Suggested progression for taking classes at the center.

BEGINNING USERS

Computers for the terrified (1 class):  For folks who are unsure of their ability to learn how to use a computer. Students will discuss their fears about computer use, learn basic information about the computer, and practice turning the computer on, opening and closing programs, and turning the computer off.

Computer Fundamentals (8 classes): Learn the fundamental skills necessary to become computer literate. It covers: 1)  Basic hardware and software components, 2)  Proper mouse and keyboard use, and 3)  Key word processing and Internet and email concepts.

Introduction to MS Works: Microsoft Works is designed for students who have beginning level skills, and would like to learn about the various Microsoft and Internet programs found on most computers such as; word processing, database, and spreadsheet programs, and the Internet. Registrants should have completed the Computer Fundamentals course, or have equivalent skills.

4.      Exploring Windows: Presents information on the Windows XP or Vista  operating system. Topics include:  1)using Windows Explorer; 2)managing the desktop; 3)formatting, copying, and write-protecting disks; 4)modifying system settings and properties; 5)using incidental programs such as the calculator; 6)customizing your system; and 7)Improving computer efficiency by identifying hard drive errors and defragmenting the hard drive.

5.      Typing and Keyboarding ( 2 classes): A self-teaching program, Mavis Beacon, will be used  to assist you in learning typing on the computer. Learn how to use the program and good typing skills. The software, which the student will keep, is included in the course fee. The software evaluates your skill level and customizes typing lessons accordingly, allowing you to get personalized instruction that becomes more challenging as your skills improve!

                                                 INTERMEDIATE USERS

6.      Word Processing Word: Enables the beginning word processing student to create and edit various types of documents, such as newsletters, form letters, address labels, and letterheads. The student will also learn to insert clip art and pictures into a document, change the formatting, and correct errors, mail merge, and other  basic features of the program.

7.      Internet and E-Mail: Introduce the concepts of the Internet and the fundamentals of using Email. Covers basic skills needed to correspond with friends and family,, navigating around the Web and searching for information of interest. Topics include: 1)Introduction to the Internet and Browser Basics, 2)Using Email, 3)Searching the Web, 4)Chat groups, 4)Instant Messaging, 5)Organizing Your Browser, 6)Saving and Downloading Files and Email attachments, 7)Understanding Security,  viruses, anti-virus, cookies and making purchases online.

8.      Excel: Step by step instructions to use the "Excel" spreadsheet program. Topics include: 1)Enter text, data, and formulas into spreadsheet cells, 2)Format and edit spreadsheet Columns and Rows 3)Save and retrieve spreadsheets to/from disk, 4)Insert Rows, and Columns into a spreadsheet, 5)Simultaneously view multiple spreadsheets, 6)Use the Format Painter, 7)Create charts, 8)Setup a spreadsheet for printing.

9.      Memoir: The best gift you can give your children and grandchildren is a story about your life.  If you are interested in writing your memoir, or have already begun, please join us at the Memoir Workshop.  A workshop facilitator will lead the group in discussing pertinent topics, and be available to help with questions.  Participants should bring a CD, floppy disk, or flash drive to save their work on. 

More Advanced and Special Interest

10. Quicken: For those interested in using the personal finance management software, Quicken 2006 Deluxe. Quicken provides tools for organizing financial tasks, tracking income and expenses, tracking and optimizing investments, gathering tax data, and planning for long term goals such as retirement.

11. Photoshop Elements: Course covers intermediate and advanced digital photo editing techniques, using Adobe Photoshop Elements software and images from digital cameras and scanners. Exercises include cropping, straightening, color correction, brightness/contrast adjustments, and other editing techniques. This is not a course for computer novices.

12. Buying and Selling on eBay (2 classes): Learn how to register and navigate on the eBay web site. The first class provides an overview of how to browse for and find specific items by topic, verify the reputation of a seller,  how to track the progress of auctions that interest you,  learn about important elements such as shipping costs and the privacy policy on a site. The second class will show you how to open an account to sell items on eBay, add a picture to your listing, and learn about pricing and tracking the progress of your auction. You will need a  valid email address that you can access remotely, using your ID and password, A valid credit card, MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express and Checking account information found on your personal checks: bank name, routing number and checking account number.                  

      Note: No charges will be incurred by participating in the workshop and registering for e-Bay, but the information is required for registration into the e-Bay system. If you do not bring this information, you will not be able to participate fully in the workshop. It is also highly recommended that you have completed the Introduction to the Internet and Email course, or have equivalent skills. 

13. Anti-Virus Strategies (3 classes): Shows you how to protect your computer from those nasty viruses!  Learn generalities about programs available, look at security settings all users of PC's should take advantage of, that are built into browsers and email programs.  After applying what you have learned at home,  discuss the results and problems arising from changes and scans the previous week and explores links to websites that support antivirus and antispyware products, and especially how to proceed when a virus scan has found malware on your computer.  

14. Family Tree Maker (8 classes): Focuses on introducing basic components of the program. This course will familiarize you with: 1)Creating family pages , 2)Ancestor/descendant charts , 3)Printing family sheets , 4)Searching published CD's for ancestors , 5)Searching the internet for ancestors , 6)Scanning photos, vital records, other into scrapbooks , etc

15. Introduction to Digital Camera (8 classes): Learn how to transfer your digital camera shots to your computer. Various methods will be cover from using the USB port on the computer to using the memory card of the camera.

INTRODUCTION TO POWER POINT

Using power Point 2003, this course introduces students to this tool which may be used for the creation of business presentations, visual memoirs, etc.  Your own creativity and imagination is your guide.  The student will create basic presentations, use design templates, edit existing presentations, add clip art or photos, and develop a slide show including animation.  It is recommended that students have completed MS Windows and Word, courses or have equivalent skills.  Course Manual and CD or USB device will be provided for backup.