Topics Fall 2023

This fall, we are looking at an assortment of different topics from general information (about our devices, online safety, the cloud, email and web browsers) to lifestyle topics (technology for seniors, holidays and technology, finding resources) to technology trending topics (AI, ChatGPG, deep fake) and more. 

Fall 2023 Topics for Communicating with Technology (subject to change)

Week 1, 9/5:  Orientation, Introduction to website, Technology terms, a look at course tools (Canvas discussion, Zoom, downloading and saving documents, saving course calendar)

Week 2, 9/11:  Introduction to smart devices:  Smartphones and functions, tablets and e-readers, types of computers, voice assistants like Alexa and Google, Smart watches, Home devices.  What do you have?  

Week 3, 9/18:  Introduction to the cloud:  What is it, how can I store on the cloud, how can I delete files and photos

Week 4, 9/25: Basics of Email:  Gateway to communication, understanding different providers, categorizing, saving, comparing different email programs

Week 5, 10/2: Online safety:  email scams, online scams, staying safe while online

Week 6, 10/9: Web browsers:  Gateway to the Internet, compare different web browsers, personalizing web browsers, why you need many web browsers, browsers built just for privacy

Week 7, 10/16: Explore the world online:  Using Google maps and street view, virtual tours of museums and historical sites, Google earth 

Week 8, 10/23: Misinformation and disinformationThe new normal?

Week 9, 10/30: How Do I?  A collection of tips to use technology to enhance your life

Week 10, 11/6:  Photography Part 1:  Focus on images and pictures

Week 11, 11/13: Photography Part 2:  Managing photos

No class week of 11/20

Week 12, 11/27: Getting the most from your phone:  Comparing different ISP plans, settings, personalizing, apps to consider, trading in your phone

Week 13, 12/4: Holidays and technology:  Recipes online, online shopping tips, setting up family calendar, streaming holiday music, local holiday events

Week 14, 12/11:  Technology for seniors:  Some innovative and interesting things which are being developed for seniors

No class from 12/15 – 1/1

Week 15, 1/2: Trending topics:  AI, Chat GPT

Week 16, 1/8:  Finding  and organizing online resources 

Week 17, 1/15: Life management skills:  A deep look into apps 

Week 18, 1/22:  Overview of fall semester