Gustavus Technology Training Classes Posted on January 25th, 2010 by Steven Vogt

Gustavus Technology Services is pleased to announce the availability of free, hands-on, technology training sessions for faculty and staff. These training sessions will be in small groups held in the Olin Technology Classroom (Room 124B) beginning at 9:00 am and lasting about an hour. They are aimed at all different skill levels so all are welcome. Our goal is to make you feel more comfortable using technology, software and other online resources.

Topics and times for this upcoming semester include:

• Technology Classroom Techniques – February 2, 2010
  Are you teaching in or using one of the technology equipped classrooms on campus? This hands on class will cover the basics of using and being comfortable with this technology.  It will cover using the projector, presenting with the computer, playing different types of media and adjusting audio.  Whether you’ve used the technology classrooms at Gustavus before or are brand new, this class is for you.

• Hands-On Moodle – February 16, 2010
  What is Moodle anyway and what can I use it for? Learn how to use Moodle for distributing materials online, such as documents, movies, and audio files. Tired of keeping a class web page current? Moodle provides an easy way to keep materials up-to-date. See how committees use Moodle as an online meeting place where they can share resources and virtually discuss issues.

• Google Calendar – February 23, 2010
  http://google.gustavus.edu. Do you need an online collaborative calendaring system? Google Calendar might be the answer for you. We’ll demonstrate the features of this online collaborative tool available to the campus community. This hands on class will allow you to take Google Calendar for a test drive.

• Podcasting at Gustavus – March 2, 2010
  Podcasting is a great way share virtually any type of audio or video content online. Whether you are just curious about podcasting or interested in using them in your classroom for lectures or student projects, come and learn how easy it is to record and publish a podcast. See how your podcasts can be published locally or on the new Gustavus space on iTunesU.
  
• Windows Getting Started – March 9, 2010
  Do you want to learn more about the Windows operating system? Control Panels, Networking, Applications, Start Menus, Task Bar and Memory. How do they all work together?
  This class will focus on learning Windows 7, Microsoft’s latest operating system.

• Macintosh Getting Started – March 16, 2010
  Learn the basics of the Macintosh operating system. This class will focus on concepts from early version of OS X through the latest OS version, OS X Snow Leopard. Learn about System Preferences, Networking, Applications, Dock, Memory, Upgrades and how they all work together. Come see how easy it is to work and play on a Macintosh.

• Introduction to Social Networking – March 23, 2010
  For those who haven’t got started or would like to learn more about Facebook, Twitter, and Social Networks. We will discuss how to get started, words to know, managing privacy settings, and how these social networks can benefit you.

• Gustavus Online Resources – April 6, 2010
  Is there some way to print out a pictorial directory of my spring class rosters? How can I find out how to connect my personal computer to the Gustavus network? Is there any way to search online for a free time to schedule a faculty committee meeting? How do I get my professional profile online? Need to set up a vacation email message, but don’t know how? Answers to these questions and many more are just a mouse click away. This course will be an online tour of many helpful resources currently available on the Gustavus web, including the GTS Tools page, the Gribly, and GTS wiki.

• Basic Word 2008 for Macintosh – April 13, 2010
  An introductory, hands on class for the newest Microsoft word processor for the Macintosh. You’ll learn how to use the new tool bar, elements gallery and pre-designed headers, footers and bibliographies. This class will help the new to Word and the new to Word 2008 users.

• Basic Word 2007 for PC – April 20, 2010
  An introduction into the newest version of Microsoft Word. You’ll learn how to use the new ribbon, office button and the different views and contextual tabs, galleries and live previews. This hands on class will help the new to Word and the new to Word 2007 users.

• Proper Data Backup Techniques – April 27, 2010
  We will discuss the different goals of backups (there’s more than one!), how to determine the best backup method for your  data, how to back up your data. We will also cover some of the pitfalls you may run into along the way.

• Internet Safety – May 4, 2010
  Phishing, Viruses, Spyware. What can you do to make sure you don’t become a victim? You’ll learn about the precautions you should take when you are on the internet.

• Getting Started with Adobe Photoshop – May 11, 2010
  An introductory course on Photoshop to teach some simple editing techniques that will help you crop, edit, adjust and improve your photos.  Participants are encouraged to bring in their own photos,  preferably in a digital format,  to practice on.

To sign up or view a full list of class offerings and descriptions, please visit gustavus.edu/gts. Then click the “Schedule an Appointment” link. Click the topic titles on the classes you are interested in or click “Book Now” to sign up for the class. You may also call the Technology Helpline (x6111) and we will be happy to schedule a session for you! Remember these are in small groups so attendance is limited.

We hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity to better understand and utilize the resources available to you. If you have any questions regarding the classes feel free to call Technology Services at 6111 or email us at helpline@gustavus.edu.

We look forward to seeing you there!