Our Classes
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Midwest Geriatrics, Inc.

Senior Health Foundation offers a wide range of senior-focused computer classes, ranging from the very basic (or Basic and Internet series) to the more advanced (Digital Imaging, Creative Word Processing, etc.).

Below you’ll find a listing of our classes. Clicking the name of a class will take your farther down this page to a class description. And of course, if you need more information, we suggest you give us a call at 402.827.6090. You can also learn more about classes by
subscribing to the SHF eNewsletter.

SHF Computer Class Index

SHF Core Computer Classes

Basic Computer Series

  • Basic 1 – Introduction to Computer Hardware
  • Basic 2 – Introduction to Computer Software
  • Basic 3A – Introduction to Windows
  • Basic 3B – Introduction to Windows Files and Directories

Basic Applications Series

  • Basic 4 – Introduction to Word processing
  • Basic 5 – Introduction to Spreadsheets
  • Basic 6 – Copy and Paste

Creative Word Processing Series

PC and Windows Maintenance

Introduction to Microsoft Word Series

Introduction to Microsoft Excel Series

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint Series
 

SHF Internet & E-Mail Classes

Internet Series

Shopping Safely Online

Buying and Selling on eBay Series

Creating Web Pages Series
 

SHF Digital Imaging Classes

Using Your Digital Camera Series

Digital Imaging Series

Photoshop Elements Series

Organizing Your Digital Images

Using Your Writeable CD-ROM

Using Your Digital Images Series

Creating Picture Presentations
 

SHF Audio and Video Classes

Digital Audio and Music

Getting Your Home Movies to DVD Series

Digital Video Editing
 

SHF Computer Class Descriptions

Basic Computer Series
The SHF Basic series of computer classes introduces students to the world of computers. It is designed for absolute b
eginners and covers important fundamental concepts, terminology, mouse skills, and keyboarding. The series consists of four separate classes that build on each other. New students should take the classes in order, but once the entire series has been completed, students can re-take individual series classes as needed.

Basic 1Introduction to Computer Hardware (book available)
Introduces students to what computers are and how they work. Topics include what computers can be used for, the history of the personal computer, computer hardware terminology, and an introduction to using the mouse.

Basic 2Introduction to Computer Software (book available)
Discusses what software is and why it is needed on the computer. Topics include what you should know about your computer before you purchase software, where you can purchase software, a survey of popular software titles, what it means to install software, a brief introduction to Microsoft Windows, and an introduction to basic word-processing.

Basic 3AIntroduction to Windows (book available)
Instructs students on the basic use of Microsoft Windows. Topics include an examination of the Windows Desktop and Taskbar, how to navigate the Start Menu, how to work with program and document windows, changing the way Windows looks through the Control Panel, changing how the mouse works, how to uninstall software, and how to create shortcuts on the desktop.

Basic 3BIntroduction to Windows Files and Directories (book available)
Overviews how files are saved on the computer. Topics include examining what files are, what you must do when saving a file, what directories (folders) are, how the directories are organized on the directory tree, and how to use Microsoft Windows Explorer to manage files and directories.

 

Basic Application Series
This series takes up where the Basic Computer Series ends, introducing students to three popular computer applications: Word processing, Spreadsheets, and Mail Merge.

Basic 4Introduction to Word Processing (book coming soon)
Shows students the basic tasks involved in using a word-processor to create a document. Topics include setting up page margins, adding page headers and footers, using tabs, creating bullet lists, indenting paragraphs, and adding clipart.

Basic 5Introduction to Spreadsheets (book coming soon)
Discusses what spreadsheets are and how they are used. Topics include the steps involved in creating a worksheet, cells and cell addresses, adding labels and data to a spreadsheet, creating mathematical formula’s, using spreadsheet functions, and how to format spreadsheets.

Basic 6Copy & Paste (book coming soon)
A fun class that teaches how to use the powerful Copy, Cut, and Paste features of Microsoft Windows. You’ll learn how to copy pictures and text between documents, e-mail, and Web pages.

 

Creative Word Processing (book available)
This series of 4 classes is the perfect answer to someone who wants to go beyond plain, boring, typing, and discover how to creatively use the word processor to design cards, flyers, and calendars. In the classes you’ll learn to work with images, page columns, Wordart, borders and lines, and even learn how to do Mail Merge.

 

PC and Windows Maintenance (book available)
Once you’ve learned the basics of using Windows, it’s time to learn how to keep the program and your computer running smoothly. This series of two classes introduces you to what goes on behind the scenes in Windows and the various Windows maintenance tasks you should run on a weekly or monthly basis. Topics include learning how your computer works with Windows, using scandisk and defragment, how to uninstall software, removing items from the taskbar tray, how to download and install updated drivers, how to troubleshoot Windows error messages and problems, and how to tweak Windows to get the best performance. (handout available)

 

Introduction to Microsoft Word (book coming soon)
Continuing from where the Basic Series ends, this class focuses on the fundamentals of using Microsoft Word to create letters and documents. Topics include adjusting page settings, setting margins, formatting text, working with paragraphs, inserting pictures and clipart. (handout available)

 

Introduction to Microsoft Excel (book coming soon)
This class goes beyond the spreadsheet section of the Basics series, and offers additional instruction on the fundamentals of Excel to work with columns and rows of numbers, perform calculations, and even work as a simple database. (handout available)

 

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint (book coming soon)
If you are ever in need of a program that quickly helps you create presentations, PowerPoint is for you. This program from Microsoft lets you create colorful, graphical slides that include pictures, animation, transitions, and more. This class introduces you to the features of PowerPoint and walks you through the creation of your first PowerPoint presentation. Topics include using templates, adding slides, adding text, pictures, and graphics, creating transitions, animating the slide, and adding sound. The class also discusses ideas on how PowerPoint can be creatively used for business and family events. (handout available)

 

Internet Series
The Internet series consists of 5 classes that cover all aspects of using the Internet, from learning what it is and how to get connected, to finding what you’re looking for and downloading free software. The final two classes in the series focus on E-mail.

Internet 1Introduction to the Internet (book available)
Show the student what the Internet is and how it can be used. Topics include a brief history of the Internet, how to get connected from home, how the Internet works, and how to use a browser to navigation the Internet

Internet 2Introduction to Internet Searching (book available)
Describes how to use various Internet search tools to find what you’re looking for. Topics include using Internet Directories and Virtual Libraries, using Search Engines, how to perform a keyword search, and finding peoples phone numbers and addresses.

Internet 3Introduction to Downloading (book available)
Introduces students to the concept of downloading and why it’s useful. Topics include learning the steps of downloading, what there is to download and where to find it, executable archives and zip files, how to work with the files you download, and what viruses are and how to protect yourself.

Internet 4Internet Security (book available)
This class discusses the most common Internet threats and to best protect yourself. Topics include viruses, Trojan horses, worms, crackers, and hackers, and how you can shield your computer by using virus checkers and firewall software. (handout available)

E-Mail IIntroduction to Electronic Mail (book coming soon)
Introduces students to the world of E-mail. Topics include what E-mail is and how it works, how to get an E-mail account, how typical E-mail programs work, how to setup a free Web-based E-mail account, how to use AOL E-mail, how to protect yourself from viruses, and E-Mail attachments.

E-Mail IIE-Mail Attachments and Options (book coming soon)
Once students have learned the basics of sending an E-mail, the next step is E-mail attachments. This class covers how to send and receive attachments and discusses common attachment problems. Students also learn about E-mail options including message filtering and folders.

 

Shopping Safely Online (book coming soon)
This class introduces students to the convenience and advantages of online shopping and the fun and excitement of online auctions. Topics include how to shop safely with a credit card, how to find products and product information, comparison shopping, how to find and bid on auction items at eBay.

 

Buying and Selling on eBay (book available)
This four-class series introduces students to the fun of buying and selling those “treasures in the closet” on the worlds biggest online auction site, eBay. First, basic eBay concepts will be covered, and students will learn how to register to buy and sell. Next, participants will walk through the typical selling process, and learn how to write the best descriptions and titles for getting things sold. Students will also learn the basics of digital imaging and how to take and prepare images of their sale items. Finally, students will learn tips and tricks on the best times and categories for their items, and will get a chance to post one of their own items for auction. (handout available)

 

Creating Web Pages Series (book coming soon)
This series of 3 classes teaches students how to create their own web pages using the free Web hosting service at Yahoo Geocities. During the class students will use online software that allows them to visually create pages, upload their own pictures, and then publish those pages for free.

 

Using Your Digital Camera Series (book available)
This series of 3 classes helps you discover all the wonderful features of your digital camera, and takes you all the way from turning your camera on to effectively using programmed exposure and ISO settings. We also cover basic photography concepts and discuss how to transfer pictures from your camera to the computer.

 

Digital Imaging Series (book coming soon)
This series of 3 classes introduces students to the world of digital imaging. Topics include learning basic image editing terminology (such as pixels, resolution, etc.), how to get your pictures onto the computer in digital form using a scanner, digital camera, or photo development service, using an image editor to modify and enhance your images, and how to get the best prints.

 

Photoshop Elements Series (book available)
This series of 5 classes takes digital imaging students to the next level of image editing, by introducing the most popular consumer-level editor, Adobe Photoshop Elements. Although the classes begin by focusing on Elements fundamentals, students are quickly ushered into advanced techniques for getting the most out of their digital pictures. In the classes you’ll learn how to resize and crop images, enhance brightness and contrast using Levels controls, select specific parts of a picture to work on, work with image layers, remove red-eye, brighten teeth and eyes, and many other useful and fun photographic editing tricks.

 

Organizing Your Digital Images (book coming soon)
As you take picture after picture with your digital camera, or scan in all those old family photos, you’ll begin to discover you need a good way to organize and keep track of all those precious images. This class teaches you how to work with your image files, and organize them into folders using Windows Explorer and My Computer.

 

Using Your Writeable CD-ROM (book coming soon)
Writeable CD-ROM drives have finally reached bargain prices and now come with every new computer on the market. But using them requires learning how to use special software that many new users find intimidating. This class helps you through the “burning” process by teaching you how writeable CD-ROM technology works, what the various numbers and settings mean, the difference between CD-R and CD-RW disks, the two ways you can write data to a disk, and how to safely store your disk after the burn. (handout available)

 

Using Your Digital Images Series (book coming soon)
Once you’ve gone to all the work of fixing up your pictures, it’s time to be creative with them. This series of 3 classes shows you various ways to use and share your pictures, including online photo services, creating Windows wall paper and screen savers, creating photo slide shows, using Windows Print Wizard, creating image memory sheets, and designing a family calendar.

 

Creating Picture Presentations Series (book coming soon)
This series of 3 classes teaches you how to turn your digital images into creative and attractive slide shows that you can share with family and friends. In the classes you’ll learn to use programs such as Microsoft Photo Story, PowerPoint, and Movie Maker to create presentations that can be put on computer disc, e-mailed, or turned into a playable DVD.

 

Digital Audio and Music (book coming soon)
This class teaches students how to use their computer to play, record, and edit music and sound. Topics include learning the various sound file formats, how to play a regular music CD, ripping music tracks and creating a composite music CD, CD burning, recording and editing sounds, and how to create your own musical compositions through MIDI. (handout available)

Getting Your Home Movies to DVD Series (book coming soon)
Instead of leaving your precious home movies on 8mm film or VHS tapes, both of which deteriorate over time, why not digitalize those movies and create a long-lasting DVD you can give to family and friends? This 3-part class shows you the process of converting your old movies to video clips on your computer, how to perform simple editing, and then organize them for burning on a DVD. (handout available)

Digital Video Editing Series (book coming soon)
Once you have your family movies captured as clips on your computer, the fun really begins, With video editing software, you can put them in sequence with dissolves, enhance the image, add titles and musical soundtracks, and then create professional looking DVDs that anyone can play at home. This 3-part class focuses on the video editing process using off-the-shelf video editors you can find online, or at most local computer stores. (handout available)

 

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