Study Groups
The BetaPlus Club runs a programme of Study Groups - small groups normally with a limit of 10 members who meet at 2 - 4 week intervals to study a specific area of computing. Groups enable members to share their knowledge and are sometimes project based. They also include taught sessions where members lead the learning. Study Groups often provide written information and present feedback about their activities to the other members of the Club. Such documents are made available to members on the club web site.
Current Study Groups are:-
S1 Web Group S1 Web Group This group is to help members to build their own web sites. All levels of experience are catered for. Beginners are very welcome and we have a buddy system to help. The club can provide web space to help those getting started. Advice is available on suitable web editing software such as NetObjects Fusion and also how to use ready made sites such as Google sites. Exciting new web technologies are constantly being explored. Our prime method of working is to tackle topics raised by our members. The group meets on Fridays.
S2 Digital Imaging Group B (DIG B) The aim of this digital imaging group is to focus on enhancing set photographs; bringing your personal attempt from home to show & discuss the methods used, sorting out any problems you may have found with the more experienced members of the group.
S3 Digital Imaging Group A (DIG A) The aim of this group is to introduce members to capturing, organising, editing and sharing photos. It focuses mainly on the free Picasa software (but also covers similar functions in Adobe Photoshop Elements), and is suitable for people with all levels of skills.”
S4 Internet and Computer Problems Internet & Computer Problems
This group investigates all aspects of the Internet for part of the morning with the remainder of the time spent discussing & solving individual computer problems or topics submitted by members of the group.
S5 Family History The Family History Study Group aims to provide a basic understanding of researching family history via the internet and using the Family Historian program to record family history data. Much of the study is based on the tutorial sessions included within Family Historian. Many club members have attended this basic Family History study group in previous years and now attend the Family History Workshop which looks at more advanced topics. The Family History Study Group will only be run in 2010 / 2011 if there is sufficient demand from club members for this basic course. It will also be necessary for a new study group leader to be appointed.
S6 Family History Workshop The Family History Workshop will discuss and share approaches to furthering and presenting members’ family history research by the use of internet, record office and other resources. It will also explore and discuss some of the more advanced features of the ‘Family Historian’ programme. Subjects or topics to be covered will be those suggested by the members, therefore it is important that all members be prepared to contribute and share their knowledge and experience. The BetaPlus FH Google Group will be used to support this workshop.
S7 Technical Group This group is for those who are interested in finding out about issues in setting up and running computers such as hardware, drivers, graphics cards, Direct X, etc
S8 Computing Languages Group The Language Group’s aim is encouraging each other to develop a bluffer's knowledge of everyday programming languages, such as HTML, ASP, PHP, CSS, Flash, Javascript (web pages), KML (maps and Google Earth), Visual Basic, VBA, VBScript (macros and stand-alone program building). Members will be asked to demonstrate to the group what they have learned, and contribute to a BetaPlus Bluffers Guide.
S9 Collaborative Working Group The Collaborative Workspaces study group reviews web-based software and services for the sharing of information and collaborative working between members of groups. In 2009 / 2010 this group published an evaluation of several collaborative working platforms and some guidance in their implementation by different groups of people. Plans for 2010 / 2011 will depend on the number of club members wishing to participate and their respective interests. It is likely that the study group will focus on just one or two collaborative platforms such as Wikispaces for a more detailed review of their characteristics and the human factor considerations for their successful implementation.
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