Free Internet access & computer courses
We have 19 desktop computers in our community computer suite all connected up to the internet and ready for you to use! If it's your first time at Smart Newtown you'll need to Register online here or at the office. We aim to be a welcoming and safe place for all community members so we will ask you to agree to our house rules.
Smart Newtown provides free computing classes for the community with the three core courses outlined below. We run these courses five times per year and each course is seven weeks long. At the completion of the course we will present you with a certificate and share a "pot luck" lunch together to celebrate your learning! We also offer a help-desk service for one on one support and offer shorter workshops from time to time.
OUR NEXT BLOCK OF COURSES START:
April 3rd 2023
Our usual block of courses will not be running this term. Instead, we will be teaching one-off, 2-hour classes every Monday and Friday, provided by Stepping Up. You can register for them here.
Take part in our online survey to help select the topics and times.
Click here to read our 'house rules'
Computer Basics
New to computers? This course starts with the basics of the physical components and continues working with files and folders to organize your work. We'll also cover the important settings, including how to schedule updates to keep the computer healthy and protected, and how back up your files for safe keeping.
Intro to Smartphones
New to smartphones? This course provides a comprehensive overview of the wide array of apps, settings, and utilities that your phone holds. Among other things, we will briefly go over the power settings, camera, wi-fi connection options, notifications, typing, and making phone calls.
Intro to Apps
Smart phones have access to a dizzying array of applications. This course will cover the basics. Apps often request a lot of personal data, so we'll have tips on how to limit that. We'll also cover the basics of installing and uninstalling apps, how to keep them updated, and a brief overview of hotspotting: turning your phone into a Wi-Fi antenna.
Intro to Spreadsheets
Microsoft Excel is a sought-after skill and has a lot of practical uses. This course is a basic introduction for newcomers. We will cover the various tabs and buttons, entering and moving data between cells and formatting options. Finally, we’ll work with some simple formulas for calculations.
Internet Safety and Security
This is a theory course providing an overview of some of the major risks you can encounter online, and how to mitigate them. It provides tips on how to evaluate websites, pointers on security software, and how to configure security settings on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. We’ll also point you toward online resources to help with these.
Google Photos
If you have a smart phone or lots of photos, Google Photos can be a useful tool. We’ll explain and practice the differences between using it on a computer vs an Android or iPhone. After that we’ll work with uploading, organizing, editing, and sharing your photos, as well as the backup search functions.
Zoom
Zoom is fast becoming the most popular option for video calls, both for work and for keeping in touch with friends and family. This course covers joining and leaving meetings, and changing the audio, video, and display settings. We also work with text chat, sharing your screen, and recording meetings.
Trade Me
Looking to buy and sell online? Trade Me is a convenient one-stop-shop for that. We'll go through the steps of creating an account, buying, or placing bids for items, and listing your own goods for sale. We'll also cover payment options and how to link cards as well. Afterward, we can walk through installing Trade Me on your phone.
Introduction to Computing
ON HIATUS
The 'Introduction To Computing' course is designed to introduce you to skills that will enable you to benefit from using a computer and the internet, such as setting how to set up an email account.
It is intended for people with little or no computing skills.
Microsoft Office
Level 1: Beginner
ON HIATUS
This course is designed to introduce you to the most useful and common features of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.
These skills should also provide you with a basis with which to advance your learning in these areas.
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Microsoft Office
Level 2: Intermediate
ON HIATUS
This is our follow up course to Microsoft Office Fundamentals. This course is designed for people who have some basic experience of using Microsoft Office.
This course will help you to become more confident and improve your level of skill from basic to intermediate or advanced.
Help Desk
During opening hours
Got computer or Internet issues? Perhaps you’re having trouble transferring files from a USB stick? Can’t figure out how to log into Facebook!? Want to make sure your computer has no viruses?
We offer one-to-one free short training sessions through our help desk service. Just pop in during office hours or contact our friendly staff to book in a time.
Other Services we offer
The best way to find out about these upcoming courses is to sign up to the Newtown Community Centre's fortnightly e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook.
SHORTER COURSES & WORKSHOPS
From time to time we offer shorter courses or one-off workshops. Previous topics have included:
Is there something you'd like to learn? Please get in touch!
BLACK & WHITE PRINTING
20 Cents per page - single sided
30 Cents per page - double sided
COLOUR PRINTING
$1.00 per page
LAMINATING
A4 $1.00 per sheet
A3 $1.50 per sheet
SCANNING
Free
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