MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Computer Lab Class Descriptions

The Miami-Dade Public Library System offers free beginner’s level computer training programs for the community at computer labs at:

Advance registration is required for all classes.
 Register by phone by calling 305-375-2044
Register in person at any branch library.

Se requiere matrícula previa para todas las clases
Matricúlese en persona o por teléfono en cualquier biblioteca

Class registration closes four working days before each class. See the left column below to determine if registration is open or closed. Please arrive a few minutes before class to sign in and select your seat.

• For class schedules, click here.
• Para los calendarios de clases, haga click aquí.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS(Para descripciones en español)

Introduction to PC, part 1 This class is where all beginners should start. It introduces the basic components of a computer, the Windows operating system, and how to use a mouse. Students will become less apprehensive about computers and more comfortable using a computer, keyboard and mouse. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to PC, part 2 This is a continuation of Introduction to PC, part 1. In this class, students will learn how to open several programs at the same time, how to make adjustments to the appearance of the screen display, and how to copy and paste from one software program to another. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse or Introduction to PC, part 1 is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to the Internet, part 1 Students will receive an introduction to the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW). They will gain a basic understanding of the structure and the function of the Internet. They will learn how to do a simple search on the World Wide Web, and visit some interesting websites. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to the Internet, part 2 This class is a continuation of Introduction to the Internet, part 1. Students will learn how a search can yield different results when done on different websites, and how to decide which website to choose when searching for different types of information. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to E-Mail, part 1 Learn how to sign up for and use your own free e-mail account. Basic aspects of e-mail will be covered, including how to choose a password, how to open an e-mail, and how to send an e-mail. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to E-Mail, part 2 Practice sending and receiving mail from your Yahoo! e-mail account. Learn how to create an address book, forward attachments, and set options on your account. You should have an established Yahoo! e-mail account for this class. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to Word Processing, part 1 Students will be introduced to some of the basic functions of Microsoft Word. They will be shown how to create a new document, modify it and save it; how to open a document; how to select text and modify it; and how to print a document. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to Word Processing, part 2 Students will review Introduction to Word Processing, part 1 and learn several new skills, including how to use Spell Check; how to insert a header and footer; and how to change line spacing, font and text size. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Navigating the Library Homepage This class introduces the electronic databases available online via the Library’s home page. These databases offer information in English and Spanish on a wide range of interests for users of all ages, including medicine and health, business, fiction and leisure reading, children’s resources, academic research and current events. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introduction to Patent Research Are you an inventor? If you are, you can get started with patent research on the U.S. Patent and Trademark website. Learn how to navigate the official Federal website for patent research and to use it in performing a patent search. Topics covered will include: the recommended 9 steps in doing a patent search; answers to beginning researchers' frequently asked questions; how to view a full-text document; and links to related governmental, non-governmental and foreign patent websites. Familiarity with keyboard and mouse is required. Click here to see class schedule.

Introducción a las Computadoras, parte 1 (en Español) Este curso de nivel básico será dado en español. En este curso, los estudiantes aprenderán de los diferentes componentes de la computadora y sus funciones, y del sistema operativo Windows. Con este curso, los estudiantes se volverán familiares con la computadora, y serán capaz de usar el teclado y el ratón.Click here to see class schedule.

Introducción a las Computadoras, parte 2 (en Español) Este curso es una continuación de Introducción a las Computadoras, parte 1 (en español). En esta clase, los estudiantes aprenderán cómo entrar en varios programas a la vez, cómo modificar la apariencia de la pantalla, y cómo copiar y pegar de un programa de software a otro. Se requiere conocimiento básico del teclado y el ratón o haber tomado la clase “Introducción a las Computadoras, parte 1.” Click here to see class schedule.

Introducción al Internet, parte 1 (en Español) Los estudiantes recibirán una introducción al Internet y al World Wide Web (WWW), y obtendrán un conocimiento básico de la estructura y función del Internet. Se requiere alguna experiencia en el uso del teclado y el ratón. Click here to see class schedule.

Introducción al Internet, parte 2 (en Español) Este curso es una continuación de Introducción al Internet, parte 1 (en Español). Los estudiantes aprenderán como decidir que sitio del web escoger cuando se busquan diferentes tipos de información. Busquedas sencillas se haran en Yahoo! y en Google. Se requiere alguna experiencia en el uso del teclado y el ratón. Click here to see class schedule.