Susan Jackman is teaching several technology workshops for adults this winter at the MACC.Signal Mountain resident Susan Jackman, who works for interactive media design, Web design and development company Creative Webolution, will share her skills at several bring-your-own-device technology workshops to be held at the MACC this winter.
“I always have people asking me for help,” she said. “I saw a need, especially with the older generation – even my generation. Technology is changing every day, and I feel like there are so many people getting left behind.”
A self-described cross between an artist and a computer geek, Jackman has a degree in interactive media design and has been training Creative Webolution clients one-on-one for 10 years.
Jackman said she chose the workshop topics based on things for which others most frequently ask her for help.
Her Basic Computer Skills workshop will have two one-day sessions, with the first set for Thursday, Jan. 21 and the second March 24 from 6-8 p.m. both days. The class fee for MACC members is $50, in addition to a $10 materials fee.
Designed for those who have little to no experience with computers, the class will cover the most basic computer tasks, such as finding saved files, setting up an email account, saving and sending photos and accessing and browsing the Internet. Attendees will also learn tips on online safety and how to protect themselves from spammers.
Her iPhone and iPad Basics workshops are ideal for those who received a new device for Christmas and are unsure what to do with it, she said. Two one-day sessions will be held, on Jan. 28 and April 7, from 6-8 p.m. both days.
Jackman said this hands-on workshop will teach participants how to use features that will allow them to get the most out of their devices. She will go over basic iPad and iPhone functions, including buttons, keyboard, settings and customization, as well as general maintenance and useful and popular apps.
For the computer novice who wants to get involved in social media, Jackman’s Facebook Basics workshop will provide all the necessary information, such as how to sign up, create a profile and add friends. While no previous experience is required, participants need a valid email account.
Two sessions will be held, on Feb. 4 and April 14, from 6-8 p.m. both days. Both have a $70 fee for MACC members in addition to a $10 materials fee.
Those who have experience using Facebook but are unsure how to use it to advance their business will benefit from the Facebook Business Pages workshops, said Jackman. Two one-day sessions are set for Feb. 11 and April 21 from 6-8 p.m. both days.
Participants will learn to build a business page and use information from Facebook to reach their target audience. The class fee for MACC members is $100, plus $15 for materials.
Jackman’s Blogging 101 workshop will focus on the popular WordPress platform. One-day sessions are set for Feb. 18 and April 28, from 6-8 p.m. both days. Both have a class fee of $100 as well as a $15 material fee.
She will display examples of popular and local blogs before teaching attendees how to start their own blog or basic website with WordPress. Topics to be covered include use of the WordPress Dashboard; making posts; adding links, photos and videos; managing comments; customizing appearance; and using tags.
Participants should have a basic working knowledge of computers and have WordPress already installed on their computer or be signed up at wordpress.com for a free account before coming to class.
Each of Jackman’s workshops will be kept small so participants will have the opportunity to ask questions relating to their individual needs and have the answers demonstrated during class, after which attendees will receive a basic instruction guide to take home. Jackman said she will also give participants her information so they can contact her with any questions down the road.
“A lot of people don’t want to bother their friends and family to help them, and friends and family aren’t always the most patient ones,” she said. “I’m a really patient person, and I think I can really help people.”
While the idea is for people to bring their own devices to class, she does have extras available for those who need them if they contact her in advance.
Sign-ups are ongoing; drop-ins are welcome as long as the class has space, said Jackman.
To register or for more information, contact Jackman at 503-2164 or susanjackman@creativewebolution.com or the MACC at 886-1959, or visit signalmacc.org or find “Susan Jackman Technology Workshops” on Facebook.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.