Class Synopses

PC and MAC Class Synopses

Creating & Publishing Club Websites On the SCV Server
Web space for the student's club will be assigned on the VCS website. With free software, students will create web pages compliant with the SCV formatting and content standards. The created web pages will be uploaded to the SCV website using additional free software.

Enjoy iTunes (for both PC and MAC users)
Prerequisites: Basic computer and Internet experience
Objective: Familiarization with Apple's iTunes application in a one two-hour session. Install iTunes on your computer; Find iTunes stuff that you enjoy; Feed iTunes with your own stuff; Shop iTunes Store; Organize your stuff; Rip from iTunes stuff and write on external media (CD/DVD, etc.); Q & A.

Facebook for Grownups
In this course we will explore what a social Network is, setting up a Facebook account, finding "friends", ways to communicate in Facebook, uploading and displaying pictures, and how to control privacy.

Google Search Features (for both PC and MAC users)
(Prerequisites: A home computer; Ideally, to have taken the 3-session "Search Techniques & tips" course; An Internet course; and Some experience with Internet browsing)
This one-session course is for those who would, possibly, like to know more about this powerful search engine. The objective of this course is to suggest ways to maximize your search methodology, thus obtaining better search results, in less time, effort and ... frustration. Topics: Google text searches & check the search results; How Google googles; Create your preferences for googling; Install a Google toolbar for speed; Specialized searches

How and Where I Use my iPad 2 - Class Show & Tell (for PC & Mac Users)
We are all fairly new to our iPads. Some of us explore and wander around happy to make discoveries. Others prefer to read a manual or buy a book. Still others take a class. We all have different ways of learning. With this in mind, the class will be VERY informal. The title tells it all: How I use my iPad. How it is set up and organized. What apps I've found AND use. Tips and hints to share. The class is unique because we will learn from each other. Bring your iPads for Show and Tell.

Making a Photo Book Using Shutterfly (for PC users, MAC observers)
Make a photo book with your Holiday photos. This class is for participants desiring to make a photo book, but not really sure where to start. We intend to show participants many of the features we have learned through trial and error, thus eliminating some of the time required to make a photo book. Class participants should be prepared to bring a disc or flash drive with approximately 50 pictures. Class members will be able to add more pictures at a later time, if needed.

People Interested in Buying iPad and/or Early Users (Basic iPad class)
Basic operations for both iPad I and iPad II. What the iPad can be used for with demonstrations, including pictures, music, contacts, email, games, internet and more. Overview of built-in, free and purchased Apps and how to organize them. Should you use cellular or WiFi. A number of shortcuts and tips on how to get the most out of the device.
More advanced classes will be offered that will cover Reading Book, borrowed and purchased. Overdrive app for borrowing books, office apps, resetting your computer and longer term maintenance.

iPad II
Using the Calendar on the iPad. Good Experience!
Syncing iPad with iTunes. How it works.
Purchasing eBooks, iBooks, Kindle books, Nook books, etc.
Details about borrowing books from libraries in all format using Overdrive

PhotoShop Elements 100 (for both PC and MAC users) (Prerequisite: Downloading Photos from Your Camera to Your Computer)
This class is for beginners who want to learn the basics of Photoshop Elements. We will cover the tools of Photoshop and basic image enhancements, including cropping, cloning, lighting adjustments, color adjustments, and sharpening. It is recommended that you have a version of Photoshop at home so that you can practice what you learn in class.

PhotoShop Elements 101 (for both PC and MAC users)
This course presumes that the student has taken and understood the principles covered in Photoshop Elements 100 or has equivalent knowledge such as familiarity with the workspace, cropping, and basic editing techniques for lighting and color. The 101 course itself will cover lighting and color in more depth, especially as they apply to restoring old photographs. It will also cover selection tools, creation of panoramas and will cover the basics of layers. We strongly recommend that attendees have access to a computer with Photoshop Elements installed and that they spend several hours each week working at home on the lessons taught in class.

Photoshop Elements 102 (for both PC and MAC users)
Extensive knowledge of the Mac or Windows operating systems.
Knowledge of and sufficient use of the Photoshop Elements program. Including but not limited to use of the mouse, [such as click and drag], pallets, menus and their windows, and the tools and their functions.
A previous class in Elements or extensive home use is advisable.
The first two classes are devoted to learning image optimizing, cloning and healing methods, enhancing selections, enhancements useful in portraits, and learning the basics of sharpening.
Class three continues with extensive use of selections, layers including adjustment layers, and combining several images into a montage.
Final class is devoted to corrections and restoration of color and tone, including color casts, gradients, and replacing colors. Time permitting I will introduce some of the new features in Elements 8.
We strongly recommend that attendees have access to a computer with Photoshop Elements 6 or later installed. Optional homework assignments will assure that they have opportunity to improve their skills between classes.

Refining Resident Organization Websites

This class is only open to webmasters of SCV resident organization websites that are currently up and running. The fundamentals of KompoZer and FileZilla will be reviewed. Individual websites will be scrutinized with the aim of implementing improvements.

Search Techniques & Tips (for both PC and MAC users) (Prerequisites: A home computer and a recent internet course and experience using the Web)
Topics: Guide to the internet (subject directories, gateways & portals); evaluating internet; resources; search strategy, search engines (how to choose); search shortcuts and optimization; field searching; Boolean logic searching.

Surfing the Internet (for both PC and MAC users)
Investigate several browsers and dozens of search engines; auction, government and company websites; find the lowest price on digital items (cameras, camcorders, etc), investigate howstuffworks.com; find anybody, anything, anywhere and learn how to immediately get back to any site.

Tips on Buying on EBay (for both PC and MAC users)
A workshop for those who would like to buy or bid on items listed on EBay. Setting up your account, searching for your favorite items and paying for the items through PayPal will be covered. Note: Selling will not be included!

Tips for Using your iPhone
Bring your iPhone to this informal session and expand your use and options. Tips for navigating the touch screen, taking photos, downloading apps, docking alternatives and more. It's easy and fun!! (iPhone is not provided for this session--bring yours or expect a demonstration session.)

Using Turbo Tax to Do Your Own Taxes (for both PC and MAC users)
This two-session course is designed to assist those who would like to do their own taxes using Turbo Tax. There will be specific details on how to use
Turbo Tax followed by actual preparation of a few sample cases of increasing complexity. Individual tax preparation will not be a part of this course
though tools needed to do your taxes will be discussed and practiced at length.

PC Class Synopses

Advanced Word Techniques (Prerequisites: Managing File in Windows; Word 100, Word 101 or an advanced knowledge of Word)
Solving problems in advanced techniques in a workshop setting. Sessions will cover manipulating and managing clip art; creating fill-in forms, creating a table of contents and indexes, footnotes and endnotes.

Basic Digital Camera Class (Limited to 15 students)
This class is designed for the novice digital camera user. We will discuss some basic photography functions such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. We will discuss the importance of proper light for a good image. We will then explore features of various cameras and finally we will discuss a simple workflow for getting your images from the camera to the computer, and then get them printed. This class will not get into email, slides shows, or publishing.
Class is limited to individuals who are current owners of digital cameras. Requirements are that you must bring your digital camera and instruction booklet to class.

Basic Web Publishing (Click here for course description) and (Click here for course prerequisites)

Beginning PC (VCS Club Membership not required for attendance)
Session 1: PC pieces/parts definition, PC usage and purchasing guidelines and common beginning mistakes
Session 2: PC desktop and windows definitions, word processing basics, and tailoring the desktop
Session 3: Document and file management
Session 4: Personal computer maintenance tasks

Converting LP Records an Cassette Tapes from Analog Format to Digital
Once in digital format, music can be played on the computer, copied (burned) to CD and changed to various formats such as MP3, WMA, WAV and others. Multiple software programs will be discussed but Roxio will be used for the conversions. The software will be used to eliminate tape hiss, record scratches and pops and background noise. The student should have a personal Flash or Jump drive for transporting files between the classroom and home.

Creating Holiday Labels, Cards, and/or Newsletters
Create labels, cards and/or newsletters for the holidays using either PrintMaster (Version 18.1 for Windows 7 or Version 15 and above for other operating systems) or MS Word (2003, 2007, 2010). Multiple handouts will be available.

Downloading Photos From Your Camera to Your Computer

This class is for PC users only and is a prerequisite for Photoshop Elements 100.

Editing Photos in Camera RAW Format
Editing Photos in Camera RAW format of Photoshop elements 6 is a two hour workshop designed for owners of digital SLR cameras capable of shooting RAW format. Most point and shoot cameras do not have this capability. Attendees must have a camera capable of shooting RAW, a computer, (Mac or PC), with Photoshop elements 6 installed. It is a moderately advanced class for individuals who are familiar with and use Photoshop Elements 6 for editing and improving photos. They should be familiar enough with their cameras to access the RAW mode. If they do not meet these requirements they should not take this class.
It is designed for those individuals who desire the very best photos for personal or professional use, or just for the pleasure of having the best image possible hanging on their walls at home.

Files and Folders in Windows 7
Copying, transferring, Save, Save as, creating folder, moving multiple files, USB's, moving pictures off your camera, creating an organized file system to find items.

Graphics in Word (Prerequisites: Word 100)
Inserting, formatting, and editing graphics. Creation of watermarks, envelopes and labels using graphics.

Inside Your Computer
A hands-on look at the hardware inside a computer. The class is limited to eight participants working in teams of two. Each team will work with a motherboard and will learn its major components. The teams will install memory and other circuit boards such as display adapters, modems, etc., and will learn how to install various kinds of disk drives including cables and power supplies.

Internet Basics (Prerequisites: Windows, Managing Files in Windows or equivalent)
Email, address book, attachments, browsing the web, favorites, search engines, downloading

Introduction to Windows 7
This class goes into more specifics than the Beginner PC class. I go much faster and get you around your computer system. I do not cover email, Word, Excel, or photo program. Just what comes on your computer. Start menu, New Taskbar, Taskbar Toolbars, Address bar, sorting, grouping, stacking, Windows 3-D Flip, Aero, Mouse makeover, Desktop, Remote assistance, new Notification Tray, Navigation Pane, Jump Lists, personalizing your computer, interior decorating, And more, and more.

Mail Merge in Word (Prerequisites: Word 100 plus one other Word class or comparable knowledge)
Using mail merge and database lists, the following can be created:
A set of labels or envelopes - The return address is the same but the destination address is unique on each label or envelope;
A set of form letters, email messages or faxes - The content is the same in each document but each contains info that is specific to the recipient
A set of numbered coupons - The coupons are identical except that each contains a unique number. File conversions for use as database lists will be addressed.

Music: Convert LP Records and Cassette Tapes from Analog Format to Digital - (This is a Show and Tell Class (Demo Only))
Convert LP Records and Cassette Tapes from Analog Format to Digital. Once in Digital Format, music can be played on the computer, copied (burned) to CD and changed to various formats such as MP3, WMA, WAV and others. Multiple software programs will be discussed but Roxio will be used for the conversions. We will use the software to eliminate tape hiss, record scratches and pops and background noise. The student should have a personal Flash or Jump drive for transporting files between the classroom and home.

Photo 1 - Scanners, digital cameras, file organization

Photo 2 - Basic photo editing using Polyview, preview of PhotoSuite and PhotoShop Elements

Picasa 100 - Free and Easy Photo Editing for PC and Mac Users
(Prerequisite: Knowledgeable and comfortable in using the PC Windows. If using the Mac, must be competent in knowing the Mac commands when given the command in PC Windows terms - as the instructor may not know the Mac.)
This 2-session class is for those who have a camera and wish to enhance their photos and share them with friends and family. You need not have Picasa on your home computer to take this class. We will cover the basic fixes and editing in Picasa, printing your pictures, and sharing your pictures online.

Picasa 101 - Fun with collages for PC and Mac Users
(Prerequisite: Knowledgeable and comfortable in using Picasa. If using the Mac, must be competent in knowing the Mac commands when given the command in PC Windows terms - as the instructor may not know the Mac.)
This 1-session class is for those who are already using Picasa and wish to learn how to make collages of their favorite pictures. Learn how to make use of the collage feature to enhance photos. Create different kinds of collages to make calendars, treasure hunts for grandchildren, and more.

Pictures. (Prerequisite: Windows, Managing Files in Windows or equivalent)
This series of classes will give the student a basic background of pictures as they relate to computers. Wherever possible, Microsoft software is used. In other cases, free or inexpensive software is used.
Click here for complete course description.

Power Point Workshop (Prerequisite: None)
A workshop for those who want to use Microsoft PowerPoint for club or class presentations. Some of the items included will be tips for creating Master slides, using animations and transitions, using and finding seasonally appropriate graphics, and creating templates for monthly presentations.

Scanner Basics (Prerequisites: Windows, Managing Files in Windows, or equivalent)
General Information, copying, scanning photos, OCR, email attachments; intro to photo editing.

Solving Your Problems in Word/Excel in Office 2007 (Prerequisite: Some working knowledge of Word)
This class is specific to Office 2007. All participants will be polled to see what they would like to learn or review. The class will be based on those queries. More information will be interspersed as the need and interest dictates. The class can last 1 to 4 weeks according to need.This is not a BASIC CLASS, but will review the most basic functions lightly if needed.

Spreadsheet Review (Prerequisite: Managing Files in Windows)
Addresses worksheet problems in Excel, MS Works, or similar program. Bring problem file or worksheet on a CD or 3 1/2 floppy or be prepared to describe the problem. Simple arithmetic, complex functions, file formatting and tables will be covered as requested. A comprehensive Excel course can be burned to a CD provided by attendee.

Using the Keyboard Instead of the Mouse
Description of keys and keypads on the PC keyboard, use of special keys not found on a typewriter; keyboard vs. the mouse use, simple text document creation, copy/paste from one program to another; hierarchy of files and program versions.

Using Turbo Tax to Do Your Own Taxes
This two session class is designed to assist those who would like to do their own taxes using Turbo Tax. There will be specific details on how to use Turbo Tax followed by actual preparation of a few sample cases of increasing complexity. Individual tax preparation will not be a part of this class, though tools needed to do your taxes will be discussed and practiced at length.

Word 100 - Basic (Prerequisite: Managing Files in Windows)
Creating folders, opening, saving, and printing documents, cut, copy, paste, and highlight text, tabs; formatting: margins, fonts, text alignment.

Word 101- Intermediate I (Prerequisite: Word 100)
Inserting graphics and pictures, inserting watermarks, formatting tabs, inserting symbols and dropped caps; Using find and replace functions, solving autocorrect problems, discovering Word's dictionary; creating and saving letterhead templates, personal labels and envelopes.

Word 102 - Intermediate II (Prerequisites: Word 100, 101)
Split screens, multiple screens, envelopes and labels, inserts, hyperlinks, symbols, tables, columns; headers and footers, draw and wordart.

Word 103 - Advanced (Prerequisites: Word 100, 101, 102 or experienced user)
Headers and footers, footnotes, clipart, watermarks, table of contents, indexes, numbering pages; lists with numbered fields.

Word Refresher
Word classes (all levels) review. The class will be geared to students' needs based on results of a questionnaire.

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