Course Descriptions - Central Library Training Lab
USING THE COMPUTER
Computer Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements:None
Length: 2 hours
Description: Designed for beginners, this class focuses on what a computer is and what it does. We review the hardware parts of a computer and introduce software. You’ll learn how to move the mouse and use practice tutorials to gain basic mouse skills.
- File Management
Skill Level:Intermediate
Requirements:Good mouse skills
Length: 2 hours
Description:Do you ever lose anything you've saved to your computer? Can't find that picture you wanted to attach to an email? This class shows how to save files to the computer so you can find them again! Use these skills to arrange your digital photos into album folders or organize other files.
- SPECIALTY SOFTWARE
- ResumeMaker Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements:Basic mouse and keyboarding skills
Length: 2 hours
Description:If you’re new to the job market or returning to it, this class is for you! We’ll show you how to use specialized software (ResumeMaker) to create a quality resume. A USB (flash) drive is required to save any work done.
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- Job Resources at the Library
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Basic mouse skills, Internet Basics class or previous experience in searching the Internet
Length: 2 hours
Description: Students will become knowledgeable about the Library's career and business databases. Students will also become familiar with free local job searching websites.
- MICROSOFT OFFICE SOFTWARE
- Microsoft Excel Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements:Basic mouse skills
Length: 2 hours
Description:Learn how to use Microsoft Excel! After an introduction to some basic functions, you’ll use a spreadsheet format to create a very simple budget.
- Microsoft Power Point Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements:Basic mouse skills
Length: 2 hours
Description:This class introduces Microsoft's presentation software - Power Point. You create slides to be projected on a big screen so your audience can follow along. This is used in businesses and also many churches for songs and other presentations. You will learn how to create and animate individual slides.
- Microsoft Publisher Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements:Basic mouse skills
Length: 2 hours
Description:Microsoft Publisher can be used to create customized newsletters, brochures and catalogs. You’ll create a simple publication while learning some fundamental functions of Publisher.
- Microsoft Word Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements: Basic mouse skills
Length: 2 hours
Description: Learn how to use Microsoft Word! This is an introduction to the menu and ribbon in Word—no true typing skills are needed to participate.
- Microsoft Word Intermediate
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Basic mouse skills, knowledge of Office Ribbon
Length: 2 hours
Description: Learn how to use the copy and paste functions, insert tables and clip art, and change font type to create an advertising bulletin or flyer!
- Microsoft Word Advanced
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Basic mouse skills, strong familiarity with Word (Basic and Intermediate classes)
Length: 2 hours
Description: This class will expand upon previous courses dealing with Microsoft Word. Previous courses focused on the most commonly used commands within the Home and Insert tabs. This course will expand and discuss newer features available in the 2007 version.
- Mail Merge
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Basic Microsoft Word and Excel skills
Length: 2 hours
Description: Use Excel to create a database of names and addresses. Use this database to generate personalized letters and envelopes in Microsoft Word using the Mail Merge function!
- INTERNET AND EMAIL
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- Internet Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements: Basic mouse skills
Length: 2 hours
Description: Understand the basics of exploring the Internet. You’ll learn about Internet Explorer, how it works, and how to search for specific Web pages.
- Internet Intermediate
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Good mouse skills, familiarity with Internet Explorer and Microsoft Word
Length: 2 hours
Description: Building off the beginner class, you’ll learn about security threats to your computer. What are privacy policies and how do they affect you? Develop a better search strategy to answer a question/query. As time permits, students will use the copy/paste functions in Windows to transfer information from Internet Explorer to MS Word.
- Google™ It!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Basic mouse skills, Internet Basics class or previous experience in searching the Internet
Length: 2 hours
Description: Google is more than a search engine! Need a map? What’s time is it in Amsterdam? Do you want to track a package? Get beyond Google’s main page and learn what this powerful search tool has to offer! Learn about the Tab feature in Internet Explorer, too.
- E-mail Basics
Skill Level: Basic
Requirements: Basic mouse skills
Length: 2 hours
Description: If you’ve never used e-mail or if you don’t have your own account we’ll help you set up a free Web-based account, using Yahoo! service. This email can be accessed by any computer with Internet access.
- E-mail Intermediate
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Basic mouse skills, Web-accessible email address (must know your username and password), “E-mail Basics” class or equivalent
Length: 2 hours
Description: How do I send or view an attachment? How do I add to my contacts list? You’ll learn how to use these features and calendars that are offered by most Web based e-mail providers, with a focus on using Yahoo! email.
- Introduction to the B&ECPL Catalog and My Account Feature
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Basic mouse and Internet skills. A PIN for access to the “My Account” feature (obtain your number from your nearest library) and mouse skills. Minimal typing.
Length: 2 hours
Description: You want to know if your library has the latest bestseller. The audio-book that you want is not at your library. Save gas and time by learning how to look up library materials online. Order items from one library and have them delivered to another. Bring your library card with PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) to access full “My Account” features and to request library materials.
- Introduction to the B&ECPL Web Site
Skill Level: Intermediate
Requirements: Good mouse skills, Internet Basic class or equivalent
Length: 2 hours
Description: This class is an introduction for our patron community to the most current version of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s Web Site. This course will highlight features and tools on the site, available to any patron with a valid library card, including Downloads2Go, Latest Events, and Databases.
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- WEB 2.0
"This publication (production, workshop, website) was (is) supported by (or 'in part by') Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds, awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services."
- Introduction to Web 2.0
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Good mouse skills, “Internet Intermediate” class or regular Internet use
Length: 2 hours
Description: Since 2004, the way we think of the World Wide Web has been changing. Technological developments and new software have created a collaborative, information-sharing web. This class will review what "Web 2.0" is and provide brief introductions to more popular examples of applications and terms.
- Introduction to Wikipedia
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Good mouse skills, “Internet Intermediate” class or regular Internet use
Length: 2 hours
Description: Wikipedia has transformed the idea of a "Reference Work." Though controversial, due to its multi-person editing capabilities (known as Wikis), it is a prominent staple in our information culture and a core application of Web 2.0. This class will introduce students to Wikipedia and walk through the search process. Students may create a Wikipedia account, if desired, and use the account to edit articles in this cross-collaborative online encyclopedia.
- Introduction to Flickr
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Good mouse skills, "Internet Intermediate" class or regular Internet use. For Flickr Profile: Yahoo! Account (to upload photos to the service)
Length: 2 hours
Description: Flickr is primarily a photo sharing utility. Currently, it hosts billions of photos for users to upload, organize, view, and share. Students will understand how to use Flickr and begin searching/sharing photos. Students may create a Yahoo! Account, if desired.
- Social Networking – Introduction to Facebook
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Good mouse skills, “Internet Intermediate” class or regular Internet use. For Facebook Profile: any Web-accessible email address (must know username and password)
Length: 2 hours
Description: As an introduction to Online Social Networking and Facebook in particular, this class is for regular Internet users who wish to learn more about the phenomena of social networking sites and/or who wish to set up a Facebook Profile (profile setup is not required for the class).
- Introduction to LinkedIn
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Good mouse skills, regular Internet use, active Email account (to create a LinkedIn account)
Length: 2 hours
Description: Describe and review major features of the Web 2.0 service LinkedIn, a networking Web Site designed to assist anyone in building their own network of trusted professional contacts throughout the business world – no matter what your current job status!
- Introduction to Twitter
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Good mouse skills, “Internet Intermediate” class or regular Internet use. For YouTube Profile: any Web-accessible email address (must know username and password)
Length: 2 hours
Description: This class will introduce students to and develop understanding of what Twitter is within the framework of Web 2.0 and Social Networking. In addition, participants will go through the steps to create their own Twitter account (if they choose to do so).
- Introduction to YouTube
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Good mouse skills, "Internet Intermediate" class or regular Internet use. For YouTube Profile: any Web-accessible email address (must know username and password)
Length: 2 hours
Description: Learn about this online video-sharing Web Site. Find and view videos. If desired, create a YouTube account and post comments on videos and even learn how to upload your own!
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- Blogs/RSS Feeds
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements: Basic mouse skills, regular Internet use (familiarity with clicking links, browsing), Google account (in order to create blog)
Length: 2 hours
Description: This class will introduce concepts and tools such as Blogs (Web Log) and RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds. This class will define terms, explain purpose and describe how to utilize both. If desired, patrons may sign up to create their own blog.
- Internet Advanced: Introduction to Delicious and Digg
Skill Level: Advanced
Requirements:Mouse skills, strong familiarity with browsing the Web (following links, accessing new web pages), or Internet Intermediate class, Web-accessible email account (to create Delicious or Digg account)
Length: 2 hours
Description: As a continuation in a series of Internet classes, this advanced class covers two "Web 2.0" sites designed to assist users in discovering the most relevant, interesting, informative and humorous content on the Web. Students may create accounts for these sites and share bookmarks with others from around the world. (Account creation is not mandatory for the class.)
