Computer Classes
Who can sign up for workshops?
You must be a Cape May County Library patron in good standing to register for a workshop.
Do I have to register to take a workshop?
Yes, pre-registration is required for each session. You must call 463-6341 and talk to our TEC Coordinator, Donna Soffe, to register. There are only 8 workstations per workshop and Donna must confirm your registration. Do not leave voice messages or email saying you are coming to a workshop. Note: Donna will not open email without a relevant subject line and automatically deletes email that has been forwarded from another source because of security concerns. Email should be confined to questions regarding TEC workshops offerings. It is always safest to call and speak with Donna directly if you want to be sure she gets your communication.
If I don't get into the workshop I want, will I miss that workshop forever?
Workshops are filled on a first-come, first served basis. Because of demand, patrons are limited to one workshop per month. If you are interested in attending additional workshops, please let Donna know so that she can put you on a waiting list for that workshop or schedule additional workshops. If you are registered for a workshop and cannot attend, please notify Donna as soon as possible so your vacancy can be filled by someone on the waiting list. The Library reserves the right to limit persons who repeatedly cancel or are "no shows" to waiting list only status. It is important that you make every effort to attend when you schedule and also that you arrive on time. Parking can be a problem, so please give yourself a few minutes before the workshop begins to find a place to park and get settled in the TEC.
How much does it cost to attend a workshop?
The workshops are free but only open to registered library patrons. For more information about how to get a Library card, see our Patron Handbook.
How will I know if a particular workshop is right for me?
Please read the workshop descriptions carefully. This will help you decide what workshops you should take or lay the groundwork for Donna to help you find the appropriate workshop if you are uncertain of your skills competency.
If after reading the workshop descriptions, you are still not sure which
workshop you should take, call Donna Soffe, our TEC Coordinator, at
463-6341 (leave voice message if she doesn't answer and she will return
your call. The phone is turned off during workshops!) or contact Donna using this form. Note:
Donna will not open email without a relevant subject line and automatically
deletes email that has been forwarded from another source because of
security concerns. Email should be confined to questions regarding TEC
workshops offerings. Sorry, Donna is not qualified to offer computer/software
support on items not specifically covered in any of the above workshops.
Recommended sequence for workshops at the TEC
If you are a complete novice and need to learn how to use a mouse for inputting information to the computer, you really should start with My First Computer Class. You will be expected to know how to use the mouse before attending any of the remaining workshops! Ultimately which workshop is right for you depends on what you want to use the comuter for and your own skill level. Please read the descriptions carefuly to see which will benefit you the most. Remember there is not a "course" of study per se. Each workshop is an independent unit and you can take them whenver you are ready. Logically you will not take Windows 102 before Windows 101 or Word(Two) before Word(One). The list below is recommended as an orderly progression as each introduces concepts that build on what has been previously learned following this sequence.
1. My First Computer Class
2. Software or How does it do that?*
3. Library Catalog Essentials
4. Intro to the World Wide Web
5. Intro to EBSCOhost
6. MS Word (One)
7. Hotmail 101
8. MS Word (Two)
9. Windows 101*
10. Windows 102*
11. Internet Explorer: Tips and Tricks*
12. Intro to MS PowerPoint
Note: Some workshops are designed for the home computer user. With the exception of #2 (Software), it is not recommended that you take the workshops marked with an asterisk unless you own a personal computer or will be buying one shortly. Without a home computer you will not be able to practice the information contained in the workshop. All of the other workshops deal with information that can largely be practiced at the Library on our public access computers. If you take the workshops without an asterisk in the order recommended, you will have a pretty good basic introduction to computing and will be much better informed about whether or not a computer purchase is an investment you want to make.
What skills do I need to attend a workshop?
With the exception of My First Computer Class, all current workshops require participants have a working knowledge of the mouse before attending. To test if you have the appropriate mouse skills, you should work through the entire Mouserobics program until you are comfortable and are relatively adept at performing the mouse functions taught. Mouserobics is a wonderful little tutorial created by Chris Rippel of the Central Kansas Library System (thank you, Chris!) that can be accessed from the World Wide Web. It teaches you how to hold and manipulate the mouse and some useful keyboarding information as well as important terminology. It is thirty-one pages long, so if you don't do all the exercises correctly, you won't see all the exercises.
How long are the workshops?
Workshops generally run 3 ½ hours.
Do I have to have a home computer to benefit from the TEC offerings?
Yes and No. Some of our workshops are geared for patrons who have home computers and others are aimed at patrons who only plan to use the computers available at the Library. The "Library friendly" workshops will cover material that can be utilized even if you don't own your own computer. Workshops with a "home computer recommended" label will introduce software or computer concepts that are not necessarily available on our Library's PACs (Public Access Computers). To get the most from these workshops and to apply what you have learned, you will need a home or workplace computer outside the Library.
I have physical handicaps. Can the TEC accommodate me?
That depends. The TEC is wheelchair accessible and most workshops will be taught using a projection screen technique whereby the students can actively follow the instructor's directions on an 8' projection screen as well as verbally. The projection screen workshops will, hopefully, enable some visually impaired and hearing impaired patrons to participate who might not be able to follow another instructional format. Patrons with hand/arm movement difficulties (arthritis, for example) may want to ask Donna about trying a trackball instead of the regular mouse. We are looking into a program for blind and visually impaired patrons but do not currently have this program in place. If you have special needs, please don't hesitate to discuss this with Donna at 463-6341.
Who can I contact to get more information or make a suggestion?
Donna Soffe is our TEC Coordinator and the primary contact for the Technology Education Center. She can be reached by:
- Telephone: (609) 463-6341
- E-mail: Contact TEC
- Mail: Cape May County Library TEC, 4 Moore Road, DN 2030, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
DISCLAIMER: While documents and links have been carefully researched in line with normal collection development procedures, because the Cape May County Library has no control over remote sites and sources, no responsibility for their content or availability is accepted or implied.
DISCLAIMER:
While documents and links have been carefully researched in line with
normal collection development procedures, because the Cape May County
Library has no control over remote sites and sources, no responsibility
for their content or availability is accepted or implied.