The Every Citizen Online (ECO) program providing free basic computer and Internet training to Ohio adults launched in late December 2010, with many sub-recipients’ classes beginning in January 2011. The instructor-led and self-paced training is being offered in more than 180 locations throughout the state with the help of libraries, community colleges, and education centers.
The initial response to the ECO program has been quite positive. Many classes are full or near-full for each training session.
“We have 8 to 10 participants per class and can hold 11,” said Blythe Schubert, director of the Kate Love Simpson Morgan County Library in southeastern Ohio.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library received more than 600 phone calls inquiring about the ECO program within the first few weeks of starting classes.
“That huge number tells us in a quantitative way that there is a great need for basic computer training in our community,” said Steve Hipes, ECO project manager for the library.
Through the end of February, nearly 1,000 Ohio adults have completed the ECO training and gained the skills to communicate with friends and family members through e-mail, apply for jobs online, gain knowledge of favorite topics and hobbies, and more.
“Online bill pay would be very convenient for me,” shared Barb Queen, ECO participant at the Pioneer Career and Technical Center in northern Ohio. “I wouldn’t have to drive 15 minutes to pay my bills like I do now.”
Connect Ohio and the ECO training partners continue promoting the free program through local and state media outlets, word-of-mouth, promotional fliers and bookmarks, as well as the ECO public service announcements airing on television and radio stations and printed in 95 newspapers throughout Ohio.
To view photos from the ECO program, visit our Facebook page by clicking here.
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