Manchester City Library

This morning I taught my first computer class of the Summer computing season. I had a full class roster registered, but a very low turn out. I thought I’d soothe the sting of the searing rejection by presenting my class here in the hopes that someone might be inspired to teach someone they know.

Learning the computer is very much like learning a new language - don’t try and remember everything all at once, practice, and don’t be scared you’re not going to break it. Second, I go over the parts of the computer and the keys on the keyboard. I take this chance to point out that, despite what geeks say, computers are no always consistent and predictable. Sometimes they do weird things. Next I teach how to hold the mouse: index finger to left click, middle finger to right click, rest the palm lightly on the table behind the mouse for control. Most of the delicate cursor movement is achieved by pushing the mouse slightly with the thumb and pinky finger. We practice our mousing together using Mouseaerobics courtesy of the Central Kansas Library System.

If you’re looking for more practice we have computers here at the library for folks to use as well as friendly staff who will be happy to point you to mouseaerobics for a chance to practice. For the self-starters the library has lots of computer books for beginners: Windows Vista for Seniors, Easy Computer Basics, and who could do without The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Computer Basics?

Blogs and blogging have been a big part of the internet’s revolution over the last few years. Come to learn how it works and how to use it. This will be casual, fun, and involve lots of conversation. For more information, please contact Lichen at 624-6550 ext. 324. Registration is required and space is limited and demand is high so please, if you sign up, plan to attend and arrive a bit early - space will not be held after starting time.

Wonder how Google became a verb? Feeling left behind by the email this and www that? We’ll discuss the internet, what it is and how it might make you smile.

Registration Required. Note: Space is limited and demand is high so please, if you sign up, plan to attend and arrive a bit early - space will not be held after starting time. For more information, please contact Lichen Rancourt at 624-6550 ext. 324.

Their bark is worse than their byte. Computers are no mystery; they’re just tools. Come, get introduced, and learn the basics. For more information, please contact Lichen at 624-6550 ext. 324. Registration Required. Note: Space is limited and demand is high so please, if you sign up, plan to attend and arrive a bit early - space will not be held after starting time.

Want to know the buzz on blogs? The scoop on Skype? MySpace, Facebook, and Flickr, oh my! Bring all your questions about internet tools and trends and we’ll explore how to use them to learn, participate, and communicate. For more information, please contact Lichen Rancourt at 624-6550 ext. 324. Registration Required.