Topics Spring 2024

This spring, we will look at some of the familiar topics (the cloud, web browsers, online safety, photos and files and more.  We will also look at some different topics including a look at the latest in AI and Chatbots, things to enhance your phone or computer, social networks, Microsoft and Google tools, a look at misinformation and conspiracy theories and even a virtual trip to Best Buy.

Spring 2024 Topics for Communicating with Technology (subject to change)

Week 1 1/31: Orientation, Technology Terms

Week 2 2/5:  Hands on technology of the online class (Zoom, Canvas, website, downloading files, student emails, saving link to class on computer or phone, cut/copy/paste)

Week 3 2/12:  Devices (Information about, maintenance tips, storage on the device, clearing your cache)

Week 4 2/19:  The Cloud (with hands on activities)

Week 5 2/26:  Web browsers (including hands on settings, extensions, bookmarks)

Week 6 3/4:  Online safety (including fraud prevention tips from AARP, protecting digital privacy)

Week 7 3/11:  Cutting the Cord (including streaming tools, casting to a TV (apps on the smart TV),  smart tvs)

Week 8 3/18:   Photo management (editing, cloud storage, moving to computer, USB)

Week 9 4/1:  Files and Folders (organizing, duplicates, compressing, extensions)

Week 10 4/8:  Fresh look at AI and Chatbots (new developments, best apps for productivity, set up and use a Chatbot)

Week 11 4/15: How do I? (smartphone hygiene, clearing apps, charging overnight, Password managers,

Week 12 and 13:  4/22  Google tools (Drive, Sites, Gmail, Calendar)

Week 14 5/6: Microsoft tools (Student email, Word, PowerPoint, other apps)

Week 15 5/13:  Social networks (overview and some details)

Week 16 5/20: Misinformation and conspiracy theories   

Week 17 5/27: Virtual trip to Best Buy (learn about the technology discussed in this class)

Week 18 6/3: Summary