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.

This workshop is designed for total beginners to Google Sheets as well as those who want to explore its functionality and will focus on how to create a monthly budget using formatting tools and formulas. No experience with spreadsheets is necessary to join this workshop, and by the end of the class, you will be comfortable entering numbers, formatting cells, and creating formulas in Google Sheets. With the skills you learn in this class, you can also create schedules, to-do lists, and more.

There are many valuable, simple tricks and tips that do not require an advanced understanding of iPhones, iPads, or Android phones to use them more effectively.  In this class, we will explore ten easy yet useful tricks that will help you enjoy using your devices while staying safe on the internet.  From better password management to dealing with a “stuck” or slow computer or iPhone, we will discuss different ways to use our personal computers and devices more intelligently. 

 

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

We hear more and more about cybersecurity and the risks of identity theft these days. Learn ways to protect yourself and your data, so you can use social media websites like Instagram, Facebook, and X without giving up your privacy. You'll learn how to minimize exposing your personal information on the Internet and how to control privacy and tracking of your smartphone. This class will also review some useful, secure, and simple password strategies and give an overview of the password managers LastPass (for PCs and Android phones) and the Keychain app (on Apple devices).

 

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.

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. 

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!

Building upon the foundational knowledge from our initial “Demystifying Chat GPT and AI” workshop, this session delves into the latest advancements in generative AI. Participants will explore new tools and applications that have emerged, including AI-driven music creation, video generation, and enhanced image capabilities. We'll also discuss recent developments in AI integration across various industries, such as healthcare, education, and entertainment. Through practical demonstrations, attendees will gain insights into how these cutting-edge AI technologies can be applied to everyday tasks and professional projects. This workshop is designed to keep you abreast of the rapidly evolving AI landscape and equip you with the skills to leverage these innovations effectively. New students are welcome, and we will review some concepts from the first workshop at the beginning of the class.