Teaser Technology Topics for Computer Club Meetings

Here is a list of suggested technology topics to consider at the February San Mateo senior computer club meeting.  The first two are scheduled:

February:  WDTV Live Hub. 
How and why to switch from cable TV to your own content selections. (John C)

March: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Overview of social networking sites, Facebook and Twitter.  Why are they so popular?  How are they used?  What are some good examples of Facebook sites?  Why do many have both Facebook and Twitter accounts?  Why should I jump in (or not) and get my feet wet? What is LinkedIn and should I consider this too? (Jackie S)
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Suggested Topics:

• Podcasts, iTunes, iTune University, Playlists and more

What is a podcast?  What is the difference between an audio podcast and a video podcast?  What can I download besides music?  How do I find things that I want to listen to? When do people listen to all that is available? See: http://classroomlearning2.csla.net/2007/08/21-week-9-podcasts-you-dont-need-ipod.html

• May: E-Books, Audio Books and eBook Readers

What is the difference between an eBook and an audio book?  What are the top eBook readers and how do they differ? Are some ebooks free or do they cost the same as a print book?   See: http://classroomlearning2.csla.net/2007/08/22-week-9-explore-ebooks-and-audio.html

• Image Generators

Time to have some fun with creating images and signage with image generators.   See: http://classroomlearning2.csla.net/2007/08/10-week-5-play-around-with-online-image.html

• Online Productivity Tools

We are all familiar with Microsoft Office, a suite of applications including wordprocessing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email.  Now, let's look at several similar online office suites that are free and equally powerful such as Zoho, OpenOffice, GoogleDocs.  See http://classroomlearning2.csla.net/2007/08/18-week-8-take-look-at-online.html

• Mobile Devices and Apps

The number of wireless devices and people who use wireless tools keeps growing.  How does that work and do you really care?  What are the top apps (applications) for retirees and their more senior friends and relatives?  

• Making Books and Publishing

Do you have a collection of letters, recipes, photos, or stories that you'd like to publish as a hardbound or soft cover book?  Do you want to tell your life story for your grandchildren?  It is easy now to publish your own book with free, online tools like Blurb.com.  See examples and take a tour of the many types of books created by others like you. (Jackie)

Computer Club topics are brief overviews of technology hardware, software, social media, or special issues.  We look forward to seeing you in February.