INSTRUCTOR: E.Rhein

PREREQUISITES: Basic computer skills, including mouse, keyboard, and file proficiency. Ex- perience using a web browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari). Ability to read Eng- lish.

DESCRIPTION: Shopping online is easy, fun, fast, and – when you follow a few simple guidelines – surprisingly safe! In this two-week course we’ll introduce some e-commerce basics: search, sizes/quantities, shopping cart, checkout, delivery, returns, and of course security. We’ll look at how the sites themselves help you stay safe online, and we’ll visit some popular websites such as Amazon and eBay, specialty sites like Zappos and Alibris, and others. Then we’ll take a “deep dive” into eBay. You’ll have a chance in class to open your own eBay and PayPal accounts (they’re free!) and even to make a purchase. If you already have an eBay account, you’ll learn more about how to get the most out of eBay and your other online shop- ping adventures. The instructor worked at eBay for more than three years, consults on eBay selling, and does more shopping online than she probably should.

We will register 17 students in this course that meets 2 hours a week for 4 WEEKS.

OPTIONAL: In this short course you will have a chance to open an eBay account and to make a purchase. You’ll need to bring a credit (not debit) card to both sessions in order to do so. (Your card information will be kept private to you only). To shop online at home, you should have a computer with high-speed Internet access (DSL or Comcast).