Microsoft Word Online

Word Online from Microsoft is totally free (though the class is not) and runs in a browser. It allows you to create documents – letters, resumes, project task lists, reports, calendars, trip planners, event flyers, meeting minutes… and more. There are numerous templates that are already created and available for your use that you can modify with your content. In this course we will learn about the various tabs and their associated ribbons. We will also review different methods of text formatting and cutting, copying and pasting blocks of text, using both menus and the most common keyboard shortcut keys.

Also see the Microsoft Office Online tab on this website.

This 3-session class starts Wednesday, May 31st. See the Schedule tab for all dates and times.

Like all Oasis courses, it is being taught at Castle Shannon Library. Maximum of six students.

Introduction to Computers

This 4-day course is being taught starting Monday, May 15th (see the Schedule for all dates and times).

Are you a senior or know someone who is struggling with technology in general and computers in particular? Absolutely no prior computer experience is necessary for this course but it goes into the concepts deeply enough that even with some experience you are going to learn a lot. We start with basic computer skills (day 1), learn how to work with Windows (day 2), move on to Windows skills, including file organization (day 3), and wrap up with exploring the Internet, including Internet safety (day 3). This course is based on Windows 7, but even if you have Windows 10, you will still find this class to be very worthwhile and the student workbook covers both Windows 7 and Windows 10.

Introduction to Computers

This 4-day course is being taught starting Monday, March 6th (see the Schedule for all dates and times).

Are you a senior or know someone who is struggling with technology in general and computers in particular? Absolutely no prior computer experience is necessary for this course but it goes into the concepts deeply enough that even with some experience you are going to learn a lot. We start with basic computer skills (day 1), learn how to work with Windows (day 2), move on to Windows skills, including file organization (day 3), and wrap up with exploring the Internet, including Internet safety (day 3). This course is based on Windows 7. There is a separate Windows 10 update course (keep reading).

But where is E-mail? This is a separate 3-day follow-up course starting March 15th. In this course you will learn the basics, and then some, of email using a free online version of Microsoft Outlook named Outlook.com. Everyone will receive an Outlook.com email address unless you already have one or a Hotmail or MSN email address, all of which now are accessed via Outlook.com.

But wait, you say you have a Windows 10 PC, you don’t understand the tiles and really need help in using it. The Windows 10 update to the Intro to Computers (Windows 7) course is scheduled for starting March 27th. This 5-session course is a BYOD (bring your own device) class – your own laptop or Windows tablet PC running Windows 10. If your computer is not a laptop or tablet or you are getting a new computer (we always recommend a laptop – ask why), you can come anyway and sit beside someone who has a Windows 10 PC.

This class will also be repeated starting May 15th.

Spring 2017 Schedule Now Available

Please see the schedule page for the list of courses and dates for the Spring 2017 term.

This term we are introducing or reintroducing some courses. The top section of the schedule page contains the details.

Have some friends that could benefit from some of these classes? Encourage them to sign up for some classes. It’s always more fun to take a class with someone you know so drag that Luddite friend of yours out of the house to join you. And remember — we do not teach one-on-one classes so the best way to ensure that a class you signed up for will not be cancelled is to encourage a friend to sign up and take the class with you.

Our opening lineup, Intro to Computers with Windows 7 (taught twice this term), Email using Gmail and Windows 10, are a great way for some seniors new to computers to get started and are an excellent primer. Word Online and Excel Online give you FREE online versions of the popular, but expensive, Microsoft Office programs. Learn how these work and integrate with the cloud. Also, what you learn is directly transferable to MS Office.

We are bringing back Facebook this term. We have slimmed this class down from 6 days to 5.

If you’ve recently got a new laptop with Windows 10 or you’ve upgraded an older computer to Windows 10, check out the Windows 10 class.

Digital Photography is back and will be taught by Mike Weis. This class will be taught on the library computers but using your camera, tablets and phones to export pictures to the computers.

Again this term is the ever-popular iPad class, but now with iPhone as well. Received a new or hand-me-down iPad/iPhone? Want to get more out of your iPad/iPhone than you’re using it for now? Join this class to learn more. This is also a great refresher class. This class will be on iOS 10 so you can benefit even if you’re taken the class before. We have slimmed this class down from 10 days to 9.

Remember than any class marked BYOD mean Bring Your Own Device, be it a laptop or iPad. BYOD classes are typically taught in the large room downstairs – park in the lower lot. All other classes use the Castle Shannon Library computers and are taught upstairs – park alongside the library.

Also remember, at the bottom of every page is a place for you to enter your email address to “Follow” this blog. That means that when I update a page or add a new post (typically for an upcoming class) you will be notified via email.

Microsoft Word Online

Word Online from Microsoft is totally free (though the class is not). It allows you to create documents – letters, resumes, project task lists, reports, calendars, trip planners, event flyers, meeting minutes… and more. There are numerous templates that are already created and available for your use that you can modify with your content. In this course we will learn about the various tabs and their associated ribbons. We will also review different methods of text formatting and cutting, copying and pasting blocks of text, using both menus and the most common keyboard shortcut keys.

Also see the Microsoft Office Online tab on this website.

This 3-session class starts Monday, Oct 3rd. See the Schedule tab for all dates and times.

Like all Oasis courses, it is being taught at Castle Shannon Library. Maximum of six students.

Introduction to Computers

This 4-day course is being taught starting Wednesday, Sept 7th (see the Schedule for all dates and times).

Are you a senior or know someone who is struggling with technology in general and computers in particular? Absolutely no prior computer experience is necessary for this course but it goes into the concepts deeply enough that even with some experience you are going to learn a lot. We start with basic computer skills (day 1), learn how to work with Windows (day 2), move on to Windows skills, including file organization (day 3), and wrap up with exploring the Internet, including Internet safety (day 3). This course is based on Windows 7. There is a separate Windows 10 update course (keep reading).

But where is E-mail? This is a separate 3-day (4 sessions with #4 optional) follow-up course starting Sept 26th. In this course you will learn the basics, and then some, of email using the free online version of Google’s Gmail.Everyone will receive an Gmail email address unless you already have one. Session 4 is a BYOD session that teaches you how to set up and access Gmail on your mobile device (phone, tablet).

But wait, you say you have a Windows 10, you don’t understand the tiles and really need help in using it. The Windows 10 update to the Intro to Computers (Windows 7) course is scheduled for starting Sept 19th. This 5-session course is a BYOD (bring your own device) class – your own laptop or Windows tablet PC running Windows 10. If your computer is not a laptop or tablet or you are getting a new computer (we always recommend a laptop – ask why), you can come anyway and sit beside someone who has a Windows 10 PC.

Fall 2016 Schedule Now Available

Please see the schedule page for the list of courses and dates for the Fall 2016 term.

This term we are introducing or reintroducing some courses. The top section of the schedule page contains the details.

Have some friends that could benefit from some of these classes? Encourage them to sign up for some classes. It’s always more fun to take a class with someone you know so drag that Luddite friend of yours out of the house to join you.

Our opening lineup, Intro to Computers with Windows 7, Windows 10, Email using Gmail, Word Online and Excel Online are an excellent primer and a great way for some seniors new to computers to get started. Word Online and Excel Online give you FREE online versions of the popular, but expensive, Microsoft Office programs. Learn how these work and integrate with the cloud. Also, what you learn is directly transferable to MS Office.

We are giving Facebook, Intro to the Internet and Beginners Guide to the Cloud a break this term but can add any of them at the end if the demand is there.

If you’ve recently got a new laptop with Windows 10 or you’ve upgraded an older computer to Windows 10, check out the Windows 10 class.

Digital Photography is back and will be taught by Mike Weis. This class will be taught on the library computers but using your camera, tablets and phones to export pictures to the computers.

Wrapping up this term is the ever-popular iPad class, but now with iPhone as well. Received a new or hand-me-down iPad/iPhone? Want to get more out of your iPad/iPhone than you’re using it for now? Join this class to learn more. This is also a great refresher class. This class will be on iOS 10 (the next version as I write this) so you can benefit even if you’re taken the class before.

Remember than any class marked BYOD mean Bring Your Own Device, be it a laptop or iPad. BYOD classes are typically taught in the large room downstairs – park in the lower lot. All other classes use the Castle Shannon Library computers and are taught upstairs – park alongside the library.

Introduction to Computers (Redux)

This is the first 3 days of a normally 4-day course. Starts Monday, May 9th (see the Schedule for all dates and times).

Are you a senior or know someone who is struggling with technology in general and computers in particular? Absolutely no prior computer experience is necessary for this course but it goes into the concepts deeply enough that even with some experience you are going to learn a lot. We start with basic computer skills (day 1), learn how to work with Windows (day 2), and wrap up with Windows skills, including file organization (day 3). Due to time constraints, we will not be teaching exploring the Internet, including Internet safety (day 4). This course is based on Windows 7. There is a separate Windows 10 update course (keep reading).

But where is E-mail? This is a separate 2-day follow-up course starting September 14th. In this course you will learn the basics, and then some, of email using a free online version of Microsoft Outlook named Outlook.com. Everyone will receive an Outlook.com email address unless you already have one or a Hotmail or MSN email address, all of which now are accessed via Outlook.com.

But wait, you say you have a Windows 8 (or 8.1) computer, you don’t understand the tiles and really need help in using it. Windows 10 is a free upgrade (until July 29, 2016) from Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. Windows 10 is what Windows 8 should have been and is well worth the time to upgrade to it. The Windows 10 update to the Intro to Computers (Windows 7) course is scheduled for starting November 4th. It is a flex class in that it is scheduled for 2 days with a 3rd day as needed. This is a BYOD (bring your own device) class – your own laptop or Windows tablet PC running Windows 10. If your computer is not a laptop or tablet or you still have Windows 7  or 8/8.1 but are getting a new computer, you can come anyway and sit beside someone who has a Windows 10 PC.

Beginners Guide to the Cloud

Cloud drives. Cloud computing. Cloud music. Cloud backup. Just what IS the cloud anyway?

This two-session class at Castle Shannon Community Library is on Wednesday, April 13th and Friday April 15th.

The cloud refers to the use of remote services to store, manage and process data. Facebook, webmail (from any provider), cloud drives and streaming music are all examples of popular cloud computing and storage applications. Cloud computing frees you from worry about software, devices and backups. Amaze your friends and new acquaintances at the next neighborhood party with your cloud knowledge by Joining us to learn more about cloud computing. You’ll soon be known as “Dr Cloud.”   🙂

Introduction to Computers (Redux)

This 3-day course is being taught starting Monday May 9th (see the Schedule for all dates and times). We had more demand than available computers for the March class so have removed Excel Online and replaced it with this course. This class will be just 3 days and will not include exploring the Internet which was the 4th day.

Are you a senior or know someone who is struggling with technology in general and computers in particular? Absolutely no prior computer experience is necessary for this course but it goes into the concepts deeply enough that even with some experience you are going to learn a lot. We start with basic computer skills (day 1), learn how to work with Windows (day 2) and move on to Windows skills, including file organization (day 3). This course is based on Windows 7. There is a separate Windows 10 update course (keep reading).

But wait, you say you have a Windows 8 (or 8.1) or Windows 10 computer, you don’t understand the tiles and really need help in using it. Windows 10 is a free upgrade (until July 29, 2016) from Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. Windows 10 is what Windows 8 should have been and is well worth the time to upgrade to it. The Windows 10 update to the Intro to Computers (Windows 7) course is scheduled for starting May 16th. It is a flex class in that it is scheduled for 5 days with the 5th day as needed. This is a BYOD (bring your own device) class – your own laptop or Windows tablet PC running Windows 10. If your computer is not a laptop or tablet or you still have Windows 7  or 8/8.1 but are getting a new computer, you can come anyway and sit beside someone who has a Windows 10 PC. The first day (May 16th) is devoted to upgrading Windows 7 and 8/8.1 computers to Windows 10. If your computer is already running Windows 10, do not sign up for this first day.