Classes - SenCom

SenCom Computer Classes
Shawnee Civic Center
13817 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, KS 66216

To Register call (913) 631-5200

Cost: $30.00 per class –
$15.00 for SenCom Members.

Note: If you are a SenCom member, you must state so when you register to receive the discount.

Retakes are free for one year.

Class Handout for March through May 2025 (PDF)

Classroom
We have 7 Windows 11 laptops owned by SenCom available, plus 5 additional Windows 11 laptops supplied by Shawnee Parks & Recreation if needed for classes at the Shawnee Civic Center. The auditorium on the right as you enter the building will be used when available, otherwise, the class will be in one of the meeting rooms.

* Denotes Core Classes

.
.Intro to Passkeys, 2FA, and Password Safes
Security is always changing! Passwords are falling out of favor, and SMS two-factor authentication as well. What’s replacing passwords? Passkeys! Learn about what Passkeys are and how they are used. This workshop will also cover two-factor authentication, time-based one-time passwords, and Password Safes. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Thursday, April 24, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Frank Mundt – Assistant: Bob Bowser
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Internet Basics *
Begin with the basics of getting on the internet while using a browser such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. You will work with Search Engines to find websites and information. Don’t forget the tools needed to protect your computer while on the internet, such as Antivirus and Malware software. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Frank Mundt – Assistant: Fern Straight
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Beginners Computer Workshop *
Are you new to the computer world? Get started from the beginning and learn the basics! Learn the different types, parts, and uses of your home PC. Begin with the mouse and keyboard as you learn about how to use your computer and its Windows Operating System.

Thursday, May 8, 2025, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Frank Mundt – Assistant: Fern Straight
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Windows 11 Operating System *
Microsoft’s newest operating system was introduced in late 2021. Attendees will learn about the system’s newest features, security, and important settings. Prerequisites: Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Bob Bowser – Assistant: Paul Trautman

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Intermediate iPhone/iPad
Continuing from the Intro to iPad/iPhone class, learn about Apple security features, including Face ID, Touch ID, 2F authentication, stolen device protection, Keychain, and Control Center access. Also, it allows calls and texts on other devices, access to your iCloud account, the organization of your home screen, and other information about your iPads and iPhones. Please bring your iPad and/or iPhone.

Thursday, May 15, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Ray Martinez
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Intro to Excel
Learn how to create spreadsheets, charts, and graphs in Excel and how to do simple calculations on columns of data. For example, use Excel to track expenses for tax purposes and/or budgeting. Also, use Excel to create and organize lists, such as household inventory, Christmas lists, and others. Working knowledge of the keyboard and mouse is required.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Bob Bowser – Assistant: Marilyn Bowser
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Organizing Files & Folders *
Learn to manage and organize your files and folders using Windows Explorer software. You will learn how to create, store, organize, and use files and folders on your computer. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Robin Berg – Assistant: Luci Gervais
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Windows Paint with AI
Learn to use the new version of Paint in Windows 11 for advanced photo editing and artistic creations using layers and artificial intelligence. Use a text prompt to generate images in different styles, such as watercolor, comics, or pixel art. Use AI to remove the background from an image and isolate the subject. Use layers to create, edit, and organize images with more control.

Thursday, May 29, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Joe Callison
.

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SenCom Classes held at
Merriam Community Center
6040 Slater Ave.
Merriam, KS 66202

MAP

To register, call (913) 322-5550

Intro to Android Tablets and Smartphones
Learn about the Android operating system and tablet/phone usage. It will cover Gmail, Chrome, Calendar, Contacts, Play Store, Settings, Readers, and more. Bring your tablet (or Android phone) and leave with a working knowledge of how to set up and use it for most basic functions and some advanced functions.

Thursday, May 1, 2025, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Bob Bowser – Assistant: Marilyn Bowser

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SenCom Computer Classes Descriptions
January 2025

Descriptions of the classes that SenCom offers from time to time in conjunction with the City of Shawnee. Classes with an * are our core classes. They are a good place to start if you are unfamiliar with the information in the core classes.

Core Classes

Computer Maintenance *
Keep your computer running smoothly and free of viruses and malware. This workshop will cover the use of cleanup programs and other free software that can help you avoid expensive service fees. Basic knowledge of software downloading, and program installation is recommended.

Internet Basics *
Begin with the basics of getting on the internet while using a browser such as Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. You will work with Search Engines to find web sites and information. Don’t forget the tools needed to protect your computer while on the internet, such as Antivirus and Malware software. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Windows 11 Operating System *
Microsoft’s newest operating system introduced in late 2021. Attendees will learn about the system’s newest features, security, and important settings. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Security Classes

Intro to Passkeys, 2FA, and Password Safes
Security is always changing! Passwords are falling out of favor and SMS two-factor authentication as well. What’s replacing passwords? Passkeys! Learn about what Passkeys are and how they are used. This workshop will also cover two-factor authentication, time-based one-time passwords, and Password Safes. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

VPNs Simplified
Ever wonder what a VPN is? When, how, and why you should use one? This workshop will answer all of those questions and more. Learn what to look for in a VPN, when to use one, and why to use one. And then, get hands-on experience using a VPN. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Microsoft Office Classes

Basic Microsoft Word
Learn the basic functions of word processing including toolbars, page setup, page layouts, blocking text, setting tabs, saving files and more. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Advanced Word Processing
Once you’ve mastered the basics of Microsoft Word, learn to create tables, columns, envelopes, and labels. Practice importing files, inserting pictures and graphics through clip art. Prerequisite: Basic Microsoft Word. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Google Classes

Google’s Other Features
Google this Google that. Google is much more than a search engine! Learn to search, but also how to use Google maps, Gmail, Calendar, Contacts, and much more. Working knowledge of keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Get More Out of Google Earth
Learn how to use Google Earth features, settings, options, and tips to explore the world through 3D, photos, time lapses, live cams and more.

Get More Out of YouTube
Learn how to use YouTube features, settings, options, and tips to get more out of the billions of available videos for education, inspiration, or entertainment.

Other Computer Classes

Internet Browser Features
Using better search techniques, managing bookmarks, browser extensions, and other browser features.

Intro to Facebook
What is all the hype about? Join the world of social media. Share information with your family and friends with the click of a mouse. Set up your own Facebook account enabling you to keep up with your friends and family through pictures, media, and personal messages. A personal email address and working knowledge of the keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Notes, Keep, OneNote (Digital Notebooks)
Learn how to use a digital notebook app to capture your notes, thoughts, sketches, and electronic clippings in organized notebooks that can be saved to the cloud for access from multiple devices.

The Cloud
Learn about the Cloud and various cloud services available. Use Microsoft and Google services to create documents and manage folders in the cloud. Share documents for review and collaboration with others and download the finished documents.

Using Email
Stop the snail mail. Keep in touch with family and friends instantly! Start by creating a web-based email account, then send and receive messages, set up an address book, create attachments (including photos) and understand the operation of web-based email. Learn the difference between web mail and client mail. Working knowledge of the keyboard and mouse is recommended.

Windows Essential Tools
Learn how to use built-in Windows tools such as task manager, system restore, backup, recovery, and troubleshooter to maintain computer performance and health.

Smartphone Classes

Basic Smartphone Usage
Learn the basics of your smartphone (Android or Apple) including how to do basic functions like telling time, calling, texting, photos, email, mapping, weather, virtual assistant, and typical utilities. Please bring your smartphone.

Intro to iPad/iPhone
An introduction to all the tools and capabilities of these popular tablet computers and phones…email, surf the web, watch movies, play games, make to-do lists and schedule your appointments. Please bring your iPad and/or iPhone.

Intro to Android Tablets and Phones
Learn about the Android operating system and tablet/phone usage. Will cover Gmail, Chrome, Calendar, Contacts, Play Store, Settings, readers and more. Bring your tablet (or Android phone) and leave with a working knowledge of how to set up and use it for most basic functions and some advanced functions. Please bring your Android device(s).

Intermediate iPad/iPhone
Continuing from the Intro to iPad/iPhone class, learn about Apple security features, including: Face ID, Touch ID, 2F authentication, stolen device protection, keychain, Control Center access. Also, allowing calls and texts on other devices, accessing your iCloud account, organizing your home screen, and other information about your iPads and iPhones. Please bring your iPad and/or iPhone.

iCloud for iPhone and Windows Users
How to use iCloud to backup or save space on your iPhone or other Apple device and access the iCloud files and features on an iPad, Mac, or Windows computer. Bring your iPhone, Apple ID (the email address on your phone), and Apple password. Please bring your iPad and/or iPhone.

Transfer, Organize, Edit & Share Photos
Learn how to get photos from phones or cameras into a PC, upload photos to the Photos app, and organize and edit them. Learn about the creative features available in the Photos app, how to share photos and create photo presentations with others. Bring your phone or camera and its cable for connecting to a USB port.