Registration Open For March RLCC Classes

Registration is now open for staff and the public for the March 2015 Regional Library Computer Center Classes. All classes are held in the Regional Library Computer Center (RLCC) of the Central (downtown) Library. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES.

To register for a class: ((Please note that registration does not necessarily guarantee you a spot in the class. You will receive an email confirming your registration for classes.  You may also call to confirm your registration)

  1. Complete name, address and phone information. PLEASE PRINT.
  2. Place a check mark in the check box next to the class(es) you would like to attend.
  3. Return the entire form to a staff person in the Public Computer Services department.
  4. You may also send an email to cenrtc@bham.lib.al.us or use the online form to register.

Free Online Learning

There’s no beComputer Clip Arttter time than now to learn a new skill or take an educational course of personal interest to you.  Well, I would like to introduce several free online learning websites.  Yes, that’s right.  You can choose courses and learn skills all for free.  Also, learn at your own pace and connect with fellow learners and instructors.  What an opportunity!

Coursera: Free Online Courses

This educational website offers courses online to anyone for free.  You may choose from hundreds (currently 955) of courses created by the top educational institutions.  The courses cover a broad range of subjects including biology, computer sciences, physics, health, math, education, social sciences and teacher professional development.  You may learn for fun or earn a verified certificate.

Codecademy

This educational site teaches you to code interactively for free.  You may choose to learn HTML & CSS, Python, Ruby or Javascript, as well as other programming languages.  You can learn to create a website, as well as style the site using CSS.  This is an interactive website which makes learning fun.  I recommend this resource for adults and teens who are interested in learning to code.

Khan Academy

“You can learning anything.”  This is a learning resource for all ages.  This site offers free outstanding educational resources for everyone.  Courses include math, science, art, music, computer programming, economics and more.  There are even free tools for parents and teachers.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get started on those goals today.  Lifelong learning is important.  You will definitely improve your skills and expand your horizons.

Registration Open for February RLCC Classes

CLASS REGISTRATION

Registration is now open for staff and the public for the February 2015 Regional Library Computer Center classes. All classes are held in the Regional Library Computer Center (RLCC) of the Central (downtown) Library. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES.

To register for a class: (Please note that registration does not necessarily guarantee you a spot in the class. Please call to confirm.)

  1. Complete name, address and phone information. PLEASE PRINT.
  2. Place a check mark in the check box next to the class(es) you would like to attend.
  3. Return the entire form to a staff person in the Public Computer Services department.
  4. You may also send an email to cenrtc@bham.lib.al.us or use the online form to register.

Back to Basics: Beginner Computer Classes offered for November

How do you turn this on? Why is this called a mouse? Why is it called Windows, and where are the curtains?

It seems that practically everything we do uses a computer. For many who have never dealt with a computer, these every-day operations can be daunting. Just the terminology alone can send someone screaming back to the pre-Y2K hills!

The Regional Library Computer Center offers basics courses to introduce people to computers. The courses and trainers help technology newbies become less intimidated with working on a PC. All it requires in taking the first step and then one-step at a time. It takes time and practice.

For those who have had a class or more under their belt, here are some web sites for practice. The more you become familiar with the basics, the sooner you can take the next step.

Mouse Exercises Tutorials:

Typing Tutorials:

  • http://www.typingweb.com/ TypingWeb is a free online typing tutor & keyboarding tutorial for typists of all skill levels. TypingWeb includes entertaining typing games, typing tests, and free official typing certification.
  • http://www.learn2type.com/ This website had typing tutorials and a typing speed test. There is also a kids section. You do need to enter an email address to register for this site. The only drawback is the advertising on the site, which gives it a cluttered appearance.
  • http://www.keybr.com/ The virtual keyboard allows you to practice your touch typing skills. Go to the site, select your keyboard, and give it a try.
  • http://www.powertyping.com/ This website has typing lessons that also provide feedback when you make a mistake. You can see how fast and how accurate you are typing. Make sure you look for the QWERTY link for lessons on the QWERTY keyboard. Begin with lesson 1 and proceed as you wish.
  • http://www.sense-lang.org/typing/tutor/keyboarding.php With 15 lessons, you can begin with lesson 1 and graduate to lesson 15. You can take your time

November classes are also open for registration. All classes are held in the Regional Library Computer Center, located on the fourth floor of the Linn-Henley Research Building. Registration is required for all classes. Please note that we will not offer classes in December.