Westport Continuing Education - Technology for Today

THE BASIC TOOLS top of page

INTRO TO PC ESSENTIALS ~ Identify the basic hardware components of computer systems and explore the Windows operating system environment. Learn to manage objects on the desktop. Use windows, the taskbar, menus and dialog boxes. Answer questions with Help. Use the Recycle Bin to delete and restore files. Work in My Computer and Windows Explorer to manage disks, drives, files, and folders. Use search criteria to locate files. (Instructor, Mario Leone)

5 Sessions	SHS	$69
#131a	Wednesday	Jan. 30-Mar. 5	7:00-8:30 p.m.
#131b	Friday	Apr. 25-May 23	6:30-8:00 p.m.

#121 INTRO TO iMAC AND MACINTOSH ~ Learn about this fast growing computer system. You’ll learn to use your Macintosh computer more efficiently and increase your productivity. Learn about the operating system, keyboard, desktop navigation, the internet, editing text, fonts, special characters, maintenance, viruses, keyboards, monitors, disks, sound and more. (Instructor, Mario Leone)
5 Sessions Mar. 17-Apr. 21 SHS Monday 7:00-8:30 p.m. $69

PC COURSES – MS OFFICE top of page

Note: all of the classes in Microsoft Office use Office XP (2002). The knowledge gained in these classes are applicable to any other version of Office, from version 97 to 2007.

#116 MS WORD ~ This word processing course covers the basics of creating, naming, editing, and printing documents including: cut, copy, paste, margins and columns, tabs, templates, indents, alignment, font and type size, mouse and shortcut keys, spell-check, on-line help, and file management. The class will go on to include planning, formatting, using styles, bullets and numbers, header and footer, data base, form letters, creating a mailing list, mail merge, envelopes, mailing labels, tables, creating outlines, tables of content, match calculations, desktop publishing with Word, clip art, Word art, photography, graphs and charts, and linking up to the net. Prerequisite: basic understanding of computers. (Instructor, Don Kubie)
6 Sessions Jan. 31-Mar. 20* SHS
Thursday 7:00-9:30 p.m. $249
*no class Feb. 28

#013 MS EXCEL ~ Learn to design useful and attractive spreadsheets for business and home use. Learn how to create formulas as well as format and learn basic database features as you sort lists. With the formulas, you will learn math, financial, and statistical functions. You will learn about different chart types and uses as we create and customize them in class. Other topics include mastering absolute references, formulas, and functions including financial, logical, lookup, linking and embedding data with other programs. Learn how to create templates. Prerequisite: competency with the mouse and the keyboard. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
Homework files for the course are online at this page (hw is strictly optional)
4 Sessions Feb. 4-Mar. 3 SHS
Monday 7:00-9:30 p.m. $149

#453 TECHNOLOGY FOR EDUCATORS
As a teacher or administrator, you’re well trained in your area of expertise be it languages, humanities, or social sciences and have a basic understanding of the computer, be it writing text in Word, using the Internet for some research but you desire to use the computer more effectively. In this class you will learn how to use some special tips in Word to help you write course outlines, quizzes, and other documents that students will find easy to read. In Excel, you’ll learn how to do a grade/attendance book that will have simple formulas to help you accurately grade those myriad of assignments. With PowerPoint, you will get a few pointers on how to make an effective presentation either to your class or the PTA. Training materials and files are included. If you wish to bring home files, please bring a flash drive (memory stick) to class.
Prerequisite: familiarity with the keyboard, mouse and Word. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
3 Sessions Feb. 13-March 5 SHS Wednesday 7:00-9:30 p.m. $79

#118 MS POWERPOINT ~ This beginning class will focus on the basics of presentation design. Learn how to create presentations, complete with graphics, charts, data imported from spreadsheets and other programs, slide transitions, sound and animation effects. You will learn how to deliver high impact presentations in any setting, from meeting rooms to across the web. (Instructor, Mario Leone)
3 Sessions Feb. 29-Mar. 14 SHS
Friday 6:30-8:30 p.m. $99

#450 INTRODUCTION TO MS OFFICE ~ one day workshop! If you are about to re-enter the office or want to brush up on your skills, this one day introduction to MS Office is for you! In Windows, learn about multiple windows, resizing them, and organizing your work with folders. In Word, learn the basics of creating, editing, and printing documents. Topics include cut, copy, paste, margins, formatting with font and type size, mouse and shortcut keys, and spell-check. In Excel, create spreadsheets for business and home use and learn how to use basic arithmetic functions in a spreadsheet. In PowerPoint, create a mini-slide show through the use of special graphics and other features. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided. Prerequisite: familiarity with the mouse, keyboard and the computer. If you wish to bring home files, please bring a flash drive (memory stick) to class. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
Class outline including video demonstrations
Friday, April 18 9:00 am-5:00 p.m. SHS $279

#217 QUICKBOOKS PRO BASICS ~ Learn the fundamentals of QuickBooks Pro: how to setup a company, create accounts, do invoicing, enter and pay bills, and generate reports. This course is designed for the person who has not used QuickBooks Pro and has minimal accounting knowledge. The course will thoroughly cover the basics and be paced for the beginner. Handouts provided. (Instructor, Jim Ullrich)
please note change in dates/time
5 Sessions     Feb 5 - Mar 1             SHS
Tuesday         7:30-9:30 p.m.         $169

#218 QUICKBOOKS PRO ADVANCED ~ Do you already know the basics of QuickBooks Pro and want to learn the advanced features and tricks? This course is designed for the person who is already using QuickBooks Pro, has a solid understanding of the basics, and can handle a faster pace. (Instructor, Jim Ullrich)
4 Sessions     May 6-27       SHS     Tuesday         7:00-9:00 p.m.         $169

#117 QUICKEN ~ Track your personal finances! This program will organize your records: checking, savings, investments, loans, credit cards, and liabilities. Prerequisite: a basic understanding of the PC. (Instructor, Jim Ullrich)
please note time change
4 Sessions     Jan. 28-Feb. 5          SHS     Monday
7:30-9:30 p.m.         $129

#168 USING TECHNOLOGY TO MANAGE YOUR INVESTMENTS ~ Learn how to research topics on the Internet before making investment choices and how to manage your investment portfolio. No recommendations or investing tips are included. The instructor is not an investment professional. The class will include some basic functions in Excel, showing how it links to MSN Money Central so that you can research and track your investments. Research and managing your investments through government websites, media, brokerage firms (both on-line as well as established brick and mortar firms) will be discussed. Class handout will include a list of useful websites and a bibliography. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
Monday, Mar. 17      6:30-9:30 p.m.         SHS     $29/Sr. No Fee

PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS and PHOTOSHOP top of page

#626 INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS ~ For photography novices or those on a limited budget, this program (rated as one of the 100 best products of the year in July 2006 PC Magazine) is ideal. Learn the basics to improve photos: adjusting color, removing red eye, cropping, working and creating layers, and adding special effects. We will discuss printing methods, types of papers, and the best printer to own. You need to be able to work with a mouse.   (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
Click here to see an introductory video on the class
(requires Windows Media Player)
3 Sessions     Mar. 31-Apr. 21        SHS
Monday          6:30–9:30 p.m.         $99

#627 PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 2 ~ For those of you have mastered the features described under the Intro class above or wish to continue from the previous sessions, you will learn more advanced features such as dodging/burning, cosmetic touch-ups on damaged or aged photos, and creating panoramic images. Each session will have a one hour lesson on Elements’ many functions and then the instructor will work with you on your own photographs. Bring 2-3 of your images on a flash card (memory stick) to each session. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
2 Sessions Apr. 28-May 5 SHS
Monday 6:30–9:30 p.m. $69

#619 BASIC PHOTOSHOP ~ For photographers, hobbyists, and those who want to work with digital images. Through studio experience, hands-on work, and lecture, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop. Topics include: selections and project montage, layer management, scans (reflective, transparent), image manipulation, retouching, and keyboard shortcuts. (Instructor, Craig Burry)
5 Sessions Feb. 7-Mar. 13 SHS
Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $189

#890 INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED PHOTOSHOP ~ Explore the complexities of digital retouching, filtering, and enhancing your photos! Learn how to eliminate scratches, blemishes, and red eye. Learn dodge, burn, saturation, adjustment levels, and curves. We’ll cover backgrounds, cropping, gradations, silhouettes, and low key, mid key, and high key. Learn how Bitmapped images and Pixels compare to halftone screening. Learn important functions, tools, methodology, and vocabulary, in applying Photoshop to your field of interest. Prerequisite: basic understanding of Photoshop. (Instructor, Craig Burry)
6 Sessions Mar. 27-May 8 SHS
Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $219

#615 PHOTOSHOP FOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ~ Many of you are good with retouching your photographs but need to know how to put graphic elements in your images for logos, brochures, or your website. Learn the basics of text boxes, application of special effects and work with photo backgrounds and how to install new fonts to create more distinctive designs.
Prerequisite: familiarity with Photoshop basics.
(Instructor, Alan Weaver) Click here for course outline
Wednesday, May 7 6:30-9:30 p.m. SHS $39

DESIGN AND GRAPHICS

#705 INTRODUCTION TO FLASH ~ Learn to use Macromedia Flash to create and modify graphics and basic animations that can be published on the Web. We will start with the basics and move into the drawing tools, different types of animation and basic Flash functions. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of the Windows operating system. Classes will be taught on Macintosh computers. (Instructor, Mario Leone)
5 Sessions Jan. 28-Mar. 3 SHS
Monday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $185

#723 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE INDESIGN ~ In this beginner class, learn the basics of page layout, how to use palettes, place art, work with layers and type style sheets. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of the Windows operating system. Classes will be taught on Macintosh computers. (Instructor, Mario Leone)
5 Sessions May 5-June 9 SHS
Monday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $185

#632 ILLUSTRATOR ~ Adobe Illustrator is an essential software tool for anyone who wants to express ideas visually in print, on the Web or in any other media. Create artwork for letterhead, t-shirts, business cards, posters, textiles and much more. Illustrator helps you explore your creative visions and efficiently create and publish your artwork, illustrations and text effects. Learn how to draw, trace and modify shapes, lines and type and how to apply and change color. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of the Windows operating system. Classes will be taught on Macintosh computers. (Instructor, Mario Leone)
5 Sessions May 7-June 4 SHS Wednesday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $185

INTERNET top of page

#911 GOOGLE AND BEYOND ~ Practically everyone knows of this powerful search engine. Learn techniques to improve your research and make it less overwhelming. Discover many other features in Google such as Picasa, Gmail, Products, Maps, Earth, and features that should be avoided. Prerequisite: familiarity with the keyboard and the internet. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
see a video on how Google Earth works which will be discussed in class
(requires Windows Media Player)
Monday, May 12 6:30-9:30 p.m. SHS $35

#452 SELLING ON ONLINE AUCTIONS LIKE eBay ~ Whether you have an attic full of stuff you’d like to sell, have an urge to try selling at online auctions like eBay or are thinking about starting an online business, here’s your chance to learn what you need to get under way. In addition to the research for positioning and pricing your items, you’ll also learn about preparation of auction listings, communications with prospective buyers, collection of payments, packaging and shipping, and how to deal with the problems that develop along the way. With this information, you are more likely to be a successful seller than someone who can’t figure out why nothing is being sold. (Instructor, Russell Wayne)
2 Sessions April 3 & 10 SHS Thursday 7:15-8:45 p.m. $39
Russell Wayne is a Certified Financial Planner and investment professional with more than 1,500 online auction transactions over the last eight years.

WEB DESIGN - MAC & PC top of page

#151 CREATING A WEBSITE FROM START TO FINISH WITH MICROSOFT ~ A website can be useful for many purposes, not only for e-commerce, but to establish a viable presence for you, a business, a cause, or any type of organization. We will develop a website with Microsoft FrontPage. Although the program was replaced by the upgraded Expression Web, you will learn the simple and basic concepts to create a web page with links, forms, and graphics to make your site memorable. In addition, you will receive an introductory session on Photoshop. Work with tables to position text and graphics attractively. Considerable hands-on work will be used in the class to create a sample site. Learn how to promote your site, including publicity and marketing topics, and getting your website listed in major search engines. Prerequisite: knowledge of the PC and experience with either MS Word or MS Excel. (Instructor, Alan Weaver)
see an introductory video on the program (requires Windows Media Player)
5 Sessions Mar. 25-Apr. 29 SHS
Tuesday 6:30-9:30 p.m. $289

#714 INTRODUCTION TO DREAMWEAVER ~ A basic introduction to creating websites with Adobe Dreamweaver. Learn how to create web pages by importing and formatting text images, Flash movies and adding links. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of the Windows operating system. Classes will be taught on Macintosh computers.   (Instructor, Mario Leone)
5 Sessions     Mar. 19-Apr. 30        SHS    (no class 3/26)
Wednesday 7:00-9:00 p.m.         $185

#130 WEBSITE DESIGN ON MACS ~ Learn how to design a dynamic and exciting website using the Macintosh operating system. You will be introduced to key elements of Dreamweaver, Macromedia Flash and Adobe Photoshop used in creating websites. Class will be taught on Macintosh computers. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of the MAC operating system. (Instructor, Eric Vasquez)
5 Sessions Jan. 31-Mar. 6 SHS Thursday 7:00-9:00 p.m. $199

Westport Continuing Education - Adult Education Classes
conted@westport.k12.ct.us
(203) 341-1209