Berkshire Athenaeum Sets Fall Computer Class Schedule| 11:16AM / Thursday, August 21, 2014 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s public library, has announced the fall round of computer classes.
Two-part sessions are offered on Microsoft Word and Excel. A basics training on setting up email is scheduled. Advanced trainings on web browser customization and cloud computing are included. A new class on multimedia resources is available.
Trainings are by led the Athenaeum’s professional staff and generally last one and a half hours. Attendance is free but preregistration is required. Registration for each class opens three weeks before the class date and can be made from the Athenaeum’s automated calendar available from the library website (www.pittsfieldlibrary.org) or by contacting the Reference Department at pittsref@cwmars.org or 413-499-9480, ext 202.
Microsoft Word 2007: A two-part series
* Word 101: We will review the Word interface, edit an existing document, and create a simple original document.
* Word 102: We will create a document from the beginning and experiment with Word templates.
An optional guided half hour of practice will be available at the end of each session. Offered twice: please sign up for either the Tuesday or Thursday series. (Taught by Madeline)
* Word 101: Tuesday, September 9, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens August 19
* Word 102: Tuesday, September 16, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens August 26
* Word 101: Thursday, November 6, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens October 16
* Word 102: Thursday, November 13, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens October 23
Email
We will set up a web-based email account on a free service. Offered twice: please sign up for one class. (Taught by Madeline)
* Wednesday, September 24, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens September 3
* Tuesday, December 16, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens November 25
Excel 2007: A two-part series
* Excel 101: We will review the interface, create a basic spreadsheet, and insert formulas.
* Excel 102: Participants will gain experience entering and manipulating data in a basic spreadsheet, explore some common formulas, and be introduced to adding data from outside sources.
An optional guided half hour of practice will be available at the end of each session. Offered twice; please sign up for either the Tuesday or Wednesday series. (Taught by Alex)
* Excel 101: Wednesday, October 8, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens September 17
* Excel 102: Wednesday, October 22, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens October 1
* Excel 101: Tuesday, November 18, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens October 28
* Excel 102: Tuesday, November 25, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens November 4
More than YouTube: exploring multimedia resources available through your library
* For the first hour, we’ll take a guided tour of audio and video sources and archives available online through the library. For the last half hour, you can explore on your own and share your favorite source with the group. To explore all of the resources, participants should have a working email account before the meeting. (Taught by Alex) Thursday, October 16, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens September 25
Tech Topics: Introduction to Today's Technology
* An overview of today's technology, focusing on current trends; terminology and gadget technology e.g. tablets and/or smartphones. This class will be perfect for those who have a basic understanding of computers but know little about the world of devices or are curious about how technology trends. It will serve as a stand alone session or a prerequisite to our Web Browser Series or Cloud Computing Series also offered in this round. (Taught by Andrea) Thursday, October 2, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens September 11
Surfin’ the Web: A two-part series
* Web Browser & Search Engine Basics: There are a variety of tools that we use to connect to the web and to extract information from the web. This class will focus on what web browsers and search engines are; their relationships with each other; and ways that we can use them more expertly. After this class, you will know the basic differences between Chrome Web Browser, Internet Explorer, Safari & Mozilla Firefox. You will know what a search engine is (specifically: Google, Bing, Yahoo! & Dogpile) and how they differ. Those who are new to these concepts may benefit from attending Today's Technology, also offered in this round. Thursday, October 23, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens October 2 (Taught by Andrea)
* A Look at Web Browser Features & Accounts: This class assumes an understanding of what web browsers and search engines are. The first part of this class will cover customizing web browsers and identify ways to better manage their settings. We will take a look at Internet Explorer & Safari but focus more heavily on Firefox & Chrome. Firefox & Chrome are both web browsers that require accounts that you can sync with tablets and/or devices. This class will not cover setting up accounts but simply highlight the features, benefits and drawbacks of this kind of arrangement. Please note: We will explore web browsers using library computers. Mobile devices and tablets often have different variations of these popular computer-based web browsers. We will touch upon mobile web browsers as time permits. Thursday, October 30, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens October 9
(Taught by Andrea)
Demystifying the Cloud: A two-part series
* Cloud Computing Concepts: You've probably heard the term "Cloud Computing" but perhaps you’re foggy on its meaning. This conceptual class will cover: How is computer data stored? What is Cloud Computing? Why do people use it? What are its limits? How can I use it in my life (Do I want to?) The instructor will be happy to field questions on this vast topic; but she may not be able to address personal troubleshooting issues. Those who are new to these concepts may benefit from attending Today's Technology, also offered in this round. Thursday, December 4, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens November 13 (Taught by Andrea).
* Cloud Computing Services: This class is for those who are considering setting up or have just set up OneDrive (formerly Skydrive), iCloud or Google Drive. We will cover creating documents and loading that data into each of these services. The class will also focus on how these services function on computers and mobile devices. Test accounts for each of these services will be provided. However, if you do have personal devices set up to use with these services, you're welcome to bring it them to class for your own enrichment. Thursday, December 11, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens November 20 (Taught by Andrea)
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