Courses Offered: See table following these course descriptions for current schedules at both SeniorNet locations, fees and guidelines.

Beginners (4 2-hr sessions)

This course is just the ticket for those who have no knowledge of computers, but would like to get an idea of what everyone is talking about. Hands-on instruction emphasizes use of the mouse and keyboard, opening and closing programs and files, and exploration of many of the features of word processing. This course can be a good lead-in to the Internet course, the Managing Your Computer course or the Intermediate course. Pre-requisite. None

The Internet and E-Mail (8 2-hr sessions)

Enjoy your computer more through this new course, which covers the latest browsers. We will introduce you to the wonders of the Internet and the vast array of information and entertainment available to you. We'll cover security and show how to search the Internet easily. We will provide tips to enhance your "browsing" pleasure and show you where to get many FREE and useful programs. We'll also cover exchanging email with your friends, maintaining an address book, creating attachments, forwarding messages (and tips about being "a friendly forwarder"), saving and filing attachments that you receive. This is a hands-on course, where you'll practice what you learn and have fun doing it. Prerequisite: Familiarity using the mouse and keyboard is essential.

Managing Your Computer (8 2-hr sessions)

Enjoy your computer more by capitalizing on the many features and options in the Windows Operating System. While we'll be practicing with Windows XP in the classroom, we'll also discuss the differences in Windows Vista, if you're using it at home. We'll show how to personalize your PC so that it looks and performs your way. Learn how to: 1) Create, organize and reorganize your personal folders and files, 2) Add, modify, delete or recover deleted information, 3) Enhance your computer's performance, 4) Install and uninstall software, 5) Find information easily, 6) Keep your computer secure, 7) Back up your personal stuff, 8) Restore your computer to a previous time if desired, to undo problems and eliminate undesired changes, 9) Make your single PC act like two (or more), each personalized for each user…plus much more. Pre-requisite: Familiarity with using the mouse and keyboard is essential.

Intermediate (8 2-hr sessions)

This course is an introduction to the vocabulary related to computers and provides help in taking more advanced steps in using a computer. Exposure to the most popular computer applications is included using word processing (Word) and spreadsheets (Microsoft Works). Time will also be spent using the Internet and exploring the various opportunities that are available.
Pre-requisite: Basic computer operational skills are required.

Adobe PhotoShop: (Six 2-hr. sessions)

A course to introduce you to Adobe PhotoShop Elements program-often referred to as the "gold standard" of Photo Editing programs. The wide array of editing tools will help you enhance, manipulate, print and organize your digital photographs. This course walks you through easy-to-follow steps on how to fix common photo problems like red eye, dark shadows and faded photos. You will learn how to use the many editing tools to restore old photos, resize, straighten, fix flaws, touch-up portraits and use color curves to fine-tune your photo's colors. There are many automatic tools that will quickly correct photo brightness and contrast, plus learn to use layers that will help create that special photo. It is an introductory easy-to-follow course that will teach you how to show your photos in creative ways. Pre-requisite: Computer literacy and PCs with either XP or Vista operating systems. The class is LIMITED to 8 students.

Coping with Your Pictures (4 2-hr sessions)

Ever wonder how to get pictures into your computer? How to edit your photos? How to display your pictures in a slideshow so family and friends can enjoy them? Then "Coping with pictures" is just the ticket!! In this course we will discuss how to download your pictures into your computer. What type of hardware is best for you. You'll learn about FREE image editing and photo organizing software, Google's Picasa. You will find how easy it is to use and enhance your photos, regardless of how they get into your pc. You'll be able to make the most frequently needed improvements to your pictures, before you print them or share them with others. You'll be able to resize, rotate, crop, insert captions, reduce redeye...then create your own slideshow with transitions and sound, using free Windows Movie maker software, standard with Windows XP. Prerequisite: Familiarity with using the mouse and keyboard is essential. Prerequisite: Familiarity with the mouse and keyboard is required.

Rip'n'Burn Music (3 2-hr. sessions)

Using Windows Media Player (a free program that comes with all PCs), we'll show you how to turn your PC into your own personal music machine! You'll learn how to "rip" (transfer) music from CDs to your computer; how to "burn" (transfer) music from your computer to CDs; how to organize, store and listen to music on your PC; how to use the new "flash drives" to store and transfer music; and how to find, buy and download single songs and albums on the Internet. Prerequisite: Computer proficiency is strongly advised; this is not a course for beginners. Your computer at home should have a CD-RW drive.

Digital Cameras 101 (3-hr Lecture, in the Lecture Room at The Area Agency on Aging, 2900 Lakeview Avenue in St. Joseph).

This 3-hour lecture is designed for people who are thinking about buying a digital camera or have just acquired one and want to learn the basics of using it. It is NOT for experienced digital camera photographers and does not include hands-on activities. Areas covered include: Choosing the right camera for you; how many mega pixels are enough; basic photo techniques; understanding digital camera features; downloading pictures from camera to computer or printer; using digital editing software; eliminating red-eye; sizing photos for e-mail; and various ways to print your photos. or send them via e-mail. There will be time for discussion and questions at the end of the session. Pre-requisite. Basic computer operational skills recommended but not required.

Advanced (8 2-hr sessions)

This eight session course on the Microsoft Ofice Suite features two week concentrations on using Microsoft “Word”, Spreadsheets, Databases, and PowerPoint. Pre-requisite: Minimal familiarity with the mouse and keyboard.

Envelopes and Labels (1 3-hr class)

Bring your names and addresses (or address book) and we will show you how to turn them into a database to create mailing labels and envelopes for mass mailings. This will be something that you can begin in class and finish at home. We'll use your database as input and show you how to create labels for your holiday mailing. You'll then be able to add to, or delete entries from your personal database to keep it current for future use.
Pre-requisite: Computer proficiency is strongly advised; this is not a course for beginners. To register for this course, you must use E-mail and have Microsoft Word on your computer at home.

Genealogy (8 2-hr. sessions)

Learn how to create a permanent record of your family using the Family Tree Maker program. You also will discover the many ways of “tracking down” your family. Many resources for exploring will be provided which include local and on the Internet. Pre-requisite: Computer proficiency is strongly advised. Keyboard use is a “must”. This is not a course for computer beginners.

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Current Class Schedule (See below this chart for class fees)

Pre-registration is required.

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Students must be at least 50 years old to enroll in a Learning Center Course. Registration for classes is handled by telephone the SeniorNet Learning Center at 983-4232, and leave your name, mailing address, and telephone number... or you can click on "Application Forms" at the top of this page, which will take you to a page where you can print the form you want, fill it out specifying the class you wish to attend and then mail it to us.

To be placed on the registration mailing list call the SeniorNet Learning Center at 983-4232, and leave your name, mailing address, and telephone number.

In addition, students are required to become members of the national SeniorNet organization prior to taking their 1st class at the Learning Center.

Students are assigned to courses in the order that telephone calls or registration forms are received. Following the telephone call or receipt of registration forms, students admitted to the classes will receive a call giving confirmation of class assignment.

Single session $10 and no *SeniorNet fee

2 sessions $20 and no SeniorNet fee
3 sessions $30 and no SeniorNet fee
4 sessions $40 + $40 SeniorNet fee
6 sessions $50 + $40 SeniorNet fee
8 sessions $60 + $40 SeniorNet Fee

(*The SeniorNet fee is a one-time per family fee and good for all future classes)

REFUNDS: Fees will be refunded only if other students can be found to fill the vacancy during two weeks prior to the beginning of the class.

MATERIALS: Materials for classes will be supplied as is appropriate. In most cases students will receive a class manual, supplemental material, diskettes, CDs, etc. which they may keep.

REPEATING CLASSES: Students may repeat a class at a half-price fee.

ENROLLMENT POLICY: Classes are filled as the students either send in their applications or schedule via the telephone. Each class has a waiting list in order to accommodate students in an efficient and equitable manner.

CANCELLED CLASSES: Classes may be rescheduled due to weather emergencies at the discretion of the instructor.

DONATIONS TO SENIORNET

Did you know that any donation you would make to SeniorNet above and beyond the fees is helping keep SeniorNet in our area? Over the years many generous individuals have contributed to this 501(c)3 organization.

Your contributions also help us keep class fees in a range that makes our classes affordable to all as well as helping to provide up-to-date equipment to enable our students to learn on the best equipment available.

To those who have contributed, we thank you and to those NEW DONORS, we welcome you!

Open Computer Lab

If you're looking to practice what you've learned in class, or don't have a computer at home, then feel free to stop by our computer classroom during open lab times. This is a great way to ask questions or share information with other students. In this quiet, distraction-free environment, you can review a lesson or work on the activities included at the end of each chapter.

Open Lab time is available whenever classes are not scheduled, upon request. Call 983-4232 or talk to an instructor or coach to schedule access to the lab.