Free Virtual Tech Skills Classes for This Month

Are you interested in learning new software packages to build your career skills? Maybe you want to master video editing or ask questions about the website you’re creating.

Our digital skills classes are now available virtually in live, interactive sessions where you can chat with our expert instructor. We even have virtual open labs that allow you to bring in your own tech questions or learning projects. In a virtual open lab, you can sign up for your own twenty-minute session of individual help.

In need of entertainment while we’re social distancing? We can also teach you the know-how that helps you navigate our digital library collection, so you can download or stream free e-books, audiobooks, magazines, music, and videos to your digital devices.

Each of these August 2020/September 2020 classes requires registration to allow you to receive your link to your session on the Zoom platform. Just click on the title or session below to sign up.

Virtual Open Lab (1:00-3:00 p.m.) AUGUST 6, AUGUST 11, and SEPTEMBER 1)

Get tech help from an expert in our Virtual Open Lab. Ask your burning technology questions, get troubleshooting help with your computer or mobile device, or start out right with new apps and devices. Register for your own 20-minute slot at the course link!

Library Resources for the Job Hunt (1:00-2:00 p.m.) AUGUST 7

Looking for a new job? Your CALS card gives you access to a variety of tools to make your job search faster, easier, and more effective! This class offers an overview of many of these resources, including:

• Ways to research companies with openings, so you’re more prepared for the interview
• A tool you can use to create a polished looking resume quickly and easily
• Resources to evaluate your career options, if you’re thinking about a change
• Learning tools to take your marketable skills to the next level
• And more!

Fade in with Adobe Premiere (1:00-3:00 p.m.) AUGUST 13

Want to edit video, but feeling a little intimidated? This class will help you get started using Adobe Premiere Pro, a full-featured editor used by professionals and hobbyists alike. In this class, you’ll learn to:

• Get around the layout of Premiere Pro
• Import video content, audio, and images into your project
• Use the right tool for the right editing job
• Navigate the timeline
• Add effects to make your work stand out
• Export your finished video
• And more!

Tech Chat: Working from Home (2:00-3:00 p.m.) AUGUST 18

Working from home is becoming the new normal for many of us—and it’s a big adjustment for folks used to offices and cubicles! Plus, working from home forces us to rely on technology like never before. You may be using chat and collaboration software or trying video conferencing for the first time; or you might be struggling to keep kids occupied while you get things done.

Join us for this first foray into Tech Chat, all about working from home. During the chat (hosted by CALS Digital Literacy Specialist Nathan Smith), we’ll swap tips and tricks, tell our stories, and just enjoy an informal time to dig into the topic at hand. Hope to see you then!

Effective After Effects (1:00-3:00 p.m.) AUGUST 20

Looking to add a little visual flair to your video projects? Adobe After Effects is a great tool for that. This versatile piece of software helps you include graphics, animation, and interesting effects in your footage. In this class, you’ll learn how to:

• Get around the layout of After Effects
• Add some flair to plain footage
• Use keyframes to animate everything
• Remove a green screen and add an interesting background
• Export your finished composition
• And more!

Your Digital Library: eBooks, Audiobooks, and More (1:00-2:30 p.m.) AUGUST 25

You know that you can check out books and CD audiobooks at the library. But you can also download digital books, audiobooks, and magazines to enjoy on your computer, e-reader, or mobile device. Imagine, checking out something new to read in your pajamas at 2 in the morning! This class shows you how to use two of the digital services that CALS offers to cardholders: OverDrive) (our most popular eBook and digital audiobook service) and Flipster (our digital magazine service).

Microsoft PowerPoint for Beginners (1:00-2:30 p.m.) AUGUST 27

Microsoft PowerPoint is great for adding visuals to whatever you’re presenting—business information, a class or lecture, a sermon—almost anything! In this class, you’ll learn the basics of this powerful tool, including:

• adding text and images to your presentation, and making them stand out
• organizing the slides in your presentation
• adding animations and transitions to keep your audience’s attention
• presenting your slideshow to an audience
• and more!

Video for the Web (1:00-2:30 p.m.) SEPTEMBER 3

Video content has never been more important for reaching your audience (or building an audience) than it is right now. Fortunately, there’s a good chance you already have everything you need to make compelling video content! In this session, we’ll talk about the fundamentals of making great online video, including:

• How to make it look good
• How to get the best sound you can
• The basics of video editing
• File formats and codecs
• And many more tips and tricks!

TAGS

digital-literacyfree tech helpNathan Smithtech skills