Tech Classes

Microsoft Word Office 365 for Beginners

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 10:30 am

Using the new online free version of Microsoft Office 365, this hands-on class introduces the essentials of Microsoft Word.

We'll cover tabs, saving and printing, downloading templates, clip art, bullets, and more.

Bring your own device with a Microsoft Outlook account, or use a library device. Basic mouse and keyboard skills required.

Talking Tech: Basics of Terminology and Lingo

Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 3:00 pm

Go back to basics with this discussion-style class focused on all the terms and language around computer use.

Have you been unsure about difference between Macs and PCs or iPhones and Androids? Do you want to know about your operating system or RAM and didn't know how to ask?

Come to this judgement-free environment to gain confidence in talking about technology.

Microsoft Excel for Beginners

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 2:00 pm

This hands-on class introduces the essentials of Microsoft Excel 2021: tabs, rows, columns, functions, formulas, and more. We'll help you understand the basics of spreadsheets.

Bring your own device with Microsoft Excel installed, or use a library laptop.

Basic mouse and keyboarding skills are required. There will be plenty of time for questions.

Staying Safe Online--Scams and Phishing: Presented in Urdu

Sunday, October 13, 2024, 12:30 pm

For Urdu speakers, this class will show how to detect scams, frauds, and bad actors on the internet.

Learn common signs and aspects of scams and phishing, as well as other tips and tricks to stay safe online.

Using PhotoPea: Free Photo Editing Software

Monday, October 14, 2024, 11:00 am

In this introductory class, explore the basics of PhotoPea, a free online photo editor. This web-based software lets you edit photos; apply effects, filters, and text; and crop or resize pictures.

Bring your own device, or use a library laptop. Basic mouse and keyboard skills are required. There will be plenty of time for questions.

Computer Basics: Navigating the Internet

Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 3:30 pm

This class will teach the basics of getting online, including choices of internet browsers, basic search functions, and website conventions.

Bring your own laptop or use a library device. Basic mouse and keyboard skills are required. There will be plenty of time for questions.

Create a Resume Using Canva.com

Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 5:30 pm

Canva.com is a free online design platform that lets you create flyers, handouts, and documents. This class introduces elements of Canva design useful when creating a resume.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills required. Bring your own device, or use a library laptop. There will be plenty of time for questions.

Getting Started with Gmail

Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10:30 am

In this hands-on class, we will start from scratch and create free Google email accounts. Learn how to write, send, and save emails, and explore basic navigation of the Gmail platform.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills are required.

How to Use Transit Apps to Get Around

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 3:30 pm

There are many options for getting from point A to point B, including many that can be accessed on your phone.

This presentation will review various apps and resources, such as Uber, Lyft, Google Maps, and the CTA transit app.

Intro to Strong Passwords and Password Manager Applications

Friday, November 8, 2024, 11:00 am

Good online account security is a necessary part of everyday life today. Learn how to create secure passwords and how password managers may be useful for you.

Computer Basics: File Types and How to Use Them

Sunday, November 10, 2024, 1:00 pm

You may have seen files on your computer with names ending in something like "pdf," "jpg," or "doc." Learn what these standard file types are and how to use them.

This computer basics presentation will help you understand different formats on the computer.

Exploring AI Tools: Microsoft Copilot

Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5:30 pm

Curious about using AI? Microsoft Copilot is a built-in "AI companion" that can be a great introduction to the new, powerful AI tools.

Learn some tips and info on searching using Copilot, including how it differs from standard search engines. We will discuss evaluating results, checking sources, and determining how to use AI to leverage your research.

Use Google Sheets for a Holiday Gift Budget

Monday, November 18, 2024, 3:00 pm

Google Sheets, the free online spreadsheet software, is a great tool for keeping track of spending.

This class will help you get more comfortable with creating spreadsheets by introducing filters and formatting to help you plan, log, and track your spending for the holidays.

Mouse and keyboard skills required. Some familiarity with spreadsheets (Excel or Sheets) preferred.

After the one-hour class, there will be 30 minutes to ask questions and continue trying things.

Talking Tech: Parenting and the Internet

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 5:30 pm

In this open-ended discussion session, author Devorah Heitner explores broad topics around parenting and the internet.

With resources and prompts--including copies of Devorah's book Growing up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World--we will address privacy, security, and parental controls. Bring your questions about topics like how to balance curiosity and safety and what technology skills kids need for the future.

Find Growing up in Public in the library catalog.

Privacy and Security for Social Media Apps

Thursday, November 21, 2024, 5:30 pm

Learn about the main options for privacy and security settings on social media, as well as parental controls.

Learn what is available on various social media apps like Instagram and TikTok.

Google Docs for Beginners

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 10:30 am

This hands-on class introduces Google Docs. Learn to create documents, share, save, download, upload, print, and more.

Edit, Share, and Organize Your Photos

Tuesday, December 10, 2024, 1:00 pm

You've taken all the great photos, now what do you do with them? Learn tips and tricks for uploading your pictures, making them look great, and letting others see them.

Start Using Google Drive and Cloud Storage

Friday, December 13, 2024, 1:30 pm

Learn how to use the popular cloud-based file storage option connected to your Google account. Navigate the interface and learn to organize, sync, and locate files.

Access, create, and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. Plus, learn how to share files and access things through the mobile app.

Basic mouse and keyboard skills required. Google account preferred.

Reading Newspapers and Magazines Online

Monday, December 16, 2024, 3:00 pm

Did you know that with your library card, you have free access to many online magazines and newspapers?

Learn the basics of these online tools, from the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times to Rolling Stone and Bon Appetit! For Skokie cardholders.

Understanding and Using Facebook Marketplace

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 4:00 pm

Learn how to navigate this online platform for buying and selling items within your community.

This class will cover basic functions, safety tips, and how to get involved in the online marketplace.