For a second autumn, Washington State University Vancouver digital communications instructors are hosting free workshops on a first-come, first-served basis for any local resident, small business owner or nonprofit group employee.
The midday sessions start Wednesday and continue every other week through Nov. 30.
They run from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Multimedia Classroom Building, Room 111, on the WSUV campus at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave.
Each session is limited to 30 persons.
RSVPs are required so that classroom lab computers and materials can be prepared for all participants, and no time is wasted. Participants need not bring their own laptops or other devices.
“There are handouts. They can walk away with something in their hands, and take it home and try it themselves,” said Dene Grigar, creative media and digital culture director and an associate professor.
To RSVP for the workshops, email: dgrigar@vancouver.wsu.edu.
Wednesday’s first workshop is nearly full, and about 10 slots remain for the second, Grigar said.
Many slots have purposely been saved for nonstudents, to reach beyond the campus. “They need to do it fast, because they’re filling up fast,” she said. “This is faculty-driven, faculty-donated time. We’re doing it as a favor to the community.”
The schedule:
Wednesday: WordPress 101
Instructor is Nick Schiller, systems and instruction librarian. Learn basics of how to develop and maintain a Website using WordPress. There’s no need to know how to code in HTML; WordPress makes it simple.
Sept. 21: Google Maps 101
Instructor is Will Luers, visiting professor. Explore possibilities of Google Maps as an educational resource and platform. Learn to create and share your own MyMaps with overlays and pop-ups.
Oct. 5: YouTube 101
Instructor is Will Luers.Learn to use YouTube to its full potential. Learn to upload high-quality video; the importance of metadata, analytics and best practices; and get an introduction to YouTube’s partnership program.
Oct. 19: Working with Sound for Websites 101
Instructor is John Barber, clinical assistant professor. Learn basic sound editing and production skills and how to incorporate sound files into personal or professional websites using GarageBand, Audacity and ProTools.
Nov. 2: Social Media Web Strategy 101
Instructor is Frank Mungeam, adjunct professor. Use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to market special offers, solicit feedback, poll customers, improve your service and virally spread the word about a product or service.
Nov. 16: Go Mobile: Website or Web App?
Instructor is Brett Oppegaard, assistant professor: Discover the terms, benefits and constraints of upgrading your current website to go “mobile,” and discuss ideas about making a leap to the mobile future.
Nov. 30: Optimizing Your Website for Search Engines 101
Instructor is Dene Grigar, CMDC director and associate professor: How to make your website come up first on a Web search; optimize your website in this hands-on workshop.
There is a fee to park on the campus.
