AI Classes for Adults in Springfield, IL
If you live in Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois, you can join a small live class that teaches everyday AI in plain words. Your first class is free, and everything happens on Zoom from your own home.
Class times in Springfield
| Day | Your time (Central) |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm |
| Saturday backup | 9 am |
Times shown for Central time. Groups hold 12 people, so every question gets answered.
What you will learn
You will learn to use tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini for real life: understanding a confusing letter, planning a trip, checking whether a message is a scam, and writing a note you are proud of. Nobody is rushed. Many members started with no idea how to open a chatbot.
Try these questions today
Paste any of these into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini:
Help me write a short, polite message to my Illinois state representative about a local road problem.
Help me understand a letter I received. I will paste it with my name and account numbers removed.
Explain how to check that an email claiming to be from my bank is real. I live in Springfield, so mention anything local I should know.
Scams to watch for in Springfield
Scammers target people everywhere, including a mid-sized city like Springfield. These three are among the most common:
- Gift card payment demands. Anyone who asks you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto is a scammer, whether they claim to be the IRS, a utility or a sheriff's office.
- Fake AI voices. Scammers can copy a voice from a short clip. If a call sounds like someone you know but asks for money, call them back on a number you trust.
- Grandchild in trouble calls. A caller says a grandchild is in jail or hurt and needs money now. Hang up and call your family member on the number you already have. Agree on a family code word ahead of time.
If something happens, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and call the AARP Fraud Watch helpline at 877-908-3360 (free, open to everyone).
Free help for Springfield residents
- Public library. Most libraries in Sangamon County offer free computer help, classes and Wi-Fi. Ask at the front desk what is offered near Springfield.
- Area Agency on Aging. Find your local office and services for older adults with the Eldercare Locator, or call 1-800-677-1116. Enter Springfield or your ZIP code.
- Medicare questions. Free, unbiased counseling is available through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Find Illinois's office at shiphelp.org.
- Illinois consumer protection. Report scams and file a complaint with the Illinois consumer protection office.
- Everyday needs. Dial 211 to reach local services such as food, housing and transportation.
Common questions
Are the classes in person in Springfield?
No. Classes are live on Zoom, so you join from home in Springfield on a phone, tablet or computer. Groups are small so you can ask questions out loud.
What does it cost?
Your first class is free. If you keep going, membership is $46 a month, locked in for as long as you stay.
Do I need experience?
No. If you can open a web page, you can start. Our first six weeks are made for beginners.
When are classes for people in Springfield?
Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 pm Central time, with a Saturday backup at 9 am.