About Me

We are volunteers teaching computer skills at North Shore Senior Center, Northfield, Illinois. Our 30-plus volunteers are passionate about teaching computer skills in a friendly, cost-effective environment. Get more information at www.nssc.org/

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Halloween Day

Today we taught "File Organization Tips."  This is a great workshop that helps students organize the file structure on their own computers.  We teach the strategies that will save them many hours over the long term.  As you can see from the pictures below, it was pretty scary in our computer lab today.  Tomorrow, November 1st, we have a Staff Class in the morning, and in the afternoon we have a two-hour workshop on how to use a digital camera.

The devil made us do it.


We didn't have the usual coaches today.

This is a drawing of the Man in the Moon -- or is it a picture of a hard disc--or  a pizza.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Here are pictures from a Staff Class we gave on 10/30/2012.  In addition to the 100 classes we offer to students each year, we offer class to North Shore Senior Center Staff.  This afternoon, we will offer the final class of Beyond Boot Camp.

Jim--Head of IT at the Center


George --Dancing or Teaching?

Monica - Our "savior."  She loves Tater-Tots, too.

Dixie - our Coordinator makes sure we have everything we need for our classes.

Mary - Head of Lifelong Learning at the Center.

Glenna --Our "go to" gal!


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Fall Trimester 2012 Computer Class Schedule


Computer Learning Center

  

Northfield Computer Program Calendar

September through December 2012

 

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR COURSES IN THE LIFE LONG LEARNING CENTER OR AT WWW.NSSC.ORG

(The order of the courses/workshops below is by the starting date.)

 

It is essential that each student understand the importance of observing the prerequisite requirements of each class so that you will have the necessary computer skills to succeed.

 

Computer Assistance

A group of volunteers is available weekly to answer your computer questions, try to resolve your computer problems, and help you with a computer course you may be taking.  Have a question about your laptop?  Bring it in and we will help you learn more about it.  This is an open lab so you can practice as long as you would like.  Availability of computers is on a first come, first served basis. Lab computers are PC’s.  We have capability for smartphones, e-readers and tablet-computers and, on a

limited basis, help with Apple computers as well.

No Computer Assistance on September 21 and November 23.

Fri           9/7-12/21            14 sessions 10am-12pm

No fee   NF1843A

 

Computer Users Group

Join us for this get-together of men and women who use computers and have questions and/or answers to share.  Also, listen to presentations on a variety of informative computer subjects.  The club meets the third Friday of every month.  Nielsen Campus or Premier membership required to participate.  No Computer Users Group on September 21.

Fri           10/19-12/21 3 sessions   2-4pm

No fee   NF1223A

 

Introduction to Photo Editing

Mel Schwartz, Instructor

Using Photoshop Elements 9, learn the basics of improving your photos, whether taken with a digital camera or a film camera.  Topics covered include cropping, correcting brightness, contrast, color, sharpening, eliminating “red eye,” and resizing and printing the corrected photos.  Basic techniques are introduced for selecting only a part of a picture for correction.  No class on September 25.

Tues       9/4-10/2              4 sessions            1-3pm

$35 member; $45 non-member   NF4063A

 


 

Boot Camp for New Computer Users

Herb Goldstein, Instructor; George Lowman, Instructor; Gene Chodash, Instructor

Designed for the brand new computer user, this hands-on workshop introduces you to the mouse, keyboard, navigation, terminology, and other basics.  This class will provide the pre-requisite skills needed to enroll and succeed in other computer courses.  Let us show you how to start up the computer and make using it fun.  No previous experience necessary.

Wed       9/5-9/19              3 sessions            10am-12pm

$25 member; $30 non-member   NF4273A

 

Apple’s iPhone: An Overview

Stanley Schwab, Instructor

Apple’s iPhone: An Overview

Day 1 will be devoted to getting your iPhone set up with the correct software and settings and connecting to iTunes for backup and content management.  Day 2 will cover using basic apps for browsing, email, calendars, eBooks, music, photos, and maps.  Learn what applications come free with the iPhone and see how applications are purchased and downloaded.  Please bring iPhone and battery charger with cord to class in order to participate.

Wed       9/5-9/12              2 sessions            1-3pm

$20 member; $25 non-member   NF4763A

 

North Shore Senior Center Website Overview

George Lowman, Instructor

This workshop takes you on a tour of North Shore Senior Center’s website.  Even those who have used the website for a long time will be amazed at how much useful information is available on the website.  You will easily find all the programs, services, and events offered at the Center.

Thurs     9/6         1-3pm

No fee   NF4513A

 

Access Your Public Library via the Internet

Mel Schwartz, Instructor

Learn how to search the card catalog, check when your books are due, renew books and put them on hold, receive email notifications, get help from librarians, use information databases, access newspaper archives, download audio books and e-books, and more.

Mon       9/10       10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4773A

 

Smilebox: An Online Photo Album

Sandy Elbaum, Instructor

Smilebox is a picture album program that you can download to your computer for free.  Smilebox makes it easy to create an online photo album by choosing from hundreds of specialized designs for unique occasions (such as birthdays, family gatherings, vacations) and personalizing them with your photos, music, and captions, and then sharing them via email.  Bring your photos to class on a camera disk and be amazed at what a creative album you can share with family and friends.

Thurs     9/13       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF9573A

 







Introduction to Genealogy

Kathie Heidenfelder, Instructor

Ever wonder about those who came before you in your family line, and how to preserve information you have obtained from family members?  With the internet, all countries’ family histories are available to you.  This is a basic course showing how you get started in the research of your family history and some of the internet sites that can be invaluable help in your task.  Hands on computer research will be used in this course.

Wed       9/19       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4403A

 

Backing Up Your Computer

George Lowman, Instructor; Herb Goldstein, Instructor

Much of the important information in your life is now stored on a computer.  Whether it’s photos, music, business documents, or financial records, nearly everything is digital.  With this workshop, discover how to back up all your files securely so you can be sure your digital life will always be there when you need it.

Thurs     9/20       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4593A

 

Keeping Your Email Organized

Herb Goldstein, Instructor

You have been using email for some time now, but things are getting messy.  How do you get all your email organized?  And how do you deal with all that annoying junk mail?  This class teaches you helpful email skills, including how to send and receive messages and how to use your email address book.  Class examples use Gmail, but principles and techniques can be applied to any email service.  Students must be familiar with using a computer and email.

Tues       10/2       10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4713A

 

Boot Camp for New Computer Users

Herb Goldstein, Instructor; George Lowman, Instructor; Gene Chodash, Instructor

Designed for the brand new computer user, this hands-on workshop introduces you to the mouse, keyboard, navigation, terminology, and other basics.  No previous experience necessary.  This class will provide the pre-requisite skills needed to enroll and succeed in other computer courses.  Let us show you how to start up the computer and make using it fun.  No previous experience necessary.

Wed       10/3-10/17 3 sessions     1-3pm

$25 member; $30 non-member   NF4273B

 

Apple’s iPad: An Overview

Day 1 will be devoted to getting your iPad set up with the correct software, settings, and connections to iTunes for backup and content management.  Day 2 will cover using basic apps for browsing, email, calendars, eBooks, music, photos, and maps.  Learn what applications come free with the iPad and see how applications are purchased and downloaded.  Please bring your iPad and battery charger with cord to class.  This class meets twice, meeting on October 4 and 11; class length varies on each day.

Thurs     10/4       1-3pm

Thurs     10/11    1-3pm

$20 member; $25 non-member   NF4633A

 


 

Intermediate Photo Editing

Mel Schwartz, Instructor

Learn additional Photoshop Elements 9 techniques, blemish correction, removing unwanted objects from pictures, combining parts of different pictures, manipulating color, coloring black and white pictures, artistic effects, drawing tools, and more.  Learn to use layers to give you more control of the photo editing process.  Pre-requisite: Introduction to Photo Editing or instructor permission.

Mon       10/8-10/29 4 sessions     10am-12pm

$35 member; $45 non-member   NF4173A

 

Tips, Tricks, & How to Click Right

Herb Goldstein, Instructor

Learn the use of the right mouse button to safely drop and drag, explore pop-up menus, create shortcuts, explore the task bar, and many other useful actions that the left mouse button cannot do.  This is a lecture and demonstration course for Windows 7, Vista, and XP.

Tues       10/9       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4263A

 

Keeping Your Email Organized

Herb Goldstein, Instructor

You have been using email for some time now, but things are getting messy.  How do you get all your email organized?  And how do you deal with all that annoying junk mail?  This class teaches you helpful email skills, including how to send and receive messages and how to use your email address book.  Class examples use Gmail, but principles and techniques can be applied to any email service.  Students must be familiar with using a computer and email.

Thurs     10/11    10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4713B

 

Beyond Boot Camp

Gene Chodash, Instructor; George Lowman, Instructor; Herb Goldstein, Instructor

Beginning computer users will improve skills in Word Processing, E-Mail, and the Internet.  We will reinforce skills that were introduced in Computer Boot Camp.  This course will help you to enjoy using your computer more effectively.

Tues       10/16-10/30 3 sessions   1-3pm

$25 member; $30 non-member   NF4533A

 

Save Money on Travel:

Finding Great Travel Deals on the Internet

Gene Chodash, Instructor

The Internet has a trove of information and travel deals waiting to be discovered.  Find low cost airfare, hotels, cruises, and rental cars.  Book your own flights.  Discover where to eat and what sites to see.  Choose a time and destination and we will help you plan your vacation.  This course explores the travel-related Internet sites, and what questions you should ask about your travel needs.  Basic Internet knowledge is required.  This is both a demonstration and hands-on course.

Thurs     10/18    1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4303A

 





 

Genealogy: Part 2

Kathie Heidenfelder, Instructor

If you have taken the Introduction to Genealogy course, then this Part 2 is for you.  Or if you have a working knowledge of the research methods, this is also for you.  Usage of the computer will be important in this course, and various forms of information recording and maintenance will be introduced.  Some of the software packages available for the purpose of information storage will be explained.

Wed       10/24    1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4563A

 

The Magic of Cut, Copy, and Paste

Herb Goldstein, Instructor; George Lowman, Instructor

Name three words that enhance your life.  (No, not “Eat, Pray, Love”)  The correct answer is “Cut, Copy, and Paste.”  Improve your computing skills by learning new tricks and shortcuts that are useful in many applications, including word processing, e-mail, and surfing the Internet.

Thurs     10/25    10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4503A

 

How to Use Your Digital Camera

Gene Chodash, Instructor

This two-session course will allow each student to gain hands-on experience in composing pictures, taking action and night pictures, and transferring pictures from your camera to computer.  Finally, learn to edit and print your pictures with Picasa.  Bring to class your camera, the instruction manual, and USB connection cord.

Thurs     10/25-11/1 2 sessions     1-3pm

$20 member; $25 non-member   NF4483A

 

File Organization Tips for Your Computer

George Lowman, Instructor; Herb Goldstein, Instructor

This workshop will help you master Folder and File Management by using recommended practices and tips to better manage and organize your computer files.  With easy to identify folders, you’ll quickly find your pictures, recipes, letters, and other computer files.  Does no more “Lost Files” sound good to you?

Wed       10/31    10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4573A

 

Flyers, Newsletters, and Brochures

Mel Schwartz, Instructor

Learn how to use Microsoft Word to create and insert mastheads, text boxes, inserts, sidebars headers, footers, photos, clip art, collages, watermarks and more to make flyers, newsletters, and brochures look finished and professional.

Mon       11/5       10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4813A

 


 

Buying a New Computer

Stanley Schwab, Instructor

Considering buying a new computer?  This class will prepare you with everything you need to know before making this important purchase.  Learn about operating systems, CD/DVD readers/writers, graphic cards, hard disk drives, RAM memory, and much more.  We will discuss desktops and laptops in their different formats including integrated PCs like Apple’s iMAC.  This class will empower you to select a computer that will give you a long-lasting, rewarding, and trouble-free experience.

Mon       11/5       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4123A

 

Create Mailing Address Lists

Bob Smith, Instructor

The need to hand address envelopes has been eliminated!  You can now create lists on your computer and print them right on envelopes or labels.  Using Microsoft Excel, you will learn how to prepare mailing lists and address labels for holiday cards and party invitations.  Addresses are stored in the computer and can be updated as needed.  A great time saver!

Tues       11/6       10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4793A

 

Word Processing for Beginners

George Lowman, Instructor; Herb Goldstein, Instructor; Gene Chodash, Instructor

Learn to use Microsoft Office 2007 Word to write letters, newsletters, and essays.  The course will cover using menus and toolbars, techniques to rearrange and correct your writing and printing your work, changing fonts, color, size, and style of the characters, and changing spacing of lines, paragraphs, and margins.  Learn how to insert pictures and clipart and  make posters, greeting cards, and mailing labels mailing labels

Tues       11/6-11/20 3 sessions     1-3pm

$25 member; $30 non-member   NF4023A

 

Twitter and Facebook

George Lowman, Instructor

Learn the answer to this and many other questions about Social Media in this overview of what’s new, what’s true, and what you should do about Social Media.  “Social Media,” you ask.  “What’s that?”  It’s Video and YouTube, blogging, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Flicker.  Everyday there’s something new.  Be cool.  Learn what’s new.

Wed       11/7       10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4723A

 

Computer Housekeeping

Gene Chodash, Instructor

Performing routine “housekeeping” tasks can help your computer run more efficiently.  Learn how to scan your disc, get rid of temporary internet files and other temporary files, clean out the “My Documents” folder and other folders where information gets stored, defragment your hard drive, and other useful tips to keep your computer running smoothly.

Wed       11/7       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4203A

 


 

Flash Drives: Mysteries Revealed

George Lowman, Instructor; Herb Goldstein, Instructor

Learn the proper use of this wonderful storage tool, also called a Memory Stick or Thumb drive.  Save files and back up your home computer.  There will be demonstrations of proper use and typical applications.  You will also have hands-on work in class and learn valuable information on saving your important documents or images files safely.  Plus, the proper method in removing the flash drive will be revealed.

Thurs     11/8       10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4473A

 

Freecycle.org: Getting Rid of Clutter

Sandy Elbaum, Instructor

Freecycle.org is a website that allows you to post things you want to get rid of or get things you need—for free!  Freecycle.org combines the words “recycle” and “free.”  It was created to keep useful things out of landfill and give someone a chance to give your discarded object a new life.  In this workshop, you’ll learn how to join in the community you live, and post your offers or items wanted.

Thurs     11/8       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4653A

 

Email Photo Attachments

Bill Geary, Instructor

Learn how to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a computer, how to scan old photos, search the internet for photos and other methods to get pictures into your computer.  Finally, learn how to compose an email and select/attach one or more photos.  Note: This is not a photo-editing course.

Wed       11/14    10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4253A

 

Smilebox: An Online Photo Album

Sandy Elbaum, Instructor

Smilebox is a picture album program that you can download to your computer for free.  Smilebox makes it easy to create an online photo album by choosing from hundreds of specialized designs for unique occasions (such as birthdays, family gatherings, vacations) and personalizing them with your photos, music, and captions, and then sharing them via email.  Bring your photos to class on a camera disk and be amazed at what a creative album you can share with family and friends.

Wed       11/14    1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF9573B

 

 

Fun on the Internet

Herb Goldstein, Instructor; George Lowman, Instructor

Experience hands-on surfing the Internet and exploring 100 of the most popular sites.  We will look at websites such as banking, cooking, sports, weather, medical, prescription drugs, and almost anything else you can imagine.  Often times you find something really interesting and want to share with friends.  We’ll also show you how to copy the website address and email it to someone.

Thurs     11/15    10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4083A

 


 

Make Your Scanner Work for You

Gene Chodash, Instructor

Is your scanner just sitting and waiting for you to use it?  In this demonstration course, you will learn how to set up and use your own scanner.  There will be an opportunity to scan a photo or document as well.

Thurs     11/15    1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4433A

 

Scanning and Organizing your Documents

Steve Rosengard, Instructor

Are you tired of bulging file cabinets and difficulty finding documents?  Why not scan and organize these documents?  Learn how to scan and organize all of your receipts, documents, and photographs in an organized secure environment.  Just imagine being able to locate and print those important documents and pictures.  All of this is with a scanner in the comfort of your home.

Tues       11/27    10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4743A

 

Create a DVD Slideshow for Family Events

George Lowman, Instructor

Learn the steps to make a DVD to show pictures at a Wedding, Funeral, Bar Mitzvah, or any event you would like.  This is also an easy way to make gift CD’s for your family

Wed       11/28    10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4803A

 

Beyond Boot Camp

Gene Chodash, Instructor; George Lowman, Instructor; Herb Goldstein, Instructor

Beginning computer users will improve skills in Word Processing, E-Mail, and the Internet.  We will reinforce skills that were introduced in Computer Boot Camp.  This course will help you to enjoy using your computer more effectively.

Thurs     11/29-12/13 3 sessions   1-3pm

$25 member; $30 non-member   NF4533B

 

SKYPE: Get Connected

George Lowman, Instructor; Herb Goldstein, Instructor

With Skype, you can make FREE voice and video calls over the Internet.  Stay connected with family and friends.  Use the computers in our Learning Center, or bring in your own laptop with video-mic capability or webcam.  Cool stuff!

Tues       12/4       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4463A

 

Freecycle.org: Getting Rid of Clutter

Sandy Elbaum, Instructor

Freecycle.org is a website that allows you to post things you want to get rid of or get things you need—for free!  Freecycle.org combines the words “recycle” and “free.”  It was created to keep useful things out of landfill and give someone a chance to give your discarded object a new life.  In this workshop, you’ll learn how to join in the community you live, and post your offers or items wanted.

Wed       12/5       1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4653B


 

Email: Learn much more than you already know

George Lowman, Instructor

You already know how to send and receive mail, but there is so much more you can do with email.  We’ll cover how to set up groups, how to manage junk and spam, how to make folders, and a bunch of other cool tips that will make your email life more manageable.

Thurs     12/6       10am-12pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4643A

 

Create a Great Password (and remember it, too!)

George Lowman, Instructor

Passwords are your primary defense in protecting your computer, the data on your computer and your piece of mind.  Do you try to make a stronger password and your computer says it’s still too weak?  This workshop will teach you how to make great, secure passwords.

Tues       12/11    1-3pm

$10 member; $15 non-member   NF4823A

 

 

North Shore Senior Center - Computer Classes
October 29 through November 2


Computer Classes,

Workshops & Activities

Week of October 29 to November 2, 2012

 

Monday, October 29            


       10:00 a.m. to Noon          Intermediate Photo Editing

 

Tuesday, October 30


       8:40 to 9:40                    Excel for Staff

       1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.            Beyond Boot Camp – Session 3

                                     

Wednesday, October 31  


       10:00 a.m. to Noon.         File Organization Tips

                                     

 

Thursday, November 1


9:30 a.m. to 11:00           NSSC Identity for Staff       (Pub. & Word)

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.            How to Use Your Digital Camera

       

 Friday, November 2         


       10:00 a.m. to Noon          Computer Assistance 

       

 

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

We are going to blog about the courses and activities hosted by North Shore Senior Center's Computer Learning Center.

This afternoon (10/24) we are teaching Genealogy Part 2, and tomorrow (10/25) we have two courses: 1.) at 10:00 a.m. "The Magic of Cut, Copy and Past and 2.) How to Use you Digital Camera at 2:00 p.m.

North Shore Senior Center
www.nssc.org