain confidence and take classes that help them learn how to use it before hopping in.

Carol has seen people she knows in real life in classes and is starting to see familiar faces in others. So why not join her in a class to see the latest tech news?