Computers & Technology   

ChatGPT and other generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools are becoming household names. But what exactly are they, and what are they used for? Did you know these chatbots can create images from word prompts, write letters, explain complex topics, write jokes, and much more? How do you access and use these powerful tools? For many, AI can be intimidating. However, it can also be an extremely useful tool. This workshop is designed to be beginner-friendly and will cover how generative AI works and the basics of ChatGPT and other AI tools. It will also provide practical examples of how you might use AI in your daily life.

When working with social media, many people often ask:

“How do I make my profile stand out?”

“How do I make posts that get engagement?”

“How do I gain followers?”

Instagram has become a powerful and affordable platform to tackle these issues faced by small businesses and individuals alike. In this class, Liz breaks down the answers to these questions in an easy-to-understand format and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll learn practical tips and proven strategies that you can start using immediately. This class is perfect for local business owners, artists, start-ups, nonprofits, real estate agents, and anyone who wants to learn how to use Instagram more effectively.

You will learn to:

• Set up your profile
• Connect and engage with your clients by creating content they want
• Gain followers organically
• Use hashtags effectively

Bring your fully charged Apple iPhone or iPad to this class and start getting comfortable using it for many of the marvelous actions it can perform for you. You will be introduced to changing settings, sending email, taking photos and videos, sending photos, and basic troubleshooting. Other topics requested by students will also be covered, time permitting.

Is your digital world feeling messy and overwhelming? In this class, you’ll learn practical strategies to organize your files, photos, and online accounts, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. We’ll explore techniques for centralizing important documents, managing cloud storage, and streamlining your digital workflow. This class is great for PC and Mac users alike as we will be working with Google Drive. Take control of your digital space and create a system that works for you!

Whether you're cutting the cord (discontinuing cable service to save money) or simply adding more variety to your TV viewing, the future of viewing is streaming media. Learn the pros and cons of "cord cutting," the various streaming media services, options for hardware products, and steps for basic installation and setup.

 

Your Apple Watch is a significant extension of your iPhone and brings you new convenience, health, fitness, entertainment, and safety features. We will cover pairing your watch with your iPhone, answering and making phone calls, sending and receiving texts, making emergency calls, changing watch faces, viewing your heart rate, adding apps, and more. Plus questions from the class as time allows. 

Master your iPhone’s built-in video camera features, including adjusting resolution, frame rates, focus, exposure, and sound. Learn how to plan, shoot, and edit professional-quality videos using the different shooting modes, like video, cinematic, slow-motion, and time-lapse.

Topics covered include:

• Video settings (professional video formats, resolution, and frame rates)
• Lighting and audio features
• Shooting modes (Action, Cinematic, Slo-mo, Time Lapse)
• Advanced stabilization
• Utilize tools, i.e. the Grid and Level Zoom and more

NEW DATE!

In this class, you’ll learn how to spot and avoid common scams, including email phishing, phone scams, and suspicious text messages. We’ll discuss how scammers try to trick you, what to do if you’re caught in a conversation with one, and how to protect your personal information. Stay safe and confident while navigating today’s digital world.

AI-generated images and videos are reshaping how we see and misread the world around us. This workshop builds practical AI awareness by pulling back the curtain on how synthetic media is made, from AI-generated photos to convincing deepfake videos. You'll gain a clearer understanding of the technology behind these tools, explore real-world examples of how fake visuals spread and deceive, and some tips for how to identify fake images, videos, and other media. No technical background needed, just a desire to be a more informed, media-savvy person.

Ready to go beyond the basic AI chatbots? This hands-on course dives into the expanding universe of AI creative tools, from generating stunning images and producing short-form video to building functional websites without writing a single line of code. You'll get practical experience with today's leading platforms and learn how to craft prompts that get real results. Whether you're a creative professional, a small business owner, or simply someone who wants to do more with less, this course will expand what you think is possible.

Your next opportunity might be one well-crafted prompt away. This course is designed for anyone actively job searching or thinking about making a career change, and who wants AI in their corner. You'll learn how to use AI tools to sharpen your resume, write compelling cover letters tailored to specific roles, prep for interviews, research industries and companies, and build your network. We'll also tackle the tricky stuff: how to sound like you even when AI is helping, and how to stand out in a job market where everyone has access to the same tools.

While Windows 11 is not dramatically different from Windows 10, it does have several new features and apps included and is already considered the best version of Windows ever. In this class, we will show you why. We will dispel the myths and concerns about Windows 11 being a big change, so if you are averse to change, you will see that there is nothing to worry about–it is still Windows! You will learn about the new features and free apps, including the enhanced security and the protection it provides. We will also review the basic features of Microsoft Windows, such as File Explorer and the Microsoft Edge browser, and we will discuss the new, optional AI component, Copilot. This is a good opportunity to get a refresher on long-standing features while learning many new things about the world’s most popular operating system. And since all new PCs come with Windows 11, you will be ready if you are planning on buying a new PC.

Learn how to see the world like a professional photographer. This step-by-step guide will show you how to document your travel experience with confidence, using pro photography tips and tricks. Learn the essentials of “what, when, where, and how” to create photos that really stand out wherever you go. Composition guidelines will also be discussed to add interest and impact to your images. For all skill levels and all cameras/smartphones.