10/18/2025

The first day of class was fun, exciting, and full of seniors ready to learn!In this course, seniors introduced themselves, shared why this Senior Tech Class was important to them, and explained what they hoped to learn.   After the fun welcome and student introductions, Instructor Clayton Cortez broke down the complexities of modern technology, guiding the class through smartphone fundamentals to ensure every student felt comfortable navigating their screens.

Week 2:  POP QUIZ

10/25/2025

Week 3: Introduction to the world of AI 

11/01/2025

In this course, seniors took a deep dive into the world of Artificial Intelligence. Participants shared their personal thoughts on AI, discussing its presence in their current daily lives and its potential to improve them in the future. Through this session, the seniors grasped that AI possessed the capability to mimic human intelligence—using algorithms to learn, reason, solve problems, and understand language. This eye-opening class demystified the technology and gave seniors a clear, functional understanding of AI.

11/8/2025

In this session, we investigated and continued to explore how Artificial Intelligence revolutionized operations across major industries, including education, law enforcement, and transportation. We hosted an expert guest speaker who exposed the personal implications of AI, equipping seniors with critical strategies to safeguard their finances and privacy against emerging digital threats utilizing AI. This class empowered seniors to recognize the technology's impact and facilitated open discussions on how Artificial Intelligence silently played a significant role in our everyday lives—from personalized recommendations on online platforms to voice assistants that simplified daily tasks.

11/15/2025

This course featured open discussions on the dangers of AI, including job displacement, widespread misinformation, amplified cyberattacks, and ingrained bias from flawed data leading to discrimination. Additionally, the discussions raised concerns about ethical misuse, societal dependency, and potential long-term existential threats. Learning the risks of AI was crucial for seniors because it empowered them to critically evaluate the information they encounter, protect their personal data, and navigate an increasingly automated world with confidence.

11/22/2025

The course session was fully hands-on, designed for seniors to experience AI up close and personal. Seniors collaborated in groups, engaging in experiential learning by completing specific AI-driven tasks. For example, participants explored GPS tools like Waze and Google Maps, as well as ChatGPT. They learned how to utilize voice-activated virtual assistants, such as Siri, to solve problems and answer questions. By the end of the session, seniors were able to use voice commands, navigate via GPS, and create outstanding letters using ChatGPT. This interactive day provided an educational approach where students gained understanding through direct experience, action, and experimentation, rather than just listening or reading.

11/29/2025

A huge thank you to Fifth Third Bank for joining us as a guest speaker!  Their team hosted an incredible workshop to help keep our seniors safe from scams, phishing, and fraud. By covering everything from online safety to credit freezes, they empowered our class with the skills to protect their personal info and build financial stability.  We were honored to host Fifth Third Bank for a workshop focused on Financial Safety & Fraud Prevention!  This session didn't just teach safety; it fostered the long-term stability and confidence our seniors need to manage their wealth independently.

12/06/2025

We extend our deepest gratitude to Chase Bank for delivering a vital, hands-on workshop focused on Fraud Prevention and Scam Defense. This session went beyond basic financial literacy, explicitly empowering our seniors to recognize and dismantle threats to their financial well-being. By training participants to detect sophisticated red flags—from phishing emails to social engineering—Chase provided a critical shield against digital vulnerability. We appreciate the dedicated time spent teaching actionable steps for reporting suspected fraud and securing accounts.  Our seniors are leaving this course not just informed, but confident in their ability to detect scams and protect their financial independence.

Week 9:  Graduation Lunch & Class Review @ NWAC

12/13/2025

Dear Seniors,

Congratulations on completing the Senior Tech Class – Winter 2025 Session held at the University of Detroit Mercy!

I hope the Graduation Lunch at the Northwest Activities Center was fun, exciting, and unforgettable. It was wonderful to share a celebratory meal with you and your families, provided by Chef Greg's Soul-N-The-Wall. My hope is that you learned a lot, made new friends, and most of all, enjoyed a hot meal together.

It has been a true blessing to be your teacher, friend, and mentor. We spent a lot of time exploring AI in depth—from insightful guest speakers and hands-on sessions to our field trips. We truly dove into the technology together, and I hope you will use these AI tools in your daily life.

I am sad that this session has ended, but I can’t wait to see you all next year. Again, congratulations! Please remember that you can do anything you put your mind to. Never be afraid of technology—embrace it and utilize it to your full potential.

With love and appreciation,

Clayton Cortez Instructor,

Senior Tech Class 2025