How to organise a computer course for seniors

A senior computer course runs smoothly when the teaching plan and the room setup are prepared together. Start by choosing a suitable venue, checking accessibility and collecting registrations, dietary requirements and participants’ experience. Then prepare short exercises, printed handouts and tested laptops before arranging tables, internet access and projection equipment. Allow extra time on the day for arrivals, passwords, chargers and basic computer questions; these are often what delay the first lesson.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Send invitations
2
Process registrations
3
Collect dietary requirements
4
Reserve venue
5
Check accessibility
6
Confirm participants
7
Develop the course program
8
Prepare exercises
9
Print handouts
10
Print participant list
11
Do the shopping
12
Charge laptops
13
Test laptops and software
2 people
14
Test presentation
15
Prepare materials

Event

16
Open hall
17
Set up tables and chairs
2 people
18
Set up laptops
2 people
19
Connect the projector and screen
20
Test Wi-Fi and internet
21
Set out coffee and tea
22
Receive participants
2 people
23
Register attendance
24
Explain the course program
25
Explain basic operation
26
Guide the practice session
2 people
27
Serve break snacks
28
Refill drinks
29
Explain email and internet
30
Explain safe online working
31
Guide personal questions
2 people
32
Hand out handouts
33
See participants off

Aftercare

34
Shut down laptops
2 people
35
Pack equipment
2 people
36
Clear tables and chairs
2 people
37
Wash dishes
38
Collect waste
39
Clean the room
2 people
40
Check materials
41
Return rental items
42
Email participants the reference materials

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

Tips

Plan the course in short blocks and match each block with one practical exercise. Print the handouts and place them in participant folders before the room opens, so learners can follow along without waiting.
Use one laptop per participant where possible, and test every laptop, mouse, charger and required program at least one day beforehand. Charge the laptops fully and bring power strips and extension cords for the devices that need them.
Arrange tables so learners can see both their own screen and the projection screen. Test the projector, presentation remote, Wi-Fi and internet connection from the actual teaching position, not just from the equipment table.
Confirm registrations several days before the course and record accessibility or dietary requirements in one participant list. Print a spare copy for registration and prepare name stickers so arrivals do not interrupt the introduction.
Open the hall at least 45 minutes before the start time. Set up the laptops and teaching materials first, then prepare coffee, tea, water and serving trays; refreshments are easy to arrange late, but missing cups, milk or chargers are not.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a computer course for seniors?: Reserve the venue and send invitations at least four weeks before the course. Close registrations about one week beforehand so you have time to confirm participants, collect requirements and prepare the materials.
How many laptops do I need for a senior computer course?: Plan for one laptop per participant, plus at least one spare if the group is larger than six people. Test all devices and charge them the day before, including the spare laptop.
How early should I arrive to set up a computer course?: Arrive at least 45 minutes before participants are due, or 60 minutes if the room, projector and Wi-Fi are unfamiliar. This leaves time to arrange tables, connect equipment and solve login or internet problems.
What should I prepare for the first lesson?: Prepare a simple course program, one or two exercises, printed handouts, notepads, pens and participant folders. Keep the first 15 minutes for registration, explaining the program and showing basic laptop operation before starting the exercise.

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