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Schedules

Descriptions

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New! Register online or phone the Computer Lab at 485-3316 to register, if you prefer.

May 2008

June 2008

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Class Descriptions:

Mousing Around: Introduction to Computer Basics:  A basic introduction to the computer.  Learn to use a mouse -- the first step to mastering the world of computers.  This class is designed for those who have never touched a computer!

Mousercise-Beyond the Basics:  Review mouse skills and take them "beyond the basics" to learn additional techniques that are required in many computer programs. Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Computer Basics or experience using a mouse.

Keyboarding for Beginners:  Begin Keyboarding using tutorials demonstrating correct hand position, keystrokes and sequenced lessons.  Self-paced in the Computer Lab. 

Introduction to Toolbars:  An introduction to toolbars, using the word processing program WordPad. We will learn skills needed for all computer programs through the use of toolbars and floppy disks.  Save your work and take a floppy disk with you for future use. This class requires a certain amount of typing. Prerequisite: Mousercise-Beyond the Basics

Introduction to Microsoft Word 2000:  Learn the basic elements in Microsoft Word 2000 word processing software.  Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Computer Basics and Beyond the Basics or basic computer experience.

Intermediate Word 2000: Create a document and learn skills such as inserting headers, pagination, tables, footnotes, clip art and hyperlinks.  Copy and paste from the Internet and create an envelope.  Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Microsoft Word 2000.  

Advanced Word 2000: Extend Word knowledge, learning how to make documents more professional using additional toolbars, and the drawing and editing tools in Microsoft Word. Prerequisite: Intermediate Word.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint:    An introduction to the graphics program Microsoft PowerPoint.  Learn how to create professional looking slide presentations using WordArt, ClipArt and other special effects found in this powerful program.  Prerequisites: Intermediate Word 2000.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2000:  Learn the basic elements of Microsoft Excel 2000 spreadsheet software.   Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Word 2000.

Intermediate Microsoft Excel 2000:  Through the editing of a spreadsheet, we'll learn how to format, add/delete, and sort columns and rows of data.  We'll practice formulas and calculations, and what it means to freeze panes.  Prerequisite:  Completion of Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2000.

Surfing the Net:  An introduction to the Internet.  Learn about browsers, search engines, and hyperlinks.  Learn how to perform simple searches and how to find the information you want on the Internet.  Learn how to determine whether a site provides reliable information and troubleshoot problems.  Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Computer Basics and Beyond the Basics or basic computer experience.

E-Mail @ your Library:  Learn how to use e-mail.  Set-up a free Hotmail account then learn how to send and receive e-mail!  Learn how to use your address book, manage folders and more! Prerequisite: Completion of Surfing the 'Net or basic knowledge of the Internet.

Welcome to the Neighborhood - Building a Geocities Home Page: This class walks you through designing and customizing your own webpage.  Create a professional looking web page with graphics, backgrounds, pictures, and even music, all with the click of a mouse, using Yahoo!Geocities.  Prerequisite:  Surfing the 'Net and Intermediate Word 2000.

Introduction to Publisher: Learn the basic use of publishing software that will allow for the creation of specialty items such as greeting cards, flyers, brochures, calendars, and much more.  Prerequisite: Intermediate Word 2000.

Other Computer Lab Programs

Homework Heroes:  Every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. during the school year. The computer lab is reserved for students.   Library staff are available to assist with homework and research projects utilizing the software on the lab computers and printing is free.

Victoria Public Library offers free computer classes every month in our Computer Lab.    Our computer lab houses 10 workstations loaded with the Microsoft Office suite, numerous reference tools and interactive, educational games  -- and, of course, internet access.  The computer lab is available for public use any time a class or special program is not being held.

Interested in learning more about computers or know someone who is?  We offer free classes!  Check out our class schedules and class descriptions for additional information.  To register for a class, stop by the library or phone (361) 485-3316.

Victoria Public Library Computer Lab Policy

The Victoria Public Library computer lab is a facility to be used primarily for library-sponsored classes on the Internet and classes on specific software already on the PCs.  These classes will normally be one and a half hours long.

When the library is not holding classes in the lab, the lab will be available for use by the public.

As a secondary purpose, community educational and cultural organizations may be permitted to use the lab for classes similar in nature to those offered by the library.  Permission to use the lab may be given under the following terms and conditions:

1. The library will not charge admission for use of the lab nor can the group using the room charge any such admission fee.  Lab use may not be restricted to members of the group hosting the class, but must be open to the public.

2. Because classes must be open to the general public, any group using the lab must provide a contact telephone number for registration.  It is the responsibility of the group to register people for the class they are offering.

3. Any organization or group using the lab must observe the library’s posted hours of operation.

4. Nothing should be attached to any wall of the lab.  No magnets will be allowed.

5. No software will be allowed to be loaded onto the hard drives of the lab PCs.

6. The lab will be reserved on a “first come, first serve” basis by applying in writing to the library business office on the form attached to this policy.  Applications are subject to approval by library administration. Applications are also subject to cancellation if the lab is needed by the City or library administration. 

7. Any application for the use of the lab should be submitted at least six weeks but no more than three months in advance of the meeting date.  Permission to use the lab is limited to a single meeting only.  Classes are booked in two-hour blocks. 

8. A statement of the purpose of the class must be included on the application form. 

9. Any exceptions to the above-stated policies will be made only with the written permission of the Library Advisory Board.

Victoria Public Library Computer Lab Rules

To help all patrons gain the most benefit from the computer lab the following rules will apply:

1. No software may be loaded onto the lab PCs.  Patrons may bring in their own disks, and work from their disks, but may not load anything onto the lab PCs.

2. Patrons can use the lab on their own when no class is scheduled.  However, patrons must vacate the lab 15 minutes prior to a scheduled class.

3. Patrons may not enter the lab while a class is going on.  It a patron has signed up for a class, but is over 10 minutes late to the class, they will not be admitted.  The patron will have to sign up for the class again.

4. If a patron wishes to attend a class for which they have not previously signed up, and slots are still available, the remaining slots will be filled on a “first come, first serve” basis.  If the class is fully registered, the patron may wait as a “standby” to see if all the registered students come to the class.  If registered students do not come by ten minutes after the class starts, “standby” patrons will be allowed to fill the slots.

5. Library classes in the lab emphasize hands on experience.  Therefore, only one student per PC will be allowed.  Classes given by outside groups may allow two students per PC, but no more.

6. No food or drink will be allowed in the lab.

7. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.  Rough or destructive handling of the equipment is not allowed.