Technology Classes
Jackie’s Room is our computer training facility at the Wellesley Free Library. It was created with a generous donation by the late Alice Confortes, in memory of her daughter, Jackie Confortes Covo. The room has 12 workstations and is the location for introductory and intermediate level classes on using a PC and various popular software applications, searching the Internet, and using the Minuteman Library Catalog and databases.
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Recommended Technology Titles!
Technology Class Handouts
Apple Skills
- Getting the Most Out of Your iPhone ~ Learn how to use and take full advantage of all the amazing features your iPhone offers: great camera and video capabilities, text messaging, Siri, FaceTime, calendars, contact and other features.
- iPad for News ~ iPads can be a great way to help you stay up to date on breaking news. We will review different news apps and social media news sources as well as discuss how to find reliable news sources online.
- iPad in the Kitchen: Farmers’ Markets and More ~ Using your iPad in the kitchen can take your cooking to the next level. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a rare one, come learn about the great ways to integrate your iPad into your cooking.
- Keeping Organized with Mail, Contacts and Calendars on an Apple Device ~ Managing your mail, contacts and calendars is fundamental to using your Apple product to its full potential. This workshop will review features, tips and tricks in these apps.
- Mac Basics: Part 1 & 2 ~ Learn the basics of Mac computers including terms, setting preferences, the Dock, Finder, saving and opening files. These workshops also cover the standard Mac applications.
- Photo: Pictures on Your Mac ~ Photo is Apple’s newly designed app to keep your photos organized. The course will include importing photos from your camera, CD or DVD; organizing your photos; creating photo albums and viewing your photos in slideshows; editing, sharing and tagging photos.
- Podcasts: Listening with Apple’s iTunes ~ Podcasting is an extraordinary world worth exploring and it spans dozens of topics. Learn about the easy ways iTunes makes thousands of podcasts from all over the world available for on-demand listening.
- Snap It: Using & Enhancing your iPhone/iPad Camera ~ We will introduce apps that help take the best photos with an iPhone/iPad. These apps have great editing, special effects and enhancement features that the standard camera does not include.
- What’s So Great About Apps Anyway? WizeGuide’s Favorite Apps ~ Learn how to navigate the app world using your tablets or smart phones an find the latest and greatest apps. We will demonstrate the an assortment of our favorite apps from the world of entertainment, games, news, weather, social networking, productivity, utilities and photos.
Google Suite
- Google Docs ~ Google Docs is a web-based word processor on Google Suites which allows users to create documents remotely on most devices. Google Docs also allows groups of people to edit documents simultaneously and automatically saves changes.
- Google Photos ~ Google Photos is a photo-sharing and cloud storage service developed by Google. Google Photos gives users free, unlimited storage for photos up to 16 megapixels and videos up to 1080p resolution.
- Google Sheets ~ Google Sheets is a web-based spreadsheet program offered through Google Suites which allows users to create spreadsheets remotely on most devices. Google Sheets also allows groups of people to edit documents simultaneously and automatically saves changes.
- Google Slides ~ Google Slides is a web-based presentation program offered through Google Suites which allows users to create slideshow presentation remotely on most devices. Google Slides also allows groups of people to edit presentations simultaneously and automatically saves changes.
- Gmail: Google’s Email ~ Gmail is a powerful tool for email which opens you up to numerous Google products. We will look at setting up filters, using starring functions as well as tags, labels and advanced features.
- Gmail: Part 1 ~ Gmail is a powerful tool for email and a gateway to numerous Google products. We will look at setting up a Gmail account, and cover the basics of composing, sending, replying to, forwarding and searching emails.
- Gmail: Part 2 ~ Now that we have covered the basics of Gmail in our introductory class, we will move on to more advanced features such as setting up filters, using starring functions, tags and labels.
- Google Forms ~ Learn to create eye-catching surveys and track responses with Google Forms! Forms is a powerful tool that allows you to make professional looking surveys for personal or professional use. There are no limits to how many surveys you can make or send out. To use Forms, all you need is a Gmail account!
- Google Drive: Cloud Storage & Work Space~ Google Drive can provide a great solution for working and storing documents in the Cloud. With word processing, spreadsheets and presentation tools that are fully compatible with MS Office, Google Drive can be a great solution for may purposes.
- Google Drive: Part 1 Shows you how to access Google Drive (through your Google Email), create folders and sub-folders, upload and download files, and add files to your Google Drive through your Gmail account.
- Google Drive: Part 2 covers how to (briefly) create files, move files between locations, and how to share files and folders.
- Google Maps: Find Your Way~ In this hands-on workshop we will play with Google Maps, a useful online and mobile tool for finding your way around, finding nearby businesses and planning the quickest routes.
- Google Meet for Beginners ~ Learn how to safely make conference calls with other Google users!
- Google Search Tips ~ Google’s search engine can do more than a basic word search. It is possible to search for a phrase, find words in a title, URL, or in a specific webpage.
Genealogy
- Finding Your Family History: Genealogy Resources at the WFL ~ Come explore the genealogy resources available through the library, including Ancestry.com. We’ll look at various parts of the genealogy research process and learn about available resources.
- Your Digitized Legacy: What It Is and How to Protect It~ Whether you know it or not, you have a wealth of documents that are part of your legacy! All of your documents and photographs, even just the sentimental pieces, are important. This new series will discuss ways you can digitize your legacy, not only to organize it but also to protect it. Part 1 covers new equipment in the WFL’s Library of Things collection that you can take home to digitize your items. Part 2 discusses different ways you can store and organize those digital files and many options available to you.
Language Learning
- Introduction to Mango Languages ~ Mango Languages is an interactive online language platform that utilizes real-life situations, everyday conversations and native speakers in a self-paced course. in this hands-on session, we will cover how to sign up for Mango Languages account, then move on to learning the best ways to navigate the program.
Library Resources
- Introduction to Hoopla~ Learn how to instantly borrow free digital movies, music, eBooks and more, 24/7 with your library card. Bring your own device or borrow one from the library. Be sure to bring your library card, but please note not all Minuteman libraries offer this service.
- Kanopy ~ Kanopy is an on-demand streaming service that you can get for free through the library! Kanopy provides you access to 30,000+ documentaries, classics, and independent films including titles from the Criterion Collection and Great Courses. Learn how to access and navigate this exciting service! Note: Service is limited to Wellesley residents and residents living in participating towns.
- MLN Mobile App ~ Never leave home without your library card again with the MLN Mobile App! This app, which is available for free in the App Store and Google Play, allows users to search for items in the Minuteman Library Network, put items on hold, and even manage your holds and checkouts. Sign up today and learn how to use this excellent time-saving tool!
- Music to my Ears: Music at the WFL–Learn about the music resources–Music CDs, Scores, Print Magazines, DVDs, and digital streaming resources–available to you with your library card. Included is our new streaming music database, Naxos Music Library, Hoopla, and Kanopy.
- Prepare to Travel: Resources @ WFL Prepare for your next trip using print travel guides, language & travel databases, and online resources to learn the language and information about culture, customs, food history, and documents you may need to visit the USA and other countries.
- Search the Catalog Like a Pro! ~ Would you like to know how to search for items like a librarian? Are you curious about how the Minuteman Library Network app works? Then this is the class for you! You’ll learn how to access the catalog, put holds in, keep up with your checkouts, and more!
Microsoft: Office & Windows
- Computer Basics Parts 1 & 2 ~ In Part 1 of this series for beginners we will talk about what computers are, how they can be useful to you and review terminology. You’ll get practice with the mouse and keyboard navigation and with basic organization tools including files and folders. In Part 2, we will move into accessing the Internet. You can also find a shortened version of our handout here.
- File Management: Create & Organize Files & Folders ~ Learn about creating and organizing files and folders. We’ll look at local and cloud-based storage options.
- Keeping Your Computer Safe: Windows ~ Knowing more about how to keep your computer working well and free from malware will make you a more confident and better computer owner. We’ll talk about maintenance, upkeep and more.
- Office: 3 Sessions – Introduction, Intermediate, Advanced
- Excel
- Word
- PowerPoint
- Publisher (Introduction & Intermediate only)
- Windows 10 ~ Windows 10 is designed to work on both computers and mobile devices. Whether you are using Win 10 on a touch screen or with a mouse, the OS gives you great ways to organize your device and integrate web tools into your work. In this session, we’ll look at setting up your Win 10 device for your needs, cover common tasks, and get you comfortable with using this OS.
Readers’ Resources
- Find Your Next Read with NoveList and Other Tools ~ Looking for a new book that’s right up your alley? Learn how to use NoveList’s read-alike functions and other online tools to find exactly what you’re looking for. We’ll go over how to access these tools, options for finding all the works by an author, basics of genre and theme searching, and how to find these books in the Minuteman Network catalog. This class is for anyone interested in using library tools to find more of what you love to read!
- What to Read Next: Online Readers’ Resources ~ Readers know the importance of always having a book at the ready. In this session we will look at some tools and sites for keeping your to-read list nice and long.
Video & Media
- Shooting Great Video on Mobile Devices ~ We will cover the elements of shooting better video. Students are encouraged to bring their video cameras, ,mobile devices to hoot video.
- Video Editing with iMovie on the iPad ~ Learn how to edit and share your movies on an iPad using the latest version of iMovie from Apple Computer.
- YouTube 101: Creating Your Own YouTube Page ~ Learn how to create your own YouTube page and upload your videos. This workshop covers sharing videos across social media platforms and other websites.
- How to Upload Videos to YouTube ~ Did you know that if you have a Google account, you automatically have a YouTube account which allows you to create your own channel? Learn how to upload videos, adjust privacy settings, create playlists, and share your content!
Your Online Life
- Android Basics for Smartphones and Tablets ~ Learn the fundamentals for using your Android device. We’ll discuss the basics of operating an Android smartphone or tablet as well as how to set up a Google account and install and manage apps.
- Canva ~ Are you looking to elevate your business flyers, school projects, or social media posts? Learn the basics of Canva, an online editing tool you can utilize to step-up your graphic design game. No design experience needed— just a working email.
- Create a Postcard with Canva ~ Are you getting ready to send out holiday cards to friends and family? Would you like to create your own personal design? Learn the basics of Canva, an online editing tool, and customize a postcard!
- Create a Social Media Post with Canva ~ Do you want to make eye-catching social media posts? Then try Canva! Learn the basics of Canva, an online editing tool, and customize a social media post!
- Cleanup Tips for Digital Clutter ~ Is your desktop loaded with files? Does your smartphone act slow because it’s filled with photos? Think about the digital junk we hoard, like the thousands of photos bloating our smartphones or the backlog of files cluttering our computer drives. We will review the easiest ways to declutter and untangle our digital lives.
- Get Started with Zoom–Learn how to use this user-friendly videoconferencing platform to attend or set up meetings/events virtually with clients, friends, groups, or family.
- Helpful Job Seeking Resources ~ The WFL offers resources to aid in your search from resumes and cover letters to research on potential companies to starting your own company. The Federal Government also has lots of helpful information.
- Privacy on Facebook ~Now that the digital environment is becoming more popular, learn about what privacy options are available to you on Facebook and the basics of how to modify them.
- Introduction to Instagram~Instagram or IG is a popular social media service that allows you share photos and videos with other users on the platform. This introductory class will explain how to navigate the app, set privacy settings, and upload a post.
- Introduction to Streaming TV ~ This class will introduce you to Streaming TV: how it works, what you will need, and whether it will let you quit cable. We will also discuss the pros and cons of different content providers’ bundles.
- Your Digitized Legacy: What It Is and How to Protect It ~ Whether you know it or not, you have a wealth of documents that are part of your legacy! All of your documents and photographs, even just the sentimental pieces, are important. This series will discuss ways you can digitize your legacy, not only to organize it but also to protect it.
- Part 1 ~ In Part 1, we will cover new equipment in the WFL’s Library of Things collection that you can take home to digitize your items, from film to photographs.
- Part 2 ~ In Part 2, we will discuss different ways you can store and organize those digital files and different options available to you.