Tech Tips
Marin Villages helps older adults manage their technology, from smartphones, smart tablets, smart watches, smart TV and of course laptop and desktop computers.
AI is already part of your life !
Sign Up for More information
If you are interested in learning more about generative AI and to receive periodic email newsletters with actionable and approachable tips and tricks on how to use AI tools including suggested prompts - send a note to [email protected] and you'll be added to the distribution list.
AI is all around us
You might not realize it, but AI is already part of your everyday life. Amazon suggests purchases, Netflix recommends movies, Spotify finds music, maps plan routes, email blocks spam, Alexa or Siri answers questions, Waymo has driverless taxis, Roomba vacuums your home and AI even powers those pesky customer service chatbots.
Now, generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini take it much further.
AI Chat versus Search
Unlike traditional search engines, which return a list of links (and plenty of ads), generative AI can hold a conversation, providing tailored answers based on your questions.
Using immense computing power, it draws from vast collections of information held in massive data centers to create results and content based on your input prompts—whether that’s polishing an email, writing a research report, designing a presentation, making a video or creating images, designing a website or even coding software.
In recent years, generative AI, has exploded in popularity. Today, hundreds of millions of people across the globe use it weekly, and the company behind ChatGPT—OpenAI—is now among the 20 most valuable companies in the world valued at over $500 billion.
People now use generative AI to assist them in all aspects of their life. For seniors, it can help with healthcare advice, meal planning, managing finances, making technology easier to use, and supporting independence at home.
"Try This"
The best way to learn is to try it. The Marin Villages tech team is creating a monthly “Try This” AI prompt to help you explore the possibilities. To receive these monthly prompts - sign up by sending a request to [email protected]
You can use GPT or Gemini through a web browser such as Chrome or Safari, or by downloading a mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You will be asked to set up an account. Then type in your prompt (question) and see the results. You can also ask the AI platform to refine or improve its response to fit your needs.
Send your ideas !
The best way to prompt is to speak to the AI tool as you would when asking a friend a question. More structured prompts tend to work better than casual ones - and you can use the 5Ws +1H (Who, What, When, Where, Why and How) technique to help focus your questions.
We’d love to hear your ideas for prompts. Email your suggestions to [email protected] , and our team will help build prompts and (with permission) share examples with other members. (or, if you prefer, we will keep your request confidential).
How to obtain the AI tools
ChatGPT
Via a browser https://chatgpt.com
Mobile Apps - Apple https://apps.apple.com/app/id6448311069
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.openai.chatgpt
Google Gemini
Via a browser https://gemini.google.com/app
Mobile Apps- Apple https://apps.apple.com/app/id6477489729
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.bard
Technology / Computer Help Office Hours (Online)
3rd Wednesday of the month
https://marin.helpfulvillage.com/events/6099
Next session: August, 20th 4:00 – 5:30pm
via Zoom
Issues with your printer? iPhone not syncing properly? If so, join our volunteer tech support group for the answers to these and all of your other burning technology questions! We look forward to continuing to help solve your frustrating tech problems. This is a space where you can "drop in," ask questions, and receive personalized, individually focused, expert tech advice from some of our wonderful tech volunteers. Even if you'd just like to sit in to learn a little more about technology, we'd love to have you participate! So bring your questions about your computers, tablets, phones, smart watches and smart TVs etc., and our dedicated tech volunteers will do the rest. This opportunity is available to all Marin Villages members and volunteers. Please join us at this link!
Technology / Computer Help Office Hours (In-Person)
1st Wednesday of the month
https://marin.helpfulvillage.com/events/7182
Next Session: September, 3rd 3:30 – 5:30pm
Marin Villages Conference Room 4340 Redwood Highway, F-138
Do you have a tech issue with your computer, tablet, phone, or other device that you would like one-on-one in-person help with? Do you have question on how to use Generative AI ? Some of our best and brightest tech volunteers will be hosting a drop in session at the Marin Villages Conference Room in Terra Linda! This program is a supplement to our monthly zoom tech hours. The session is open to both members and volunteers.
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