Using Apple Mac computers: for beginners

Many of our courses use Apple Macs. Learn the basic procedures, navigation around the interface and how to open and save work. This course is for complete beginners or those with little previous computer experience.

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Key course information

Dates
08/09/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 13:30

Fees
Full fee: £19
Senior fee: £13

Venue
PS - Photography Studio

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Course code
VY816

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

» Find another course in Visual arts » Search all courses

Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

This is an ideal first step to learning about and using computers for visual arts subjects. If you have never used Apple Mac computers this practical introduction is an excellent opportunity to understand the operating system and gain confidence in navigating the desktop and accessing files and applications. It will give you an overview of using the Apple Mac computer and other peripheral devices (like cameras, scanners and printers) for inputting and outputting artwork. In the studio you will learn how the computers are set up and how to use them.

What topics will we cover?

The course is designed very much as the first step into the arena of digital imaging and visual arts computing. Carefully structured activities will provide a guided tour of the system's main features. You will learn how to navigate the desktop, create and save files, find and open files and find and open applications. You will learn about the use of the dock and preference settings. You will also gain an understanding of using peripheral devices like cameras, scanners and printers. It is envisaged that by the end of the day you will be able to operate the computer, undertake basic tasks using some of the applications and be ready for a more specialised course.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- understand the main characteristics and structure of the Mac operating system.
- change some settings in the system preferences
- use the dock to open applications
- use the finder to access files and applications
- create, save, retrieve and open documents
- begin working with confidence on this platform and go on to use specific software
- understand the wide range of visual arts work possible using a computer.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is designed to cater for those who have little experience and lack confidence in using Apple Mac computers.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course structure consists of practical exercises, short lectures and demonstrations.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Having sampled and practised the basic skills necessary to work on an Apple Mac, there is a wide range of digital arts courses that will allow you to build creatively on your newly acquired skills and knowledge. Open access sessions in the digital arts studio also provide a good opportunity to re-inforce and expand on what you have already achieved. Please see the City Lit prospectus or web site for more details.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
08/09/11	Thu	10:30 - 13:30	1 weeks	£19	£13	N/A	VY816	Finished	» Select
06/01/12	Fri	14:00 - 17:00	1 weeks	£19	£13	£9	VY821	Finished	» Select

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

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