Lawrence Branch Computer Classes

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Lawrence Branch Computer Class Descriptions

Registration Rules - PLEASE READ!!

You may sign up for FOUR classes per month. PCs are guaranteed to the first 8 sign-ups who arrive on time.
If the class is full… Come anyway! You can observe or get the PC of the person who did not show.
You may be an observer many times. However some classes do require you to work on a computer. Look for the classes that have a computer icon next to them.
Master the skills in the level 1 classes, and build a stronger foundation before moving to the next level of a class. You may retake a class as needed!
If you have registered for a class and cannot attend, please call the reference desk to cancel so that we can offer the computer to another person.
All Office courses will be taught using Microsoft Office 2007.

Woman at PC graphic

We were teaching Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word classes in versions 2003. Starting in September 2007, all Office courses will be taught using Microsoft Office 2007. Microsoft has made many significant changes in the upgrade to Office 2007. These include fundamental differences in the layout as well as the ways in which you access common commands. These changes primarily affect Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word 2007. If you have taken Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word classes in the past, consider taking the classes in version 2007 to learn all the new features and differences from previous versions.

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Free of Charge Computer Class Descriptions at Lawrence Branch Library: Route 1 & Darrah Lane, Lawrenceville

How to Register for Classes:

You can register beginning on the 25th of each month. You have to register in person at the Lawrence Branch Library.
Or, you can go to www.mcl.org and register online.
You may pick up a printed schedule at any of the Mercer County Library Branches. Or, you can find the schedule of classes on the Internet at www.mcl.org.

Choose a class or classes based on your need and ability.

Educators: MCL Courses May Qualify for NJDOE Professional Development Credit

These courses are offered to the general public on a first come first served basis. Educators wishing to earn professional development credit for these courses should register in the normal manner and will attend classes with other members of the public. Upon attending the class or workshop, please approach the instructor to request that a certificate be issued at the end of the program.

Beginner Level

Mouse Basics: Learn how to double-click, right-click, highlight text, scroll, cut & paste and click & drag. These skills are essential to all subsequent classes.

Windows 1: Learn important terms, parts of a computer and get comfortable with computers!
Internet 1: Discover what browsers like Internet Explorer do. Visit interesting websites and learn to use Search Engines to surf the web.

Practice: Bring a project or let us suggest one. Ask questions or explore the Internet. Practice what you learned in your classes– an instructor will be available to help you. You must register!

Library Catalog: Practice using the library catalog to look for books, audio books, music and movies from the library, home, or office. Place holds from home! Learn helpful search techniques. Please take Mouse Basics and Internet 1 first.

Intermediate Level

E-Mail 1: Sign up for free e-mail service with Yahoo. Send your first message!

E-Mail 2: Learn how to attach a resume or a picture file. Please take E-Mail 1 first.

Excel 1: See how easy it is to list and sort information using a spreadsheet. Learn how to input and edit data. Make some simple calculations. Strong mouse skills are essential.

Excel 2: Practice making different calculations and graphs. Learn how to make charts to highlight your document’s most important information.

Windows 2: Learn to use Help, Search and My Computer programs with the help of the Start button. Rename, move and delete files and folders. Take Windows 1 and Word 1 first!

Internet 2: Learn valuable search techniques and get tips on evaluating websites. Requires some Internet experience!

Word 1: Learn to work with a word document. Learn to format and edit, then type, preview and print a simple document. Strong mouse skills are essential!

Word 2: Set margins, change toolbars & add borders. Insert a table & a text box; work with WordArt and copy pictures from ClipArt or the Internet.

Special Classes (Offered every 2-3 months)

Digital Audio & Overdrive: This is a beginner’s guide to Windows Media Player, iTunes and MCL’s newest service, OverDrive audio books. Includes tips on how to select and use an MP3 player. Feel free to bring your MP3 Player!

Digital Photography: Gain exposure to different types of digital cameras and learn how to edit and process digital images. Feel free to bring your digital camera!

Legal Resources Online: This class will provide an overview of various types of legal materials available online.

ListenNj: Learn how to use Mercer County Library’s free downloadable audio book Service and learn to navigate the ListenNJ website, download and use the OverDrive Media Console, and transfer the audio books to CD or an MP3 player.

NoveList: Do you belong to a book club or just like to read, but aren’t sure what to read next? Learn all about Mercer County Library’s reader advisory database, which helps you find new authors and titles that match your literary tastes.

PowerPoint: PowerPoint makes fabulous presentations, but you can also make picture albums and travelogues. Add ClipArt, music and animations.

Publisher: Newsletters, posters and brochures are a snap with Publisher. Work with text & images.

Quickbooks Pro: Write checks, record deposits. Keep track of assets, income and expenses, vendors and customers. Investigate the features of this program used by businesses and individuals.

Web 2.0: Learn about emerging technologies called social software. Discover how RSS, wikis and blogs are changing the way we share information.

Word 3: Learn to create a letterhead and a document template. Use Mail merge to create labels and form letters. Take Word 1 & Word 2 first!

Tutorials (Internet-based lessons done at your own pace) are available at practice sessions and through your own internet connection. On www.mcl.org, click on Subject Directory, then Computer Tutorials. To receive an updated list of Internet tutorials, e-mail rbanerje@mcl.org.

Computer Instruction at Other Branches

Handouts from the classes