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Science & Technology
Dissecting Disasters
with Robert Huffman
Course Description: This class will look at some disastrous accidents, incidents, and production failures that have happened over the years in the aviation, maritime fields, and also the automotive industry. We will try to understand what went wrong and why the preventive actions did or did not work, we will look at the circumstances of incidents and what was officially done to prevent possible reoccurrence of the problems. I will provide visual aids and summaries for each class.
Class Leader Bio(s): Robert Huffman retired as an Air Force NCO after 27 years of service. He was a C-130 Crew Chief and Air Force Instructor. He also worked for Boeing. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Drones for Beginners
with Billy Walker
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.
Organize and Display Your Photos
with Billy Walker
Course Description: Get out your old photos and video clips and put them in a format that can easily be displayed and shared. Using the Windows Movie Maker program on the classroom computers students will learn how to group their photos and movie clips into a single movie with music, narration and titles which can be displayed on any computer, TV or smart phone. Special effects and transitions between photos and movie clips will be demonstrated. Conversion of your hard copy photos and negatives into digital format will be discussed. This is an intermediate class requiring basic Windows computer skills. The movie files we make can be played but not created or edited on Apple computers. However, photos taken and stored on iPhones can be used in your movie.
Class Leader Bio(s): Billy Walker has taught Video Processing, iPad and Drone classes at CLL for several years. Two of his favorite hobbies are videography and photography. Walt Spodeck has assisted in this class and the Drone class for several years.
CLL Computer Club (*CLL Members Only)
with Hal Pruett
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.
iLearn, iUnderstand, iPad
with Dolores Noechel
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 September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, and 24.
Notes: This is a six-week course meeting on September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, and 24.
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.