Digital Photos Class Review

I completed the 3-week digital photo “boot camp” and have to say it was a curate’s egg. The first class focused on hooking the camera up and transferring photos. That one went over well and I think the students were very pleased with it. Everyone brought their cameras and transferred a photo to My Pictures. [...]

How to Hook Non-Web People on 2.0

I taught a class not long ago called “Getting Organized Online”.  The idea was to show the various Google apps and how they can help one get, well, organized.  I showed Calendar, Reader and Google Docs.  Everyone flipped over Calendar and how easy it is to use.  Everyone oohed and aahed over Reader, although I’m [...]

Blogging Class

I finally got a turn-out for a class on blogging.  8 people showed up to take a 90-minute Blogging 101 class here at the library, and while I doubt any of them are going to keep at it, they all seemed pretty happy when they left.  I organized the class so that I gave a [...]

The Slow Evolution of Computer Classes

When Computers in Libraries concluded this year I was all gung-ho for overhauling my library system’s computer classes.  We’re still offering Mouse Skills and Internet Basics, and the ocassional advanced Excel or Word class.  I had, previously, tried offering more fun classes like blogging and advanced searching, but had gotten no turn-out at all.  My [...]

Keyboard Shortcuts

I was teaching a beginner’s Excel class this morning that finished a little early.  So I decided why not just toss out a bit about keyboard short-cuts.  I adore teaching keyboard shortcuts!  They are these little gems that instantly cement the teacher’s role as expert.  I wrote about how I need to find a way [...]

The Mystery of Excel’s Popularity

Every month I teach between 3 and 4 computer classes for the public.  Usually one will be on mouse skills, and then the rest rotate between email, Word, internet basics, job searching and Excel.  For some reason, the Excel classes are always packed.  I mean, 9 people signed up and 5 on the wait list.  [...]