Computer classes at NVCL fall into two broad categories: Computer Basics, and Creating Digital Content. Our goal in offering these classes is to inspire discovery and creativity, and to enhance access and inclusion.
The following is a list of our Winter 2019 computer classes. All classes are drop-in, 7 - 8:30 p.m. No registration required.
Intro to Gmail in Farsi
Demo, drop-in
Next class: February 21
This class will provide an overview of Google's 'Gmail' service, showing the steps for creating an account, as well as reviewing basic send and receive functions. Managing your email account will also be covered. This class will be entirely taught in the Farsi language.
Intro to the Google and the Internet
Hands-on, drop-in
Next class: February 28
This session provides an overview of the Internet, browsers, search engines (featuring Google), and a tour of the Library's website. Search strategies and tips will be a focus along with advice for protecting yourself online. Bring your own computer or use one of ours (limit of 12 computers).
Class Resources >>
Intro to Social Media
Demo, drop-in
Next class: March 7
Learn the basics of the two most popular social media platforms—Facebook and Twitter. This class will help you find your way around in each of them.
Class Resources >>
Intro to Cloud Computing
Demo, drop-in
Next class: March 14
Learn what cloud computing means in practical terms and how it can be really useful. We'll look at some of the cloud services you may already be using and we'll take some of the fog out of your understanding of the cloud.
Class Resources >>
Intro to Online Privacy and Security
Demo, drop-in
Next class: March 21
Do you feel insecure about the information you are putting online? This introductory class will look at some of the basics regarding your privacy – keeping personal data personal, and security – keeping yourself safe. Topics covered include smart-phone use, social media, cookies, and more. Come learn some strategies for protecting yourself.
Class Resources >>
Library and Online Resources
Demo, drop-in
Next class: March 28
Do you feel insecure about the information you are putting online? This introductory class will look at some of the basics regarding your privacy – keeping personal data personal, and security – keeping yourself safe. Topics covered include smart-phone use, social media, cookies, and more. Come learn some strategies for protecting yourself.
Class Resources >>
Intro to Self-Publishing (A Creating Digital Content class)
Demo, drop-in
Next class: April 4
So you’ve written the great Canadian novel, and can’t find a publisher – or you’ve put together your family history and want to share it in ebook form. Whatever the case, digital publishing has never had fewer barriers. Come find out some of the ins-and-outs of making your work available to the big wide world.
Intro to MS Word
Hands-on, drop-in
Next class: April 17
Learn the basic features of Microsoft Word, a word processing program you can use to create documents. Topics include creating and managing folders, entering and editing text, inserting images, saving files, formatting and setting up for printing. Bring your own computer or use one of ours (limit of 12 computers).
Class Resources >>
Intermediate MS Word
Hands-on, drop-in
Next class: April 18
This class goes beyond the basics of finding your way around in Microsoft Word. Learn about using tables to organize text, find and use templates, explore styles and themes, and even try some review options for editing. Bring your own computer or use one of ours (limit of 12 computers).
Class Resources >>
Intro to MS Excel
Hands-on, drop-in
Next class: April 24
Spreadsheets are a powerful tool for managing data. After Word, Excel is the most popular application in the Microsoft Office suite, and Excel know-how is essential in many employment situations. We’ll look at the various ways spreadsheets are used, and show you how using this program can make you more efficient. Drop in to this hands-on workshop; bring your own computer or use one of ours (limit of 12 computers).
Class Resources >>
Keyboard and Mouse
Hands-on, drop-in
Next class: TBA
This is a computer class for the absolute beginner. Effective use of the mouse, and finding your way around the keyboard will be the focus of this class. Bring your own computer or use one of ours (limit of 12 computers).
Class Resources >>
Computer Basics
Hands-on, drop-in
Next class: TBA
Don't know the difference between a browser and an operating system? Software and hardware? Come to this introductory class where no questions are too basic. Bring your own computer or use one of ours (limit of 12 computers).
Class Resources >>
Intro to Windows
Demo, drop-in
Next class: TBA
This class is designed to help you get started with Microsoft Windows. Using Windows 10, we’ll go over basic layout and navigation, show you some tips and tricks for personalizing your device, and introduce a few important privacy and security settings.
Class Resources >>
Intermediate MS Excel
Hands-on, drop-in
Next class: April 25
This class goes beyond the basics of Microsoft Excel. What is “conditional formatting”? What options are there for graphically displaying information? We’ll create some simple formulas and try out some charting options. Bring your own computer or use one of ours (limit of 12 computers).
Class Resources >>
Intro to Mac
Demo, drop-in
Next class: TBA
Become an effective Mac user. Apple's new operating system, OS X Mojave, can be confusing without a bit of guidance. Come learn some tips and tricks as well as way-finding information.
Class Resources >>
Intro to iPad
Demo, drop-in
Next class: TBA
As tablet computers go, the iPad and iPad mini are market leaders. This presentation reviews the basics of using an iPad tablet computer. Included is an overview of settings, touch navigation options, apps and a couple of cool tools.
Class Resources >>
Intro to Email (Gmail)
Demo, drop-in
Next class: TBA
This class will provide an overview of Google's 'Gmail' service, showing the steps for creating an account, as well as reviewing basic send and receive functions. Managing your email account will also be covered. This class is for those with little exposure to email who are looking to open and make use of their own online email account.
Class Resources >>
Have a suggestion for a new class?
The computer classes offered by North Vancouver City Library speak to our strategic priorities of inspiring learning, discovery and creation, as well as our focus on enhancing access and inclusion. We offer two main class types: Digital Basics, and Creating Digital Content. The Digital Basics classes are geared toward enabling beginners to get started with participating in the digital world, so they can build on their knowledge base and use computing devices, common software, and online services with confidence. The Creating Digital Content classes are focused on generating digital media using library services like the Digitization and Recording stations.
Classes are supplemented by web-based learning tools such as Lynda.com and Safari Books Online, as well as one-on-one coaching which is available by appointment.
Have a suggestion for a new class? Click here and tell us about it!
1-on-1 Tech Coaching
If you would like assistance with any of the topics you see above, please contact us for a private coaching appointment in one of the following ways:
