WELCOME SPRING!

Computer Classes for 2013 Are Here!!

Register: first come, first serve, limited space.

The Town of Ballston Community Library offers various computer classes and we are pleased to announce even more for Spring.  Classes are free unless otherwise noted.  For a small printing fee, handouts may be available for patrons to retain for future reference.  Registration is required and space is limited.  To register, please stop by or call the library at 518-399-8174. ext 2.  Fliers will also available at the Library.

There are a limited number of laptops for use during the sessions.  Space is limited; register early and call us to confirm attendance.

Unless noted otherwise, classes are instructed by Kathy Grecco, Library Technician.  The Instructor has over 18 years of teaching at the college level as well as one-on-one training, tutoring, and computer instruction for Federal, Local, State and Non-Profit Organizations since 1990.  The Library will also often bring in instructors proficient in a number of areas to provide patrons with varying degrees of knowledge and experiences.

Due to an increased demand for seats in the classes, we ask that you provide the Library with at least 48 hours notice should you need to cancel to avoid being removed from all registration for that session.  A waiting list will be maintained and patrons will be contacted via phone as seats open up. Our goal is to both allow as many patrons as possible access to the training they are looking for and maintain a good teacher to student ratio.

We strongly encourage you to let us know of any PC topics that may be of interest to you.  Should we receive a sufficient number of registrants, we are open to additional, new or expanded classes.  You can email your suggestions to kgrecco@sals.edu for consideration.                        

 Course Levels

Absolute Beginners – Individual has not used mouse or keyboard or personal computer; someone who needs a refresher in a particular topic; someone looking for a slow-paced class; someone looking for one-on-one assistance during the class; class sizes are kept smaller.

Beginners – Individual has used a personal computer, mouse, and keyboard but is not completely comfortable with the topic being covered; preparation for Intermediate or Advanced level classes; less one-on-one assistance during class but more direct hands-on practice.

Intermediate – For those who have been using computers for some time and are looking to enhance their current skills or learn new ones; has understanding of opening/closing applications and saving/retrieving files.  Knowledge of the Internet and basic typing skills already in place.

Advanced – User is comfortable with using computers and printers; user has understanding of computer terminology including menus, commands, ribbons, managing files and working online.  Advanced courses will be designed to provide users with specific, in-depth aspects of various applications (particularly for Microsoft Office Applications).

Course Overview

Common Computer Concepts:

An overview of computer concepts used across applications and the internet such as opening, closing, saving, copy, cut, paste, move, sizing, printing and other frequently performed tasks.   A basic working knowledge of the computer is expected. (Beginner/Intermediate Level)

Computer Lab:

This class is for any patron that has taken a class with the library and either wants to practice tasks previously learned, or has questions on any previous classes.  The Lab is an excellent opportunity to bring in a question/file relevant to your work or personal use that you would like to troubleshoot.  (All Levels)

Downloading eBooks:

Bring your Kindle, Nook or IPad to learn how to download books from the Library onto your device.  (All Levels)

EBay:

Learn the basics of selling on ebay in this upbeat, instructional class offered by a local resident and registered ebay Powerseller. Topics will include registering an ebay and paypal account, importance of feedback and building your sales reputation, the “How-To” of listing an item (photos, description, and pricing), best shipping practices, and completing your sale. (Beginner/Intermediate Level)

Facebook:

Thinking of joining the most popular social network in the world?  Not sure where to start and what to do without the whole world knowing your business?  This basic overview will give you the insight you need to set up a basic, safe site to communicate with friends and family.  A basic working knowledge of the computer is expected.  (Beginner Level)

File Management:

Introduction to arranging your files on the computer and other storage devices through the Windows 7 Operating System.  We will look at naming files, folders and libraries and the differences between them.  An overview of “where” things on your computer are or can be stored will be discussed.  (Beginner/Intermediate Level)

Google Apps:

Take a look at the many things Google offers including email, Google maps, Google documents, a Search Engine and the browser Chrome.  (Beginner/Intermediate Level)

i-Can!:

For the new i-Pad user – how it can enhance everyday life – at the grocery store, in the kitchen, and at the library. What it can and can’t do, best apps, borrowing books, accessibility options, cameras and more. (Beginner Level)

Introduction to Computers for Absolute Beginners: 

A very basic look at the PC designed for users just learning about turning the unit on and off, using a mouse and keyboard and viewing the desktop.  Hands on practice is emphasized. (Absolute Beginner Level)

Microsoft ACCESS 2010 Level 1:

An introduction to using Microsoft Access to create, modify and update database tables.  An understanding of computer use (keyboard and mouse) and word processing is needed prior to this course. (Beginner/Intermediate Level)

Microsoft ACCESS  2010Level 2: 

Using Microsoft Access to create, modify and run queries.  An understanding of computer use and the topics covered in ACCESS Level 1 is requested for those attending this class. (Beginner/Intermediate Level)

Microsoft EXCEL 2010 Level 1:

Introduction to using Microsoft Excel as your spreadsheet application. Topics will include creating and editing a spreadsheet. We will look at the differing types of data (numeric vs. text) and performing basic calculations. (Beginner Level)

Microsoft EXCEL 2010 Level 2:

Emphasis will be on formatting worksheets, formulas and functions, and “what-if” analysis. An understanding of computer use and the topics covered in EXCEL Level 1 is requested for those attending this class. (Intermediate Level)

Microsoft EXCEL 2010 Level 3: 

This session expands into relative vs. absolute cell references, charting, using multiple sheets, page layouts and styles, fiscal and logical functions. Knowledge of Excel 1 and 2 topics is inferred. (Advanced Level)

Microsoft POWERPOINT 2010 Level 1:

A look at how PowerPoint can help you create slide shows and presentations.  Discussion on the slide structure, layout, theme and transition features available.   A basic working knowledge of the computer is expected.  (Beginner Level)

Microsoft WORD 2010 Level 1:

Introduction to using Microsoft Word for word processing tasks. Topics will include creating, editing, saving and retrieving Word files. We will also look at clip art and formatting.  An understanding of using the mouse and keyboard is expected prior to this course. (Beginner Level)

Microsoft WORD 2010 Level 2:

Topics will include formatting documents, the clipboard, page layout options, inserting tables and a look at mail merges. An understanding of computer use and the topics covered in WORD Level 1 is requested for those attending this class. (Intermediate Level)

PICASA (For the Amateur Photographer):

A class for using one of the best, FREE, photo editing applications available.  Learn how to make you digital pictures look even better.  PICASA starts with locating and selecting pictures – wherever they may be – and moves into the many ways a photo can be represented.  Bring some of your own digital photo files to experiment with.  A basic working knowledge of the computer is expected.  (Beginner Level)

Searching The Internet:

We will start with a background synopsis of the Internet and how it “works”. The class will also discuss searching throughout the Internet and how to find what information you are seeking in the most efficient and safe manner. A basic working knowledge of the computer is expected. (Beginner/Intermediate Level)

One-on-One Computer Help

Individual assistance related to the Library’s systems is available.  Policy prohibits us from working on individual patron’s own hardware devices.  Please stop by or call and ask for Kathy (518-399-8174 ext. 6 or via email at kgrecco@sals.edu).

Internet-ready Computers for Public Use

The Town of Ballston Community Library recognizes that the Internet can be a valuable source of information and provides free Internet access to our patrons.

Internet users should be aware that information found there is not subject to review in the way that books and articles are when they are edited, published, reviewed, and selected for purchase. Therefore the Internet may contain material that is inaccurate, outdated, and controversial and that may be offensive to some users. The Library is not responsible for Internet content or any consequences that may arise from its use.

The library has Internet-ready computers for public use. Each computer is loaded with Internet Explorer, Microsoft Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access), has at least two USB ports, CD/DVD burner, and mic and headphone jacks. To encourage fair and responsible use, the following apply:

1. You must sign in using your own library card account number. We do have guest passes if you are visiting us from out of town. Photo ID is required.
2. You will not be able to access these computers if you are under 17 and do not have a signed permission slip, or if you owe $5.00 or more on your library card. We ask that you use only your own library card on these computers.
3. Users are limited to 2 hours of Internet computer time per day. If a Library computer is available, you may request additional time from Library staff who will accommodate as best we can.
4. Children and young adults under age 17 must either be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult or have signed written parental permission to use the Internet.
5. The Library does not provide the following Internet features: e-mail accounts that require desktop email programs, chat rooms, content filters or bookmarks.
6. Any data saved or downloaded to a hard drive on a Library computer is erased at the end of the login session. Users may bring a USB flash drive to save files, or blank CD or DVD to burn files. Also, users may be able to upload files to personal online storage web sites such as Google Docs or Dropbox (registration required).
7. There is a laser printer available. Users may print for 15 cents per page (black and white) or 65 cents per page (color).
8. Headphones can be purchased for $2.00. For reasons of sanitation, headphones cannot be returned.
9. The Library reserves the right to suspend Internet computer privileges of users who fail to follow these guidelines, deliberately misuse the service or equipment, or who engage in behavior that is abusive or offensive to other users.

Revised 3/18/2013