Our Role

Where does our nonprofit fit among the other organizations trying to help older Canadians? 

We are focused on ensuring older adults have a better way to learn digital skills so they can confidently use technology to stay happy, healthy & connected. Our role is to provide the digital skills learning resources needed to make that happen. Gluu develops printed materials, online courses, live online events, workshops, volunteer training, and volunteer support. We partner with seniors’ organizations across the country to support their volunteers in bringing digital skills training to older Canadians. All of our materials are free of charge and are advertising-free.

Thanks in part to funding from the Government of Canada’s Digital Literacy Exchange Program, Canadian seniors get a free Gluu Lifetime Membership until March 31, 2022. 

Quick Links

What is Gluu?

It’s an easy-to-remember word that starts a conversation.

Gluu makes digital skills stick. And, we stick with older adults as they learn to use technology. You get the idea.

Candian nonprofit Organization

We are a social purpose nonprofit society working to provide digital skills learning resources to older Canadians and the people & organizations that support them.

Free for all Older Adults

Our Board works hard to secure funding and partnerships that allow us to provide cost-free, ad-free digital skills education and learning resources to older adults and seniors' organizations.

Proudly Helping Seniors' Organizations

Our national network of seniors' organizations using Gluu digital skills learning resources to support their members is growing fast. Together we are empowering volunteers to share their digital skills knowledge and giving older adults expertly created and fun digital skills training.

The Key Issue

Technology keeps us connected, healthy & happy. But only if you know how to use it.

Before this decade ends, over seven million Canadian seniors will be making plans to age at home. And that home is expected to have at least 15 connected devices. Technology can help older adults with digital skills remain independent, connected, and healthy. It can also make home a safe place to grow old and save governments, families, and seniors money. 

But a lack of digital skills leads to social isolation, makes accessing government and other online services challenging, and creates a population of older adults threatened to be left behind as technology further integrates into our daily lives.

Gaining digital skills and the confidence to use technology is necessary for millions of older Canadians. 

Gluu is ready to help.
How We've Helped So Far
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Our Impact

Building Confidence. Changing Lives.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significant gaps in how older adults use technology to access services, stay connected to their communities, and remain independent. It has put a spotlight on the pressing need to help them become confident and engaged online. This is where Gluu comes in.

We have measured the impact of our digital skills learning resources from the start—it’s built into everything we do. Gluu students quickly understand they are not too old to learn. This new outlook inspires them to try new things, helps them see the benefits of bringing technology into their lives, and realize that digital skills training is worth their valuable time. That is a win for everyone.

Gluu is working to create a lasting impact in the lives of older Canadians. This happens when we provide students with appropriate learning opportunities and support them throughout their digital skills learning journey. It takes a cohesive plan to move them towards a more connected digital life: 

 

  • High-quality learning resources
  • A relaxed, fun, and social learning environment
  • Accessible design
  • Trusted support 

These elements are central to winning hearts and motivating people to adopt new digital habits. 

Our digital skills training makes the everyday lives of participating older adults better, and our impact extends to the families, organizations, and communities that surround them. We are working to achieve the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030) goals by empowering our community to use technology to maintain physical and mental health, making it possible to live their lives to the fullest.

Here are just some of the benefits of Gluu digital skills training:

  • We have reduced social isolation by helping our students use technology to connect with family, friends, volunteers, and seniors' organizations.
  • We have reduced the vulnerability of seniors who are often isolated or cut off from services due to a lack of ability to use web-based services.
  • Time savings, allowing people to pursue other activities that enable them to live their lives to the fullest.
  • Financial savings, by improving their confidence in using online services, seniors save money by comparing prices online and shopping online, reducing transportation costs and difficulties in getting to the store.
  • We have increased their confidence in accessing virtual healthcare by helping them learn to use video calling services and understand how to keep their data secure online.
Gluu For Older Adults

Digital Skills in Six Easy Steps

Step 1

Get Your Free Membership

Your membership gives you free and forever access to all of our courses and other online learning resources—thanks in part to funding from the Government of Canada. Go, Canada!

Step 2

Sign up for an Online Course

Choose a course from our growing list and use any internet connected device to progress through the lessons at your own pace.

Step 3

Check out Your Course Materials

Our courses include video lessons, step-by-step instructions & printable learning resources. We provide all the materials you need to succeed.

Step 4

High Five your Progress

Each course remembers what you’ve learned and shows your progress to keep you motivated. Get Certificates and Badges for course completion and share what you've accomplished.

Step 5

Join our live online events

You're invited to our virtual Live Events that dive into topics from our online courses. They are a great place to ask questions, pick up new tips, and get to know the Gluu community.

Step 6

Any Questions?

Have a question other members of the Gluu community might also have? Ask Gluu. We will answer the most popular questions here on our website and in Ask Gluu monthly email newsletter.

Gluu For Seniors' Organizations

Volunteer Training & Student Support

Step 1

Register to be part of our Network

Add your organization to our network and access our free digital skills learning resources created for your volunteers and our members.

Step 2

Support Your Volunteers

Volunteer time is valuable. Help them share digital skills more effectively by giving them access to our course curriculum, teaching notes, and student materials.

Step 3

Share Our Free Resources with Your Members

Make sure your members know about our free digital skills resources. They have access to our online classes, How To Guides, Live Online Events, and Ask Gluu support.

Step 4

Host Classes or Virtual Lessons

Depending on where you are at with COVID protocols, we have the tools to help you provide in-person or virtual lessons. Our materials ensure volunteers create amazing learning experiences.

Step 5

Join our live online events

Your whole community is invited to our live online events. We dive into topics from our online courses, answer questions, share tips, and connect with the Gluu community.

Step 6

Let us answer the questions

Ask Gluu answers questions that other members of the Gluu community might also have. We do this on our website and in our Ask Gluu monthly email newsletter.

What people are saying about Gluu
The classes are just what I needed to learn how to navigate the world of technology I find myself living in. The step by step instructions and clear directions are wonderful.
Rhonda L.
67 • iPhone & Apple Computer
Linda and Gluu have changed my life! My confidence level when handling my iPhone and iPad has soared, and I feel my personal data is much more secure. During these COVID times, anything which reduces anxiety is a godsend!
Mary S.
71• iPhone and iPad user
The Gluu crew have turned a timid Luddite into a confident Apple user! The live events are relaxed and unintimidating. Linda uses plain English to explain concepts. I have learned so much. I am so grateful to Gluu!
Alex F.
81, iPad & PC user
There are no mere words that can convey the appreciation we have for your timely and informative classes. If we had it our way, Gluu would be declared an essential service.
Kevin P.
68 • Samsung Tablet & PC user
Some of the amazing organizations we work with
Gluu is on a mission to help Canadian seniors become the most digitally literate in the world—one tap at a time.
Gluu Technology Society founder Linda Fawcus
Linda Fawcus
FOUNDER / CEO
Brand Partnerships

Interested in getting your brand involved?

Our most successful partnerships have a multi-year life cycle and involve several different programs. Get in touch to learn more. 

GET IN TOUCH
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