I had a great time last month, teaching a "Windows Basics" class at the Gerrish-Higgins (Roscommon) Public library. Demand was (is still, I hope!) high, and we ended up with a fairly long waiting list for the next class, along with requests for a variety of specialized topics.
The Gerrish-Higgins library
is hosting more computer classes this Spring; this time there are two
different classes being offered. I'll be teaching another 'Windows
Basics' class on Mondays (3/10, 3/17, and 3/24), and an 'Internet and
Email' class on Mondays (4/14, 4/21, and 4/28). The classes will run
from 5:30pm-7pm at the library.
The cost for each class is $30 per person, and registration should be
done through the library. The Basic class is coming up fast (less than 2 weeks from this writing), so it's important to get registered quickly!
Windows Basics
(3 night class; 3/10, 3/17, and 3/24)
As before, the 'basics' class is for both new users and everyday users
who would like a better understanding of their computer. It will cover
these topics:
- the differences among files, folders, programs, shortcuts, and documents
- the 'My Documents' folder, what it is and what it does for you
- using the mouse - click, double-click, right-click, and scroll - what do
they all do?
- CD's, DVD's, floppy disks, and flash drives - what they can do and what
they can hold (probably NOT how to burn CD's/DVD's)
- power cycling - 'Turn Off', shut down, restart, suspend, hibernate
- special keys on the keyboard - Windows key, context menu key, Esc, Ctrl,
Alt, Enter, and the Fx keys
- understanding the Windows file system - how are files stored and how can I
find them when I need them?
- navigating Windows - maximizing, minimizing, restoring, and resizing
windows
- the Windows desktop - including the start menu, the task bar, the Recycle
Bin, and all those desktop icons!
- managing/running more than one program at a time, and switching between
them
- keyboard shortcuts for common tasks (cut, copy, paste, print, open, close,
exit, etc.)
- printing - and the printers collection
Due to time constraints, this class will NOT cover any topics related to the Internet, including:
- web browsing
- search engines
- email access
- advanced networking topics - dial-up networking, cable, or DSL Internet
connectivity
Basic Internet and Email
(3 night class; 4/14, 4/21, and 4/28)
This class will be
aimed at users who are comfortable with the computer in general, but
would like a better grasp of what the Internet is all about (it's not
complicated, I promise!). Registrants for this class should be
comfortable using the computer keyboard and mouse, but don't
necessarily need experience with the Internet or Email before
registering.
The Internet
- Connection types - dial up, broadband, and wireless
- How the 'web' works - Servers, clients, requests, and responses
- What is a web page – understanding HTML
- What's out there, and how to find what you're looking for
- Internet security - Spyware, Adware, viruses, firewalls, certificates, and more
Email
- Email fundamentals - anatomy of a message
- Email addresses - what are they and how do they work?
- Different types of email accounts that are available
- Mail servers and DNS - why they matter
- How to send and receive email messages
- Developing a contact list
- Filing email into folders
- Email viruses
|