An afternoon of Computer Tips and Tricks programs, which are free and open to the public, will mark the 20th Anniversary of The Computer Learning Center on April 2 in the Ewing Senior and Community Center at 999 Lower Ferry Road. The presentations will include: “Free Programs You Should Have on Your Computer;” “A Look at Android Tablets;” “Tips on Using Windows 8;” and “Talking with Siri on Your Mobile Apple Device.” Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. for registration. The afternoon’s programs will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 4:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The CLC is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization devoted to teaching hands-on computer skills to older adults. A complete outline of the afternoon’s schedule is available on the CLC website at clcewing.org.
“People will also have an opportunity to meet some of our faculty and students, as well as see our classroom facilities,” says Milt Koosman who was instrumental in opening the Center in 1993. “That was a time when computers were new, especially to older adults, who were eager to learn this new technology. I thought the appeal of our hands-on courses might last two or three years, not twenty. Right now our classes, especially for the iPad, have waiting lists. Not bad for an all-volunteer, non-profit organization after two decades. Over that time we have offered as many as 42 different courses with the support of more than 35 dedicated volunteer teachers and staff.”
Instructor Steve Kieley will lead off the afternoon with “Free Programs You Should Have on Your Computer.” As Kieley points out, “There are many programs advertised on TV, in magazines and newspapers, and especially in on-screen ‘pop-ups,’ offering free programs for your computer, but which ones are safe, secure, reliable and worthwhile?” During his presentation, he plans to review and explain those recommended by the CLC faculty and show how computer users can benefit from installing them on their computers. Kieley, who teaches several courses, joined the CLC in 2003 after retiring as Director of Asset Management with PSE&G.
“We all know the iPad, but what about androids?” CLC instructor and webmaster David Shinkfield, who will offer “A Look at Andoid Tablets,” notes that many of the smart phones we use are based on the android operating system. “I plan to discuss the major types of tablets available today – iPad, Android, and Surface – and describe how one can use an Android tablet, the apps one can install, and those I use most frequently.” A retired managing partner with the international PA Consulting Group, he worked during his career in the UK, France, Germany, and the United States where he has spent the last 20 years.
“Because Microsoft’s newest Windows 8 platform is based on applications or ‘Apps,’ it looks and works very differently from the more familiar Windows XP and Windows 7 so many of us use,” comments CLC instructor Clarke Walker who will offer “Tips on Using Windows 8.” Walker adds,“ I hope to share with the audience a brief overview of the Windows 8 platform and to offer some advice on navigating in this new environment.” An independent Technology Consultant and current President of the Princeton PC Users Group, Walker brings to the CLC broad experience with computers, having served as a Technology Consultant for both Compaq Computer Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation where he specialized in large clustered computers and networks.
Mary Kay Podlecki, who currently conducts four hands-on courses for iPad, will help to acquaint the audience with “Siri,” Apple’s intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator. “‘Siri’ allows you to communicate with your mobile device by speaking to ‘her.’” says Podlecki. “We’ll look and hear what fun you can have with ‘Siri’ and get a glimpse into what the future of computer interaction may be.” Podlecki, who helps maintain the non-profit’s computers and networks, retired from the Bell System where she was involved with software development, including manufacturing, user interface design, and early computer graphics. Today she is actively involved in writing applications for the iPhone and iPad in order to show “how useful and fun mobile devices and tablets can be for everyone, including “non-techies.”
For further information about the CLC’s 20th Anniversary program, courses or directions, call 609-882-5086, 609-883-1776 ext. 6205 or visit clcewing.org. The Computer Learning Center at Ewing offers a full curriculum of computer-related courses, as well as special programs such as the monthly “Computer Tips and Tricks” series, designed for and taught by mature adults.