Course Description and Schedule

JANUARY - JUNE 2012

NOTE: FREE COMPUTER LAB TIME FOR ALL WCLC MEMBERS
FROM 3-5PM EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

Computer Basics I

Course Fee: $20.00

Computer Basics is for the beginner and is based on Microsoft WordPad and Windows XP. The four-lesson tutorial introduces computer hardware and software, Windows basics, and use of a mouse and keyboard, based on exercises using games such as Solitaire, writing with WordPad, and drawing with Paint. At the end of the course you should be comfortable using a mouse and keyboard, have some familiarity with using a computer, have experience starting and using two Microsoft software programs, and be able to save and print documents. The skills learned will prepare you for the following course, Computer Basics-II.
Schedule:
CBI - 55: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1/31/12-2/9/12 Time: 12:30PM – 2:30PM Instructors: Holger & Judy Lundin
CBI - 56: Mondays & Wednesdays: 4/30/12-5/9/12 Time: 12:30PM – 2:30PM Instructor: Holger & Judy Lundin

Computer Basics II

Course Fee: $35.00

Computer Basics II is for those who have mastered the skills of Computer Basics I. This four-lesson tutorial, based on Microsoft Word 2003, Internet Explorer 8.0 and Windows XP, introduces you to two primary software applications used on computers. Three lessons cover the basic features of the popular word processing program, Microsoft Word. You will learn to create, edit, format and print text documents, such as letters. You will also use clip art and create a personal letterhead. The final lesson offers an overview of the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Schedule:
CBII-43: Tuesdays: 2/14/12 - 3/6/12 Time: 9:30 AM to 12 Noon Instructor: John Oblak
CB-II-44: Tuesdays: 5/22/12 -6/12/12 Time: 9:30 AM to 12 Noon Instructor: TBA

Introduction to the Internet

Course Fee: $35.00

Learn ways to navigate on the Web, search for information on any topic, find a lost friend, and use the Internet to comparison-shop for products purchased online or off. Students will also learn how to save favorite web sites, and how to download and save files from the Internet. This four-lesson course is based on Internet Explorer 8.0 and Vista. Computer Basics I and Computer Basics-II or their equivalents are prerequisites.

Schedule:
INNT-26: Tuesdays: 4/3/12 - 4/24/12 Time: 9:30AM-12 Noon Instructor: John Oblak

E-Mail from A to Z

Course Fee: $25.00

This is a two-lesson course. Using Windows Mail students learn e-mail basics, including how to send and receive attachments such as photos. Computer Basics I and Computer Basics-II or their equivalents are prerequisites.

Schedule:
EMAIL-19: Wednesdays: 3/21/12 & 3/28/12 Time: 12:30 PM-3:00 PM Instructor: Donna Brown

Monthly $5 Workshops!!! Come and Learn!

Electronic Gadgets Workshop

Course Fee:$5 for each session

Showcase of Electronic Gadgets” presented by staff of Best Buy. You may find some things you want purchase with any monetary gifts you received over the Holidays, add to your wish list when your next “special day” comes along. You will have an opportunity to hear a description of, and try out, items such as: a notebook computer, a tablet, a smart phone, a music player and an electronic reader.

Schedule:
Wednesday, 1/25/12: Time 10:00 AM - Noon Instructor: Staff from Best Buy

There is a minimal $5 fee for each workshop. No membership fees for the Senior Center are required.

"Cool" Websites - Workshop

Course Fee:$5 for each session

This one lesson workshop will open your eyes to the unlimited resources of the World Wide Web. Need a form to file your taxes, we will visit IRS.GOV and get one. Need to fix that leaking faucet, we will visit YOUTUBE.COM and view a video. How many movies did Bob Hope star in, we will visit the Internet Movie Database, IMDB.COM and find out. And many, many more! Prerequisite: You should be comfortable getting around in Windows applications with the mouse; you should have some familiarity with the keyboard.

Schedule:
Friday, 2/17/12: Time 1:00 - 3:00 PM Instructor: Donna Brown

Horticultural Sites Workshop

Course Fee:$5

Spring is a wonderful time to review horticultural sites with an experienced gardener. Come and learn how to use sites on the internet to help with your gardening.
Schedule:
Wednesday 4/25/12: Time 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Instructor: John Lepper

Keyboard Shortcuts Workshop

Course Fee: $5.00

Learn how to use 'tricks' that Windows has buried in many places that often let you do things more quickly using the keyboard instead of the mouse. Prerequisite: You should be comfortable getting around in Windows applications with the mouse; you should have some familiarity with the keyboard.
Schedule:
Thursday 5/3/12: Time 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Instructor: Larry Stone

Jazz up your Work with Images Workshop

Course Fee:$5

Learn how to use images to make your work more interesting. This workshop will help you learn how to use clip art, images from the Internet and pictures that you have saved on your computer.

Schedule:
Wednesday, 6/13/12: Time 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM Instructor: TBA

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL TUTORIALS, WORKSHOPS OR COURSES

Note the one-to-one sessions that are available on specific topics!

Exploring Tutorials Workshop

Course Fee:$5

After taking a Wethersfield Computer Learning Centert class do you wish you could further your training using material other than the text provided? Yes you can! Many interactive video tutorials are available from Microsoft and other software and hardware providers. We will explore a few of them.

Tuning Your Computer

Course Fee:$5

Just like your car, a PC performs better if you do periodic maintenance on it. There are simple, safe things to do that will improve your computer’s performance and security. This workshop will cover three aspects of a maintenance tune-up. First is getting rid of unwanted junk and clutter. For example, files you do not need. Second is updating your system—Microsoft updates are one example. Third is restoring order. With use, the information stored on a PC becomes increasingly disorganized. You can fix that inefficiency, too.

Picasa Workshop

Course Fee:$5

Picasa is a software download from Google that helps you organize, edit, and share your photos. You can also invite family and friends to view your photos online. It is free and easy to use. You can also create a collage, movie or poster. Reprints of photos are also available online to those you invite to view the photos.

Power of Google Workshop

Course Fee:$5

This demonstration provides an overview of some of the many things you can do on the internet using the Google program. Certainly, Google is very helpful in searching for information - but did you know that it can also give you directions from your house, watch old comedy shows, track airplane flights in real time, translate a sentence, and so much more! No prerequisites are needed.

The Internet for Opera Fans Workshop

Course Fee:$5

There are so many opera related places of interest on the internet. Join us as we visit some of them for an afternoon of opera fun! We will see and hear arias by favorite singers, past and present. We’ll learn where to find opera in Connecticut, live in person as well as at the movies. We’ll learn where to find out the latest opera news and reviews, research unfamiliar operas, find a libretto for an opera on the radio, research and purchase opera DVDS….And much more as time permits!

Buying A Computer Workshop

Course Fee:$5

During this workshop we will go over things you should be aware of and think through before you buy a computer to fit your needs---trying to bring some order to the process. The jargon in the ads will be explained. There will also be some time to go over accessories needed and others you may want.

Upgrading to Windows 7 Workshop

Course Fee:$5

Is it worth doing? Watch a live upgrade from Microsoft Vista to Windows 7 operating system and decide for yourself.

An Internet Museum Tour: Let Your Fingers Do the Walking - Workshop

Course Fee: $5

Did you know that dozens of the world’s greatest museums have internet ‘galleries’ and other offerings? Plus, there are special Internet Museums showcasing fine works of art. This program will introduce you to the world of beauty that is available through the World Wide Web.

Word Topics

Course Fee: $20.00 per 2 hour session

Do you want more practice or guidance from an instructor using the Word topics you learned in the Introduction to Using Your Computer course? Formatting text, using templates to write a letter, editing text, preparing and inserting tables into your document, using pictures or graphics in a document, preparing a professional looking document or other?

How to Use YOUR Digital Camera

Course Fee: $20.00 per 2 hour session

Do you need help learning to use your digital camera? Bring your camera and manual and you will learn to use the camera menu functions, to take pictures and how to edit, print and share your pictures.

Google: Earth-Basic

Course Fee: $20.00 per 2 hour session

Learn the basics of Google Earth, a product that combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. Students will download and install this free software, navigate Earth using the control panel and mouse, "fly" to specific locations, find nearby places such as restaurants and museums, get driving directions, and learn where to get additional help to use this product. Computer Basics I, Computer Basics II and Introduction to the Internet or their equivalentsare prerequisites.

Google: Earth-Advanced

Course Fee: $20.00 per 2 hour session

It’s been quoted many times over the last decade that 60% of ninth graders couldn't find Canada on a Map? Well, that was before “Google Earth”. This interactive program allows the user to see the earth from a birds eye view. Fly from New York to Paris and then to Rome viewing the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower and the Coliseum. For a single class fee a grandparent is allowed to bring one of their grandchildren and explore this program together. Visit the country (and or town) of your heritage or map out a previous or future vacation. But most of all interact with your grandchild, using your knowledge of geography with the technology of today. Computer Basics I, Computer Basics II Introduction to the Internet and Google: Earth Basic or their equivalents are prerequisites

Cyber Security

Course Fee: $35.00 for 4 session course

Help to protect yourself from fraud and breaks in your security system while using your computer. Get tips on keeping your personal information safe. This four session course describes security concerns related to your computer and using the internet and how to protect yourself against those security concerns.

Introduction to Excel

Course Fee: $55.00 for 8 session course

This eight-week course focuses on the use of Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet program. You will learn to use this program to keep budget information, track your investments, and develop and monitor a variety of number related projects. You will also learn how you can use this program to maintain lists and other data. Computer Basics I and Computer Basics II or their equivalents are prerequisites.

Buying on eBay - BUY

Course Fee: $20.00 for 2 hour session

This is a two hour workshop to introduce students to using eBay as a buying site. The workshop provides step-by-step instructions designed to introduce students to finding items to buy. Students will learn how to interpret the statistics on an auction page, learn how to judge sellers, and learn about various shipping and payment options. Students must be experienced with using a computer, and with accessing the Internet. Registration on eBay is required. Students must register prior to class. The instructor will assist, if necessary.

Selling on eBay - SELL

Course Fee: $20.00 for 2 hour session

This is a two hour workshop to introduce eBay as a selling tool. The workshop provides step-by-step instructions designed to introduce students to selling items on eBay. Students will open an account and register as a seller on eBay. Students will also learn how to add a picture to a listing to make it more appealing, learn about pricing, and how to track the progress of an auction. Students must be experienced with using a computer, and with accessing the Internet. Registration on eBay is required. Students must register prior to class. The instructor will assist, if necessary. Students are also required to provide eBay with credit card, debit card, or checking account information to use its selling feature.

File Management: Where Did my Work Go?

Course Fee: $20.00 per 2 hour session

This 2 Session workshop demonstrates methods for organizing and managing your disk files and folders, as well as techniques to sort, search and back-up files. The Windows XP tools, My Computer and Windows Explorer, are used to view files and folders and manage them. Tasks such as Sort, Copy, Move, Delete, and Rename will be performed. Students will also create new folders, search for and back-up files or folders, restore from the Recycle Bin, plus select and manipulate multiple files and folders. Computer Basics I and Computer Basics II or their equivalents are prerequisites.

Updated on 11/29/11