SeniorNet Courses
Course descriptions and other information are also included on pages 29-37 of the USCA Fall 2008 Continuing Education catalog, Learning for Life (click here for PDF version).
Introduction to Genealogy
Climb your family tree - electronically! We’ll show you how to use the Family Tree Maker ® software program, an easy-to-use tool for organizing facts about family history. You’ll create your own family file, organize your data, create scrapbooks of photographs and memorabilia, create and print various types of pedigree and descendent charts, print a family history book and share data with others…all with your personal computer! During the course, we’ll show you where to look for genealogical resources and how to use the Internet as a resource tool. Come join us! It’s fun!
Digital Photo Imaging
This eight-week course, based on Adobe Photo Elements, is for those interested in using computers to improve and modify photographs. In addition to exploring this software and its capabilities the course also deals with getting images from the student's digital camera, card reader, or scanner, organization, storage and retrieval, printing, e-mailing, and slide show creation. Owners of digital cameras and conventional photographers can enjoy the benefits of the Digital Photo Editing course.
Introduction to Word
Learn word processing with Microsoft Word. In this eight-week, sixteen-hour course, you will learn to format and edit characters and text. This course covers page layout, tabs and tables, and advanced features of Word such as Find & Replace and Mail Merge. All of the basic and commonly used features of the program are taught in this course. The course is interactive and you, as the student, will be performing the operations along with the instructor and coaches. Prerequisite: "Introduction to Computers" or a thorough understanding of computer applications, keyboarding and mouse skills.
Introduction to Excel (click course title for more information)
An eight-week, sixteen-hour course in the basics of building spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel to manage calculations and data. The class will use hands-on instruction to teach you how to enter, sort, and organize your data, automate calculations, format reports for printing, create graphs of your data, and query your data for summaries and information. The examples used in the hands-on instruction will include tracking your home expenses, managing your investments, and making a address book. Prerequisites: basic understanding of arithmetic and the SeniorNet "Introduction to Computers" class, or equivalent basic skills in computer use.
Computer Fundamentals
A four-week, eight-hour course recommended for students with no prior computer experience and to be taken before Introduction to Computers. This course teaches some of the basic fundamentals of computers, operating systems, and software with major emphasis on developing the necessary skills in controlling computers using the mouse and keyboard.
Computer Fundamentals with the Vista Operating System
This is a four-week, eight-hour course recommended for students with no prior computer experience and having newer computers with the Vista operating system. This course should be taken before "Introduction to Computers." This course teaches some of the basic fundamentals of computers, operating systems, and software with major emphasis on developing the necessary skills in controlling computer using the mouse and keyboard. (Caution: This course will be offered only if the SeniorNet classroom computers have been upgraded to use the Vista operating system.)
Introduction to Computers
Using Microsoft Works 2003 Suite - is an eight- week, sixteen-hour course. This course introduces the student to the basics of using a PC computer and Windows. Each student will have use of a computer and become acquainted with Microsoft Works 2003. This software includes word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Works), and database (Works). The Internet, Internet Explorer, and SeniorNet are demonstrated. Prerequisite: "Computer Fundamentals" or basic computer knowledge with keyboarding & mouse skills.
Introduction to the Internet
This eight-week, sixteen-hour course will cover information about the Internet. Topics covered include "What is the internet?", URL structure, a short history, browsers, Email, search engines, bookmarks and favorites. Many exercises are performed interactively on the Internet. Prerequisite: Introduction to Computers or extensive experience with Windows applications.
Introduction to Windows XP
An eight-week, sixteen-hour course teaching the basics of the Windows operating system. By knowing the basics, you can get the best use and most enjoyment from your computer. A few of the basic skills taught include: using different settings, finding & launching a program from your desktop, operating more than one program at a time, cleaning old files to make your hard drive more efficient, and installing & uninstalling programs. Prerequisite: "Computer Fundamentals" or "Introduction to Computers" or basic computer knowledge with keyboarding & mouse skills.

