Course Description: This endeavor is a revival of the original CLL Computer Club that flourished for many years prior to the COVID pandemic. The Club’s focus is strictly on Windows PCs, not Macs. The Club is free to all and anyone can attend meetings without registering for any CLL Classes.

Our club aims to create a friendly environment where members can share experiences, learn new skills, and solve computer problems, primarily by using AI (Artificial Intelligence). You will find this approach superior to the old keyword search methods. Our approach is akin to teaching someone to fish rather than just providing fixed inflexible answers.

We’ll explore various free AI resources, including ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Bing/CoPilot, and Google’s Gemini system. All of them are undergoing rapid development. During our initial meeting in September, we’ll begin by asking you about your computer experience and equipment. Afterwords, and in subsequent meetings, we’ll address the attendees’ computer problems and cover specific topics of interest. Attendee participation will be especially encouraged.

Notes: Starting on September 19th, the CLL Computer Club will meet monthy on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 10:30 in Rm 357 on the UWF Campus. Tentatively, the monthly club meetings will continue throughout the year (unless campus is closed for weather or scheduled breaks).

Class Leader Bio(s): Hal earned his PhD in Physics from UC Santa Barbara after serving as a carrier-based Navy fighter pilot while the Korean war was winding down. Since 1994, he’s been heavily involved in CLL classes and administration. In 1996 he developed the CLL’s original computerized registration program that was used continuously until COVID stopped in-person registration. Over the years he has led various computer-related CLL courses.

Course Description: Have you ever wondered what that ‘star’ is in the evening sky? Join a NASA Solar System Ambassador in exploring the solar system and beyond. Learn how to use a small telescope, how to navigate the night sky and identify the objects that you see. Discussions will cover the solar system as well as celestial objects such as constellations, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies. We will also cover the language of Astronomy from appulse to syzygy to zenith. 7-week class.

Notes: This is a 7-week class starting January 13, no class Monday January 20, UWF Classroom closed for Martin Luther King Day.

Class Leader Bio(s): Tom Haugh is a long-time amateur astronomer. He is a NASA Solar System Ambassador and the outreach coordinator for the NorthWest Florida Astronomy Association. His personal observatory is recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). His observations concentrate on asteroid and comet orbit verification and he has submitted more than 9,000 astrometric observations to the IAU’s Minor Planet Center.

Course Description: Do you have an Android phone (Not an iphone) and would like to learn how to use its basic features. If so, come learn how to change the phone settings, install Widgets (like Google) and Apps (like Uber). **NOTE This class is intended to help a NEW Android Phone user.

Notes: Classes will be on Tuesday at 1:00.One hour will be spent on that week’s topic, then 30 minutes of help if needed.

Class Leader Bio(s): Yvonne Bumpers recently retired from the Information Technology field. She has a masters degree in Database Technology, and has been working in the IT field for over 30 years.

Course Description: Are you ready to learn how to use your iPad effectively? This course will take you from the very basics to making your iPad your own. Individual needs will be addressed to make sure everyone has an opportunity to learn. We will explore the most popular iPad tricks and topics, including how to get the most out of your iPad experience. Students must bring their own iPads to class. This is a six-week course meeting on January, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, and 20.

Notes: This is a six-week course meeting on January, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, and 20.

Class Leader Bio(s): Dolores Noechel is a former Ruckel math teacher, OCSD Instructional Technology and Media Services Specialist, and Assistant Principal at Fort Walton Beach High School.

Course Description: If you have just purchased a drone, or are about to do so, this class is for you. Learn the different types of drones that are available and which one to buy for your needs. Learn how to fly a drone safely and stay within FAA regulations. The class will also provide tips on how to shoot video with a drone and edit it. Beginning classes will be conducted indoors with the Tello Drone. Students will be given the opportunity to fly more complex camera drones during outdoor class sessions. All drones will be provided for class use.

Class Leader Bio(s): Billy Walker has taught Video Processing and iPad classes at CLL for several years. He owns three drones and has been flying them for over five years. Walt Spodeck, an FAA licensed drone and commercial aircraft pilot will be the co-leader for this course. Walt owns 4 drones and has been flying them several years.

Course Description: Want to learn more about the rocky, wet planet we call home? Join us as we learn the basics about our earth and its weather. Learn how to wade through the flood of weather and climate news that bombards us daily. Become a savvy consumer and learn how to make sense of all this data! Topics are divided into three general areas. Part 1 - Instill a basic understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences (meteorology, geology, oceanography). Part 2 - Discuss and give context to earth science "current events". Part 3 - Provide personal anecdotes from almost 3 decades of experience as a meteorologist and "glorified data collector" (aka, "World Famous Hurricane Hunter").

Class Leader Bio(s): Christa spent 28 years as a USAF Weather Officer and served 18 of those years as an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter. She has a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from LSU, B.S. in Meteorology from St. Louis Univ, and an M.S. in Earth Sciences/Education from Mississippi State.