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Description of Courses


INTRO I - FIRST CLASS FOR BEGINNERS
Class Fee: $15.00
This course is the first in a series of Introduction courses and is intended for those who have no or limited computer skills and should be completed before taking the INTRO II -- Introduction to Computers course
You will be introduced to hardware (the stuff you can see or touch), software (a set of instructions used by the computer), and learn how to communicate with the computer using a mouse and/or keyboard.. Develop basic mouse and keyboard skills, as well as learning some basic Windows operating system skills such as opening windows, files, and programs which will enable you to work comfortably (less frustration) with a computer. Hands-on practice time will be emphasized.

Note: We will require all Intro students to have a Flash/Jump USB drive.


INTRO II - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRO I or equivalent basic computer skills - i.e. Mouse, Keyboard, opening files, etc.
This course is intended for beginners. Focus will be on the fundamentals needed to use the computer with emphasis on the use of the mouse and keyboard to accomplish simple tasks.. The course will cover techniques for performing basic editing functions in a document, creating, naming, saving, opening, and closing files. Will also learn how to create folders, files and save these. We will be using Windows XP.

Note: We will require all Intro students to have a Flash/Jump USB drive.


INTRO III - NEXT CLASS AFTER INTRO II Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRO II or equivalent experience with a computer.
After you finished the INTRO II class, did you feel that you might have missed something? This four week class is a review of many of the topics that might have been presented too fast for you to fully understand. Topics that will be stressed are mouse proficiency, selecting text, opening saving and renaming files, cut, copy and paste, folder and file management. This class will make it easier for you to fully participate in future SeniorNet classes.

Note: We will require all Intro students to have a Flash/Jump USB drive.


WINDOWS XP Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS and basic mouse skills.
Using Windows XP is designed to teach the student about the latest version of Microsoft's operating system. The student will learn not only how to use the features of Windows XP, but how to modify the operating system to make it easier to do what the student wants to do with the computer. The course explores the new features of Windows XP such as the new Start menu, the Help and Support Center, System Restore and right-click operations. Also covered in detail is Windows Explorer, which is used to manage drives, folders and files. In addition, the student will learn to use the maintenance tools built into the operating system. There will be one class on the use of Internet Explorer and Outlook Express for web browsing and sending/receiving e-mail.

FILE MANAGEMENT Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, and one (or more) Intermediate Course and a working e-mail address.
Need help in locating all the stuff you have created or downloaded on your computer? Another question is where should I put my stuff? This class will help you answer these questions. Learn how to use My Documents, to create file folders, change the view, create shortcuts on the Desktop, and more.

DON'T CATCH A VIRUS Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, basic typing skills, and an understanding of Microsoft Windows XP.
This class offers a methodical approach to steps you can take to protect your computer data and help maintain the overall stability of your operating system. In this course, students will be given the opportunity to install and configure popular anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software in class. Help will be given in identifying a sensible backup program. Also covered are key user behaviors necessary to reduce exposure to malicious intrusions including a methodology to determine your computer’s current health.

CREATE CD’S IN WINDOWS XP
Using a USB Jump/Flash drive will be demonstrated.
Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: Computer with a CD Read/Write drive running Windows XP. Completion of WINDOWS XP course or equivalent experience.
The four-class course will cover burning CD’s with Windows XP. Subjects will include the differences between CD-R and CD-R/W disks, how to select files and folders you want to burn on a CD, adding or replacing files or folders on a CD already burned before, and making a CD that will start an application automatically when it is inserted in almost any CD-ROM drive. We will make CD’s containing a slide show of photos you can give to others. This course will only use Windows XP support. This support is not in any previous versions of Windows (95, 98, Me, etc).

PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS ORGANIZER
Basic Photo Management And Sharing Techniques
Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Completion of INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, WINDOWS XP (or equivalent Intermediate courses) and should be comfortable with file management using the Windows Explorer, open/save dialog boxes, comfortable with the use of a mouse and a digital camera.
This is a workshop course for the beginner and explores the many features of the Photoshop Elements 3/4 Organizer and Quick Fix.  Basic management includes loading, reviewing, fixing basic flaws with quick-fix, organizing to find photos in the future, and Backing-up.  Sharing includes printing individual photos, contact sheets, and photo packages, e-mailing and slide-show preparation.  It does not explore the many advanced features found in the Elements Editor where one can change realities like combining photos to change stormy weather into sunny weather, etc.

PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS EDITOR
Enhancing, modifying, and printing images.
Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Completion of INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, WINDOWS XP (or equivalent Intermediate courses), and should be comfortable with file management, using My Computer and Windows Explorer to find and open files, open, save and rename files, should have good mouse control and be comfortable with use of a digital camera.
This course will introduce students to digital imaging using the Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 Editor. Students will be introduced to the editing tools available in Elements 6 and taught the basic skills needed to enhance, modify, combine, restore, print and e-mail the images taken with their digital camera. The course is structured as a hands-on workshop using photographs in need of editing. Most course material will also be appropriate for students using Photoshop Elements 4 and 5.

MORE of PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS EDITOR
Enhancing, modifying, and printing images
Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Completion of INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, WINDOWS XP (or equivalent Intermediate courses), Completion of at least one of the Photoshop Element Courses and should be comfortable with file management, use of the mouse and a digital camera. Students should have access to either Photoshop Elements 4 or 5.
This course will introduce students to some additional editing features beyond what was covered in the Elements Editor Class using Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 editor. Topics covered will include Layers and Masks, People and Portraits, Special Effects, Colleges, Slideshows and Optimizing your Photos. The course is structured as a hands-on workshop using photographs in need of editing.

ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 5.0 Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Should be comfortable with the use of their computer and file management. Have proficiency in the basics of Photoshop Elements 5.0 or 4.0 by having taken the introduction course or used and is familiar with the program.
This course is for the student that is interested in going beyond basic editing and will cover the operation, properties and power of Layers and Masks. It will also familiarize the student with the wide range of tools and effects available in Photoshop Elements. We will explore creative techniques for editing and special effects. Most of the techniques covered are available in Photoshop Elements 4.0 although 5.0 will be used in class.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Basic digital camera operations and image management using free software.
Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, WINDOWS, WORD PROCESSING , and an Internet connection.
This course teaches you how to use your computer to manage photos taken with a digital camera. The topics covered include: the digital camera and how it works, what you should consider before buying a digital camera, the differences between digital cameras and film cameras, how to transfer the photos from your camera to your computer. Using the freeware program “Picasa” the following topics will be covered: simple computer photo editing (cropping, resizing, changing brightness and/or contrast, removing red eye), sharing your photos by printing them, e-mailing them, putting them on a web site, and/or burning your photos onto a CD (a CD writer is required for this) to give to others to view on their computers--wouldn't that surprise your grandkids!

GREETING CARDS, Plus! Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Computer Fundementals and at least one intermediate course, i.e. Windows XP and/or Basic Word Processing. Good mouse skills are essential!
In this greeting card class you will use PrintMaster Platinum, version 16 to create fun projects! (Students may use other versions of PrintMaster.) We will examine the program's many features to personalize greeting cards with your own artwork, photos, colors, shapes and sentiments. PrintMaster can be used to create a variety of other projects including among others, business cards, calendars, certificates, letterhead, postcards, party items. Students will decide which additional projects will be taught.
NOTE: Beginning with PrintMaster version 17, you MUST have an internet connection.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DIGITAL CAMERA Class Fee: $10.00
PREREQUISITE: none
The class will focus on the points to consider when buying a digital camera. This includes information on Pixels, Memory / Storage, Batteries, Lenses, Viewers, Recording media, Basic camera operation & Features, and how to transfer the pictures to your Computer. Each person will have different requirements and we will allow some time to answer questions.

ANYBODY WANT’A BUY A PIXEL Class Fee: FREE
PREREQUISITE: HASN’T ANY IDEA HOW A DIGITAL CAMERA WORKS
What’s a pixel anyway and what would I do with ‘em if I had ‘em ? What kind of zoom do I need and how much is enough ? These and other basic but fascinating digital image answers ( and others not yet thought of ) are yours for the asking.

FUN WITH GRAPHICS (USING WORD) Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, BASIC WORDPROCESSING, proficiency in the use of the mouse in opening and saving files, and in the cut/copy and paste processes.
Basic graphics tools such as Clipart, online Clipart downloading, WordArt, Borders and Shading, AutoShapes and Tables will be used to create holiday letters with pictures and borders, letterheads, greeting cards and more. Projects will be used to enable students to use the tools presented and gain hands-on experience.

ONLINE SCRAPBOOKS, PHOTO ALBUMS & MORE Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Completion of WINDOWS XP classes or equivalent knowledge/skills, and an Internet connection. Helpful but not essential: Experience using a scanner; photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop Elements or MS Digital Image Suite; and a graphics application such as Broderbund’s Print Shop.
Anyone with Internet access can have fun creating digital scrapbooks, virtual photo albums and more using GeoCities free “PageBuilder” software and Web space. Ideal for beginners, “PageBuilder’s” point-and-click interface makes it easy without having to do any programming. Include pictures of your family, pets, latest vacation, a wedding or a recent class reunion. Use your free Web site to keep in touch with family and friends; share your knowledge about your hobbies, crafts, or anything else of interest.

FUN WITH GOOGLE
(Almost) Everything you wanted to know.
Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, and one (or more) Intermediate Course and a working e-mail address.
OK, we all know that www.google.com has the best search engine on the planet. But there is a lot more to Google than most people know. Google's stated mission is to "make it easier to find the information you want". This class will explore some of the many new specialized services Google is now offering. Services such as: Advanced Web Search -- for power users; Froogle -- shopping Google style; Google Maps -- finding and printing driving directions; Google Toolbar -- search from any web page; Image Search -- access to more than one billion images, and many more. The exact topics covered in this class will be tailored to fit the experience and needs of the students.

ADVANCED FUN WITH GOOGLE:
Because keeping up with Google can be a full time job.
Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: FUN WITH GOOGLE or an equivalent course or experience.
Google is rapidly changing the face of the Internet by offering new ways for users to access the accumulated knowledge of our planet. This class will explore some of the newest Google features that didn't even exist a few months ago. New services include things like Blog Search, Book Search, Maps, News Search, Scholar Search, and University Search. New tools include things like Blogger, Desktop, Earth, G-mail, Picasa, Toolbar (version 3), and Translate. Student interests will be used to help finalize the topics covered in the class.

GOOGLE MAPS AND GOOGLE EARTH Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Students enrolling in this course MUST HAVE: (1) VALID E-MAIL ACCOUNT and (2) KNOW HOW TO USE IT.
After Web search, two of Google's most popular services are Google Maps and Google Earth. This new class will provide a beginner's guide to these two free (and constantly evolving) Google offerings. No previous knowledge of either Google Maps or Google Earth will be assumed.

INTERNET FOR BEGINNERS Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS Access to a computer connected to an Internet service provider is necessary.
In this course you will learn some basic history about the Internet and the World Wide Web, become familiar with Microsoft's Internet Explorer window, learn how to use a link on a web page to navigate to other web sites and pages on the World Wide Web, and use the address bar to type in the web address (URL) of web sites. You will learn how to locate Web sites, mark a Web site as a Favorite, organize your favorite Web sites, and use your favorite web sites. Microsoft Internet Explorer, is used to help you interface with the World Wide Web.

INTERNET SECURITY Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, basic typing skills, and an understanding of WINDOWS XP.
Are you concerned about the safety of your computer? This class will explain the types of problems that can attack a computer and show you how to keep your machine safe. Included will be “hands on:” sessions for many of the popular and free anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall tools that can help with your computer at home. Bring your concerns and we will try to lead you in a problem free environment.

BEST OF THE INTERNET Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, WINDOWS XP, WORD PROCESSING, and a PC connected to an Internet Service provider.
What have you been missing? Setup and use your new Internet Explorer 7. Learn the meaning of "web 2.0" and discover websites that make you say "WOW". Tap into world-wide radio, TV, webcams,internet telephoning. Share your digital photos with your friends. Make e-mail work for you any time, any place.

USING E-MAIL TO COMMUNICATE AND MORE! Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, WINDOWS, Wordprocessing and a PC connected to an Internet Service Provider. Access to a PC with Outlook Express is acceptable.
With access to a computer, a modem, and an Internet Service Provider, you can send/receive e-mail in communicating with friends and family. This course will cover sending/receiving e-mail including attaching pictures and text files. We will learn how to manage our address book. Our e-mail client (software) will be Yahoo Mail. We will review web-based free e-mail programs. If time allows, we will learn to participate in the discussion groups on the SeniorNet website.

BUILDING AND MAINTAINING A DIGITAL MUSIC LIBRARY Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS and one (or more) Intermediate Course and a working e-mail address.
Digital technology is making it possible for us to listen to music in whole new ways. Instead of a radio, we can use a computer to listen to thousands of stations that "broadcast" on the Internet. We are converting our vinyl record and cassette collections to CDs. We are creating sophisticated play lists and "burning" our own "Best Of" CDs. We are downloading songs and entire albums from the Internet. and are taking our entire music collections with us to work and play in pocket-sized iPod-like MP3 players.

INTRODUCTION TO iPODS AND iTUNES Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Students enrolling in this class must have and know how to use a valid e-mail address.
iPods are the world's most popular portable music players. iTunes is both (1) an online music (and now video!) store and (2) the free "jukebox software" used by millions of people to play and manage their digital music, photo, audiobook, podcast, video, and movie files.
This new class will be a quick and easy introduction to the most important and most useful stuff about Apple's iPod players and the iTunes store/software.  Emphasis will be placed on all of the free stuff that you can do with iTunes even if you do not have access to an iPod or other portable player.

BUYING & SELLING-ON-eBay Class Fee: $15.00
PREREQUISITE: Internet including an e-mail account.
This workshop will focus on finding and buying items on eBay. You will be shown how to register with eBay and use its many features. We will cover how to check out the sellers and how to place a bid. Time and staff assistance will be provided for you to explore items that you may be interested in buying. The "Selling on eBay PORTION will cover how to list items on eBay as an individual seller.

WORDPROCESSING I (MSWord) Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, basic typing skills, and an understanding of Microsoft WINDOWS.
Word Processing 1 is the first part of a two eight-week course series devoted to word processing using the program Microsoft Word 2002. The course begins with a review of fundamentals: using a mouse, using scroll bars, changing window size, and creating folders. Using Word you will create new documents, open saved documents, modify documents, and save with a new name. You will learn basic editing, techniques: specifying margins, inserting tables and adding headers and footers. You will also learn how to enhance your document by adding graphics and how to customize by using fonts to specify typeface, size, styles, and color. Ample time will be provided in class for student practice.

WORDPROCESSING II Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, basic typing skills, WORDPROCESSING 1 course, and a fundamental understanding of WINDOWS.
Review of fundamentals, mouse usage, scroll bars, changing window size, creating folders, and Word basics. We will explore some special features that enhance documents. You will learn to use Special Characters, Autotext, Autocorrect, Autoformat, Insert Pictures, Develop Tables, and adding special effects.

WORD PROCESSING I (Open Office) Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Beginning Computer Skills or equivalent knowledge and skills. Ability to use a mouse comfortably is necessary, and basic typing skills are useful.
This new Basic Word Processing course uses the free OpenOffice.org Writer software to review computer concepts and guide the student through the essential skills needed to create effective documents. You will learn to navigate documents; open and save files; and use menus, toolbars and shortcuts. Formatting characters and paragraphs plus editing skills, including cut, copy and paste, are covered. Tables, page layout, headers and footers, and printing envelopes complete the course. Examples and exercises reinforce learning. A free OpenOffice.org software CD will be handed out in class along with installation instructions.

SPREADSHEET (MSWorks) Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, and WINDOWS courses. Some Internet experience , and the ability to use basic Windows skills with a minimum of help.
A spreadsheet turns your computer into a faster and much more powerful version of a pocket calculator. It is a tool for both personal and business use. It is useful for entering and calculating data that can be conveniently displayed in rows and columns. The spreadsheet window has gridlines like an accountant’s ledger. Spreadsheets can be used for budgets, accounting, financial planning, insurance records, taxes, tracking investments, sales forecasting and reporting, or other statistical data that requires numbers and calculations.

SPREADSHEET (Open Office) Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: General knowledge of computers including navagation and cut & paste.
OpenOffice Spreadsheet is an eight-week course on spreadsheets using the OpenOffice Calc program. The course begins with how to install OpenOffice. Open Office is free software from SUN Corporation. An installation CD will be provided to students. Students will learn how to create and update spreadsheets, enter formulas and access cells in the sheets. Students need to know how to use and navigate in Windows XP. Over 15 exercises are included on the CD to help students practice using spreadsheets.

WORKING WITH QUICKEN (Version 2006) Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS and one Intermediate Course.
This class will introduce you to the most popular home finance program of the day. You will learn how to set up and manage checking, credit card, and investment accounts. Also covered is how to reconcile your checking account, define transactions, develop a budget including budget categories, and how to make various reports.

FAMILY TREE MAKER Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: Introduction to Computers and basic mouse skills.
A class on the use of the program Family Tree Maker which will include entering and correcting data, producing different style family trees and making a family book. In addition, the course will cover the exchanging of data through the use of GEDCOM (Genealogical Data COMmunications) file format and it will cover saving the family files in the Acrobat PDF format.

GENEALOGY INFORMATION FROM THE INTERNET Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS, WINDOWS XP, and Genealogy search experience.
Explore readily available resources for your own personal genealogical research. The course will cover FREE and FOR-FEE genealogical services like Cyndi's List and county library FREE access to fee-based services like Ancestry.com. Also included will be search techniques used by computer professionals for identifying, finding, searching and copying selected portions of large record and image databases into word documents, image and picture files or spreadsheets.

BASIC KEYBOARDING Class Fee: FREE
PREREQUISITE: None
The material is designed for those who either do not know how to touch type or for those who wish to brush up on their typing technique. The software program used is a self-paced tutorial, containing 12 lessons. The student will learn how to operate the alphabetic keyboard by touch and how to key words, sentences, and paragraphs with good keyboarding techniques resulting in a high rate of accuracy. Speed building will not be a key component, but is available to those who desire it. Instruction will be provided initially in an open lab environment and will include how to open the software program as well as how to use it.
The student may purchase a CD with instructions, for home use - $7.00

MAINTAINING YOUR COMPUTER AND KEEPING IT PROBLEM-FREE Class Fee: $20.00
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS and WINDOWS courses. Some Internet experience , and the ability to use basic Windows skills with a minimum of help.
Course covers not only how to maintain a computer but information on downloadable Virus Websites, how to get rid of popups, spy protection sites, how to avoid losing hard drive documents and how to retrieve them, how to delete unnecessary files, create screen savers, and locate the latest critical protection devices.
In addition the course will show how to use most of the maintenance functions built into Windows XP.

BUYING A COMPUTER Class Fee: FREE
PREREQUISITE: None
The "Buying a Computer" class will be conducted in a single two hour session. It is intended to help you decide what (IBM compatible) computer to buy to meet your present and future needs. To accomplish this you will learn what the key hardware items are in the computer and what software is required. You will then be shown two methods that will help you determine the specific computer to buy. Several handouts will be provided including a glossary of terms and ten tips for buying a computer.
Sign-Up for Buying a Computer class: If you are interested, please reserve your seat in the class by calling Don House at (408)268-1703.
Location for Buying a Computer class: Almaden Community Center, 6445 Camden Ave., San Jose, Community Room.

OPEN LAB Class Fee: FREE
PREREQUISITE: None
Open Lab makes the computers available to ALL CURRENT MEMBERS of SeniorNet (world wide).

Assistance is available for those requesting it, however it is the student's responsibility to have any needed course material AND be cognizant of their class timing or specific instructions. There is usually only 1 person (coach) monitoring the open lab - they will NOT have specific details about your class AND must spread their time between those who have need.

Open Lab is on a first-come first-served basis. In the event there are more users than available machines, users will be limited to 30 minutes.
We can accomodate 17 or 18 users. Open Lab is nominally a 2 hour (normal class) period. However, it begins as soon as students from the previous class have vacated the lab and users must vacate the lab at least 15 minutes before a following class (unless they are a student in that class).

Willows SeniorNet Learning Center
City of San Jose
Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services
Willows Senior Center
2175 Lincoln Avenue
San Jose, CA. 95125
(408) 448-6400