From social media, to email to search engines, modern life leaves digital footprints everywhere we go. How can you ensure that your Internet browsing, purchases, email, and other online activity is safe and secure? This class will offer an overview of the basic concepts of online security, how to browse anonymously, and encryption use. Discover the tools and techniques you need to protect your online information. Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).

MELSATECH

What would you do if your identity were stolen? Knowing what to do is important because an identity thief can hijack your tax refund, alter your medical records, and prevent you from getting credit or a job. The purpose of this class is to encourage people to make identity protection part of their regular routine. It covers what Identity theft is, how to protect your identity and avoid identity theft, and provides clear action steps to take if it happens to you. Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).

MELSATECH

A great promise of the online world is access to knowledge. As top universities like MIT and Harvard offer popular courses online at no cost, and websites like Code Academy, Khan Academy, and Coursera have built solid reputations, education online is more dynamic than ever before. Some platforms offer the opportunity to earn certificates of completion, and there are even ways to translate your learning to college credit. What does it mean to learn in the virtual world? Where do you begin? Is this just for fun or are there more tangible benefits? This workshop will provide participants with an overview of popular, free, online learning platforms and help the curious and the motivated to start exploring the endless opportunities for online learning. Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).

MELSATECH

Learn about using the free, online tools contained in Google Drive. You'll find out how to get started with Google’s versions of documents, spreadsheets, forms, presentations, and more. Share and collaborate with friends, family, and co-workers and access your files from anywhere.  Presented by Twin Cities Media Alliance and funded by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).

**This is a hands-on class, so come prepared with your own device (laptop or tablet), a Google account (Gmail is a Google account), and the password you use to download apps on your device. A browser other than Internet Explorer (Chrome is recommended).

MELSATECH