Computer Classes

2010 COMPUTER TRAINING SCHEDULE

No matter what your skill level with computers, we have a class for you! Our hands-on computer training is led by skilled instructors, and is conducted at the Traverse City Senior Center. Our Senior Center has all new computers, compliments of Carol Brown, who teaches here at the Senior Center, and all have internet access. Photo of computer lab

To ensure students receive personal attention and plenty of time for questions and answers, classes are limited to 9 students. Each student will have their own fast and reliable computer to use during class, and handouts are provided in the class. There is a brief description of the regular classes below the schedule. New classes are added all the time.

The fee for classes is $25 for members, and $40 for non-members. Classes run from 9 am to Noon, and Reservations are required. Our classes fill up fast, so make sure to book your seat today! Please call or stop by the Traverse City Senior Center for more information, or to register for classes.

Carol Brown also gives private instructions to members, by appointment, for $35 per hour.

To be sure you're in the right class for your skills, please review the levels below:

Level 1 - Computer Basics I; no computer knowledge needed
Level 2 - Basic II - computer skills, or the Computer Basics class needed for this level
Level 3 - Word processing skills or class needed for this level
Level 4 - Internet basics (class or skills) needed for this level
Level 5 - Search engines, advanced computer skills required

Intro to Computers - This class is designed for people looking to buy a new computer (or their first computer), beginners who want to learn about computers or for anyone who would like a refresher on the basics. It is a hands-on class that takes you through the basic skills needed to effectively use your computer. We begin with a basic understanding of the parts of a computer and finish with practice in the use of some of the basic programs.

Windows Basics - This class is designed for any level of computer user who needs to know more about their computer. Most of us use a computer for one or two things, whether at work or at home. This class is structured to fill in the gaps in our computer knowledge. We explain how things work and how to get the computer to work for you, in basic terms. Learn about the control panel, networking, RAM, drives (internal and external), backing up data, and more!

Word I - Word processing is an invaluable tool when using the computer. Microsoft Word becomes your typewriter letting you create letters, faxes, flyers, signs, books and much more! Learn how to enter data, format text, align text, page numbers, printing and saving. We cover the basic skill set for using a Word Processor. For this class a basic knowledge of computers or our Intro to Computer class is needed. Microsoft Word is used, but skills can be applied to other word processors including Word Perfect and Wordpad.

Internet Basics - Learn how to use the Internet for fun, work or research. Find out what is available online for marketing yourself or your business. These extraordinary tools, allow you to reach your neighbor or around the world usually for little or no cost. If you are not taking advantage of the New Internet, you are missing out!

In this class we will create and work on networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn! Learn how to do research using sites including Wikipedia, Google and Bing. Learn how to use the free email and calendar functions of Gmail. We will show you how to share your calendar with others privately and publicly. Learn how to create and maintain a website using portfolio hosting. We will create and update a simple site using the Impactfolios website. This is the perfect class for someone who is used to browsing the web or sending email, but is ready for more!

NOTE! Access to email and an active email address is needed for this class. To register for social networking sites, you must have an active email that you can check during class. We will be creating a Gmail account at the beginning of class. If you already have an email account that you can access via a web browser, make sure to bring user name & password information to class.

Come to our 3 hour class and get started on Facebook. This is a hands-on class, and we will start out by setting up your Facebook site, show you how to upload a profile picture, how to add photo albums, how to write on a wall, how to send messages, some of the more popular applications (like social calendar), how to become a member of a group and more!

Carol S. Brown has worked and trained in the computer industry for over 11 years. She has conducted computer classes for companies including Compaq Computers, Best Data, and LinkSys; and for federal agencies including the General Services Administration, USGS, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.