Computer Classes - Fall 2008

Rodman Library is proud to announce that our free public computer class schedule has been expanded and improved. You will note that our class listings are color coded to indicate the level of experience needed to participate in the class. 

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 September through November, 2008. A calendar of classes and registration information are also available. All sessions are at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Library Computer Lab.

Hands-on Classes

Registration is required for all hands-on classes.

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

Mouse and Computer Basics. Students will learn basic computer anatomy and terminology, how to properly turn the computer on/off, and use a mouse. No experience required. September 3, October 7

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 to programs, web sites, or documents. Attendance at Mouse and Computer Basics suggested. September 9, October 13

Maintenance Basics. Consider this a flu shot for your computer. You will learn the importance of backups, how to set a restore point, remove unused programs and clean up your computer, how to keep your computer updated, and how to install and run anti-spyware programs to keep your computer running at its optimum. Attendance at Windows Basics suggested. September 15, October 20

Backup Basics. Backups are an important part of computer ownership and protect your data from obliteration in case of a computer virus or hard disk failure. Various methods of backing up and restoring files to CD-ROM, flash drives and floppies will be explored. Attendance at Windows Basics suggested. September 26

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. November 5

Searching 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 the Internet before attending. October 21

Find Your Roots. 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 the Internet before attending. November 19

Digital Photo Editing. Basics. 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. November 6, 12

Create a Digital Photo Collage. Using Photoshop Elements, students will make a photo collage using supplied photographs. Attendance at Digital Photo Editing Basics or equivalent knowledge of a photo editing program is required. November 20

Microsoft PowerPoint: Create a Slideshow. Students will learn how to take digital or scanned photographs and create a slideshow. Attendance at Windows Basics or equivalent experience is required. October 15

More Than Google. A wealth of information is available on the Internet through the library’s many online databases. Learn about the treasures available to you with your library card. Familiarity with using the Internet is required.

• "Ohio Web Library" Learn how to research using newspaper and news source databases and general magazine databases using this new one-stop search service. September 11
• "Reliable Health Information." Become your own patient advocate with reliable health resources for finding out about drugs and illnesses. September 25
• "Uncover the Past" Search for the values of antiques, find an ancestor, uncover historical facts, and learn about a famous person's life. October 30
• "DIY with the Web" Learn a new skill, find out what’s wrong with your car, or prepare for a civil service exam. November 13

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. Attendance at Internet Basics or Browser Basics or equivalent experience with the Internet is required. October 29

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 sessions 1-3; session 4 is optional but recommended for review and summary. September 17, 24, October 1 AND 8

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. November 10

Microsoft Word. A series of classes designed to help you learn the power of the most popular word processor. Attend one or all four.

• Microsoft Word: Creating and Editing. Learn the basics of MS Word 2007, how to type, edit and save a document, ways to print and create a document using a template. Attendance at Windows basics is preferred. October 2
• Microsoft Word: Formatting. Students will learn how to copy, cut and paste, format fonts and paragraphs, insert dates and page numbers and create envelopes and labels. Familiarity with MS Word (any version) or attendance at MS Word: Creating and Editing is required. October 9
• Microsoft Word: Layouts. Find out how to work with multiple documents or views, use the Format Painter, bulleted or numbered lists, borders, shading, and columns and find and replace text. Familiarity with MS Word (any version) is required. October 16
• Microsoft Word: More Layouts. This class will show you how to set up headers and footers, tables, and outlines as well as inserting graphics and tabs and creating auto text. Familiarity with MS Word (any version) is required. October 23
• Microsoft Word: Create a Custom Recipe Book. Using MS Word and Internet resources, participants will create a recipe book to take with them just in time for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Mouse skills are required; familiarity with MS Word is preferable. November 4

Open Lab. The computer lab will be open for anyone who wants to ask questions of the Systems staff or try out skills learned in any of our classes. First-come, first-served; no registration. September 5, October 3, November 7