Class Description

A few years ago, most people had never heard the names Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter or the term blogging. If you want to learn the basics of these leading edge social networking websites, this class is for you. You will be online with your children, old friends and new friends before you know it. You will learn the basics of each of these websites, including how to register, log on, and the most popular aspects of each. No longer will you be left out of online conversations because you don't know the difference between "tweeting" and "writing on the wall." You will also learn things to watch out for like potential identity theft.

Topics include:

• Selecting a user name and registering for an account
• Basic differences between Twitter and Facebook
• Sending Tweets and Writing on the Wall.
• Communicating with friends and making new friends
• Uploading pictures to Facebook
• Privacy settings
• Parental guidelines for young adults using social networking
• Thinks to be alert for when using these sites

Class Fee

There is a registration fee collected by the sponsor (college or recreation program) ahead of time. This fee varies from location to location. For the exact fee contact the class sponsor listed on the Enroll page on this website.

Materials Fee

Additionally there is a $29 materials fee for the workbook and practice DVD collected in class by the instructor. Everything covered in the class is also covered on this DVD which is designed for home practice and study. (Often these 2 fees are combined and collected by the sponsor. If you have a question about the materials fee be sure to ask your sponsor about this fee.)

What do I need to know before coming to your class?

You need to know how to surf the web and have an email account. We suggest you have a Yahoo or other email account that is not your main account.

Will the class be taught in a computer lab?

Only in special circumstances when the sponsor has arranged for this. Generally, the class is taught using a video projector so all students can see the same computer screen.

Do I need to bring a computer to class?

No you don't. In fact if there are too many computers in class, the wireless system may freeze up and be of use to no one.

What is covered in the class?

Everything to get you started using both sites. This includes communicating with friends, uploading pictures and safety precautions you need to confidently use social networking sites.

What should I do after the class?

Just go home and start using social networking. If you need help, the book and DVD are resources at your finger tips to get answers.

Is it lecture the whole time?

No, we use a combination of lecture with PowerPoint slides and video clips from the sites. In some cases, the class will be taught live when there is Internet access for the instructor. Images are projected on a screen for easier viewing.

Will I be embarrassed because I know nothing about the subject but the names?

Most of the students in the class will be absolute beginners just like you so you don't need to be self conscious about your skill level. Students are encouraged to watch the instructor and everyone learns at their own pace.

Do you cover LinkedIn and MySpace?

The class length requires us to limit discussion to Facebook and Twitter.

Will you teach me how to promote my business using social networking?

There will be references to business use during the class, but our primary focus is on teaching newbies how to log on and communicate with family and friends. Look for a business oriented seminar in the future. If you would like to see this class, then ask your community education or recreation department to contact us.