Materials from Technology Presentations
at Skokie Public Library
Did you miss a computer class or a Tuesday Tech Talk? We’ve got you covered! Check this page for handouts and other information from past technology programs at Skokie Public Library.
Material descriptions with this symbol 
require Adobe Reader.
Job Hunting on the Web
Presented April 18, 2010 and July 15, 2010
This class will provide participants an overview of how to use the Internet to find employment. Topics will include using various job search engines, completing online application forms and posting resumes, and taking advantage of social networking websites for professionals.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Be Your Own Travel Agent!
Presented May 13, 2008 and June 17, 2010
Ride the Information Superhighway to your travel destination! Learn how to use the Internet to book transportation and lodging, find special Internet deals, and explore your destinations before leaving home.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
The Best Free iPhone and iPod Touch Apps
Presented May 26, 2010
With over 100,000 apps available for the iPhone and iTouch, it can be difficult to find the best ones. This presentation will introduce participants to some of the best free apps in categories such as social networking, entertainment, games, news, shopping, productivity, travel, and finding information!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Making Google Personal
Presented May 24, 2010
Learn how to personalize your use of Google using iGoogle, Google Calendar, and more!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
iTunes and Digital Music
Presented August 12, 2008 and May 13, 2010
Explore many of the different methods for importing, organizing, and sharing music with your computer. We'll also take a look at Internet resources for downloading music, and for connecting to the social web of music fans.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Be an Online Detective
Presented May 22, 2008 and May 6, 2010
You might be surprised at what information you can find about yourself or other people on the Internet. The class will show participants which websites are best for tracking people down and where you can find public record information (including foreclosures, new home buyers, and new businesses) on the Internet. The instructor will also give tips on how you can protect your private data online.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Searching the Web
Presented April 14, 2010
This beginner-level class offers participants instruction on how to effectively search the Web using a wide variety of search engines, Web directories, and library databases. Attendees must already know how to use a mouse and keyboard.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Exercises
Twitter for Beginners
Presented March 18, 2010
This class will teach participants the basics of the social networking website Twitter. The instructor will demonstrate how to set up an account, find people to follow, and integrate Twitter into your daily routine at work, at home, or on your mobile device.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Skype for Beginners
Presented March 4, 2010
If you want to find a way to connect with friends and family all over the country and world, this presentation on Skype is perfect for you. Skype is a software program that allows you to make telephone calls to people over the Internet. Learn how to make cheap phone calls over the Internet, contact other Skype users for free, and use the videoconferencing option to see people all over the world!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Fun with Flickr!
Presented January 15, April 29, August 19, 2009, and March 3, 2010
Got a new digital camera? Discover how to share your fantastic digital photos online using Flickr.com. You will learn how to upload, organize, and share their photos with friends, family, and the world beyond!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
LinkedIn: Online Social Networking for Professionals
Presented February 16, 2010
This presentation will teach participants how to use LinkedIn.com, an online social networking website that allows professionals to connect with colleagues and improve the power of their professional networking.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Presented January 26, 2010
Participants in this hands-on class will learn how to design a free, easily manageable website and get it online fast! The instructor will demonstrate Webs.com, which provides powerful and easy to learn tools for building custom websites perfect for small businesses.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Tuesday Tech Talk: Introduction to Drupal CMS
Presented November 3, 2009
This class will provide a brief introduction to Drupal, a free and open source Content Management System (CMS) used as a back-end system for many different types of websites, ranging from small personal blogs to large corporate websites.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Understanding YouTube
Presented March 4, 2008 and October 14, 2009
Millions of people are making their own videos and sharing them with others on websites like YouTube.com. This presentation will help you understand how YouTube works, including how to watch videos created by others and also how to share your own original videos.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Search Engine Showdown
Presented September 23, 2009
This presentation will give participants an understanding of the key search engines available to today's web surfers. Search engines to be addressed include Google, Yahoo, Bing, and Wolfram Alpha.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Job Hunting on the Web
Presented September 17, 2009
This class will provide participants an overview of how to use the Internet to find employment. Topics will include using various job search engines, completing online application forms and posting resumes, and taking advantage of social networking websites for professionals.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Introduction to Google Docs
Presented August 17 and August 21, 2009
Google Docs allows people to create, store, and share documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and forms online. This presentation will demonstrate how to create a Google account, create new files, collaborate on files with friends and co-workers, and publish and share files.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Social Networking for Book Lovers
Presented August 11, 2009
Bibliophiles all over the world have discovered the value of websites like GoodReads, LibraryThing, and Shelfari. These sites make it easy to keep track of your personal collection, rate books you’ve read, and discuss everything reading with people from all over the Internet. Join us for a guided tour of these venues, and learn how to create your own profile. As an added bonus, we’ll give you sneak peak at the Library’s own social reading tools!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Computer Skills for Job Seekers: Finding Jobs Online
Presented June 15, 2009
This class will provide participants an overview of how to use the Internet to find employment. Topics will include using various job search engines and setting up email alerts to receive the latest job listings.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Computer Skills for Job Seekers: Email
Presented June 13, 2009
If you are applying for a job online, you will need to have an email address. This presentation will show you how to create your own web-based email account so you send and receive emails.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Microblogging: Twitter 101
Presented May 5, 2009
This presentation will provide participants with an understanding of how microblogging services like Twitter, Tumblr, and Friendfeed work and how you can use them to stay connected with others. Microblogging allows users to send brief text updates, photos, or audio clips and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which can be chosen by the user.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Listening to Music Online
Presented May 4, 2009
This class will provide participants an overview of the best websites for music lovers. The presenter will teach you how to find and listen to your favorite music, as well as create and share playlists with others.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Using Craigslist to Buy, Sell, Rent & More!
Presented June 11 and November 12, 2008 and April 15, 2009
This class will teach participants how to use Craigslist.org, a popular website where anyone can view or post classified ads for free. Participants will learn the basics of creating an account, finding items, buying items, and listing items on Craigslist.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout 1
Handout 2
Making the Most of Your Mobile Phone
Presented February 19, 2009
Whether you’ve got the most basic model or the latest iPhone, your mobile phone can do much more than make calls. In this presentation, we’ll show you how you can use your mobile phone for text messaging, browsing the web, and much more. The presentation also features an in-depth look at the Library’s brand-new set of services designed specifically for mobile devices.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Google: The Basics and Beyond
Presented November 28, 2007 and February 5, 2009
This class will demonstrate Google’s many special features such as advanced Web searching, maps, images, video, and news. You’ll also learn about Google’s competitors for those times when using Google is not the best option. Class is lecture-based.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Digital Camera Basics
Presented January 6, 2009
Join professional photographer Yazmin "Yazy" Raclawski for an introduction to digital cameras. Learn all about how digital cameras work, their most important features, and what to consider when shopping for one.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Everything You Wanted to Know About Storage
Presented November 6, 2008
Come explore the world of external storage media, including USB flash drives and SD memory cards, card readers, external hard drives, and online storage options. This class is for those looking to learn more about how to store and manage their data, how devices connect to a computer, how to find files you have saved, and how to attach files to an email or upload them to the Internet. Hands-on instruction will also include how to sign up for a free Google Docs account, which can be used to make your documents accessible from anywhere.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Election Info on the Web
Presented October 28, 2008
The 2008 elections are heating up and the Web offers a nearly inexhaustible supply of information related to the candidates, the issues, and your rights as a voter. We’ll show you how to find the most useful resources, from looking up your polling place to finding all the top political blogs. You'll also receive an in-depth look at SkokieVotes, the Library’s new information directory for election information.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Blogging for Moms and Dads
Presented September 24, 2008
Family blogs can help family members and friends stay tuned to what is happening in your family using words, digital photographs, and videos. Learn how to set up a fun, interactive website for your entire family to enjoy. Experience using the Internet is required.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Recommended resources
Facebook, MySpace, and More
Presented September 22, 2008
Social networking sites have become one of the most popular destinations on the Web. They are easy (and free) ways to stay in touch with friends and family, and a fun way to let your personality show. In this class, we’ll take a look at several popular social networking sites, help you get started with your personal page, and discuss ways to stay safe online.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Wikipedia: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Presented September 16, 2008
Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that anyone can edit, is one of the most popular
and controversial websites in the world. Come learn how Wikipedia works, the pros
and cons of using it for research, and tips on how to evaluate articles. Both students
and non-students are welcome to attend!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Investing on the Web
Presented June 27, 2008
This class will provide a basic overview of how to find investment information on the Web. Topics will include finding stock quotes and charting past performance, researching companies using the Library’s subscription databases, setting up an online portfolio to monitor your investments, finding the best interest rates, and more.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Mastering Firefox and Internet Explorer
Presented November 12, 2007 and June 5, 2008
Get more out of your Web browser! The new versions of Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox offer a treasure trove of add-ons and features that few people really know about. We’ll also take a look at the Skokie Public Library Toolbar, a convenient new way to connect with the Library and its website.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
RSS Feeds 101
Presented May 28, 2008
Learn to use RSS feeds to maximize your experience using the Web. RSS feeds can help you stay on top of your favorite blogs, events, job listings, financial news, shopping deals, weather, traffic, real estate, and more! You'll have an opportunity to set up an account with an RSS reader, where you can look at new Web content in one convenient place!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Practice exercises
What's New with Google?
Presented March 18, 2008
Google is most commonly associated with searching the Internet, but it is actually capable of much, much more. Receive an overview of many of the useful features Google offers for free, including email, chat, driving directions, documents, and more. We'll also take a look ahead to see what Google is cooking up for the future.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
iTunes and Digital Music
Presented February 25, 2008
Explore many of the different methods for importing, organizing, and sharing music with your computer. We'll also take a look at Internet resources for downloading music, and for connecting to the social web of music fans.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Become a Google Guru
Presented December 10, 2007
Most people know of Google as a search engine, but Web-savvy folks know it's good for a lot more. Maps, video, email, photo organization, and creating documents and spreadsheets — these are just a few of the many features we'll explore on our way to Google enlightenment.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Introduction to the World Wide Web
Presented September 18, October 16, and December 6, 2007
A great class for the beginner! Learn the basics of the Internet—what is the World Wide Web, how do you get connected, what’s on it, and how do you use it?
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Glossary
Practice exercises
eBay for Beginners
Presented December 4, 2007
Curious about using eBay for buying and selling? Bruce Brigell, Coordinator of Information Services, will give you the tools and tricks needed to become a successful buyer and seller. Topics include setting up an account, posting items for sale, bidding strategies, payments, and avoiding fraud. Experienced eBay users are welcome to share their tips with others!
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Glossary
Become a Blogger
Presented November 15, 2007
There are now more than 71 million blogs in existence, with about 120,000 new blogs being created every day. Everyone is blogging! So, what are you waiting for? This class will help you start your own blog so you can publish your thoughts and connect with others.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Blogs: The Basics and Beyond
Presented November 8, 2007
You’ve probably heard the term “blog” being used everywhere, but maybe you’re not so sure what it means. Sign up for this class and learn all about using blogs (short for “web logs”), web feeds (RSS), news aggregators, and more.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Glossary
Practice exercises
Secrets of Online Shopping
Presented November 1, 2007
Just in time for the holidays, discover the perks of shopping from home. We will talk about choosing and using reputable retail and auction websites, finding bargains, and keeping your credit cards safe.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Searching the World Wide Web
Presented October 23, 2007
Learn how to search the Web effectively. This class teaches basic search strategies and discusses various search engines.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout
Instant Messaging, Video Chat, and Text Messaging
Presented October 2, 2007
With instant messaging, video chat, and text messaging, staying in touch has never been easier, faster, or more fun! Adult Services Librarian Toby Greenwalt explained the purposes of each tool, offered suggestions in how to find a webcam, and showed off some useful tricks with each.
Materials available:
Presentation slides
Handout