Discover the Best Computer Basics Classes Online
The first computer was invented hundreds of years ago in the 1800s and was meant to crunch numbers. Computers have come a long way from the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator and large systems that would fill an entire room. But as technology has advanced, they’ve evolved to do more than compute complex math equations. The computer’s ability to do things like emailing, Internet surfing, blogging, and managing files has become an integral part of modern society. Computers have made life simpler in many ways, but it comes with a learning curve.
Why You Should Learn Computer Basics Online
So much of our world relies on technology, so having some knowledge of computer basics allows you to safely leverage modern amenities like online shopping, email, Internet surfing, and word processing. Computer skills are helpful in both your personal and professional life. Basic computer skills make you a strong candidate for employment and can allow you to demand better pay rates.
Data entry specialists, customer service representatives, administrative professionals, and project managers all use basic computer skills because it creates a more efficient workflow. Taking some continuing education classes or professional development courses in various computer skills can keep you current or push you into a new pay bracket. There are big advantages that come with mastering multiple computer programming languages or multiple graphic design software.
Virtual Computer Basics Classes
When traditional classroom settings are how you prefer to learn, but you can’t attend in-person classes, then online computer basics classes are an option for you. If the classes you’re interested in aren’t available in your area or in-person class times don’t match up with your availability, then online classes could work for you. Virtual classes can bridge the gap, making getting the education that you need a reality. The biggest difference between taking in-person classes and virtual classes is that online classes don't allow for an instructor-to-student hands-on experience, and students may have to supply their own class materials.
Online classes are in high demand because they offer people a way to learn on their own terms. Students don’t have to commute to class, contend with traffic, or worry about scheduling a vacation. Online computer classes are a way to bring the classes to the student, wherever they are in the world. Class recordings are another advantage to look forward to. Many online classes are recorded so that students can go back and revisit class lessons or topics to reinforce learning or refresh their memory.
For those who are business professionals looking to maximize productivity and automate workflows, Microsoft Outlook Level 1 can help with that. The course allows participants to become Official Microsoft Certified Outlook Specialists or to learn how to use Microsoft Outlook to decrease the amount of repetitive work, manage complex scheduling, and track correspondence. Outlook is a great tool, but knowing how to get the most out of it is a game changer. The learning objectives include automating Outlook, creating and managing notes, tasks, and journals, formatting messages, and customizing Outlook settings.
High school-aged learners can better position themselves for a career in computer and data science with Java Programming Summer Program. This summer course will allow students to get a headstart on the AP Computer Science test while making learning Java, one of the most widely used and powerful computer languages, a fun and attainable goal. Students do not need to have any prior knowledge of Java or computer programming to enroll. Class starts with Java basics and moves into more complex topics like recursion. This three-week course will end with all learners having compiled an original portfolio-ready product that is founded in Java.
InDesign Fundamentals: An Introduction to InDesign CC is a class for adult professional designers who are new to InDesign. To take this class, participants need to have their own copy of Adobe Flash Player and InDesign and any necessary coursework will be delivered several days before the start of class. This three-day course will teach learners how InDesign can fit into Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator seamlessly to help unleash superb designs. There will be instructor-led demonstrations as well as hands-on opportunities for participants to design and work with the software.
Data professionals can learn to get insights and visualizations with this Tableau Level I course. Participants will start with basic charts and calculations, move through filtering and structuring data, and end with publishing and sharing data online using Tableau’s essential features. This course even gives students tips on how to merge storytelling with the data to get better results from sharing the visualizations. Class sizes are small, capped at seven participants and there are no necessary prerequisites.
The three-hour Google Apps Beginning: Intro to Gmail course demystifies Gmail and the other Google apps. Some of the things students will leave class knowing how to do include saving and retrieving files from Google Drive, organizing email using tags and labels, scheduling events and adding to calendars, and creating spreadsheets. These are basic Google app skills that can help organize and streamline personal files and correspondence. There are no prerequisites for this class, however, it helps to know how to navigate a personal computer.
Private Online Group Computer Basics Classes
Team-building events can be more fun and exciting when you include computer basics classes for private groups online. CourseHorse offers engaging live online group classes to your business or organization with no booking fees, confirmation of your booking is sent within 24 hours, multiple platforms are supported, and you can change your group size after booking if needed.
Consider scheduling this JavaScript Corporate Training class for a team-building event. This course covers the fundamentals of JavaScript, string methods, APIs, and conditional logic. Teams will also learn asynchronous JavaScript with promises and async-wait. By the end of the class, participants will have learned how JavaScript works and be able to start coding web applications.
Should there be a course you’re interested in but don’t see listed publicly, you can reach out to CourseHorse through their contact form on their website to inquire about what options are available. Private group classes are a service they provide.
Online vs. In-Person Computer Basics Classes
Taking a class for personal development might be an easy choice, but deciding whether to take online classes or in-person classes may not be so easy a choice. There are pros and cons to both iterations of traditional learning, so you’ll have to do what works best for your situation.
Online classes are great for those who don’t have a lot of free time, are out of the country, or don’t have the ability to commute. Online classes offer a lot more freedom than in-person classes because they allow students to take classes wherever they are in the world. Time zones aren’t even an obstacle for online classes. Some learners prefer to be in a more comfortable setting instead of a classroom, and virtual classes make this a possibility.
In-person classes are the most traditional form of learning. Students are under the care of a knowledgeable instructor who can provide hands-on assistance when needed. This can be useful when studying computer basics. In-person classes usually provide students with the necessary supplies and course materials students need to participate in class. Many computer basics classes furnish computers and software for their students while others do not. But typically, online classes require that you supply your own computer, software, and other materials.
Can I Learn Computer Basics for Free Online?
Although formal training with an expert is the best and fastest way to learn computer basics for free, it is possible to learn computer basics online for free. Many public library systems offer free online classes on a variety of topics, and there are also free on-demand classes you can access online. Platforms like YouTube are very popular for learning things from computer basics to the basics of various applications and software.
