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.
- 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 2024-2025
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
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
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
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
Course Overview: This Intermediate Genealogy Course is designed for individuals who have already built a strong foundation in genealogy and wish to deepen their knowledge and skills. The curriculum focuses on advanced techniques for locating, interpreting, and preserving genealogical information, including specialized records and resources. Beginners can also benefit from this course, as it provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of genealogy, showing them how detailed and rewarding family history research can be. Participants will gain hands-on experience with essential online tools and databases, refining their ability to conduct thorough and nuanced research.
Session One: Introduction to Internet Genealogy – January 9, 2025
- Duration: 75 Minutes
- Objective: Equip students with the skills to maximize their use of the internet for genealogical research, covering specialized genealogy websites, advanced search strategies, and data interpretation.
- Topics Covered:
- Effective online search methods tailored to genealogy
- Overview of prominent online genealogical resources, including subscription-based and free databases
- Best practices for citing online sources and assessing their credibility
- Introduction to online forums, genealogy blogs, and digital archives for collaboration and information sharing
Session Two: Google Earth Pro – January 16, 2025
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Objective: Introduce students to Google Earth Pro as a tool for genealogical research, focusing on how to visualize ancestral locations, map family migrations, and study the geographical context of historical records.
- Topics Covered:
- Downloading, setting up, and navigating Google Earth Pro
- Using Google Earth Pro to explore ancestral homes, cemeteries, and localities relevant to family history
- Integrating historical maps to compare past and present geography
- Creating custom maps and annotations to illustrate family migration patterns or historical events
Session Three: Preserving Photographs – January 23, 2025
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Objective: Teach students techniques for preserving and restoring family photographs, including digital archiving practices and software recommendations.
- Topics Covered:
- Essential methods for handling and storing physical photographs to prevent degradation
- Introduction to photo editing and restoration software (including basic tips for enhancing photo quality, repairing damage, and removing creases or stains)
- Organizing and categorizing digital images for easy access and sharing
- Creating and maintaining a digital family archive that can be passed down through generations
Session Four: Researching Fold3 Website – January 30, 2025
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Objective: Familiarize students with Fold3, a subscription-based database focused on military records, to help them locate and analyze records related to military ancestors.
- Topics Covered:
- Navigating Fold3’s interface and understanding the range of military records available, from service records to pension files
- Conducting targeted searches to locate relevant documents and images
- Analyzing military records and using them to build a more comprehensive family history narrative
- Cross-referencing Fold3 data with other genealogical records for accuracy and context
This course is designed to build competency in each area through hands-on experience, group discussions, and guided exercises. By the end, participants will be well-versed in using digital tools and specialized records to conduct more detailed and nuanced genealogical research.
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
WINDOWS 11 PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
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)
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
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
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)