Computer Training Courses - Terms 3 and 4 (July to December) 2008

• conducted by experienced trainers
• include a comprehensive set of notes
• have a minimum of three and a maximum of eight participants *
• must be paid for at the time of booking (at any of our branches, or over the phone)

* courses with fewer than three participants will be cancelled; if a course is cancelled you will be notified 24 hours in advance and given the option of booking into a future course or obtaining a refund.

The majority of our courses are designated at Seniors to cater for those who want to be sure of a more gentle pace, but welcome anyone who feels they may gain from this approach. In order to get the most out of our courses, please read the prerequisites and any recommendations before making a booking.

Our Getting Started courses are suitable for beginners who have the stated prerequisite skills (if you attend a Getting Started course, your trainer can advise you as to other courses that will meet your needs).

Our Next Step courses are best suited to those who have attended the relevant Getting Started course.

Please refer to computer training courses listed below for further details or speak with a member of the Library staff at any of our branches if you would like further details.

Computers & Windows XP - getting started

Prerequisites: none.

This 2 x 2 hour course is designed for those with little or no knowledge of computers. The majority of the course provides hands-on experience using a mouse, the keyboard, and some of Windows XP free programs including Solitaire (a card game) and WordPad (a simple typing program).

Course times:
Thursday 17 and 24 July, 10am - 12pm
Thursday 14 and 21 August, 1pm - 3pm
Thursday 9 and 16 October, 10am - 12pm
Thursday 6 and 13 November, 1pm - 3pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Computers & Windows XP - the next step

Prerequisites: at least 3 months of experience using a computer and a program such as Word or Outlook Express on a regular basis.

This 2 x 2 hour course is designed for those who have at least 3 months experience using a computer on a regular basis. Hands-on exercises will help you organise files in the My Documents folder, put shortcuts on the Desktop, and understand the Control Panel options.

Course times:
Thursday 14 and 21 August, 10am -12pm
Thursday 6 and 13 November, 10am - 12pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Navigating the Web - getting started

Prerequisites: basic mouse and typing skills; a basic understanding of Windows XP.

Recommended: completion of our Computers & Windows XP - getting started course.

This 2 hour course begins with a brief overview of how the World Wide Web works. The majority of the course covers the basic skills needed to use Internet Explorer browser, search for information using Wikipedia and Google, and an introduction to social networking websites such as YouTube and Facebook.

Course times:
Friday 15 August, 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 29 October, 10am - 12pm

Cost: $55; $45 (concession)

Email & Outlook Express - getting started

Prerequisites: basic mouse and typing skills; a basic understanding of Windows XP.

Recommended: completion of our Computers & Windows XP - getting started course.

This 2 x 2 hour course is only suited to those who do have access to the Internet from home and begins with a brief overview of how email works. You'll learn how to write, print, reply to and delete messages, create an address book, attach photos to messages and lots more.

Course times:
Tuesday 15 and 22 July, 10am - 12pm
Friday 10 and 17 October, 10am - 12pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Word Processing - getting started

Prerequisites: basic mouse and typing skills; a basic understanding of Windows XP.

Recommended: completion of our Computers & Windows XP - getting started course.

This 2 x 2 hour course introduces the fundamentals of word processing and using Microsoft Word. You'll learn how to create, edit, print and save simple documents, and some basic formatting skills including how to change the font style and size of text, and how to align text on the page.

Course times:
Monday 25 August and 1 September, 10am - 12pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Word Processing - the next step

Prerequisites: at least 3 months experience using Microsoft Word on a regular basis.

Recommended: completion of our Word Processing - Getting Started course. This 2 x 2 hour course is designed for those who have been using Microsoft Word for a while and are ready to move on. You will learn how to change page margins, add borders and shading, include clipart and images from the Web, and use tables to organise text in a document.

Course times:
Monday 8 and 15 September, 10am to 12pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Bookings essential: please speak with a member of the Library staff at any of our branches if you would like further details or to make a booking.

 Excel Spreadsheets - getting started

Prerequisites: basic mouse and typing skills; a basic understanding of Windows XP.

Recommended: completion of our Computers & Windows XP - getting started course.

This 2 x 2 hour course introduces the fundamentals of spreadsheeting and using Microsoft Excel. You'll learn how to create and format worksheets, use some formulae, sort data, and manage large spreadsheets.

Course times:
Monday 20 and 27 October, 10am - 12pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Desktop Publishing - getting started

Prerequisites: at least three months of experience using a computer on a regular basis.

Recommended: completion of our Computers and Windows XP - getting started course and our Word Processing - getting started course.

This 2 x 2 hour course introduces the fundamentals of desktop publishing and using Microsoft Publisher. You'll learn how to create and “jazz up” publications such as newsletters, flyers, brochures and greeting cards.

Course times:
Tuesday 21 and 28 October, 10am - 12pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Work with your digital photos

Please note that (i) you must bring your digital camera with at least 10 photos on it, and the USB cable that connects your camera to your computer; (ii) you will need your own email address (either the one provided by your ISP, or a free one from eg., Hotmail)

Prerequisites: basic mouse and typing skills; a basic understanding of Windows XP and the Web

This 2 x 2 hour course will show you how to download photos from your camera to your computer, rename photos, organise them into folders, burn photos to CD, and use the Photobucket Web site to share photos with friends.

Course Times
Wednesday 6 and 13 August, 10am to 12pm
Tuesday 7 and 14 October, 10am to 12pm
Wednesday 12 and 19 November, 10am to 12pm

Cost: $85; $70 (concession)

Please note that this course does not cover Genealogy Databases

Recommended: completion of our Computers and Windows XP- getting started course.

This free two hour course offers those interested in research, the opportunity to learn how to use the Bayside Library online databases to find quality information on current events, scientific research and more from hundreds of online journals, newspapers and books.

Course times:
Tuesday 2 September, 10am - 12pm
Tuesday 18 November, 10am - 12pm

Bookings essential: please speak with a member of the Library staff at any of our branches if you'd like further details or to make a booking.

This free 2 hour course provides an overview of how to install and use the iTunes free software program to copy songs from a music CD, download podcasts such as radio shows, burn a CD and synchronise an iPod to your music "library".

Course times:
Wednesday 30 July, 10am - 12pm
Friday 19 September, 10am - 12pm
Wednesday 26 November, 10am - 12pm

Cost: Free

Your Library @ Home

Prerequisites: basic mouse and typing skills; a basic understanding of Windows XP and the Web.

This free two hour course provides the opportunity to learn about all the things Bayside Library members can do from home using our website. This includes searching the catalogue, reserving and renewing items, finding out about upcoming events, and much more.

Course times:
Tuesday 5 August, 10am - 12pm
Tuesday 16 September, 9am - 11am at Beaumaris Library
Tuesday 11 November, 10am - 12pm

Bookings essential: please speak with a member of the Library staff at any of our branches if you would like further details or to make a booking.

Start your own Blog (online diary)
Please note that you will need your own email address (either the one provided by your internet service provider, or a free one from, eg., Hotmail).

Prerequisites: basic mouse and typing skills; a basic understanding of Windows XP and the Web.

This free 2 hour course is for those who are familiar with using the Web. You will learn what a blog is, how to set it up and create your own blog, start posting entries, customise your blog, and how to add pictures.

Course times:
Tuesday 26 August, 10am to 12pm
Tuesday 25 November, 10am to 12pm

Bookings essential: please speak with a member of the Library staff at any of our branches if you would like further details or to make a booking.

Genealogy Database - demonstration

This free 2 hour demonstration provides an opportunity for those interested in family history to learn how to use the online genealogy resources available at the Bayside Library, including Digger and Kaware.

Course times:
Wednesday 20 August, 10am to 12pm
Wednesday 22 October, 10am to 12pm

Bookings essential: please speak with a member of the Library staff at any of our branches if you would like further details or to make a booking.

Homework Help @ Home - demonstration

This free 1 hour demonstration is designed for parents of upper Primary and Secondary school students. You will be shown how to access and use the Bayside Library online resources from home, to find a wealth of useful information.

Course times:
Wednesday 27 August, 10am to 11am

Bookings essential: please speak with a member of the Library staff at any of our branches if you would like further details or to make a booking.

 Seniors’ Computer Club

Our Seniors’ Computer Club is held every Monday and Friday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm in the Brighton Library training room and acts as a drop in centre … come for half an hour or the full two hours. You can find out more before becoming a member by coming along to one of the sessions.

The club provides the opportunity for members to assist each other in gaining a better understanding of computers, Windows XP and various software programs, and also offers:

• free membership to the Australian Seniors’ Computer Clubs Association
• the assistance of a qualified trainer for two hours a month to help with the group’s more difficult questions
• tea and coffee facilities

Prerequisites: basic computer skills (use of the mouse, keyboard and Windows) gained either from attending one or more training courses, or through personal experience.

Recommended: completion of one or more of our Getting Started courses.

Annual membership: $50 (payable on July 1 each year)

Some quotes from customers who have attended a training course:

“Our trainer was very patient and her delivery was excellent.”

“A friendly and comfortable atmosphere, made even better by the small class size.”

“The notes booklet provided clear instructions which enabled me to easily re-do the exercises in my own time at home.”

“Everything I hoped for and more - I learned skills that other courses I’ve attended have sometimes glossed over.”