Computer Classes

Baby Boomer University

ÔªøYou don't necessarily have to be a baby boomer to attend this series of classes designed by Ephrata High School student Jeremy Palm for his Eagle Scout project. Designed and taught by area teenagers, these series of classes are a crash course in basic computing skills. If you’Äôve always wanted to know how to use a computer but never got the chance, sign up for our Baby Boomer University. It is important that you sign up for the entire series, so please make sure you can attend most of them. Space is limited!

Monday, August 25, 6 p.m. - Session 1: Intro to the Desktop. In this class, you will learn about the computer and its basic parts.

Wednesday, August 27, 6 p.m. - Session 2: The Mouse. Learn how to use the mouse and navigate the desktop.

Wednesday, September 3, 6 p.m. - Session 3: Your Desktop and How To Use It. This class will cover more in-depth desktop navigation and the use of icons.

Monday, September 8, 6 p.m. - Session 4: Windows. Topics discussed include an overview of windows, active versus non-active windows and how to use multiple windows.

Wednesday, September 10, 6 p.m. - Session 5: Scroll Bars. This class will cover what scroll bars are and how to use them. A review of all materials in the first five sessions will be done.

Monday, September 15, 6 p.m. - Session 6: Microsoft Word. This class will give a basic overview of Microsoft Word, including typing practice.

Wednesday, September 17, 6 p.m. - Session 7: Microsoft Powerpoint. This class will give a basic overview of Powerpoint and introduce participants to importing pictures into a slideshow.

Monday, September 22, 6 p.m. - Session 8: Microsoft Excel. This class will give a basic overview of Microsoft Excel and introduce participants to creating a spreadsheet.

Monday, September 29, 6 p.m. - Session 9: Introduction to the Internet. This class will cover how to use the internet and how to pick a browser that’Äôs right for you.

Wednesday, October 1, 6 p.m. - Session 10: Introduction to Internet Searching. Learn how to search the internet.

Monday, October 6, 6 p.m. - Session 11: Final Project. This class will help you work on your final project!

Tuesday, October 7, 6 p.m. - Session 12: Finishing Your Final Project/Graduation.

Regular Computer Classes

To sign up for computer classes, you must come to the library and pay a $5 deposit, which will be refunded to you when you attend the class. Refunds will not be given if cancellations are made LESS THAN 24 hours before the start of the class. Please observe the prerequisites for classes.

Tuesday, September 16, 10-11 a.m.
Using Price It! To Find Out the Value of Your Antiques and Collectibles
In this class participants will learn how to use the online resource Price It! to find and value antiques and collectibles. Prerequisite: Familiarity with a mouse, keyboard and the internet.

Monday, October 20, 6-7:30 p.m.
Introduction to MS Word
Participants will learn how to create, save and edit documents. The ins and outs of printing will also be covered. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of MS Windows, keyboard and mouse.

Wednesday, October 29, 6-7:30 p.m.
Introduction to Computers
This course will provide a general overview of using a PC. Little or no computer knowledge is required. Participants will learn the basic parts of a computer, as well as the proper use of basic computer functions such as: powering the computer on and off, using a mouse and keyboard, and highlighting, copying and pasting text.
Prerequisites: none.

Thursday, October 30, 10-11:30 a.m.
Introduction to MS Powerpoint
Learn how to create a PowerPoint presentation.
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of MS Windows, keyboard and mouse.

Monday, November 3, 6-7:30 p.m.
Introduction to Excel
Learn common uses for spreadsheets, Excel 2003 format, basic Excel functions and build a simple budget spreadsheet.
Prerequisite: basic knowledge of MS Windows, keyboard and mouse.

Wednesday, November 5, 10-11:30 a.m.
How to Blog
Participants in this class will start their own blog and learn how to add photographs and other items. A Gmail account must be set up BEFORE class in order to participate.
Prerequisites: Knowledge of mouse, keyboard and internet.

Wednesday, November 5, 6-7:30 p.m.
Introduction to Computers, Part II
This class will explore Windows, the computer operating system, as well as various programs. Participants will learn about the basic elements of Windows including common menus, toolbars and icons. A basic overview of Microsoft Word will provide participants with the skills to create, save and print documents, such as Word toolbars, and check spelling and grammar.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Computer course OR familiarity with using a keyboard and mouse (including highlighting, copying and pasting text) and using the basic elements of Windows operating system (common menus, toolbars, shortcuts.)

Wednesday, November 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
Introduction to the Internet
This could will provide participants with a variety of skills to navigate and search the World Wide Web. Topics covered will include basic web terminology, getting online by typing web addresses, identifying and using toolbar buttons on the Internet Explorer program, using search engines to find information and websites, and evaluating websites and online information.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Computers course or familiarity with the mouse, including highlighting, copying and pasting text.

Wednesday, November 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
Introduction to Email
This could will teach participants how to create and use a free Yahoo email account. Topics covered will including choosing a unique email address and password, composing and sending email messages, attaching files to email messages, reading and replying to incoming email and storing email addresses in a personal address book.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Computers course and Introduction to the Internet OR familiarity using a mouse and keyboard as well as getting online and entering web addresses.

ÔªøTuesday, December 9, 10-11:30 a.m.
POWER Library
Learn all the resources available through POWER Library, a suite of databases. Patrons need to bring their library cards along for this class.
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of MS Windows, keyboard and mouse.

Wednesday, December 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
Ebay Basics
In this course you will learn how to make online purchases as well as selling your products using Ebay.
Prerequisite: basic knowledge of MS Windows, keyboard and mouse.

Seniors...
Need Extra Computer Assistance?

Try these two options if you need individualized assistance with your computer questions:

Teen/Senior One-On-One Computer Tutoring - area teens volunteer their time to work with seniors one-on-one. Whether you need to learn how to set up an email account or learn the basics of Word, our teen volunteers can help! To sign up, ask at the circulation desk for the available time slots!