Monday, January 21, 2008

Library Offers Computer Training Classes

The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., will offer free introductory classes in basic computer skills, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and the Internet from Jan.-April 2008.

Participants need only attend one session for each class since training is completed in one 2-hr. period. Classes are taught by a reference librarian from the Adult Services Department and are open to people of all ages. These hands-on workshops will use computers obtained through grants provided by the Racine Community Foundation, the Colonel L.C. Christensen Charitable and Religious Foundation, and the Friends of the Racine Public Library. Class size is limited to 7 students so registration is required. Registration may be made by contacting the library at 262-636-9217.
  • Introduction to Basic Computer Skills is offered on Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Feb. 4 & 25, Mar. 17 & 31, and Apr. 7. Classes will also be held from 2-4 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 14 & 21, Mar. 6 & 27, and Apr. 17 & 24. These classes are intended for people with little or no previous computer experience. Hands-on instruction introduces people to the Windows operating system and equips them with the basic skills needed to use a computer. The following topics are covered: acquiring mouse skills, care of floppy disks, understanding the desktop and taskbar, using window controls, starting and shutting down the computer, working with menus, understanding and using dialog boxes, opening and closing software applications, sorting and retrieving information and programs in files and folders.
  • Introduction to Microsoft Word is offered on Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Jan. 28, Feb. 18, Mar. 10 & 24, and Apr. 14. Classes are also available on Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 on Feb. 6, Mar. 5 & 19, and Apr. 9. Mouse skills and a familiarity with the Windows operating system are required for this class. Topics covered include: opening files, saving and closing files, toolbars, page set-up, menus, rulers, working with text, fonts, keyboard shortcuts, cutting and pasting, spell-check, working with paragraphs, bulleting, inserting graphics and working with tables.
  • Introduction to Excel Basics is offered Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Jan. 30, Feb. 13 & 27, Mar. 12, and Apr. 2 & 23. Mouse skills and a familiarity with the Windows operating system are required for this class. This class will cover the following spreadsheet topics: navigating workbooks, entering data, copying data, editing worksheets, using formulas and functions, formatting text and numbers, and creating charts.
  • Introductory Internet is offered Mondays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Feb. 11, Mar. 3 and Apr. 21. The class is also available on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. on Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 19 & 26, Mar. 11, 18 & 25, and Apr. 1, 8 & 15. Mouse skills and a familiarity with the Windows operating system are required for this class. In this workshop participants will learn how to use the Explorer browser, how to use search engines to find information, how to use Web-based e-mail.
Contact the library at 262-636-9217 for more information or to register for any of the introductory computer classes.

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