Troy SeniorNet Learning Center

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Troy SeniorNet Learning Center
By Bob Treharne
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What is SeniorNet?

• A national, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with
  international affiliates.

There are about 130 Learning Centers in the U.S.
and other countries. There are two learning
Centers in Michigan (Troy and St. Joseph)
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center

• Site sponsor is the City of Troy Parks and
  Recreation under the supervision of the Senior
  Director, Carla Vaughan.

All volunteer organization run by a seven-person
Steering Committee and about 35 other volunteers.
Offer hands-on computer courses for seniors
taught by seniors with course materials geared
toward seniors.
SeniorNet definition of a senior is 50 years and
older.
Maximum of eight students with one instructor and
two or more coaches to assist the students.
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The national organization provides the local
Learning Centers

• Computer software (Windows Operating System,
  Microsoft Word, Family Tree Maker, Photoshop
  Elements, etc.)

The course curriculum (electronic copies of
instructor guides, student manuals and supporting
materials)
The National web site, discussion groups, and web
space for the Learning Centers
They obtained a grant for a donation of our
original equipment (9 PCs and two printers)
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center

• All classes are in room 405 of the Troy Community
  Center.

A nominal fee is charged ranging from 17 for a
two two-hour lesson class to 50 for a eight
two-hour class. A low income discount of 50 is
available. Class fee includes a student manual
with a CD of all practice files.
Free retakes- students may take a class over for
free if needed.
Thirteen different courses are offered
51 classes were taught last year for 281 students
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center Classes

• Introduction to Computer Fundamentals The class
  for beginners including those that have never
  touched a computer (four two-hour lessons for 34)

Intermediate Computer Skills The recommended
second class for beginners or the first class for
students who want a refresher. A survey course
that includes Windows, word processing,
spreadsheets, Internet, email, file management,
etc. (eight two-hour lessons for 50)
Introduction to Word Processing Word processing
using Microsoft Word including adding pictures
and clip-art, using color, multiple columns,
setting margins and tabs, spell checking .etc.
(eight two-hour lessons for 50)
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center Classes

• Windows XP This class covers creating folders,
  finding files, copying and restoring files,
  customizing your computer, understanding Windows
  settings, backup, hard drive maintenance, etc.
  (eight two-hour lessons for 50)

Internet Using Internet Explorer 7 This course
covers basic navigation, searching the web,
customizing your browser to quickly visit the
sites you want, downloading files, privacy,
security, and online commerce. (six two-hour
lessons for 42)
Introduction to Excel Use spreadsheets to
maintain an address book, a household budget, an
investment portfolio, or manage a bowling league,
etc. (eight two-hour lessons for 50)
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center Classes

• Digital Imaging with Photoshop Elements Edit
  photographs from a digital camera, scanner and
  other sources. Topics including retouching and
  restoring old photos, preparing photos to share
  online, formats for photo files, how to input and
  output photos and how to use photos to create
  other projects. Join us for fun with photos
  (eight two-hour lessons for 50)

Digital Format an overview of various graphic
file formats and how and when to use them.
Reviews the construction of digital photos in
their various applications, including digital
cameras, scanners and printers and proper saving
techniques. (Two two-hour lessons for 17)
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center Classes
Scanning Using scanners to input photos or
other documents into your computer (two-hour
lessons for 17)

• File Management Learn how files and folders can
  be managed including how to create, copy, sort,
  delete, rename, search and backup your files and
  folders. (Two two-hour lessons for 17)

Email Uses Outlook Express, the free email
program that is installed on all Windows PCs.
It includes setting up an email account, creating
e-mail, sending and receiving attachments,
replying, deleting, forwarding, using the address
book, creating/maintaining group distribution
lists, saving messages to folders, handling Spam,
and personalizing your email. (Two two-hour
lessons for 17)
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center Classes
Safeguarding Your Computer and Personal Data
Review the steps all users should take to
protect their computer and personal data.
Covers backup, anti-virus, anti-spam,
anti-spyware and personal protection software
using firewalls and routers privacy protection
virtual credit cards to protect from identity
theft and avoiding internet scams and hoaxes.
etc. (Four two-hour lessons for 34)
Genealogy Using Family Tree Maker to organize
your family tree including pictures and
documentation. (eight two-hour lessons for 42)
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center Services
Free seminars twice a year
One-on-one Consulting- free service the first
Wednesday of the month. Seniors can signup for a
45 minute 1-on-1 session from 930 1145 am.
Volunteers meet the second Wednesday of every
month at 10 am in the Troy Community Center (all
seniors welcome)

• Disk Erasure free service the third Wednesday of
  the month from 10 am until Noon

Open lab (room 405) Monday Wednesday 930 Noon
Fridays 930 4pm (except Jan-mid April)
AARP Tax preparers on Fridays from Jan mid April
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The Troy SeniorNet Learning Center

• Seniors 50 and older Come join us
• As Instructors to teach any of our classes
• As coaches to help students in our classes
• As students to learn more about computers and how
  they can improve your life
• Signup for our 1-on-1 consulting sessions, bring
  in your computer for hard drive erasure, or any
  of our free seminars

• To volunteer or signup for any of our services
  you can
• Visit us in room 405 of the Troy Community Center
• Come to our monthly meetings 10 am the 2nd
  Wednesday of the month (Troy Community Center)
• Call the Community Center 248-524-3484
• Or visit our web site www.seniornet.org/usa/troy