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2008 Schedule - Computer Classes
Scroll down page (or click on underlined link) to find course descriptions
Other classes are offered....please call for additional information
If a class has already taken place or is full, call the center to be advised of next session
or to be wait-listed.

INTRO COURSES
 Do I Need a Computer?
This class will help you to decide whether or not you really need a computer. Although they are readily available at public libraries, you may wish to have your own at home to manage your life be it with volunteer work, professional and personal fulfillment. So that you don’t get overcharged, learn about methods to connect to internet, where to purchase, type of PC to purchase, etc.

Absolute Beginner - Learn the basics of a computer from turning it on, to holding the mouse.  Basics such as internet, word processing, and email are covered. 

Word - learn the basics of word processing.  Set up margins, add page numbers, print the document and automatically proofread the document.  In Word 2 we take it a few steps further to help develop your confidence.

Excel - This program allows you to add numbers in a spreadsheet.  This is the electronic version of a ledger sheet and will help you to organize investments, checkbooks, or do simple or complex calculations. 

Computers...beyond the basics
Designed for those who regularly use a computer. This course is designed for people who know the basics on the computer and want to improve them either in the office, as a volunteer, or for personal reasons. Learn how to organize files or photos on a computer, improve techniques in both Word and Excel. In addition, students will have an introductory session with Photoshop Elements so you can touch up vacation or holiday photos.

INTERMEDIATE COURSES
Important Note:  If you are taking the advanced classes listed below, students need computer proficiency with the mouse and a basic knowledge of the keyboard.  Typing speed is not critical.  There may be other prerequisites indicated with these classes.  Although enthusiasm goes a long way, knowledge of the keyboard and dexterity with the mouse are a must. 

Resume Rx
This class is designed for those who are either between jobs or are wishing to reinvent their careers. Although considerable efforts can be done online in our job search, the well designed and written resume on paper will never go out of style. Having an effective resume is more than just the writing; it is the presentation. Resumes with strong content and visual impact are noticed. The templates in Word lack originality.

This class is for the student who has a basic knowledge of Word and wants to improve their résumé’s appearance with effective use of fonts, graphics, bullets, and layout.

Bring your resume to class on disk or memory stick. Specifically a hands-on course, some writing tips will be included in this session. The teacher will provide feedback on your resume. A bibliography of useful reference books will be included.

Digital Photography – Westport Senior Center
Dates: 5/22 and 5/23, 10 – 1:00 pm
If you got a digital camera over the holidays and are still waiting to either take your first picture or get the images onto the computer, email, or printed, this class is for you! Learn the basics of taking pictures with an electronic camera. Students will also get a simple lesson on Photoshop Elements in the second class so that you can learn simple cropping and retouching techniques. Time permitting; there will be a brief review of how a scanner works.

Please make sure you bring the following to class:
- Camera with fully charged batteries
- Instruction manual
- Cables that came with the camera
- Storage media (these are little digital cards that may or may not have come with the unit)

If you are interested in the scanning, please bring along a couple of photos.

PhotoShop Elements
If you have photos that you wish to improve by cropping, improving color, removing red-eye, etc., this course is for you! Uses for your photos such as email attachments, greeting cards, or sharing on disk with friends and family will be discussed and/or done in class. Costing less than $100, this powerful program does all of the above and more. In the first part of the course, we will work with stock photos. There will be a discussion of digital cameras and minimum computer requirements.

Students taking this class need to be familiar with the use of the mouse. Although the pace is relaxed, the student must have some experience using the computer, via internet or any Microsoft program. If you wish to be able to take home your work, please bring a memory stick that works with a USB to class.

PhotoShop Elements, ongoing workshops
For those of you are familiar with this program and wish to improve your skills, choose any or all dates! Each separate three hour session will start with a one hour lesson to review Elements’ many functions. Students must have previous experience with this program.

Afterwards, the instructor will work individually with students on their own photographs. Bring 2-3 of your images on a flash card (memory stick) to each session. Enjoy sharing your challenges and successes with other students!

Internet for Beginners
A 3-session basic introduction to the Internet and Email. The course covers visiting popular websites, finding information using searching sites, email using Yahoo, and Internet shortcuts. If you are just starting using the Internet, this is a good place to begin.  Some basic computer experience is assumed.    (taught by Joan Singer)

Seek and Ye Shall Find
Whether you are looking for a recipe, information about where grandpa was born, your next vacation, or just looking up the meaning of words, this class is about finding things on the Internet This 2-session class will help you begin to take advantage of the vast amount of information available.  Some basic Internet experience is assumed.  (taught by Joan Singer)

Declutter your PC
Is your computer full of ancient letters you would like to erase? Can't remember where you put them? Like to keep the family files in separate places? This 3-session advanced course will introduce you to the wonders of your hard disk, your computer filing cabinet, and how to organize it better. You will learn to delete, move, copy, and search for files, as well as create new folders (dividers) in which to store your data more efficiently.  Some computer knowledge is assumed.  (taught by Joan Singer)

Internet and Computer Safety
For those of you who are concerned about protecting their identities and working securely on the PC and Internet, this very informative class will show you preventive and safety techniques be it web surfing, shopping, researching, and working with email attachments.

Obtaining Medical Information from the Internet
Did you know that typing “arthritis” in Google give you nearly 40,000,000 websites!? In this class, learn about some sites that can provide some useful information. Also, learn that you can’t trust everything you read on the internet.

Using Technology to Manage Your Investments
The goal of this course is to show the students how to research topics on the Internet before making their investment choices. No recommendations or investing tips are included in this. The educator is not an investment professional; the course consists of tools to manage your investment portfolio. The class will include some basic functions in Excel; showing how it links to MSN Money Central so that you can research and track your investments. Research and managing your investments through government websites, media, brokerage firms (both on-line as well as established brick and mortar firms) will be discussed. Class handout will include a list of useful websites and a bibliography.

Email
Learn how to email and send attachments.

PowerPoint
With PowerPoint, one creates a slide show.  Working with graphics, this program is used for presentation purposes…either in print or before a group of people with animations and visual elements that will visually highlight your topics.  Presentation skills are also covered in this program. 

eBay   If you're interested in making purchases or selling what's hanging around the house, eBay is the place for you to do just that. This single class is a demonstration on how eBay allows us to work as both sellers and buyers. The instructor will show you how to seek out merchandise, determine seller’s quality, and bid successfully. Users will learn how to establish accounts so that you can bid or sell items. No hands-on computer experience required.

Mail Merge  If you have a holiday mailing to get out or want to know how to generate labels, envelopes or a multitude of letters for your organization, this is the class for you!  In this one session, we will learn how to set up a list of names, merge the information.  In addition, we will show a few methods to make a mailing look more attractive with borders, images, and more.  We will be working with Word 2002/XP.  This system is compatible with Word 2003. 

Working with Scanners  If you plan on taking the second PhotoShop Elements class or just want to know how to use a scanner, this course will be helpful.  This class will cover the basics of working with a scanner.  In this class, we will cover the following:  how to scan a picture and convert it digitally so that it can be emailed or stored on disk.  In addition, we will discuss applications for use of your scans, whether it is for a digital scrapbook, PowerPoint presentations, or as an email attachment.  Bring about 12-15 photos or images to class.  Prerequisite:  ability to hold a mouse and a basic knowledge of Windows. 

Google  About 99% of the world is familiar with this powerful search engine.  However, there are many techniques to improve your research.  We will learn how to refine techniques to target the required information.  A basic knowledge of the keyboard and the Internet is recommended.  We will incorporate many of the features in Google that you may not be familiar with such as their email, shopping, and their local services. 

Classes currently not offered, but please inquire 
Shopping on the Internet   Afraid of buying online?  Afraid of being run over by a giant computer and left in the ditch?  Worry no more!  In this class, we will demystify the process of online shopping.  If done properly and carefully, it is quite secure.   

This two part class (hands-on, credit card optional!) will cover the following areas:  the basics of click and shop, finding services or goods on the internet, how to purchase safely and effectively, and determining the actual cost (don’t forget shipping and handling).  Although the instructor cannot guarantee major cost savings, he will show you some sources to find good deals.  The instructor has bought everything from sporting goods to watches and then some (including his car) through the internet. 

This class is designed for those who have been using the Internet on a consistent basis and are comfortable with both the mouse and keyboard. 

Travel on the Internet   Even those who are familiar with the Internet can feel overwhelmed by the choices.  The travel industry has changed drastically the past few years with more and more people booking their travel plans online.  This class will assist you in weaving through the maze, hopefully finding some bargains, and researching destinations.  There will be a discussion whether or not you should use a travel agent to make your arrangements.  Hands-on work with airline sites as well as other sites such as Priceline will be conducted.   

Personalized Training - there is a volunteer who comes in on Friday in the mornings...contact senior center for appointment.  For a fee, Alan Weaver can come to your home to assist.  Click here for more information.