BTU Classes

Get one-on-one help with your basic tech questions. Drop in at any time during the session with your device and questions. Time available to answer your questions will vary depending on group size. Make the most of your time by preparing your questions ahead of time, keeping questions specific and simple, and asking your most important questions first. Questions are answered on a first-come, first-served basis. No tech experience needed.

Learn how to use a computer in this class designed for technology beginners. You’ll learn what the basic parts of a computer are, how to use a mouse and keyboard, and how to navigate a computer screen. Have a laptop? Bring it with you! Computers will not be provided and are not required for this class. No tech experience needed.

Learn the basics of how to use a smartphone, including how to turn your device on and off, answer and make calls, read and send text messages, and more. This class is designed to cover the very basic smartphone features for beginners. For both iPhones and Android phones. Have a smartphone? Bring it with you for hands-on practice. Don’t forget to bring your login credentials for your phone and Apple or Google account! No tech experience needed.

Learn what smartphone apps are, how they work, and how to find, download, remove, and manage them on your phone. This class is designed for smartphone users who are comfortable with the basics but want to learn more about apps and how to use them. For both iPhone and Android smartphones. Have a smartphone? Bring it with you for hands-on practice. Don’t forget to bring your login credentials for your phone and Apple or Google account! Basic tech experience recommended. (Before attending
this class, attendance at Bug Tussel University’s “Smartphones Basics” class is recommended.)

Learn how to view, save, share, organize, and edit photos on your smartphone. This class is designed for smartphone users who are comfortable with the basics and are ready to learn more about managing photos on their device. For both iPhone and Android smartphones. Have a smartphone? Bring it with you for hands-on practice. Don’t forget to bring your login credentials for your phone and Apple or Google account! Moderate tech experience recommended. (Before attending this class, attendance at Bug Tussel University’s “Smartphones Basics” class is recommended.)

Learn steps and strategies you can take to protect your information and improve your safety while using the internet. This class is designed for basic technology users who want to become more proactive in protecting their safety. You’ll learn about password safety, privacy, how to protect your personal information, how to avoid scams, and more. Basic tech experience expected.

In today’s information saturated world, it is more important than ever to be able to critically evaluate the news we encounter, whether that be from an online news site, from a social media post, or from an online video. This class is designed for basic technology users who enjoy finding news posted on social media sites by friends or on the internet. You’ll learn how to identify reliable sources of information, determine which news reports are credible, and understand what hidden agendas might be present in media you consume. You’ll also learn the key concepts of news literacy and the skills you need to make informed decisions about the news you come across. Basic tech experience expected.

Learn the basics of how to watch movies and TV shows through streaming. This class is designed for technology users who are comfortable using the internet, smartphones, and computers and are ready to make the switch from cable to streaming. You’ll learn what streaming services are, how they work, how to find movies and shows, how to play and pause movies or episodes, and how to save movies or episodes for later. You’ll also learn about the types of streaming services you can choose from so you can pick the right one for you. Moderate tech experience expected.

Learn how to listen to media such as music, news, stories, opinions, and more on your smartphone. This class is designed for technology users who are comfortable using the internet, smartphones, and computers and are ready to start streaming audio media on their phones. You’ll learn the basic features of how to use a podcast and/or music app or website, including how to find podcasts and music you like, how to play and pause episodes and songs, and how to save songs and episodes for later. For both
iPhone and Android smartphones. Have a smartphone? Bring it with you for hands-on practice. Don’t forget to bring your login credentials for your phone and Apple or Google account! Moderate tech experience expected.

Learn the basic features of Facebook and how to use them. This class is designed for basic technology users who are comfortable using the internet, smartphones, and computers and are ready to get more out of their Facebook account. You’ll learn more about Facebook profiles, posting, liking, commenting, and sharing. You’ll also learn how to improve your safety and protect your privacy while using Facebook. Have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop you already use for Facebook? Bring your device and Facebook login info with you for hands-on practice. Basic tech experience expected

Learn how to video chat with your computer or smartphone. This class is designed for technology users who are comfortable using the internet, smartphones, and computers. You’ll learn how to sign on to a video call, how to clearly see and hear yourself and others on a video call, how to mute yourself and turn off your camera, and how to comment and chat. You’ll learn about the different types of video chat providers and which one is right for you. You’ll also learn tips on how to look and sound better while
video chatting. Moderate tech experience expected.

Learn the basics of how online tax filing works, including the types of online tax filing services and what factors to consider. This class is designed for technology users who are comfortable using the internet, smartphones, and computers. You’ll get a glimpse of what filing taxes online looks like as well as what kinds of tech skills you’ll need to file your taxes on the internet. You’ll learn about online tools available to help you as well as safety features and measures available through online services. Moderate tech experience expected.

Learn about online tax preparation software programs available for filing federal and state taxes. This class is designed for technology users who are comfortable using the internet, smartphones, and computers. You’ll learn about the many types of tax preparation services and their costs, features, and ease of use. You’ll also learn about the convenience, accuracy, and cost savings that online tax preparation software programs have to offer. Moderate tech experience expected. (Before attending this
class, attendance at Bug Tussel University’s “Online Tax Basics” class is recommended.)

Learn about do-it-yourself online tax preparation options and other low- to no-cost taxfiling options. This class is designed for technology users who are comfortable using the internet, smartphones, and computers and ready to take on the challenge of learning how to use online government tax filing systems. You’ll learn how to navigate PDF forms provided by the IRS along with how you can find and use free government tax filing resources. You’ll also learn about IRS-provided free tax filing programs and what it takes to qualify. Moderate tech experience expected. (Before attending this class, attendance at Bug Tussel University’s “Online Tax Basics” class is recommended.)