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Napa Valley Adult Education offers computer classes to meet the
career development and personal computing needs of the community. 
Courses are frequently added and updated on our website.
NVAE classes require a minimum number of students. To avoid cancellation, please register at least 3 days before the first class.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Computing 101 - Hardware & Operating System Essentials

If you have never used a personal computer or if you have used one for specific tasks but never learned the basics, this class is where you should start.  Learn  the fundamentals of the Windows XP operating system and see demonstrations of Windows 7. (Windows 8 is not covered in this class). Hardware will be explored along with mouse and keyboarding techniques. Learn to control and navigate windows. You will create, save and print simple documents using MS Word 2010.  After you create documents, learn how to save and file documents using a variety of file management techniques.  Searching the Internet will also be covered.  Is this class right for me? 5 sessions

 

1/28 - 2/11

M/W 9:00 - 11:00 am NVAE Rm 3 Cinquini $86 Closed
 

1/28 - 2/11

M/W 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Cherniss $86 Closed
 

4/2 - 4/16

T/Th 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Staff $86 Closed
 

4/3 - 4/17

M/W 9:00 - 11:00 am NVAE Rm 3 Pena $86 Closed

Computing 102 - Software Essentials

Discover the programs that can make your computing life more productive.  This course will introduce you to the Microsoft 2010 suite of programs. Create simple Word documents, Excel worksheets and PowerPoint presentations.  6 sessions

Prerequisites: Completion of Computing 101 or equivalent skills.

 

3/4 - 3/20

M/W 9:00 - 11:00 am NVAE Rm 3 Pena $92 Closed
  4/29 - 5/15 M/W 9:00 - 11:00 am NVAE Rm 3 Pena $92 Closed

INTERNET

Google Search

Use Google to search the world's information, including web pages, images, videos and more. Learn tips and tricks for performing better searches as well as how to interpret and filter search results by various criteria.  1 session

Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic Internet skills.  This class is for beginning Google users.

 

2/2

Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Pena $25 Closed
 

4/13

Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Pena $25 Closed

Google Docs, Sheets & Slides

Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are productivity apps that let you create different kinds of online documents, work on them in real time with other people, and store them in your Google Drive online — all for free. Google Forms and Calendar will also be covered. Access the documents, spreadsheets, and presentations you create from any computer, anywhere in the world. 1 & 2 sessions
Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic Internet skills.

 

3/9

Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Pena $32 Closed
 

4/22 - 4/24

M/W 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Pena $32 Closed

INTERNET/SOCIAL MEDIA

New ClassFacebook Fundamentals

Set up a personal account and select your privacy settings, manage your timeline, upload a profile picture, create photo albums, send messages to people, become a member of a group and more. It’s a great way to stay in touch with family and friends.  4 sessions
Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic Internet skills. In order to create a new Facebook account, you must have a working email address that can be accessed via the internet.

 

4/3 - 4/15

M/W 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 John Darter $64 Closed
 

5/13 - 5/22

M/W 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 John Darter $64 Register here

New ClassTwitter 101

Our introductory course for the Twitter rookie! Learn what Twitter is and what it’s used for.  You will create a Twitter account and set up your profile in class, learn how to navigate the Twitter website and use Twitter’s privacy settings.   Other topics include “following and being followed,” @ replies, hashtags, sending direct messages and Twitter etiquette. 3 sessions
 Prerequisites: Must be comfortable using the keyboard and mouse and have basic Internet skills. In order to create a new Twitter account, you must have a working email address that can be accessed via the internet.

 

4/3 - 4/10

M/W 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Staff $48 Closed
 

5/13 - 5/20

M/W 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Staff $48 Register here

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Portrait Photography on a Budget

Gain the skills and confidence to take great portraits with your DSLR, or compact digital camera. Learn the basics of portrait photography including correct focal length, lighting, and utilizing a flash. Flatter your subjects and make them feel comfortable. Discover inexpensive ways to set up a portrait studio at home. Get tips on taking photos of objects for eBay and portfolios. Small, sub-compact digital cameras are not recommended. 1 session 

 

2/23

Sat 9:00 am - 4:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Jim Darter $52 Closed

Digital Photography 1 - Learn About Your Camera

Maximize the potential of your Digital Camera; both Point & Shoot and DSLR.  Go beyond automatic settings and explore camera modes to take great photos in low light or tricky action shots.  Be proficient in downloading and saving your photos to a computer.  8 sessions, no class 1/21

 

1/16 - 2/13

M/W 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Jim Darter $96 Closed
 

2/25 - 3/20

M/W 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Jim Darter $96 Closed

Digital Photography 2 - Learn to Organize Your Photos

Now that you’re taking great photos, learn to organize your photos with Photoshop Elements 9.0. Upload photos to Shutterfly, explore creating photo shows, and print or prepare photos for other production purposes. Learn cropping and resizing techniques to enhance your photos. 8 sessions

 

4/9 - 5/2

T/Th 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Jim Darter $96 Closed

New ClassDigital Photography Field Class

Get immersed in photography for a day. Combine photography and digital editing skills. First, photograph on location in the community and then return to the classroom to digitally process and edit. Create your own take-home slideshow to showcase the experience. Join our all day photo extravaganza! Digital Photography 1 & 2 recommended (or comfort with digital photography and editing). 1 session

  5/4 Sat 9:00 am - 4:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Jim Darter $52 Closed

MOBILE COMPUTING

iPad

Bring your iPad to class to learn the basic functions of this powerful tablet computer.  Explore “apps” for photos and calendars.  Learn to use the multi-touch display and access web content.  Have fun downloading music and videos using iTunes.  1 & 2 sessions

  2/9 Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Staff $35 Closed
  5/8 - 5/9 W/Th 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 John Darter $35 Closed
  6/10 - 6/12
M/W 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 John Darter $35 Register here

New ClassUsing Your Droid Smartphone

Bring your Android Smart Phone to class to learn about one of the most powerful mobile computing platforms.  Learn tips and tricks to make using your Droid phone easy, fun and rewarding.   Browse default applications and discover other useful apps.  Set up email, use GPS, shoot pictures & videos to save or share.  Also learn how to save battery life and decrease charging time. 1 session

  4/20 Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Alger $25 Closed

MS OFFICE APPLICATIONS

Word 2010 - Level 1

A word processing program for writing letters, reports, and memos. Learn Spell Check, the thesaurus, paragraph formatting, auto correct and more. 6 sessions

  1/24 - 2/12 T/Th 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Cinquini $96 Closed

Word 2010 - Level 2

This class covers intermediate Word topics and new Word 2010 features. Learn Mail Merge using various data sources, and fix merge problems. Building blocks, styles, SmartArt graphics and templates will also be covered.  6 sessions

  2/26 - 3/14 T/Th 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Cinquini $96 Closed

Word 2010 - Level 3

Continue building your skills using Microsoft Word 2010. You’ll learn tips and tricks, as well as how to create quick styles and building blocks.  Headers, footers, footnotes and endnotes will also be covered. Practice customizing Word and create a simple macro. If you know the basics of Word, this class will take you to the next level of proficiency. 6 sessions

  4/17 - 5/6 M/W 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Cinquini $96 Closed

Excel 2010 - Level 1

Learn the fundamentals of this powerful worksheet program. The class will cover formatting, printing, basic formulas and functions, editing cells and creating charts.  6 sessions

  1/24 - 2/12 T/Th 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Haupt $96 Closed

Excel 2010 - Level 2

Continue learning Excel by adding graphics and using templates in worksheets.  Practice working with large worksheets and multiple-sheet workbooks, tables and outlines. 6 sessions

  2/26 - 3/14 T/Th 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Rhorer $96 Closed

Excel 2010 - Level 3

Add to your skills by learning to create pivot tables and macros.  Use advanced logical and financial functions and data analysis tools.  Utilize some of the new features in Excel 2010 like slicers and the improved pivot table. 6 sessions

  4/30 - 5/16 T/Th 4:00 - 6:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Tronconi $96 Closed

Outlook

In this class for beginners, you will learn and practice functions and features of Microsoft Outlook 2010, including:  how to create and send email, use the calendar and schedule appointments, create task lists, and manage your contacts. Learn how to attach files and other Outlook items when sending email. Make your life easier by utilizing this email and desktop organizer.  1 session

  6/22 Sat 9:00 am - 1:00 pm NVAE Rm 3 Cinquini $32 Register here

New ClassDesktop Publishing

MS Publisher is an entry-level desktop publishing application that emphasizes page layout and design rather than text composition and proofing.  Practice creating business documents like flyers, letterheads and newsletters.  Learn how to work with graphics and drawing objects.  Utilize the mail merge feature to integrate Publisher with current information stored in other MS programs. 6 sessions

  5/16 - 6/4 T/Th 6:15 - 8:15 pm NVAE Rm 3 Rhorer $96 Closed

DIGITAL ART

Introduction to Digital Media Arts

In our ever-advancing culture of technology, competitive skills in visual and digital arts are in higher demand than ever. Learn a broad range of visual mediums in these introductory courses. Apply the elements and principles of art and design to multiple occupational areas of study. Participate in hands-on trainings through project based learning with an option to develop a portfolio of your work. No previous design experience needed to take these classes.

Level 1

Create and manipulate digital images, photographs, designs typography, utilizing Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. 12 sessions

  3/12 - 4/25
T/Th 6:00 - 9:00 pm Napa High Rm C4 Siemonsma $125 Closed
computer student