Senior Center Computer Classes

Computer classes at Senior Center
Photo by Jon Ann Cruver

By Jon Ann Cruver

Among the 65+ classes/groups at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Senior Center is a wide variety of computer classes. 

The Senior Center recently purchased three new computers with Windows 7 for the Computer Lab. Hook ups are also available for any student wishing to learn more about using their laptop. Laptop learners are encouraged to bring their own machines for a couple of reasons: they can be assured of a place in class and they will learn how to use their own machines. It should be noted that the classes are designed for PCs only at this time; no Macs please.

Classes are taught by Richard Harrison who has been teaching at the center for a number of years. Students like his comforting teaching style, especially those who are totally new to the computer world. 

In addition to computers, there are two digital camera classes geared toward the compact point and shoot camera. Skilled photographer and traveler, Olin Darling, helps with the camera classes. The classes are taught on a regular rotating basis; the schedule for the months of March and April are:

BASIC COMPUTER ORIENTATION: For the very beginner with NO computer experience. Fee: $50 for members, $55 for nonmembers. All classes meet 2:00-4:00pm

• Mondays, March 5 and 12 OR
• Mondays, April 2 and 9

CONTINUING BASICS: Email and Word Processing : Fee: $50 for members, $55 for nonmembers. All classes meet 2:00-4:00pm

• Mondays, March 19 and 26
• No April classes

INTERMEDIATE: Acquire Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Word, sending email attachments: Fee: $50 for members $55 for nonmembers. All classes meet 2:00-4:00pm

• Thursday, March 8 and 15 OR
• Thursday, April 5 and 12

ADVANCED: Learn to create an event flyer with MS Word, explore Skype and Facebook. Fee: $50, $55 nonmember. All classes meet 2:00-4:00pm

• Thursday, March 22 and; 29
• No April classes

DIGITAL CAMERA CLASSES: Bring to both classes: 1. the download cable that came with your camera or a card reader such as a SanDisk, 2. your camera’s manual; 3.your battery powered up to take photos during class. For compact “point and shoot” cameras only!

DIGITAL CAMERA BASICS: For “point and shoot” digital camera owner: Learn about the ins and outs of your camera. Let our instructors unravel the manufactures manual so it makes sense. Fee: $25 for members $30 for nonmembers. All classes meet 2:00-4:00pm

• Wednesday, March 7 and 14 OR
• Wednesday, April 4 and 11

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Bring your camera! Learn how to get pictures from your camera to your computer after a lesson on how to take good photographs, not just “snap shots”. We’ll do a “photo shoot” around the campus, using the new photo tips given to you. Plan on a trip to a local store to learn how to use a photo processer. Fee: $25 for members $30 for nonmembers. All classes meet 2:00-4:00pm

• Wednesday, March 21 and 28
• No April classes.

To register for any of these classes you may call the Senior Center at 206-365-1536 or come to the center at 18560 1st AVE NE #1 on the Shoreline Center Campus. Our volunteer Front Desk Receptionists will be happy to help you.

To learn more about the Senior Center you may like to go to our website