Week 1, 9/3: Orientation, Introduction to website, a look at course tools (No class 9/2) Accessing Canvas, Using Zoom, downloading and saving documents, saving course calendar, overview of topics and terms
Week 2, 9/09: Introduction to devices: Computers (PCs, Mac and Chromebooks), Smartphones and functions, tablets and e-readers, types of computers, voice assistants like Alexa and Google. Includes the artificial intelligence tools associated with devices and operating systems.
Week 3, 9/16: Introduction to the cloud: What is it, how can I store on the cloud, how can I delete files and photos. Includes look at One Drive, Google Drive and iCloud.
Week 4, 9/23: Basics of AI: Brief introduction to AI, Using AI for searching and general information, Introduction to effective prompting and Hands on practice with some basic AI tools
Week 5, 9/30: Online safety: Focus on safe email practices, email scams, online scams, staying safe while online
Week 6, 10/7: Web browsers and search engines: Compare different web browsers, personalizing web browsers, Understanding search engines and how they fit into web browsers, the advantages of some web browsers over the others
Week 7, 10/14: Finding and organizing online resources: Bookmarks, collections and reading lists found in web browsers. Creating files in the file manager programs
Week 8, 10/21: Misinformation, disinformation. conspiracy theories and deep fakes: A look at some of the ways that technology is changing our views on truth, and how identify the validity of information.
Week 9, 10/28: Microsoft tools: Some of the free tools available to you through your Microsoft account. Includes creating a mailing list on Excel and using it to create envelopes and labels. Also introduces Copilot, an AI assistant.
Week 10, 11/04: Traveling with technology: Understanding the apps and services available using technology which can make your travels better. Also includes using AI to build itineraries
Week 11, 11/11: Understanding routers and Wi-Fi: What to look for in a router, identifying what speed is necessary for your uses, finding router settings (holiday 11/11)
Week 12, 11/18: Cutting the cord: Moving from cable to streaming services, comparing prices, overview of different services
No class the week of November 25 – November 30 (Thanksgiving)
Week 13, 12/2: Four things about Holiday shopping (new addition)
Week 14 & Week 15 12/09, 12/16: Google tools: A look at some of the more well-known Google tools as well as some lesser known ones including Gemini and NotebookLM
No classes December 20 through January 5 (Winter Holiday)
Week 16, 1/06: Photography on your smartphone: Focus on images and pictures, cloud based storage (Google vs iCloud), understanding settings
Week 17, 1/13: Life management skills: A variety of ways that technology can help you in your home and life including locking up your social media account,
Week 18, 1/20: Overview of fall semester (no class 1/20/25)