Maria
Lead Instructor · Tech Confidence
"I teach because my own mum was too shy to ask. Nobody should feel that way about their phone."
Next semester starts August 1, 2026· Limited to 8 students per class
Ottawa & Nepean · In-person classes
We teach Ottawa adults how to use technology — safely, patiently, in person.
No jargon. No rushing. No taking over your phone. Sixteen-week courses in small groups, taught by background-checked instructors who answer every question — no matter how small.
Worried about a parent? We'll handle the tech — and send you a short weekly update so you always know how they're doing.
Inside a Smarten Up class
Small groups · patient teaching · no jargon
Start Lesson 1 — free Call 613-837-4488 Try a free class — no commitmentSee the curriculum See semester pricing
Prefer to talk it through? Call us. A real human picks up.
Two courses. Pick the one that sounds like you.
Both run 16 weeks, in person, in small groups. Next semester starts August 1, 2026.
Course 1 · Tech Confidence
Feeling left behind? Start here.
Tech Confidence
Stop feeling lost. Start feeling capable.
Who it's for: For any adult who feels behind or frustrated with their phone, computer, or the internet.
What you'll learn:
- Phone basics
- Video calls with family
- Photos & helpful apps
- Online searching & settings
Course 2 · Seniors Digital Safety
Been targeted by a scammer? This one's for you.
Seniors Digital Safety
Spot the scams. Protect what matters.
Who it's for: For seniors who've been scammed, almost scammed, or are afraid to click anything.
What you'll learn:
- Spotting scams (calls, texts, email)
- Safe online banking
- Password basics
- What to do if something goes wrong
- Protecting your family
Want to learn on your own time? Try our new $350 self-paced online course.
What our students say
Real words from real Ottawa adults who walked in nervous — and walked out confident.
"I can finally video call my grandkids without feeling embarrassed. Maria didn't rush me once."
Joan
Age 72 · Nepean · Tech Confidence
"A scammer almost got me. After this course, I spotted the next one in five seconds and hung up."
Richard
Age 78 · Ottawa South · Seniors Safety
"I signed my mum up. The weekly family note means I don't have to phone every Tuesday to check in."
Sarah
Daughter of a student · Kanata
Meet the people who'll teach you
Every instructor is background-checked, patient by nature, and trained to teach without jargon.
Background-checked Patient by nature Local to Ottawa Never asks for your password
David
Senior Instructor · Digital Safety
"I've sat with families after a scam. The right class would have stopped it. So now I teach it."
Priya
Instructor · Tech Confidence
"I love the moment a student texts their grandchild for the first time. That smile is the whole job."
A few moments from class
Small rooms. Lots of laughter. Nobody ever made to feel silly.
What we actually do
We teach technology the way a kind neighbour would — slowly, in person, and with the same friendly shape to every class so it always feels familiar.
Short video + transcript
A 5–10 minute lesson you can rewatch any time. Every video has a written transcript, so you can read along.
Small live class
No more than 8 students. We practise together, no question is too small, and nobody gets left behind.
Friendly quiz
A few multiple-choice questions. Wrong answers quietly show the right one — with a sentence explaining why.
Weekly family update
One small take-home practice, plus a short progress note your family can read. You can turn it off any time.
For families
The Weekly Family Update
A short, plain-English note every week so you always know how your parent is doing — what they learned, what they're proud of, and what to gently practise at home. The student controls it. You don't see passwords, messages, or anything private.
How it works
Four simple steps. No surprises.
- 1
You call us
Or send an email. We'll listen first.
- 2
We meet
In person or on the phone. No pressure.
- 3
You enroll
Pick a pace, pay for the semester.
- 4
You learn
Small group, patient pace, you set the speed.
What makes us different — and safe
Background-checked
Every instructor passes a current police records check. No exceptions, ever.
We never take your passwords
You type, we explain. We don't ask for logins, banking access, or remote control.
Small classes
No more than 8 students per group. Everyone gets time.
Your pace
We repeat. We slow down. We bring it back tomorrow. No rushing.
Where we meet
We hold classes in welcoming community spaces around Ottawa & Nepean. Two of our regulars:
Greenboro Community Centre
Ottawa South · 363 Lorry Greenberg Dr
- Free on-site parking, large lot, lit at night
- Step-free entrance · accessible washrooms · elevator to class floor
Nepean Sportsplex Meeting Rooms
Nepean · 1701 Woodroffe Ave
- Free on-site parking, close to door
- Step-free entrance · automatic doors · accessible washrooms
We confirm the exact room and walk you through how to get there when you enroll. If mobility is a concern, tell us — we'll match you to the easiest venue.
Simple pricing
Pay once for the whole semester. No subscriptions. Payment plans available — just ask.
NEW · learn on your own
Self-Paced Online
$350
CAD · one-time · + HST
8 weeks · 2 classes/wk
Accelerated Semester
$549
CAD · one-time · + HST
16 weeks · 1 class/wk
Paced Semester
$749
CAD · one-time · + HST
16 wks + 1-on-1 calls
VIP Concierge
$1,297
CAD · one-time · + HST
Common questions
When does the next semester start?+
Saturday, August 1, 2026. Classes fill up early — call us to hold a seat without paying.
I'm not good with technology. Will I keep up?+
Yes. Our pace is set by the slowest learner in the room — on purpose. We repeat as often as needed.
Can I try one class first?+
Yes — and it's free. Call us at 613-837-4488 and we'll arrange it. No commitment, no sales pitch.
What if I miss a class?+
Call us. We'll catch you up one-on-one before the next class, at no extra cost.
Where are the classes held?+
Greenboro Community Centre (Ottawa South) and Nepean Sportsplex are our two regulars. Both have free parking and accessible entrances. We confirm the exact room when you enroll.
What does it cost?+
$350 self-paced online, $549 Accelerated, $749 Paced, or $1,297 VIP Concierge with one-on-one help calls. Payment plans available. See the Pricing page for details.
My family member needs this. Can I sign them up?+
Absolutely. Call us and we'll walk through it together with them. Adult children pay; the student keeps full control of their own account.
Ready to get started?
Call us. We'll explain everything, slowly, in plain words.
Or create an account to enroll online.