Classes
We Have Something For Everyone
The classroom areas offer fast, reliable fiber optic Internet service.
Registration is held Monday mornings 10:00-11:30 am in the PC computer room. (Be sure to check the calendar for the exact schedule and possible registration closures.)
Listed are brief descriptions for each of the classes offered in the 2023-2024 season. Students should read the course description before enrolling to ensure you meet the prerequisites and bring any requested information or equipment to the class.
Classes are primarily taught by members of the VDO Technology Club……..your neighbors. We are not able to cover all topics requested. A list of free self-study referrals are at the bottom of this webpage.
Register for classes:
- The Technology Club requires advance class registration for most classes
- Class limit is usually 10 students
- Handouts are printed in advance
- We will contact students if a class must be rescheduled or cancelled.
- Most classes have a $5 registration fee. The registration fee will be returned to you upon attendance at the class. You will lose your registration fee if you DO NOT attend the class.
- Register for classes Monday morning 10:00-11:30 am in the PC Computer Room (be sure to check the calendar for the exact schedule and for possible registration closures.)
Classes for 2023-2024
Note: Students should review the course description before enrolling to ensure you meet the prerequisites and bring any requested information or equipment to the class.
NOTE: Click on a class name in this list to be taken to the class description.
BASIC SMARTPHONE (NOT iPHONE) SETTINGS & TIPS
ELECTRONIC DEVICE SAFETY AND SECURITY
WINDOWS 11 PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
As a courtesy there are a number of FREE SELF-STUDY COURSES
BASIC SMARTPHONE (NOT iPHONE) SETTINGS & TIPS
Registration fee $5
For those with smartphones (not iPhones) that need to know how to change settings and learn tips for better phone usage.
ELECTRONIC DEVICE SAFETY AND SECURITY
Registration fee $5
Learn to safely use the Internet and keep your personal information and money safe from the crooks. We will teach you to spot and and avoid email scammers, hackers, online cons, viruses and a host of other tips to keep you safe when using your computer, cell phone or tablet. Since this is a lecture course your skill level with a computer or cell phone is not a factor. Course materials will be provided. Be safe and don’t get your name on the Dark Web for the crooks to find.
Students will learn:
- Mobile Security – tips for being safe on your digital devices and use of public WiFi
- Virus – what viruses are, how they work and how to avoid
- Hacking – what it is and how to avoid
- Pfishing – how scammers operate
- Ransomeware – how it works and how to avoid
- Scare Tactics – email, web and telephone: (example IRS scam)
- Security Updates – importance and computer settings
- Antivirus programs – free programs vs paid systems
- Safe web surfing – best settings and non tracking options of browsers
- Passwords – creating unique, strong passwords for each of your online accounts.
- Virtual Private Network – use VPN to protect your privacy, movements and transactions.
NOTE: DO NOT BRING YOUR COMPUTER TO CLASS
Applicable for all levels
VDO GENEALOGY COURSE
OVERVIEW The registration fee is $5 for each week, which is refundable. Limited to ten students.
This four-week course is designed to help you explore and understand your family history, tracing the roots of your ancestors and uncovering the stories that make up your unique heritage. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience in genealogy, this course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to embark on a fascinating journey into your past.
Genealogy by Todd
Understanding Research Methods: Teach students the foundational research methodologies and techniques used in genealogy, including how to gather, analyze, and verify information from various sources.
Navigating Genealogical Sources: Familiarize students with different types of genealogical sources such as census records, vital records, land records, probate records, etc., and how to access and interpret them effectively.
Building Family Trees: Enable students to construct accurate family trees, utilizing software or traditional methods, and understanding the importance of proper documentation and citation.
DNA and Genetic Genealogy: Introduce the basics of DNA testing for genealogy purposes, explaining how genetic information can complement traditional research methods.
Prerequisite: A working knowledge of computers and file systems is required
Geneaology by Mary Ann
Digging for roots and reaching for branches: discovering your unique family heritage
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- Starting your journey: the why, what and where of genealogical research
- Identifying and utilizing research sources
- Organizing your findings and building your family tree
- Using DNA to expand your genealogical knowledge
Please bring a flash drive for building and saving your research
Registration fee $5
WINDOWS 11 PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
Registration fee $5
This class is the first of a two-part series and is taught using the classroom PC’s so that everyone is using the same setup. We will discuss the overall look and appearance of Windows 11, new features, use of the taskbar and start menu and navigation through common tasks. We’ll also explain how to access File Explorer to find your own records, using the Edge browser and how to connect to WiFi.
NOTE: This class DOES NOT address how to convert from earlier Windows versions or pro’s/con’s of converting.
Prerequisite: none
Applicable for all levels
WINDOWS 11 PART 2 – ADVANCED
(Part 2 of 2)
Registration fee $5
Prerequisite: Windows 11 Part 1 Introduction class.
This class is the second of a two-part series – you must attend Part 1 before taking this course.
The main goals of this class are to demonstrate how to adjust the taskbar, settings, start menu and Internet browser in order to personalize your laptop to your needs and preferences. There will be detailed walk-thru of the Settings app.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to connect your laptop to electricity, connect to the Internet, and log into Windows 11.
Please bring the following to class:
- Your laptop and power cord
- Mouse
- Your Microsoft login username and password
- Your mobile hot spot if you use one
Applicable for all levels
HIDDEN APPS IN WINDOWS 11
Registration fee $5
Windows 11 comes with many short cuts and useful apps including Paint program, 3-D Paint and one that lets you clip out what you see on your screen and another to connect your phone to your computer. One will even give you access to characters that are not on your keyboard. There is also a file shredder app. We will look into many of these as well as some of the keyboard shortcut that can save you time and effort. Bring your laptop if you have one.
Best for Windows 11 users
Mac OS Part 1 and Mac OS Part 2
Registration fee $5
Focus will be on Mac OS Sonoma, the current version.
Topics to be covered:
- What is really in the basement?
- Transitioning from Windows to MAC
- Can I /Should I share my Laptop
- What do I have anyway?
- iCloud
- The Apple Menu
- Where do I get Software
- Free Apple Apps
- Safari / Chrome
- Apple Mail
- Calendar
- Pages
- Numbers
- Keynote
- TV
- Garage Band
- iMovie
- Useful Purchased Apps
- NORD VPN
- CleanMyMac
- Gemini
- IP Scanner Ultra
- Wondershare Ultra Converter
- Basic Software Maintenance
- The Dock
- The Desktop
- Tools and Toolbar
- Stage Manager
- Using Other Apple Devices
- Airdrop
- Air Play
- Screen Mirroring (multiple Monitors)
NOTE: This class is participatory. We only have 3 classroom Macs available (1st come, 1st serve), to those who do not have their own Macs. We will be able to take an additional 7 students who bring their own Mac Laptop Computers, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini is acceptable if they also bring their own keyboard, mouse and monitor, we do not have them in the Mac Classroom. If bringing a Mac mini or iMac, bring all components and come early to hook everything up. Optionally, students with Mac Laptops may bring compatible mouse if they prefer. This training is for Mac OS only, iPads and iPhones will not work. Prior to class, students need to upgrade to Mac OS Sonoma, the latest OS release. While preferred, students do not need to have MacOS Sonoma, but teacher will not spend time on previous operating systems that do not have the same features.
Prerequisite: Mac OS Sonoma preferred. Mac OS Part 1 – you must attend Part 1 before taking Part 2.
FREE SELF-STUDY COURSES
Digital Photography (Introduction)
eBay – Shopping and Selling Online
There are many versions of Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets. Clicking on this link takes you to Amazon Kindle support where you can select the device you own and get to a listing of “how to’s” and YouTube videos.
Transferring Photos from Phone/Tablet to Windows PC:
- Connect to PC and Transfer (step-by-step article)
- Organize Photos and Videos (YouTube for senior citizens)