Technology Center at Princeton Public Library Fall 2013

TECHNOLOGY CLASSES AT PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY Fall, 2013

PRINCETON PUBLIC LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY CLASSES FALL, 2013

Princeton Public Library offers a variety of computer courses for the public. No registration required, unless otherwise indicated. Seating is first come, first seated and is limited. The second session of our two-part classes will be reserved for students who attended the first session. Class descriptions are online at www. princetonlibrary.org (click on Attend, then Technology). Classes are in the second floor Technology Center on our iMacs, unless otherwise indicated.

Skill Levels Novice: Student has no prior computer experience.

Basic: Student knows how to turn on a computer, operate a mouse and launch software.

Intermediate: In addition to basic skills, user can navigate various websites, multiple tabs, understand email applications, and download documents, music and photos.

Advanced: Student needs to have specific knowledge which is indicated in the class description.

Ongoing Assistance Ask the Mac Pros

Sept. 17 to Nov. 20 Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (9/17 and 9/24 from 5-6:30 p.m.)

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, 4-6 p.m. beginning 10/14 (No session Monday, Nov. 11.)

Drop by these sessions where members of the Princeton Madintosh Users Group will answer questions about Apple devices and help you get started on our iMacs.

NEW! Learn to Download our Digital Content

Sept. 19, Oct.17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Individual help with downloading material from our electronic collection is available by appointment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Thursday every month. Bring your device, sit down with us and get started accessing e-books, audiobooks or digital magazines. Visit the Reference desk to make an appointment (typically 30-minutes) or call 609.924.9529 ext. 220.

Refresh Your Resume and Job Search

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sharon Bancroft will discuss techniques to determine your strengths and improve your resume. She will provide resources and address considerations for interviews, recommendations, social media and networking. Students may bring a copy of their resume, but it’s not required. Skill Level: Basic

Lifelong Learners

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10-11 a.m.

Whether your interests are in literature, philosophy, math, language, music, art or elsewhere, the library offers many resources to guide you in your quest for knowledge. This class will cover online sites, our collections and library services for lifelong learners. Skill Level: Basic

NEW! Discover Evernote

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn about the cloud-based notepad that enables users to take note of anything from anywhere - including simple text notes, web pages, photographs and more. You can also take voice notes and load documents into Evernote. All your information is accessible from everywhere, and Evernote can be synced betwen multiple devices. Instructor: John LeMasney. Skill Level: Intermediate

LinkedIn Basics

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 12:30-2 p.m.

Get the basics of using LinkedIn for professional purposes with social media specialist Hilary Morris. We’ll look at the elements needed in your profile and how to use groups, discussions and searches to achieve results for business networking or job searching. A LinkedIn account should be established prior to the class. Skill Level: Basic

Microsoft Excel for Beginners

Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Session 1: Sept. 18.; Session 2: Sept. 25 Become familiar with Microsoft Excel 2011 for Mac with training expert Sharon Bancroft. This two-part course includes formatting cells and sheets, filling a series of data, creating formulas and charts, sorting and filtering in tables, linking cells, templates, repeating cells and working with header and footers. Skill Level: Basic

NEW! Learn to Download our Digital Content Thursday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

See Page 1 for full description.

NEW! Intro to New Visual Media: Instagram and Tumblr

Friday, Sept. 20, 1-2:30 p.m.

Learn the basic functionality of Instagram and Tumblr, two social networks that focus heavily on photography and micro-blogging. We’ll look at the elements needed in your profile, popular features and best practices for personal and business use. Instagram and Tumblr account should be established prior to the class. Instructor: Samantha Poliseno. Skill Level: Intermediate

Intro to Computers and the Internet

Mondays, 10-11 a.m., Session 1: Sept. 23, Session 2: Sept. 30 This two-part course will introduce the novice computer user to basic computer terminology, navigating the desktop, and opening and using software using the iMacs in the Tech Center. Students will also become familiar with searching the internet and improve basic search strategies. Skill Level: Novice

Wordpress Camp for Beginner Bloggers

Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., Session 1: Sept. 23, Session 2: Sept. 30 In this two-part course, learn how to start and manage your own blog for free through WordPress. Prior web design experience is not needed. Instructor: John LeMasney. Skill Level: Intermediate

NEW! Overview of Social Networking Sites

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10-11 a.m.

In this overview, you will learn the major features of Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn and ways that you can apply them in personal and professional settings. Skill Level: Basic

NEW! Introduction to Email

Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-5 p.m.

This introductory class covers the basics about email including how it works, where you get email service and how to communicate properly and safely online. Participants do not need an email account, and accounts will not be created during class. Skill Level: Basic

Mac Basics

Thursday, Sept. 26, 7-8:30 p.m.

Mac specialist, Caitlin Trought covers the basics of starting up a Mac, navigating the desktop and hard drive, and some of the settings. Skill Level: Basic

Public Relations for Small Business and Non-Profits

Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30-11 a.m.

Advertising and marketing can get your business noticed, but can also be expensive. Learn some basic, free ways to spread the word about your business or non-profit organization from press release writing to strategies for connecting with the local media. Instructor: Hilary Morris. Skill Level: Basic

Zinio: Explore the World of Digital Magazines

Hilary Morris

Friday, Sept. 27, 1-2 p.m.

Learn about Zinio, our downloadable collection of 70 popular magazines including Consumer Reports, Newsweek and National Geographic that you can read on your computer or device anytime, anywhere with no due dates. We offer a variety of subject areas including health, home, science and technology, news, cooking, parenting and crafts. We will also talk about what is available in our print collection and how to access magazines through our subscription databases. You must have a Princeton Public Library card to access Zinio. Please bring your laptop or device. Skill Level: Basic

Introduction to PowerPoint

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn to create professional presentations including how to add and arrange slides, enhance presentations with themes, create a slide show and edit objects and pictures. Skill Level: Basic

NEW! Creating a Facebook Account

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2-3 p.m.

Wondering if Facebook really is that fun and addictive? If you’re ready to take the leap, come learn how to create your very own Facebook account and be introduced to some popular features of this premier social media network. Participants should come prepared with a personal e-mail address as well as two digital photos to be used as profile and cover photos for the account (additional photos to be posted, optional). Skill Level: Basic

Media Crowdsourcing: The Newest Way to Gather the Best Ideas

Monday, Oct. 7, 9:30-11 Explore how to tap into the collective intelligence of the public for some of your business needs. This course will be tailored for those in business, the media, and other organizations who want to learn how to use social networks to get story ideas, sources and quotes, suggestions for improvement, funding, and more. Instructor: Hilary Morris. Skill Level: Intermediate

Introduction to Food Blogging

Monday, Oct. 7, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn to use WordPress to share photos, video, recipes, reviews and more about your passion for food. A delight in eating, talking about food, and sharing information about food are required, and some experience with websites is suggested, but not required. Instructor: John LeMasney. Skill level: Intermediate

NEW! Microsoft Word for Mac

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 10-11 a.m.

Learn the basics of Microsoft Word for Mac. This course will include opening a new document, learning how to change the font, size and color of text, adjusting the margins, changing the orientation of a document, saving a document and becoming familiar with other features on the Toolbar. Skill Level: Basic

NEW! Codecademy for Adults

Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Session 1: Oct. 9, Session 2: Oct. 16, Session 3: Oct. 23 Codecademy is a free, hands-on, cloud based learning community focused on helping people to learn languages like HTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript, and Python. Learn how this free resource can help you to master coding. Please attend all three sessions.

Instructor: John LeMasney. Skill Level: Intermediate

Online Dating Bootcamp

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2-3 p.m.

New to the digital dating game, or looking to brush up on your savvy? Learn online dating essentials picking the right site for you, creating a compelling profile, staying safe, and more - and discover a new world of romantic possibility. Skill level: Basic

iPhoto for Beginners

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 7-8:30 p.m.

You’ve taken lots of terrific photos, but do you know how to manage and share these memories in the digital age? In this introduction to iPhoto, you’ll learn how to move images from your camera or phone to your Mac, do some simple editing and share your photos. Instructor: Laura O”Neill. Skill Level: Basic

Learn to Download our Digital Content Thursday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

See Page 1 for full description.

Advanced Pinterest: Take Your Pinning To the Next Level

Saturday, Oct. 19, 10-11:30 a.m.

We’ll take an advanced look at this popular social network and discuss whether it’s where your business should be. The virtual inspiration boards you create on Pinterest can help drive traffic to your website and blog to help your brand connect with current and new customers in a fun way. The session will focus on group boards and how to cross promote Pinterest between social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Students should have a working knowledge of Pinterest. Instructor: Hilary Morris. Skill Level: Basic

Career Resources @ PPL

Monday, Oct. 21, 10-11 a.m.

Learn about the resources including a variety of databases that Princeton Public Library and other N.J. public libraries offer. The session will identify the best resources for resume and cover letter templates, online study tutorials for skill building, software tutorials, researching companies before interviewing and more. Skill Level: Basic

NEW! Raspberry Pi

Monday, Oct. 21, 7-8:30 p.m.

Raspberry Pi is a $35 computer that you can use to create artistic projects with interactive features, automate everyday tasks or get access to your movies, music and pictures with a media server. Learn about the things you can do with this affordable PC. Instructor: John LeMasney. Skill Level: Intermediate

List Items on eBay

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3-4 p.m.

This class will take you through all the steps: opening an account, researching price points, and listing your item. We will also discuss some tips for photography and descriptions. Skill Level: Basic

Apps for iPads, iPhones & Android Devices

Friday, Oct. 25, 10-11 a.m.

In this session, you’ll learn about apps for organizing, traveling, cooking and more. Skill Level: Basic

Zinio: Explore the World of Digital Magazines Tuesday Oct. 29, 10-11 a.m.

See Sept. 27 for full description.

Advanced iPhoto: Maximize Your Memories

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7-8:30 p.m.

In this class for those who have mastered the basics, some of iPhoto’s more powerful features, including the advanced editing tools, slideshow-iTunes integration, and face recognition will be explored. During a portion of the class time, students will be able to practice their new skills, so bring some photos.

Instructor: Laura O’Neill. Skill Level: Intermediate

NEW! Intro to New Visual Media: Instagram and Tumblr Wednesday, Oct. 30, 7-8:30 p.m.

See Sept. 20 for full description.

NEW! Introducing Arduino

Monday, Nov. 4, 7-8:30 p.m.

Arduino is an open source hardware project that allows you to quickly learn about electronics and sensors. Because of the rich community of users who share what they know and availability in local stores like RadioShack, Arduino lowers the threshold of entry into the world of electronics programming. Learn how to get started with this powerful platform. Skill Level: Intermediate

Public Relations for Small Business and Non-Profits Tuesday, Nov. 5, 9:30-11 a.m.

See Sept. 27 for full description.

Microsoft Excel for Beginners

Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Session 1: Nov. 5; Session 2: Nov. 12 See Sept.18 for full description.

Tools to Create Infographics

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.

In this session, John LeMasney shows you how to make interesting, sharable graphics that help you make your point. We’ll look at some examples of great infographics, recreate one or two, and then use what you learned to make an original personal infographic that might be the next viral hit on Pinterest, Facebook and everywhere else. Skill Level: Intermediate

NEW! Beyond Mac Basics

Saturday, Nov. 9,10-11:30 a.m.

This class is for those who are comfortable navigating the Mac but want to know more. Topics include using Safari, burning CDs, zipping files and more. Instructor: Caitlin Trought. Skill Level: Intermediate

iMovie for Beginners

Thursday, Nov. 14, 1-2:30 p.m.

Are your video memories trapped on your phone, camera or SD card?

This introduction to Apple’s iMovie application will cover topics such as importing movie files, organizing your clips and simple editing.

Instructor: Laura O’Neill. Skill Level: Basic

Zinio: Explore the World of Digital Magazines Monday, Nov. 18, 2-3 p.m.

See Sept. 27 for full description.

NEW! Introduction to Website Usage Statistics (Site Analytics)

Session 1: Monday, Nov. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.; Session 2: Monday, Nov. 25, 7-8:30 p.m.

Site analytics is the capture of detailed web-site traffic information about your web site visitors. By installing an analytics tool on your web site, you can learn a great deal about who is visiting your site including how they got there and why they came. Learn how to use various analytics tools to find out more about why people value your site and how you can offer more of that value. Skill Level: Intermediate

Pinterest 101

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 10-11 a.m.

Discover Pinterest.com, the popular social networking site where users create virtual bulletin boards of information and images found on the Internet. In this introductory class, you will create a Pinterest account of your own and learn the ins and outs of this very fun and addictive site. Skill Level: Basic

Intro to Computers and the Internet

Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Session 1: Nov. 19; Session 2: Nov. 26 See Sept. 23 for full description.

Refresh Your Resume and Job Search Tuesday, Nov. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

See Sept. 10 for full description.

NEW! Learn to Download our Digital Content

Thursday, by appointment, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

See Sept. 19 for full description.

iPhone 101

Thursday, Nov. 21, 7-8:30 p.m.

Learn the basics of your new iPhone from making phone calls, texting, taking pictures, downloading apps, and more. This class will also be helpful to new owners of the iPad since the Operating System on the iPhone and iPad are the same. Skill Level: Basic.

Instructor: Caitlin Trought

NEW! Introduction to Email Monday, Dec. 2, 10-11 a.m.

See Sept. 26 for full description.

NEW! Graphic Design for Non-Designers

Monday, Dec. 2, 7-8:30 p.m.

This workshop covers the foundations of design principles, key (free) tools for design and illustration, and sources for inspiration to help you create the best visual solution for your particular needs.Learn about color theory, typography, layout and more. Instructor: John LeMasney. Skill Level: Intermediate

Gadgets for Holiday Giving

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7-8 p.m.

Doug Dixon returns to the library for his annual roundup of tempting new gadgets for holiday gift-giving.

Discover what the hot sellers will be and discuss the latest in tech trends with Dixon, an independent technology consultant, author, and speaker specializing in digital media and portable devices. Community Room

LinkedIn Basics

Saturday, Dec. 7, 10-11:30 a.m.

See Sept. 17 for full description.

Apps for iPads, iPhones and Android Devices Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10-11 a.m.

See Oct. 25 for full description.

NEW! Learn to Download our Digital Content

Thursday, Dec. 19, by appointment, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

See Page 1 for full description.

iPad 101

Saturday, Dec. 28, 10-11:30 a.m.

For those with a new iPad or who just want to see what the device can do, this class, taught by Mac specialist Caitlin Trought, covers its basic operation and some fun apps. Skill Level: Basic

For more information about technology classes, please visit the online events calendar at www.princetonlibrary.org