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Springfield, Massachusetts
413-263-6828

 

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FREE
COMPUTER CLASSES

SPRING 2008


Click on your requested date to sign up!

Para información en español, ¡haz clic aquí!

Print-friendly schedule (pdf format)

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Tuesday, May 13
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 14
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 16
10:00 - noon
en español

Computer Basics

Learn to identify the basic parts of the computer's hardware and Windows operating system. Become comfortable using the mouse, opening and closing programs, and saving documents. We will look at the most popular programs and accessories available to you on the library computers.
No experience with computers is needed.

The April 2 and May 14 classes will be presented by guest instructor Dennis Collins.

Instructor for April 3 and May 13: Anna

For the April 18 class en español, we welcome Futureworks instructor Richard Berrena.

Tuesday, April 8
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Learn to Type

Tired of hunting and pecking every time you go on the computer? Learn how to type with the popular Mavis Beacon keyboarding program. This new software will help to improve your typing skills. Beginners welcome.
Instructor: Anna

Thursday, April 17
9:30 - 11:00 am
Sixteen Acres Branch

OR

Thursday, May 15
9:30 - 11:00 am
Sixteen Acres Branch

Hi!Tech Help at the Branches

Bring your computer frustrations and your questions to the PC Doctor! Brian Lynch of Sixteen Acres' PC Doctor will be on hand to assist with issues regarding hardware, software, internet connections, and much more.
Bring your laptop if you have one, and try out the Sixteen Acres' wireless network.


Special offer for Seniors!

Half-hour sessions are available with trained volunteers at the Forest Park (263-6843), East Forest Park (263-6836), and Sixteen Acres (263-6858) branches. Please call the branch directly for an appointment. This service is intended for Beginners who need one-on-one help becoming more comfortable with computers.

Monday, April 7
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

OR

Wednesday, May 21
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Web Exercises for Beginners

Are you eager to explore the Internet but need more practice using the mouse and keyboard? Join us for guided practice in entering website addresses, clicking and pointing, scrolling though pages, and more! This class is a great complement to Computer Basics.
Instructor: Lori

Part I:
Thursday, April 10

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

AND

Part II:
Thursday, April 17
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Introduction to Word Processing & Microsoft Word

Word processing is necessary for many jobs and college classes. Learn the basics plus a whole lot more in these hands-on workshops. Part I will review basic keyboarding, introduce standard Windows operations and give an overview of elementary Word features. Part II will explore advanced Word features like columns, bullets, outlines, tables and margins. Familiarity with a mouse is required.
This is a two-part workshop - please sign up for both sessions!
Instructor: Matthew

Monday, April 14
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

OR

Tuesday,
April 15

10:00 - 11:30 am

OR

viernes,
30 de mayo

10 - 11:30 a.m
en español

Internet 101 - Welcome to the Web

This class assumes little or no computer experience, just a willingness to learn about the Internet in our state-of-the-art computer lab. We will learn how to log on to the library’s website, how to use the browser and how to efficiently search for specific websites on the web.

The April 15 class will be presented by guest instructor Springfield Intruder blogger Bill Dusty.
Instructor for April 14: Anna

Part I:
Thursday, May 1

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

AND

Part II:
Thursday, May 8
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Find it in the Library Catalog

Learn how to find library books, movies, music and more by searching the online catalog. Searching by author, title, subject and keyword will all be covered in these interactive workshops. Students will learn how to request materials they want, renew their library items, change their email address online and more. Familiarity with a keyboard and mouse is helpful. Be sure to bring your library card number.
This is a two-part workshop - please sign up for both sessions!
Instructor: Matthew

Tuesday,
April 22

10:00 - 11:30 am

 

Blogs 101

Blogs - what are they? How do you find good ones? Why should you be interested? Come learn about these online journals used by the major media and by independent writers.
Presented by guest instructor Springfield Intruder blogger Bill Dusty.

Monday, April 28
6:00 - 7:30 pm

Newly Scheduled!
Monday, May 19
6:00 - 7:30 pm

Excel with Spreadsheets

Excel is a great tool for managing household and small business budgets, producing eye-catching graphs, and even creating address books and membership lists. This class will cover how to design spreadsheets, use formulas, and enter data. Students should be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse, and be familiar with the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system.

With guest instructor Dennis Collins.

Tuesday,
May 6

10:00 - 12:00 noon

 

Blogging Basics

Have an opinion you'd like to share with others? Have some Web savvy? Perhaps you'd be interested in setting up your own blog (an online journal) for family and friends to keep up with your news. Learn how to get started, including access to free blogging tools, details about publishing digital photos, and how to let others know where to find what you create. Basic computing skills required.
With guest instructor Springfield Intruder blogger Bill Dusty.

Wednesday, May 7
6:00 - 7:30 pm

Databases 101

As a public library customer, you have access to countless free articles, digital books, and other online content that is NOT accessible by simply searching Google. In this class you will learn how to access back issues of the Springfield Republican, articles from the latest Consumer Reports, practice GED tests, scholarly medical articles, and much more. Visit the Databases page for a complete title list of resources, most of which can be accessed from a home computer.
Instructor: Anna

Part I:
Tuesday, May 20

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

AND

Part II:
Tuesday, May 27
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Giving Presentations with Microsoft's PowerPoint

Microsoft's PowerPoint is the most popular presentation software and can turn an ordinary lecture or talk into something impressive and memorable. Part slide-show and part animated outline, PowerPoint  can enhance your public speaking engagements with easy-to-use templates and style guides. Learn how to choose a template, create and edit outlines, animate text, work with images, and more in these hands-on workshops. Students need to have basic keyboarding and mouse skills.
This is a two-part workshop - please sign up for both sessions!
Instructor: Matthew

Thursday, May 22
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Publisher 101

Create high-impact posters, brochures, greeting cards, and more for work and home. With Publisher's templates and "Wizards," we can all be graphic designers! This class assumes a basic comfort with the Windows environment and word processing.
Instructor: Anna
Wednesday, June 4
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Find Great Books Online

Looking for a new novel to read or to find more information about your favorite author or genre? Try this workshop for an introduction to our database Novelist and other online tools which can help you find interesting books related to your reading interests. A review of where to find free online booklists and free ebooks will be covered as well as special searching tips for finding novels in the library's catalog. Students should be familiar with using a mouse, the keyboard and surfing the web.
Instructor: Matthew


Thursday, May 15
10:00 - 11:30 am

 

 

Foundation Directory Online

This database is a powerful tool for the nonprofit community, providing access to 80,000+ U.S. foundations, grantmaking public charities, and corporate givers, with links to over 7,400 grantmaker and corporate Web sites and IRS 990-PF and 990 returns. This class serves as an orientation to the database, including how to search, tips and tricks, and additional information about the resources available at the Foundation Center website. This class is limited to representatives of area nonprofit and grassroots organizations. Please visit the library's grantseeking page.
Instructor: Donna

Computer 101Classes are held in the computer lab located on the ground level at 220 State St. Use the State Street entrance. All classes are free and open to the general public.

To Register: Use the sign-up links above, or register at the Reference Desk in Wellman Hall at 220 State Street, call 413-263-6828 ext. 213, or e-mail askalibrarian@springfieldlibrary.org.

Special offer for Seniors!

Half-hour sessions are available with trained volunteers at the Forest Park (263-6843) and East Forest Park (263-6836) branches. Please call the branch directly for an appointment. This service is intended for Beginners who need one-on-one help becoming more comfortable with computers.

Guest instructors for Winter and Spring 2008 HiTech classes are being funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the  Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. EqualAccess Libraries™ is a professional development program sponsored by Libraries for the Future.

If you have any questions/suggestions/comments about Hi!Tech @ the Library classes at the Springfield City Library, please contact Anna at (413) 263-6828 ext. 426 or abrandenburg@springfieldlibrary.org.

 


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