Library Computer Classes

Happy spring! As we welcome the warmer weather, the Public Computing staff would like to update you on upcoming courses for the season. Check out these classes in April, May, and beyond:

Basic Computing 1 alternating Wednesdays (next is 4/15), 5-6pm

Our introductory class is designed to be a supportive learning enviornment for patrons who are totally new to computers. This course covers the fundamental skills necessary to get a handle in the computing world, including identifying the basic parts of the computer and their most common functions.

Basic Computing 2 alternating Wednesdays (next is 4/22), 5-6pm

Are you beginning to familiarize yourself with computers, and ready to take your knowledge a little further? In this class, patrons will apply the skills learned in level one to creating word documents and navigating the Internet. Prerequisite: Basic Computing 1 or equivalent experience

Intro to Gmail Wednesdays 4/15 & 5/9, 3-4pm

Gmail is Google’s highly customizable and easily navigable email service. This class focuses on email basics and is intended for patrons who have not yet registered for an email address. Participants will be guided through creating accounts, and then we’ll cover the ins and outs of sending, reading, and attaching files to email messages. Prerequisite: Basic Computing 2 or equivalent experience

Online Job Searching Wednesdays 4/22 & 5/16, 3-4:30pm

Finding a new job is stressful enough, but as more and more employers are advertising job openings online, learning to use the Internet for your search can be overwhelming. The main goal of this course is to acquaint patrons with popular job search engines and introduce the tools necessary for a productive job hunt. We’ll also take a quick look at Optimal Resume, a résumé-building service available to PPL cardholders. Prerequisite: Basic Computing 2 or equivalent experience

One-on-One Tutoring Fridays 12:30, 1:00 and 1:30

Whether you’re struggling to master social media, have a question about downloading ebooks, or want help practicing some basic computer skills, our half-hour tutoring sessions might be the place to turn! If you have your own computer or tablet, feel free to bring it in; otherwise, we can work together on one of the library’s laptops.

All current computer classes at PPL are:

• free and open the community
• taught on laptops running Windows 7
• stand-alone, one-time classes, though prerequisites may apply to some
• limited to six people and require registration to guarantee a spot

To sign up for any of these classes or a tutoring session, call 871-1700 ext. 708 or stop by the Public Computing desk. We plan to expand our offerings in the near future, and are always glad to hear from you if there is something you’d like to see added to the list.

-Hazel