Technology Classes
Adult technology classes are offered on a regular basis and cover a variety of topics from computer basics to Microsoft Office software.
Registration
Registration is required (unless otherwise noted) and opens on a specified date one month prior to the newsletter cycle (ex: Dec 14th for Jan/Feb). Registering for the first class in a designated Series automatically enrolls you in all required sessions. All other classes require separate registration. Register online through our event calendar, by phone (847-429-4597), or in person. If you cannot attend a session you have registered for, please cancel.
Classroom Guidelines
Classes are limited to 16 participants. Classes begin at their scheduled times and run for 90 minutes. Late participants may not be admitted, and their spots may be given to participants on the waiting list.
Technology Class Survey
Feedback is important to us! After you have completed one of our classes please take a couple minutes to fill out our survey.
Tech Class Survey
Basics
Classes for those who are new to computers and looking to build foundational knowledge and skills.
COMPUTERS 101 SERIES
Series Description: New to computer or need a refresher on how to get started? Learn how to use the mouse and keyboard, pick up basic computer skills and browse the internet in this series.
1. Mouse & Keyboard: Learn how to left-click, right-click, double click, use basic command keys, and navigate various areas of the keyboard.
2. Managing Your PC: Learn basics like how to start your computer, create, save and modify files or folders, and keep your documents organized.
3. Internet Basics: Learn basic internet terminology, how to navigate a browser, locate a website, identify common domains, and stay safe while searching the internet.
BUILD YOUR OWN PC SERIES
Series Description: Learn how to identify the working parts of a computer, assemble & disassemble components and perform basic repairs in this two-part, hands-on series.
1. Parts 1 & 2: These shared files show you how to identify computer parts, where to purchase them, and tips for disassembling and reassembling a PC.
INDIVIDUAL CLASSES
Device Maintenance Basics: Is your computer, tablet, or smartphone running slow? Concerned about proper care for your devices? Learn tips & tricks for keeping your devices up to date and running smoothly.
Cybersecurity Basics: Learn about common viruses, email and internet safety, firewalls, and other security topics.
Windows 10 Basics: Learn how to navigate the Windows 10 interface, locate and manage your files, and customize your preferences.
Windows 10 Intermediate: Learn how to create shortcuts, adjust settings, uninstall programs, utilize Task Manager and Windows defender, and explore the Windows store.
Software
Classes for those looking to enhance their skills with various software, computers, or devices.
3D Design & Print Series:
Series Description: Learn 3D design and printing fundamentals and putting your skills to the test in this series. Each class offers the opportunity to design and print a pre-determined object using Tinkercad.
1. Basics: Are you curious about the new wave of 3D printing? Learn how these machines work and create a Tinkercad account to design an object for printing.
2. Intermediate: Learn how to enhance your design skills by exploring additional tools in Tinkercad to create a new object for printing.
3. Advanced: Bring your imagination and new-found skills to practice creating everyday objects.
CODING SERIES
Series Description: Learn how to start coding with the programming languages HTML and CSS in this three-part series.
1. HTML Basics: Learn how to identify individual computer parts and where to purchase them.
2. CSS Basics: Learn how to link pages and create menus using a pre-structured set of HTML pages and start styling page elements with CSS
3. CSS Beyond Basics: Learn about the box model, margins, padding, positioning, and layout concepts using CSS to style your web page.
WORDPRESS SERIES
Series Description: Learn how Wordpress.com allows users to create, design and add function to your own website in this three-part series.
1. Creating Your Website: Learn how to register an account, establish a domain name, pick a theme, and start creating pages and blog posts using WordPress.com.
2. Designing Your Website: Learn how to create a menu list and customize the style and layout of your website with images and colors.
3. Adding Function to Your Website: Learn how to add widgets to give your website special functionality for displaying image galleries, featured posts, social media icons and forms.
DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING SERIES
Series Description: Wondering what to do with all the photos you’ve taken? Learn how to create meaningful digital collages and scrapbook pages using Photoshop Elements.
1. Basics: Learn how to navigate the Photoshop Elements software and create a basic scrapbook page by inserting photos, adding graphics and working with layers.
2. Editing: Learn how to enhance your scrapbook pages by using basic editing tools.
Gmail: Learn how to navigate and perform basics functions with Gmail and Google Contacts.
Chrome: Learn how to personalize Chrome with apps and extensions from Google’s Web Store.
Drive: Learn how Google Drive can be used to upload, organize, and share files in the cloud.
Docs: Learn how to create, edit, and share word processing documents using Google Docs.
Sheets: Learn how to create and manage spreadsheet data using Google Sheets.
Slides: Learn how to create a presentation, format text and add graphics using Google Slides.
Calendar: Learn to keep track of upcoming events, commitments, and tasks using Google Calendar.
Forms: Learn to create and share interactive questionnaires, surveys, and quizzes using Google Forms.
Photos: Learn how to backup, store, and share photos with family and friends using Google Photos.
INDIVIDUAL CLASSES
eBay Basics: Learn how to buy merchandise on eBay and how to pay for purchases with PayPal.
Selling on eBay: Learn how to create an auction, employ selling strategies to maximize profit, navigate eBay's rules, and earn seller ratings that boost future business.
Cutting the Cable Cord: Learn about the basic features and functions of your smartphone’s camera and editing features. Android and iPhone welcome. Bring your device.
Smartphone Photography Basics: Learn about the basic features and functions of your smartphone’s camera and editing features. Android and iPhone welcome. Bring your device.
Facebook Basics: Learn how to create your profile, add friends, and share content.
Pinterest Basics: Learn how to create an account, find pins and boards, follow fellow pinners, and adjust basics security settings.
Library Entertainment Apps: Learn how to download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, movies, and music with GBPL’s entertainment apps. Must bring your device & library card.
Microsoft Office
Classes for those looking to gain or refresh their skills with Microsoft applications for work and home.
ACCESS SERIES
Series Description: Learn how to create a database, sort and filter via tables, create queries and make forms in this series.
1. Basics: Learn the basics of using and creating an Access database
2. Tables: Learn how to sort and filter data in an Access table, modify a table design, import data, and link tables together in a relationship.
3. Queries: Learn how to create queries to extract meaningful data from your database.
4. Forms & Reports: Learn how to use forms to make data entry easier and create printable reports and mailing labels from your database.
POWERPOINT
Basics: Learn how to use PowerPoint’s basic features to add & delete slides, change layouts, format text, select themes, and add graphics to a presentation.
Enhancing Your Presentations: Learn how to add shapes, pictures, animate objects, and add slide transitions to spruce up even the most basic presentations.
PUBLISHER
Basics: Learn how to navigate and work with basic Publisher templates to create quick projects like flyers, greeting cards, calendars, and more.
Enhancing Your Documents: Learn how to enhance your Publisher creations by using a series of images, text boxes and special effects.
EXCEL
Basics: Learn how Excel’s cells, worksheets & workbooks easily allow users to manipulate, calculate, and format numbers and other types of data.
Charts & Graphs: Learn how to add visual interest and tell stories by displaying numbers and data sets in chart or graph format.
Formulas & Functions: Learn to use formulas to automatically calculate and manipulate totals, percentages, averages, and ranges.
Working with Tables: Learn how to create tables and pivot tables, sort and filter data, work with large spreadsheets, and more.
Advanced Topics: Learn how to use conditional formatting, work with multiple sheets in an Excel workbook, calculate percentages, and use PMT & VLOOKUP functions.
WORD
Basics: Learn how to create text-based documents using Word, as well as how to complete simple actions like saving, opening, and printing documents.
Formatting Documents: Learn how to format text, apply bullets, and adjust spacing.
Editing Tools: Learn how to use cut & paste, spell check, and add comments to documents.
Tables, Images & Graphics: Learn how to use tables, borders, backgrounds, and WordArt.
Career & Business
Classes for those looking to build or enhance their professional skills and build an online presence.
QUICKBOOKS SERIES
Series Description: Learn how QuickBooks' accounting software allows users to manage their company finances by setting up a company, adding items, working with customers & vendors, and running reports.
1. Basics: Learn how QuickBooks' accounting software allows businesses to manage finances by setting up a company, adjusting preferences, and working with accounts.
2. Working with Items: Learn how to work with QuickBooks' Items module as well as how to define, set up, edit and delete items.
3. All About Customers: Learn how to add, edit, delete, and credit customers as well as how to work with invoices and receive payments.
4. All About Vendors: Learn how to add, edit, delete, and pay vendors as well as how to set up an accounts payable system.
5. Wrap Up & Reports: Learn to create, enter, and memorize journal entries, reconcile bank accounts, and run and customize reports.
SPECIAL EDITION CLASSES
QuickBooks Advanced Topics: Learn how to format, modify and filter data within reports and set up Sales Tax reporting in this special session.
QuickBooks Year End: Avoid headaches this tax season! Get your QuickBooks file ready for year-end by learning how to prepare 1099's, journal entries, and year end reports in this special session.