Computer Classes - Spring 2010

Rodman Library is proud to announce our free public computer class schedule for the Spring of 2010. You will note that our class listings are color coded to indicate the level of experience needed to participate in the class. Pre-requisites for each class are listed.

Our facilities include nine state-of-the-art computers in a well-lit and quiet classroom located in the Reference Department on the first floor of the main library.

Here is a listing with descriptions of the classes to be offered from January through April 2010. A calendar of classes and registration information are also available. All sessions are at 10:30 a.m. in the Main Library Computer Lab unless otherwise noted.

Hands-on Classes

Registration is required for all hands-on classes.

Skill Level Key: [ Beginner ] [ Intermediate ] [ Advanced ] [ All Levels ]

Computer Basics. Learn the basics of using a computer from properly turning the computer on and off, and using a mouse through what Windows is and how to move, open, and close and common computer desktop elements. No experience required. January 11; February 8; March 8

Windows Basics. Become familiar with Windows in this class when you will learn about common desktop elements, what the Start Button and Control Panel can do, how to resize windows and how to create a shortcut. Students must know how to use a mouse. January 18; March 15

Maintenance Basics. Consider this a flu shot for your computer as you learn the importance of backups, how to set a restore point in case of a problem, remove unused programs and clean up your computer. You will also learn how to keep your computer updated to keep your computer running at its optimum. Attendance at Computer Basics suggested. February 1; March 29

Security Basics. Has your computer been attacked by a virus, malware, or worse? This class will show you how to be proactive with Windows and Microsoft updates, antivirus and antispyware software, and good password practices. Attendance at Windows Basics suggested. February 22; April 5

Internet Basics. Learn the basics of the Internet, terminology, navigation, browser options, and some sites of interest. Students must know how to use a mouse prior to attending this class. January 25; March 22

Searching with Google. Learn how to use Google for finding things on the Internet, getting driving directions, translating web sites, and more. Search tips for narrowing your results will be included. Students should be familiar with using the Inernet before attending. February 9; April 19

Free Alternatives to Expensive Software. Learn about Open Office, GIMP, and more as free alternatives to Microsoft and Adobe products. Bring a CD or flash drive and take a copy home with you. April 12

Job Web Sites & Resume Writing. Students will be shown how to prepare a resume using MS Word and will visit online job sites for help in seeking employment. February 3

Blogging for Beginners. If you're not ready for a full-blown web site, a blog will get you and your message onto the web. Participants will set up a blog using Blogger. Experience with a word processor and use of the Internet is required.March 16

Facebook Basics. See what the Web’s most popular social networking site is all about while setting up your own page. Safety tips for parents will also be discussed. Experience with using the Internet and an email account that you can access during the class are required. January 27; February 24

Designing a Web Site, 4-part series. Are you an accidental webmaster for your organization or do you just want to create a web site for your hobby? This 4-part class will show you the fundamentals of what goes into creating web pages with XHTML, graphics, and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). To reinforce classroom skills, assignments will be given during the first two sessions. Students must know how to use a word processor and be able to attend ALL FOUR sessions. February 16, 23, March 2, AND 9

Digital Photo Editing. Learn how to crop, rotate, and enhance digital photos using basic techniques in Photoshop Elements. Students must be able to use a mouse and windows. January 19; April 6

Advanced Digital Photo Editing with Dick Elliott. Learn some advanced techniques from an experienced user. Attendance at Digital Photo Editing or equivalent knowledge of a photo editing program is required. April 13

Finding Your Roots Online. Bring your genealogy searches with you and discover information available on Ancestry, Rootsweb, and other library databases. This is an informal class, where participants will be guided through their research. Students should be familiar with Internet Basics before attending. March 30

A series of classes designed to help you learn the power of the most popular word processor, presentation, and spreadsheet applications.

• Word: Basics and Editing. Learn the basics of MS Word 2007, how to type, edit, copy/cut/paste and save a document, formatting fonts and paragraphs, ways to print and create a document using a template. Attendance at Windows basics is preferred. March 17; April 14
• Excel: Basics. Learn the basics of MS Excel 2007, how spreadsheets work, how to enter data and formulas to calculate results. Attendance at Computer basics is preferred. February 17; March 3
• Word: Formatting and Layouts. Learn how to work with tables, bulleted lists, headers/footers, shading and graphics. Familiarity with MS Word (any version) or attendance at MS Word: Creating and Editing is required. March 24; April 21
• PowerPoint Basics. Learn how to create computerized slide shows and effective presentations using Microsoft's PowerPoint. Students must know how to use a mouse and Windows to attend this class. Mouse skills are required. February 10; March 31