Technology trends come and go faster than most of us can keep up! This is particularly true for the older generation, who are digital immigrants at best. Unlike young adults and children who have never lived in a world without the Internet, those of us in midlife constantly marvel at the latest and greatest gadgets to hit the marketplace that rock our grandchildren's world!

This three-part (Wednesday) daytime series of workshops will give us a glimpse into the world of technology. We'll see various products in person and get a chance to try them out as time permits. We'll learn about their basic features, how they're used, additional (on-going) services required, etc. You'll have an opportunity to ask an expert about the products featured.

Here's what we'll cover:

Session 1 - March 17
iPod iTouch and Blackberry - for mobile computing. Participants will learn how to use these devices for e-mail, Internet, downloading music and books, and sharing pictures. We'll also discuss the features of other smart phones, such as the new "Droid."

Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and Flickr - for social networking. Participants will learn how to access the sites, sign up for an account, and post messages and pictures.

Session 2 - March 24
GPS navigation device. Don't know how to find where you're going? Participants will learn how to use basic features of a portable GPS navigation device.

E-readers. When does a six-pound book weigh only a few ounces? When it's downloaded to an e-reader! These new electronic gadgets allow you to download books, newspapers, pdf files and more into a device weighing a mere fraction of a paper version. In this session, you'll hear about the top competing products: the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble nook. A technical representative from Barnes & Noble will join us today, and you'll be able to test drive one or more products during this session. We'll also discuss the Sony Readers, the new Apple iPad (coming out in March), and Netbooks; you'll learn the differences between products, their basic features, and their cost.

Session 3 - March 31
Nintendo Wii - the latest in interactive gaming. The Wii is revolutionizing the way people play electronically. For the first time, a home game system has been designed to get its players up and moving! This system provides both mental and physical activity and is gaining popularity among people of all ages and in senior citizen facilities in particular.

Workshop Dates and Location

The daytime edition of Technology Talks will be held at the Appalachian State University Center at Hickory on three consecutive Wednesday afternoons, 1 to 4 p.m. Sessions will be held on March 17, 24, and 31, 2010.

Appalachian Center at Hickory is located on the East Campus of Catawba Valley Community College, 2760 US Hwy 70 SE, in Hickory. The center is two blocks east of the main campus and is situated behind Northern Tool.

Workshop Leader

Ernie Puglisi has more than 20 years of experience with information technology. He holds a master's degree in educational media from Appalachian State University and has held numerous industry positions. Ernie is an instructor with Oriac Technology Partners and Chief Executive Officer of MedCommunities, a company offering web collaboration tools for healthcare professionals. MedCommunities is headquartered in Greensboro, NC.

Workshop Sponsorship

Technology Talks is offered through Prime Life Ed-Ventures, a lifelong learning program of Appalachian State University Center at Hickory, and the Hickory Public Library System. Workshop leadership is made available through Prime Life Ed-Ventures. Technology products are made available through Hickory Public Library and a grant from the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation.

To Register

Registration for Technology Talks (weekday edition) is available to adults 45 and over by phone, mail, or online through March 10. After March 10, please call Karen at 828-324-6966, ext. 2008. Due to the hands-on format of this course, seating is limited to 20, so we encourage you to register early!

NOTE: If you currently own an iPod iTouch, Blackberry, Tom Tom GPS device, or e-reader, you are encouraged to bring your own device to the workshop. This will allow others more time with the demonstration devices provided for the class.

Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online. To register by phone, please call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

Cost is only $35 per person for the course. Payment is due at the time of registration and may be made by credit card, check, or PayPal account.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before March 10. After March 10, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In the event of program cancellation, a refund of the registration fee will be made.

Adverse Weather Policy

Winter weather can be unpredictable and may vary from region to region. Our leader for this workshop will travel to Hickory from central North Carolina each week; therefore, if bad weather is forecasted or reported in any portion of the state, it is important to check our messaging system to be sure class is being held each week. Registrants will receive contact information in the workshop confirmation letter.

In the event that one or more sessions is cancelled for the date scheduled, the course will be extended to subsequent weeks. When registering, please be sure to mark one or two additional Wednesday afternoons (April 7 and 14) on your schedule in the event of bad weather. No refunds will be given for missed sessions.