What you need for a computer course for seniors

A computer course for seniors needs more than laptops and a projector. Prepare one usable workstation per participant, including a mouse, charger, power access and a clear place for notes. Printed handouts, name stickers and folders make the session easier to follow, while coffee, tea and water help during breaks. Check equipment, software and the internet before participants arrive so the first lesson does not become a troubleshooting session.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 14
Tablecloth

Equipment

Laptopsqty 12
Computer miceqty 12
Laptop chargersqty 12
Projector
Projection screen
Presentation remote
Usb sticksqty 14
Network cablesqty 4

Electricity

Power stripsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4

Course materials

Printed handoutsqty 14
Notepadsqty 14
Ballpoint pensqty 14
Name stickersqty 14
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 4
Whiteboard eraser
Participant foldersqty 14

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 16
Water glassesqty 16
Serving traysqty 2

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettle
Teapot
Thermos flasksqty 2
Sugar bowl
Milk jug

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 3 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 3 bottles
- Sparkling water - 2 bottles
- Apple juice - 2 cartons
- Orange juice - 2 cartons
- Butter - 1 pack
- Wholegrain biscuits - 3 packs
- Tea biscuits - 2 packs
- Rice cakes - 2 packs
- Cheese slices - 2 packs
- Hummus - 2 tubs
- Cucumbers - 3 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 trays
- Bananas - 14 pieces
- Grapes - 2 trays
- Napkins - 2 packs
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 2 pieces
- Paper towels - 2 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 1 roll
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 1 pack

Tips

Plan one laptop and one computer mouse per participant, plus at least one spare laptop or mouse if your budget and storage allow. Charge every laptop before the course and keep its charger at the same workstation.
Count power strips and extension cords before setup. A practical rule is one accessible power point for each two laptops, with cables secured so participants can walk between tables safely.
Print one set of handouts for every participant and add a small reserve of two or three sets. Put the handouts in participant folders with a notepad, ballpoint pen and name sticker before registration starts.
Prepare the presentation on the actual laptop that will run it and test the projector, screen, presentation remote, Wi-Fi and any network cables on the day before. Keep a USB stick with the presentation and exercises as a backup.
For refreshments, allow two coffee or tea servings per person for a short course, plus water glasses. Set out the coffee maker or kettle, teapot, thermos flasks, sugar bowl, milk jug, cups and serving trays before the first participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a computer course for seniors?: Provide one laptop, mouse and charger per participant, plus a projector, projection screen and presentation remote. Test the software, Wi-Fi and presentation at least one day before the course.
How many laptops should I prepare for a senior computer class?: Prepare one working laptop per participant and, if possible, one spare for the group. Charge all laptops before the session and keep the chargers clearly matched to their devices.
How many handouts and stationery items do I need?: Print one complete handout set and one participant folder per person, then add two or three spare sets. Provide one notepad, ballpoint pen and name sticker for each participant.
How much coffee should I buy for a computer course?: Allow about two cups of coffee or tea per person for a short course, plus water. Check dietary requirements and milk or sugar preferences no later than a few days before the session.

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