You are eligible to register for the following classes if you are an employee or board member of a District who subscribes to the Technology Support Service (TSS) through the Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center (see link above).

Required prerequisites and class descriptions for each class are listed in MicroNews and here on the web site. Please read them carefully to make sure that you qualify for the class. If you have any questions, please contact dat@mhric.org or phone: 255.1450, ext. 1270.

Lab Locations - Computer Lab A (CLA) or the MOD-RIC Lab (MR) are at the MHRIC on the Ulster BOCES site in New Paltz, The Conference Center (CC) is in the Ulster BOCES main building, Harriman (H) is located at the Orange-Ulster BOCES site in Monroe, Sullivan (S) is at the Sullivan BOCES Model Schools Lab in Liberty, or Dutchess (D) is located at the Dutchess BOCES BETA site in Poughkeepsie. Please make sure that you check the location of your class. You can print out a site map here. All labs are handicap-accessible.

If you do not get your confirmation letter within two weeks, please contact us. Directions to the labs will also be in your confirmation letter. 

If a class is full, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified of your status. Please do not just show up for classes unless you have received your confirmation letter or email. You will not be admitted to class unless you are registered.

Food is not served in our classes. Some of the locations have vending machines for snacks. You are on your own for lunch.

You are also eligible to join our TSS Mailing List if your district subscribes to the Technology Support Service. Get software tips and share in discussions with your colleagues by email. More information can be found here. Please subscribe with your school district email address.

In Case of Inclement Weather: Is the class cancelled? Is it delayed? How will I know? Please call the MHRIC at 255-1450 X5000 and listen to the message. If there is no special message, the class will be held at the scheduled time. Please do not pay attention to what the radio says for Ulster BOCES. Our classes are very rarely cancelled except in extremely bad weather.

Clicking on the name of the class will take you to the class description and prerequisites.
Get MicroNews in Adobe Reader Format by clicking on the link here (245kb).

Interested in joining the TSS Mailing List? Please click on this link for more information.

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Please make sure you have fulfilled the prerequisites. Call us if you have questions.

Ulster BOCES is a Tobacco Free Campus

Access Introduction
Prerequisites: Windows Introduction and one Word or Excel class or equivalent experience.

This class is intended for individuals needing to learn about Access databases. Topics include: orientation to Access and database terminology; viewing, editing, and adding data; working with datasheets and design view; creating and using tables, queries, forms, and reports. The focus of the class is to understand how Access works and understanding tables.

Access Intermediate
Prerequisite: Access Introduction or equivalent experience.
This class is intended for individuals needing to create Access databases. Topics include working with primary keys and understanding table field properties like text and number/date formats, input masks, and lookups. The class will also focus on database design considerations and creating table relationships.

Access Advanced
Prerequisite: Access Intermediate or equivalent experience.
This class is intended for individuals wanting to learn advanced Access topics. Topics include creating and using macros, importing and exporting information, using Access data with Word & Excel, examining OLE objects and hyperlinks, and creating and modifying a switchboard.

Access Forms
Prerequisite: Access Intermediate or equivalent experience.
This half-day class assumes participants understand how to create a basic form. Time will be spent modifying forms and form controls; working with form properties and settings; creating calculated controls; and creating and modifying subforms. We will also learn to apply formatting techniques to forms.

Access Queries
Prerequisite: Access Intermediate or equivalent experience.
This class assumes participants understand basic query concepts. We will cover more advanced topics such as creating calculated fields, working with the expression builder, and summarizing groups of records. Additionally, we will examine various query types including parameter queries, crosstab queries, and action queries.

Access Reports
Prerequisite: Access Intermediate or equivalent experience.
This class assumes participants understand how to create a basic report. Time will be spent using, creating, and modifying reports in design view. We will look at report sections, grouping, sorting, and inserting formulas. Additionally, we will learn to modify report and control properties and use report formatting techniques.

Anatomy of an Internet Browser

Browsers are the programs which allow you to view World Wide Web pages. Are you still using only Internet Explorer? Do you know that there are alternative browsers out there that are free and may be a better choice for you? Computer users, faced with never-ending security attacks from surfing the Internet and opening email, are showing increased interest in switching Web browsers. This demonstration will introduce you to several alternative browsers for the PC platform. We will show you the latest version in the browser wars to help make an informed decision as to which one(s) you want to use.

Blogs
Prerequisite: Intermediate Internet experience
Delve into the latest technology on the web. Blogs are a type of web journal which encourages others to participate in social computing. In this workshop, we will look various blogs and investigate how blogs are being successfully used in the world of education. You will also set up your first online blog at one of the popular blog sites. This workshop is for those who have time to create, develop, and maintain their own blogs. Access to a working email account during class is necessary.

Creating Calculated Fields in Access 2003 Queries
Prerequisite: Previous experience in creating and using Access Queries.

A calculated field performs some type of arithmetic on one or more fields in a database to come up with a completely new field. You must create an expression (or formula) to perform calculations in queries. In this slice, we will review how to build such expressions from scratch, by using the expression builder, and by using built-in functions.

Creating Table Relationships in Access 2003

Prerequisite: Access Introduction or equivalent experience.

Once you understand how a database works and know how to create tables, the next step involves linking your tables through matching fields. In this slice, you will discover where and how to form relationships between tables. To get the most out of this session, you should have an introductory knowledge of Access.

Designing Action Queries in Access 2003

Prerequisite: Previous experience in creating and using queries is strongly recommended.

While select queries display information that matches your criteria, action queries perform a task based upon data that matches your criteria. In this slice, you will learn about the following action queries: Make-Table Query; Append Query; Delete Query; and Update Query.

Desktop Publishing with Word 2007

Prerequisite: Word 2007 Intro or equivalent experience.

Learn how to create flyers, newsletters, and dynamic looking documents with Word 2007's new graphic features and themes. Inserting pictures, clip art, shapes, and SmartArt Graphics will be covered in this class and/or slice.

Digital Photography Introduction
Prerequisite: Windows Introduction or equivalent experience. This workshop is an introduction to the world of digital photography. We have several cameras for use in the class and you may also bring your own.(However, there will be no instruction on the use of your personal camera.) We will be taking photos, editing them, and learning how to use them in different applications. You can bring a CD-R or flash stick for saving your work at the end of class. Dress is casual, as we will be going outside, weather permitting.

Dreamweaver Introduction
Prerequisites: Windows Introduction, knowledge of folders, and Internet Introduction or equivalent experience.
Dreamweaver has become the industry standard for web site design and development. This class introduces students to the Dreamweaver environment. At the end of this class, students will have a good understanding of the basics of Dreamweaver and be able to construct and edit small web sites. It is strongly recommended that students also take HTML Introduction.

Dreamweaver Intermediate
Prerequisites: Windows Introduction, knowledge of folders, and Dreamweaver Introduction.
This class builds on the Dreamweaver Introduction. Learn how to lay out your pages using tables and see how graphics set into cells can enhance your site. We will also use the HTML views in Dreamweaver. Add a Flash button or Flash text to your page, and discover how to use Behaviors to jazz up your site. Bring ideas (and a disk) to create your own simple web site, time permitting.

Dreamweaver & CSS
Prerequisite: Intermediate and strong knowledge of HTML
This advanced course is designed for a student who wants to learn how to use Cascading Style Sheets to develop and design Websites. Using CSS-1 specifications, students will learn the differences between, when to use, and how to create imbedded, inline, and linked style sheets. Working with basic styles and HTML, students will use Dreamweaver to customize various styles, control background appearance, text, and colors. Basics will be discussed and then Dreamweaver will be used to create styles and sheets.

Excel Introduction
Prerequisite: Windows Introduction or equivalent experience.
Microsoft Excel makes using a spreadsheet easy. This class will cover basic spreadsheet skills including: creating, saving, and printing workbooks; basic skills used in building and editing worksheets; techniques used in selecting, copying, moving, and replacing cell contents; basic formatting features such as alignment, fonts, and column widths; using basic formulas and functions, including relative and absolute cell referencing.

Excel Intermediate
Prerequisite: Excel Introduction or equivalent experience.
If you have mastered the basics of Excel, you are ready to move on to this class. Topics will include: working with and managing larger worksheets and workbooks, creating lists and data forms, using filters and functions with lists to analyze data, and more work with functions and formulas.

Excel Advanced
Prerequisite: Excel Intermediate or equivalent experience.
This class covers how Excel works with other Microsoft Office programs, for example, inserting Excel spreadsheets and charts into Word and opening text files in Excel. We will look at several What-If analysis tools like: Scenarios, Input Data Tables, Goal Seek, and Solver. We will also see how to protect and share workbooks. Other topics include creating templates and customizing autofill lists.

Excel Formulas & Functions
Prerequisite: Excel Introduction or equivalent experience.
Do you need to know more of the basics on how to work with functions and formulas in Excel? We will use some of Excel's built-in functions like: If, Proper, VLookup, Max, Min, PMT, Average, DCount, count, countA…as well as build some of our own specialized formulas like weighted averages. This class will include a review of Order of Operations and Relative and Absolute Cell Referencing.

Excel 2003 Charts

Prerequisite: Excel Introduction or equivalent experience and knowledge of spreadsheets.

Illustrate your data with great looking charts! During this slice you will learn to create, edit, and format charts, and work with different types.

Excel 2003 Formulas, the Basics

Prerequisite: Excel Intro or equivalent experience.

This slice will be an introduction to working with formulas in Excel. Learn how to build a custom formula, and how to use some of Excel's basic functions.

Excel Shortcuts, Tips, and Tricks
Prerequisite: Excel Introduction or equivalent experience.
This half-day class is designed for people who currently use Microsoft Excel. Microsoft Office has many hidden options, unknown features, and shortcuts. We will show you formatting tips, keyboard shortcuts, and other tricks to customize Excel to work the way you want. You will be able to apply many of the same techniques in Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access. Take this class to learn how to make Microsoft Office more powerful, more productive, and even easier for you to use.

Excel 2003 Working with Lists

Prerequisite: Excel Introduction or equivalent experience.

Learn about Excel's list management features such as: the list toolbar, data forms, sorting, filtering, data validation, and subtotals during this slice.

File Management
Prerequisite: Windows Introduction or equivalent experience.
This half-day class covers the basics of file management. Learn how files and folders are organized within your computer. Find out where your files go when you save them and how to put them in specific folders. Topics covered will be terminology, file management concepts, creating and renaming files and folders, moving and copying files, and folders.

Grouping & Sorting in Access 2003 Reports
Prerequisite: Previous experience in creating and using Access Reports.

Grouping and sorting in a report helps to organize records into logical groups and make the data easier to read and understand. This slice will look at the ways to modify an existing report by using the Sorting and Grouping Dialog box. We will also review how to modify the properties associated with Sorting and Grouping.

GroupWise Introduction
Prerequisite: Windows Introduction or equivalent experience
This class will cover sending and receiving email, calendaring and scheduling, archiving, reviewing set-up options, creating and managing folders, and the address books.

GroupWise Intermediate
Prerequisite: GroupWise Introduction or equivalent experience.
This class will cover a review of archiving, using busy search, marking appointments as private, phone messages, reminder notes, tasks, categories, changing item type, using the checklist, filtering vs. the find feature, setting up notify, rules, and junk mail handling.

GroupWise Web Client

Prerequisite: Windows Introduction or equivalent experience.

This workshop will cover the GroupWise web client and is designed for the novice and new user to GroupWise web access. We will cover sending, receiving, and forwarding email; signature files; calendaring and appointments; set-up options; creating and managing folders; and address books. Other topics may be covered as time permits.

HTML Writing Introduction
Prerequisite: Internet Introduction or equivalent experience.
Learn the basics of writing a web page. Making a web page is not really very difficult. Basic HTML is surprisingly easy to learn and this class will explain what HTML is, and how HTML "markup tags" are used to format a web page. Using a free, popular editor, you will learn how to create web pages, import graphics, and text. It is highly recommended that you learn HTML before using other web editing programs. You can bring a CD-R or flash stick for saving your work at the end of class.

iTunes

iTunes is not just for the Mac! This is designed to give you an overview of Apple's iTunes software. See how to import music, make playlists, share your music on your network, visit the Apple Store, get content from iTunes U (K-12, college, and university courses), find podcasts, and more.

Mail Merge using Microsoft Office 2003

Prerequisite: Word Introduction or equivalent experience.

Topics covered in this class will include using Word to create files for producing form letters and labels. Using Access and Excel as data sources will be included.

MS Office Templates
Prerequisite: Word Introduction or equivalent experience
A template is a document that can be used over and over again and does not have to be re-created each time, like a fax sheet, memo, or business letter. In this half-day class, we will learn how to use templates, create custom templates, and look for new ones on-line. We will be working in MS Word, and time will be allotted to create templates in any of the following programs: MS Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint.

netTrekker d.i.

netTrekker is the award-winning search engine for schools that helps teachers match resources to each child's individual learning needs. It contains over 180,000 educator-selected online resources that are organized around the K-12 curricula and by grade level so searching is logical and easy. Students receive ONLY safe, relevant results and school-friendly images every time they use the Internet. netTrekker supports differentiated instruction with standards-based online resources, organized by readability level to help every child achieve. This workshop will introduce you to this web-based search engine, searching, creating saved searches, assistive searches, teacher tools, and NYS Standards searching. During this workshop,you will also receive a complimentary free trial account which will provide complete access to netTrekkerfor 30 days.

PowerPoint Introduction
Prerequisite: Windows Introduction or equivalent experience.
Learn the basics of creating powerful presentations for colleagues and others. This class will cover creating slides, customizing slides, inserting graphics, creating notes and handouts, giving on-screen presentations, and printing options. Use of the templates and wizards will be discussed. Bring ideas to create your own presentation. Also, bring a disk so you can save your creation to take home with you.

PowerPoint Enhancements
Prerequisite: PowerPoint Introduction or equivalent experience.
If you currently know how to create a basic PowerPoint presentation and would like to jazz it up, this is the class for you. Designed to take you to the next plateau, the focus of this class is the effective use of animations and transitions, as well as sound and video, to make an impressive and productive presentation. Learn the ins and outs of making slides and objects jump, twirl, change color, disappear, and more.

Publisher Introduction
Prerequisite: Word Introduction or equivalent experience.
Create great looking flyers, business cards, newsletters and much more using Publications for Print. We will also cover different aspects of working with text and graphics during this slice.

Specialty Projects Workshop
Is there something you need help with? This workshop is what you’ve been asking for. We can help with any software product listed on our classes’ page. Bring your special project, problem, or anything that you need help with and we will help you to work it out. We will have two-hour blocks throughout the day for individualized help. When you sign up for this workshop, you will be asked to tell us what you need help with and also sign up for a specific time slot.

Switching from a PC to a Mac

So you’re considering switching to a Mac, but where do you start, and what do you do? Is owning a Mac something that has crossed your mind? Would you like to learn about Macs and the Mac OS X operating system? This presentation (not hands-on) will guide you through the basics of the Mac, increase your knowledge of this exciting platform, and help you with your decision. If you have a new Mac and want to learn more about it, this workshop may answer some of your questions.

Upgrading to Office 2007 - either Word, Excel, Access, or PowerPoint 2007

Prerequisite: You must have experience using the specific application in a previous version of Microsoft Office to take this class.

Bridge the gap between earlier versions of MS Office and 2007's new approach. Learn how the new MS Office 2007 user interface can help you create documents faster, more easily, and more intutively. Reduce the time and frustration of learning new software with commands and present the right tools when you need them. Learn the use of improved picture, charting, and graphics tools to help you produce better-looking documents, spreadsheets, and presentations more quickly. Learn how live preview shows your changes quickly.

Using the Lesson Activity Toolkit in SMART Notebook 10

Prerequisite: Previous experience using the SMART Notebook.

In this slice, you will learn how to use the Lesson Activity Toolkit which is a Gallery collection of customizable tools and templates, including activities, games and graphics that you can use to create professional-looking, interactive, and engaging lessons.

Using the Smart Board
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and/or PowerPoint is helpful. In this class, we will cover the basics of using the SMART Board as well as the SMART Notebook. Topics will include: reviewing SMART Board components such as the styluses, keyboard, and orientation feature; working with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint on the SMART Board; using the SMART Notebook to manipulate objects, covert handwriting to text, insert and capture images, and add attachments; and exploring SMART Board tools like the SMART Recorder, Shade, Spotlight, and Magnifier.

Web Developer’s User Group Meeting (WDUG)
The WDUG meeting will be held on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 8:30-noon in the Ulster BOCES Conference Center. Apple will be presenting. All those interested in web design are invited to join us.

What's New in Notebook Software 10 for the SMART Board

Designed for those with experience using an earlier version of the Notebook, this slice will show you the new features available in Notebook Software 10. Some of these include page grouping, themes, the magic pen, table integration, object animation, and more!

Word Graphics
Prerequisite: Word Introduction or equivalent experience. Add interest, color, and excitement to your documents with the use of drawing and graphics in Word! You will learn to add, arrange, and format text boxes; insert clip art and pictures; and draw AutoShapes. Other topics include text wrapping, aligning and grouping objects, flipping and rotating, layering, shadows and 3-D, and using WordArt.

For more information, please contact