Woodward, Okla. — igh Plains Technology Center is offering several new classes on its 2013 Winter  short term course schedule.

Sandi Highfill, assistant AT&D coordinator with HPTC, said one of the new classes will make use of a recent technological addition at the school.

"We have a Mac computer lab now, so this semester we're doing some classes on operating Mac computers. This will be our first semester to do this," she said.

Highfill said the Mac class will feature hands-on learning in basic operations such as navigating Safari, working with applications, and managing photos and documents on a Mac.

"The class will really help interested in transitioning from Windows to a Mac," she said.

Highfill also said people with a New Year's resolution to get in shape might also be interested in the HPTC's new exercise class.

"We're also excited to be offering Zumba Gold this semester," she said. "We haven't offered that before, but the instructor teaching it has done it before and says it's great for those who want to get in shape but who can't do a real intense workout. It's not until the end of February so there's still time for people to sign up."

Zumba is a style of exercise that incorporates dance moves and is done to music.

In addition to the new classes, Highfill says some old favorites that haven't been featured in a while will also be returning this semester.

"Art and drawing will be returning this semester," she said. "We've offered art and drawing before in the past, but we haven't in the last few years though. We had a water coloring class last semester and people really enjoyed that, so we're hoping drawing to be a pretty popular class as well."

Highfill said crochet and knitting will be featured this semester again as well. She said the classes were relatively new, this being the second semester they've been offered recently, though they've been popular in the past, and will feature a new instructor.

Regularly scheduled favorites are featured this semester as well, and Highfill encourages those interested to act fast to take advantage of the still available spots.

"Our drivers safety class is returning again this semester and I'm surprised I don't have more enrolled in it. Anyone can take it. It's an excellent class for all ages and promotes safe driving skills," she said.

In addition to teaching safe driving skills, she said the driving class can also help you save money as well.  Some insurance companies provide a discount for policy holders who take the class, she said.

"We always suggest people check with their insurance providers to see how much they can get off for taking the course. For some of them it is quite a substantial amount, even for younger drivers," she said.

Highfill also wanted to highlight the availability of classes offered for senior citizens.

"We offer several classes to teach senior citizens about computers. We have classes on digital cameras, scanners, even Facebook. Our iPad day class for senior citizens is full, but there's still a night class available," she said.

For those living on a fixed income, Highfill said, "what a lot of people don't realize is in-district senior citizens can take day or night classes tuition free."

She added, "I really admire the seniors who come out and sign up for classes, they're always so eager to learn."

Highfill concluded saying HPTC's Winter 2013 course schedule has something available for everyone, offering everything from computer training to glass staining.

"We offer all kinds!" said Highfill.

Highfill encourages everyone to come out and give the semester's featured courses a try.

"These classes are fun and entertaining and a great way to get out and do something on these cold winter days. They're a great way to learn new skills or improve your current skills, not to mention they're just a lot of fun," she said.

Highfill said people interested in enrolling can come by and pick up a class brochure and enrollment package at the HPTC campus or they can visit hptc.net where they can print one off themselves.  You can also contact Highfill at (580) 571-6145 to enroll by phone or for more information about any class.

"We always suggest people enroll as soon as they can, classes can fill up quickly!" Highfill said.