All Things Apple! with Beryn Hammil
If you are new to All Things Apple! and would like to get on the contact list for classes, please register via email to Librarian, Bonnie Groshong at: bonnie.groshong@cityofsanrafael.org
Instructor Beryn Hammil will email you a welcome packet that includes detailed instructions on how to participate in the live Zoom meeting, stream from YouTube, or receive recap videos. You must register in advance on Zoom each week for each class you want to attend. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing links for joining the meeting 15 minutes before class.
Each topic will cover information for the Mac computer, iPhone, iPad and the Apple Watch (as appropriate). These class topics were put together based on input from students, and while some of these topics have been taught recently, there’s always something new to learn in each. The content of each topic description will be adhered to, but discussion is not limited to just what’s presented in this schedule as one thing often leads to another.
“Doors” for class will open 15 minutes prior to that class starting and we will start on time. When the class capacity of 100 participants is reached in the live Zoom room, those who get “locked out” will be able to view the class by live streaming it on YouTube. This is called the “Balcony Section.” Those who are registered to participate by half past the hour prior to class starting will receive an email with the link to the live stream. It will be sent out within 15 minutes of the class starting. If you’re viewing the class from the balcony, you will not be able to raise your hand to ask questions but can learn something new, nonetheless.
At the end of each class participants can stay for a Q&A session about that or any other topic. Because many people leave at the formal end of class, those who are watching the class from the balcony section will be able to join the live after-class Q&A to have their questions answered. Simply go back to the original link you received to the join the Zoom class and use that to get in.
A recap video of each class will be available so you can review material on YouTube, and you can build your own library of them, but you must participate in that class to receive access to it. Instructions for how to do this are given in the orientation email you received with your welcome packet as well as in the email for the live stream YouTube link sent out before each class starts.
Pre-registration is a requisite for each class. Once you receive the welcome packet from Beryn, invitations to register are sent out each THURSDAY morning for the following week’s class, and you must register for each class.
Time shown for the classes are Pacific Time.
GETTING READY FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The gift giving season is fast approaching and what could be a better gift than something you created yourself.
This pre-holiday season’s classes will give you the tools and resources to design personalized gifts from your photos, make your own holiday cards to share, and even give you ideas for gifts to give or hope to receive yourself.
And, if you’re wondering what happened to our proposed class on Apple Intelligence, it’s been put on the back burner. Why? Because as of the middle of October no release date for it has been announced, and what we do know it that when it is released it will be put out in stages with some of the most anticipated features not coming until next year. Let’s hold out collective breath and hope we don’t turn blue waiting for it.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th – HOLIDAY EMAIL SIGNATURES & FREEFORM
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Being creative in the signature that we put on our emails is a special way to personalize our messages. In this class we’ll review how to do this.
Apple’s FreeForm app also gives us a way to incorporate multiple photos along with a personal message and send it out via email and text. Perfect for travel postcards and holiday messages!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th – TECH GIFT LIST
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Based on requests from students, we’re going to try something new with this class; we’ll crowd share ideas for what people would like to give and/or receive as holiday gifts.
Some may be inexpensive but useful as stocking-stuffer type gifts while others may be products that we definitely have to be on Santa’s “Nice” list to receive. But, if we don’t ask we may never receive, so prepare your list in advance and we’ll see what happens…
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19th – APPLE WATCH: CROWD SHARING IDEAS
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Over the years many of you have requested classes on the Apple Watch, and I’ve taught it a few times but with limited success. Not enough people in our student body have one for me to justify the effort of building classes just on this product.
With that said, and the demand pressing, an idea was floated from several students about how to conduct this class; students who are Apple Watch users would share their ideas about how they use their Apple Watch to get the most benefit from this amazing technology. This will be a perfect way for each of us to learn from others.
But it requires your active participation for this class to be a success. No lurking in the Balcony section in the hopes of passively learning something while you’re on your treadmill or making dinner.
And, if you don’t have an Apple Watch, this class may inspire you to put it on your holiday wish list.
PLANNING AHEAD: There will be no classes after November 19th until we resume in mid-January.