Written by Jim Frasier, Warren County Career Center
Participants of the free Computers Don’t Byte class (also known as Every Citizen Online class) offered at the Salem Township Public Library are enjoying their newfound technological knowledge.
Judy Gay from Morrow used to get her computer help from her husband. Since his passing, she found that there was a lot she did not know about the computer. She says the class is “helping her catch up with technology”.
Steve Blackburn from Maineville is 71 and retired. He says when he worked in business, his employees took care of his computer needs. Now, he needs to learn on his own.
Both Steve and Judy credit their basic computer class teacher, Peggy Goodwin, for their technological success. They share that Peggy creates a great learning environment, is patient with everyone, and keeps her cool when a class participant doesn’t quite keep up. They both note that Peggy provides individual help and coaching.
The Computers Don’t Byte class, offered at the Salem Township Public Library in partnership with the Warren County Career Center, meets for three two-hour sessions and has no homework, no tests, no grades, and is FREE!
The course is part of Connect Ohio’s statewide effort, the Every Citizen Online program, to help more people get connected to the Internet and learn how to use a computer in the process. The class is also being offered at the following Warren County locations: Franklin and the Mary L. Cook libraries, Workforce One, and the Warren County Career Center.
The Computers Don’t Byte class starts with the basics, such as how to turn a computer on, how to use a mouse, related terminology (desktop, download, right click, etc.), how to access the Internet, and how to set up and use an e-mail account. Students get a kick out of helping each other during the class. Everyone is in the same boat and most are of retirement age, including the instructors.
Many of the participants have said that a relative bought or gave them a computer, but they hadn’t figured out how to use it. One gentleman shared that his daughter has tried to teach him, but she ‘always goes too fast for him to learn’. Others come to class saying, “I need help. I don’t even know how to turn the darn thing on.”
A common thread motivating people to participate in the free class is the ability to send and receive e-mail with their grandchildren.
According to instructors Peggy Goodwin and Don Coty, many of their students come to class feeling nervous and hesitant, saying they don’t want to ‘break’ anything. By the time they finish, their level of confidence has improved tremendously and they are much more comfortable navigating their computer.
Both Steve and Judy are enjoying the opportunity to learn new things and feel they are catching up with technology, their peers, and their grandchildren. Both say they want to keep learning and continue to improve their computer skills. They’re also making new friends and having a great time.
For more information about the classes, call the Warren County Career Center – 513.932.8145, x4011. Classes are offered weekly at one or more locations.
Contact Information:
Jim Frasier
Warren County Career Center
Jim.Frasier@mywccc.org
513.932.8145, x4011
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