All Things Apple! with Beryn Hammil

Posted by bonnie on 28 January 2017

If you have an Apple computer, iPad, or iPhone, and aren’t sure that you’re getting the most out of it or using it properly, join “chic geek” Beryn Hammil to help you figure it out. Her classes are the perfect solution to give you the start you need and eventually take you beyond the basics, including how to protect yourself from online hackers, how to create safer passwords that are easy to retrieve, how to download and update software and apps, and much more.

All Things Apple is a series of classes for both beginner and intermediate Apple users. You’ll discover how to get the most out of your computer, iPhone and iPad by learning how to set up each device to suit your needs, and how to use your device to its best advantage to be more efficient and effective in your life, travels, work, and play by using the applications that come already installed in the device, as well as helpful third party apps.

In each of these classes you’ll learn how to navigate, customize, and function effectively with your device. Since the functionality of the iPhone and iPad are almost the same, coming to these classes will benefit you no matter which device you’re using.

Unless otherwise indicated, in these classes we’ll discuss each topic as it applies to the iPhone, iPad and Apple computer, so no matter where your interest lies, we’ll cover it.

All of these are drop-in classes with no pre-requisite or commitment necessary. And, they’re free! Choose individual classes based on your interests and needs, or participate in the entire series; you’re sure to learn something new each week including information about tech related products that might benefit you. And, each week you’ll learn new “Tips & Tricks” that make using your device or computer easier. Of course, questions are welcomed because you’re probably not alone, and everyone can learn from the answers.

Because there’s so much information to share about each topic, this semester the class schedule has been organized so that each week Beryn will focus on just one topic. The first hour will be a fairly basic tutorial on how to set up and use that capability on your device, and in the second hour she’ll go into greater depth with that topic. Join her for just one or both hours to learn something new.

PARTICIPANT ENDORSEMENT: If you’re still in doubt as to whether these classes are for you, here’s part of what a 70+ year old, retired professional says about them: “I decided to give [this class] a try, and was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Hammil has a rare gift for explaining complex subjects. Moreover, she has a great sense of humor, a commodity I find in very short supply these days.”

Submitted by Beryn Hammil, January 28th, 2017

SUMMER/EARLY FALL CLASS SCHEDULE
Please note: dates are subject to change; please check our online event calendar for updates at http://srpubliclibrary.org/events/

THURSDAY, June 1^st 3rd PARTY CAMERA & PHOTO APPS, STORING PHOTOS ON EXTERNAL DRIVES

1 – 2 Build on what you learned in the “Camera & Photos” classes (Thursday, May 11th) by discovering 3rd party apps that help you edit, enhance and be more creative with your photos. Because it’s such a big topic, this is also an opportunity for you to share with the class some of your favorite apps in this category.

2 – 3 Because we all love taking photos, but storage space for them in our devices and on iCloud can be limited, learn how to store them on an external drive or storage device for later retrieval.

THURSDAY, June 8th  Email & Messages

1 – 2 Learn how to compose and format an email, add a group from your Contacts, share photos, events, contacts, and correspond with everyone by using email efficiently and effectively in your device and/or computer. Learn how to set up alternative email accounts like GMail or other email providers on all your devices.

2 – 3 Learn how to create custom signatures and stationery so your email stands out.

And while you’re learning how to communicate well, learn how Messages, another Apple app, lets you stay in touch, share photos and more.

THURSDAY, June 15^th   iTunes 

1 – 2 Learn how to set up and use this music, TV, movie software/app so you can listen to and watch what you want when and where you want.  Learn how to share media with family members.

2 – 3 Podcasts are a wonderful way to be educated, entertained and informed. Learn where to find them, how to download them, and subscribe to future podcasts. And learn about third party music apps so you can create and listen to your favorite playlists while on the go or at home.

THURSDAY, June 22nd   Safari

1 – 2 Learn how to search the Internet for anything with this application on any of your devices and computer. Then, once you’ve found it, learn how to make a bookmark of it for easy retrieval later, or add it to your reading list so you can read it when you’re not online.

2 – 3 More about Safari; which search engine do you use? Learn how to choose which one is best for your needs. Learn how to create bookmark folders so you can keep related sites close to each other. And, should you wish to delete a bookmark or folder, learn the best way to do this so you’re not overwhelmed with outdated information.

THURSDAY, June 29th  Notes & Reminders

1 -2 These handy apps keep you well organized, but in different ways from each other. Learn how to be creative in Notes using different styles, and organized within the app with folders.

2 -3 The Reminders app is great for list makers (you know who you are!).  Learn how to create and get a reminder to do something before you leave the house or when you arrive somewhere. Or just create a list to keep track of your to-do list or your “honey do” list!

THURSDAY, July 6th  Class Cancelled

THURSDAY, July 13th  Maps & Travel

1 – 2 When you learn how to use Apple’s Maps app, as well as other helpful Map apps, you’ll know how to navigate your way around any city anywhere. Next, because there are many third party travel apps out there, learn which are the best.

2 – 3 Learn more about the travel apps; how to find what’s recommended as the best things to see and do in another city, and find the right hotels and restaurants based on your criteria. And, because so many of you travel, you have an opportunity to share your own experiences with various travel apps.

THURSDAY July 20th  Telephone & Communicate

1 – 2  TELEPHONE– It is called “iPhone,” after all, so let’s learn how to maximize the functions built into the telephone part of this multi-purpose device. You’ll also learn how to communicate using the iPad and computer as well.

2 –3  COMMUNICATE – Learn how to use your device and/or computer to communicate via FaceTime, Messages, and third party apps. This is especially useful when you travel and/or have family and friends in other parts of the country or world.

THURSDAY July 27th  Open Discussion Session

1 – 2 and 2 – 3   In both hours you’ll have a chance to ask whatever question is burning about things we’ve discussed and you still need more information about. As with all classes, you’ll learn how to find the answers for yourselves online should I either not have the answer or I’m not available.

THURSDAY  August 3rd iPhone & iPad Basics

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to navigate around your iPhone and/or iPad so you can customize it to suit your needs. As well, learn how to set your device up to make it work better for you. This same technique works for both devices, so whichever one you have, you’ll learn how to use it better.

2:00 – 3:00 Go beyond the basics to learn how to find apps for your devices in the App Store. Then learn how to create folders for them to stay well organized and efficient. Can’t remember where you put that app? Learn how to find it, and anything else (on your device, not your house, sorry), easily and quickly.

THURSDAY, August 10th Mac & MacBook Air Basics

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to set up your computer in “System Preferences” to suit your needs and working style. Get an overview of the applications that are already in your computer, and how they can work for you.

2  – 3  Discover how to acquire other Apple and third party applications in the Apple App Store so you do even more with your computer, and how to access them in your computer. Learn how to update your software and operating systems too.

THURSDAY, August 17th iCloud

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to set up and sync your devices so the same information from all your Apple apps appears on all your devices and a change on one becomes a change on the others too.

2:00 – 3:00 Continue your discovery of the benefits of using iCloud for all your devices, including backing up your iPhone, iPad and computer. Lost your iPhone? Locate it with your computer or another device! Learn how to sync your photos so they show up in all your devices with iCloud.

THURSDAY, August 24th Contacts

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to create new contacts, add multiple phone numbers and addresses to each, as well as how to add a birthday and be reminded about it. Keep your friends, family and other contacts well organized and up to date so you can find their information quickly.

2:00 – 3:00 Have a book club, travel group, or other group that you want to stay in touch with regularly? Learn how to set up and use “Groups” in your Contact app so staying in touch with specific groups of people is easier via email or text message. Learn how to make phone calls, send texts and emails to anyone in your Contact app, and FaceTime calls to other iPhone/iPad users from your Contacts too.

NO CLASS THURSDAY AUGUST 31st

THURSDAY, September 7th Calendar

1:00 – 2:00  When your calendar is up to date you’ll know when you need to be where. Learn how to not only create an event, but how to set up categories of events that let you keep track of other family members or specific types of events by color-coded calendars. Learn how to create alerts to poke you when necessary so you won’t be late for it.

2:00 – 3:00There’s more to the Calendar app than just creating an event. For example, once you’ve set up a date, learn how to find your way to it using the Apple Maps function that’s linked to the calendar app. Then learn how to invite someone else to that event.

THURSDAY, September 14th Camera & Photos 

1:00 – 2:00 First you’ll get a quick lesson in how to take a photo with your iPhone and iPad. Then you’ll learn how to organize and edit these photos on your computer in the Apple “Photos” app. We’ll also review how to edit them in your iPhone and iPad and show you that a change to it in one device keeps the change in all of them when the devices are synced through iCloud. Don’t like the change? Don’t worry, the original of your photo is still there and you’ll learn how to retrieve it.

2:00 – 3:00 Learn how to create slide shows, postcards, books, and more using Apple’s Photo software in your computer, as well as with a few easy to use third party apps that are excellent alternatives.

THURSDAY, September 21st Email & Messages

1:00 – 2:00 Learn how to compose and format an email, add a group from your Contacts, share photos, events, contacts, and correspond with everyone by using email efficiently and effectively in your device and/or computer. Learn how to set up alternative email accounts like GMail or other email providers on all your devices.

2 – 3  Learn how to create custom signatures and stationery so your email stands out.

And while you’re learning how to communicate well, learn how Messages, another Apple app, lets you stay in touch, share photos and more.

THURSDAY, September 28th Learn the new iOS 11 for iPhone and iPad & Open discussion session

1:00 – 2:00 Your iPhone (5 and newer) and iPad (newer versions) have a new operating system. In this class help you’ll get a review of what it does and how to make it work for you. (If the iOS 11 hasn’t released by this date or it doesn’t take the full hour to review, we’ll spend the rest of the time in an open discussion.)

2:00 – 3:00  In this class  you’ll have a chance to ask whatever question is burning about things we’ve discussed and you still need more information about. As with all classes, you’ll learn how to find the answers for yourselves online should I either not have the answer or I’m not available.

No Class on October 5th or October 12th.
Please look at the October 2017 calendar for Late Fall/Early Winter class topics starting October 19th.