Basic Computer Classes
[Recommended as prerequisite for other classes]
Basic Computers
Class Sessions: 1
In this Basic Course, the beginning student will be introduced
to the primary external and internal components of a typical desktop
computer, terminology that will be helpful in pursuing future
computer courses, and some useful web sites and exercises the
student can review on their own time to accelerate the learning
process. This course is primarily a lecture presentation with
plenty of time for questions from the class. Time at the end of
the class will be reserved to introduce any students who are totally
unfamiliar with computers to experience "hands-on" basic
startup and operational procedures. Demonstrations will be presented
using the Microsoft Windows XP operating system.
Computer Skills I and II
Class sessions: 2
This 2nd and 3rd of the Basic Courses Series includes demonstrations
of the Windows operating system practical hands-on classroom exercises,
questions and answers, and a home practice handout. Students will
learn to open and close files and folders, create folders and
shortcuts, and practice with icons, scroll bars, keyboard, Title
Bar, Start Menu, Taskbar, Menu Bar, and Toolbars. Students are
introduced to the Control Panel functions with special emphasis
on Accessibility Options, Add and Remove Program, Display, Keyboard,
and Mouse. Students also learn the basic skills necessary to communicate
with the computer. These include using the mouse to move the cursor
within text documents, various methods of selecting and moving
text by cutting, copying, pasting, dragging, and modifying. Also
covered are the rudiments of managing files, using Word Pad and
other Word programs to create documents. Compact disks (CD's,
DVD's), flash drives and their use are demonstrated.
File Management I and II
Class sessions: 2
This is the last of the group of Basic Courses. Students should
have taken all previous Basic Courses or have approximately the
same skills. Students will learn how to manage the files stored
on their computer. This includes creating folders, organizing
files by grouping similar files together in folders, renaming
files and folders, copying, moving and deleting files and folders,
and using files in "application" programs, such as the
Word and Excel programs. A handout filled with detailed "how
to do it" paragraphs are provided.
Intermediate/Advanced Classes
PC Workshop
Monthly session: 1
This class meets on the second Friday morning of each month from
9:30 AM to noon in the CoSNUG classroom at Village at Skyline.
We explore the many uses of the computer, and general questions
about computer programs with an emphasis on Microsoft Word. Rather
than a class, it is an opportunity to bring questions to a group
whose collective expertise makes for a fun learning opportunity.
In addition to dealing with text, we explore the many capabilities
of the Microsoft Word program, including desktop publishing, inserting
photographs, printing envelopes and labels, creating calendars,
letterheads, drawing, WordArt and much, much more. All CoSNUG
members are invited to come and share, whether beginning users
or advanced.
Excel I, II, and III
Class Sessions: 3
Appropriate for students with a little Excel experience, and for
those who are comfortable with computers but new to the Excel
program. Students will learn how to create and use spreadsheets
by entering data, creating formulas used in spreadsheet calculations,
and formatting spreadsheets to enhance their appearance. They
will also learn how to use the Excel program to create and manage
a list of records such as those in a simple database. Students
will be given copies of all Excel files used during instruction,
and a group of homework exercises to be used at home with those
files. Students must have access to a computer outside the classroom
that contains the Microsoft Excel program, in order to do the
homework. A handout filled with detailed "how to do it"
paragraphs is provided
Windows XP
Class sessions: 1
This class is designed to help students learn more about the Windows
XP Operating System. It is open to students who can operate the
mouse and possess very basic computer skills. The introduction
focuses on help resources and differences from previous Windows
OS. The remainder of the class is a hands-on exploration of major
XP features including Customizing Options, System Tools, Updates,
User Accounts, Software and Hardware Compatibility, Firewall protection,
and Music and Picture folders.
Genealogy I through VI
Class sessions: 6
This six part series of classes cover the procedures for finding
and recording ancestor data. One class is held every other month
through out the year.
I. Genealogy Overview and Finding Basic Data
LDS Family Search site, Social Security Death Index.
II. Free Basic Data Sources
III. Message Boards and E-mail Lists.
IV. Immigration Information
V. Overseas Sources.
VI. Obtaining Vital Records.
Genealogy Workshop
Monthly session: 1
General discussions are conducted on genealogical problems and
techniques. Problem solving and getting over brick walls are covered
as well as questions that may arise during research for data.
Basic Digital Photo
Class sessions: 1
"Just the basics, 'mam." A little bit about digital
vs. film, referencing less cost and less resolution at the moment,
what to look for in a camera and cost thereof, the lighted darkroom,
storing and organizing 8-10 tons of pictures via thumbnail sheets,
the technically advanced CD-Rom and the ancient 3 hole puncher
and loose leaf notebook
Photoshop Elements Basic
Class sessions: 6
Starting from scratch, we will explore some of the basic tools
and options for improving digital pictures. Each session is "hands
on" and you will correct or enhance one to four pictures.
The first three classes lay the ground work and should not be
missed. The remaining classes are independent, so if you miss
one it is not a problem. A handout providing step by step instructions
will be given at each session. If you bring a flash drive you
can take home all of the pictures on which you will be working.
Photoshop Elements Advanced
Class sessions: 8
This is a continuation of the Basic Class. We will learn new and
different ways to improve our photographs. Each of the classes
is independent, so if you miss some it is no problem. It is recommended
that you complete the first three classes of the Basic Series
before starting the advanced class.