Free Computer and Job Classes Offered
October 12, 2011
Free computer and job skills classes offered locally
Mason City – Adults and students will be able to take a variety of free classes at Illini Central Schools through the Bridge the Digital Divide grant that also provided District 189 and the Mason City Public Library with new technology equipment. The $29,250 grant was provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development. The classes offered are: GED Exploratory Class, How to Find a Job, How to Land a Job, How to Use Microsoft Software, and The World of Computers and Technology.
“We were able to purchase four Promethean boards, which are interactive white boards, a computer and printer for the high school, and 12 computers for the public library, said grant writer John Maxson. “The library and school are in partnership on this.” The plethora of classes is scheduled at the school from Nov. 1, 2011 until May 10, 2012.
“This grant is to provide a technology center for this area,” Maxson continued. “Along with the hardware, we’ll be providing technology classes to the public in order to help train individuals in obtaining jobs, with new careers or changing careers. We’ll also be linked into workNet, a website to show job opportunities within the state.”
Classes are totally free and will be limited to 30 participants each, so people are encouraged to pre-register at the high school office by phone at 217-482-3252 or email to jmaxson@illinicentral.org. The new library computers are available to the public during regular library hours. They are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. On school days the library opens at 8 a.m.
Bridge the Digital Divide DCEO Grant Classes
GED Exploratory Class
Illini Central High School counselor Kelly Bogdanic will teach the GED Exploratory Class. If you have been contemplating getting your GED, this class could help you make that decision. You will gain the knowledge to make an informed decision about your future and your education.
Class time will consist of general information about the GED programs in the area, specific information about the GED programs through Illinois Central College, Lincoln Land Community College, Heartland Community College, and Spoon River College. Information will also be available about Career Link opportunities. Expert speakers may present.
There will be time in class to work on the computers to continue your search for the right fit for your education as well as enroll in classes. There are 14 different sessions to choose from:
Nov. 2, 4 – 6 p.m.
Nov. 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 5, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Dec. 20, 2:30 – 4 p.m.
Jan. 11, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 23, 4 – 6 p.m.
Feb. 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
Feb. 29, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Mar. 6, 2 – 4 p.m.
Mar. 21, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
April 18, 4 – 6 p.m.
April 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
May 7, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
May 10, 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
How to Find a Job
“How to Find a Job” will be taught by Lloyd and Jason List. There are three different sessions, each offered three times. All classes are scheduled 6 – 9 p.m. Session One, Beginning or Changing Your Career, will include how to research and pick a career that fits your lifestyle goals. Then students will research and explore training or educational options to begin their new careers. They will fill out college applications and FAFSA forms. It is offered Nov. 1 and 30, and Jan. 11.
In Session Two, Finding Your Dream Job, participants will learn how to perform an effective job hunt. They will create a career portfolio and discuss interviewing techniques. This session is offered Nov. 2, Dec. 7, and Jan. 18.
The Third Session will introduce Illinois workNet Center and all of its services such as job searches, GED, apprenticeships, ACT, computer skills training, and resources for veterans, disabled, childcare, healthcare, transportation and more. Session Three will take place Nov. 16, Dec. 14, and Jan. 25.
How to Land a Job
ICHS English teacher Lynsey Kirby will teach five sessions on “How to Land a Job,” with each of the first four sessions offered twice.
Session 1: Cover letter writing and why it’s important. Class will be offered from 4:00pm-8:00pm on Nov. 14 and Jan. 26 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Session 2: How to write a great resume’. Classes will be offered from 5:00pm-8:00pm on Dec. 5 and Feb. 7 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Session 3: Working on your interview skills. Classes will be offered on Jan. 10 from 5:00pm-8:00pm and Feb. 9 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Session 4: Mock interviews and how to overcome the butterflies. Classes will be offered on Jan. 12 from 5:00pm-8:00pm and Feb. 27 from 6:00pm-7:30pm
Session 5: Round table discussions with local business owners on what they look for. This class will be presented on March 1 from 5:00pm-8:00pm
How To Use Microsoft Software
IC Grade School computer instructor Julie Toland has created a series of classes that will equip participants with practical knowledge of the Microsoft Suite software for use at home or on the job. Weekly classes will meet 5:45 – 7:45.
Nov. 2 – Intro to MS Office
Nov. 9 – How to create a Christmas newsletter
Nov. 16 – Working with digital photos
Nov. 30 – Creating and using a digital address book
Dec. 7 – How to create address labels
Dec. 14 – How to create a calendar
Jan. 4 – Digitize your recipe cards
Jan. 11 – Creating a flier
Jan. 18 – Make your own booklet on the computer
Jan. 25 – Make a brochure that stands out
Feb. 1 – Make your own personalized greeting cards
Feb. 8 – Cataloging your information
Feb. 15 – Documenting and creating a timeline
Feb. 22 – How to prepare and create a graph
Feb. 29 – Create a survey that gets you results
March 7 – Understanding and working with Excel formulas
March 14 – Creating a budget
March 21 – Intro to PowerPoint
March 28 – Friends and Family show
April 18 – Creating an interactive story on the computer
April 25 – Fun night with classroom games
April 30 – Review and quiz
The World of Computers and Technology
Illini Central’s technology consultant Dave Knieriem has assembled nine classes, each offered on two dates, to take the mystery out of selecting and using home computers and guide users to careers in technology.
Computers and Technology: A Primer to Computers and Peripherals
Computers can be fun and productive. But for the newbie (novice), computers can be confusing and frustrating. Technology can make even the most intelligent person feel a bit intimidated. Basics for Beginners is a FREE site dedicated to helping people new to computers (specifically PC's running Microsoft Windows XP).
This class takes a unique approach to teaching you the basics. Rather than forcing you to read hundreds of pages of text, this site shows you through interactive video tutorials and training aids. Best of all it's all FREE. We will talk about terminology. Confused by the computer lingo? Clear up the confusing jargon, terms and acronyms. Dates Offered: Nov. 15 and Dec. 13.
Computers and Technology: What's the Right Computer to Purchase?
This class is an introduction on what you need to know to buy a computer, computer peripherals, and software. While it is mainly meant for the beginner, seasoned computers veterans might just pick up a thing or two.
Dates Offered: Nov. 17 and Dec. 15, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Computers and Technology: Building the Secure Home Network
Home network setup can be complicated by many "what if" issues. To answer questions about your home networking needs, we've outlined a class explains what you need to know about building a new home network (or rebuilding an existing one).
Dates Offered: Nov. 29 and Dec. 20, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Computers and Technology: Software Ins and Outs
This course discusses the different types of software available in the market, and tips on selecting and purchasing software for home and business use.
Dates Offered: Dec. 1 and Jan. 26, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Computers and Technology: Social Networking - Facts, Pros, and Cons
The popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Classmates.com more than quadrupled from 2005 to 2009. Many users say the sites are good for our society, but others contend that the dangers of social media outweigh the benefits. This class discusses and provides relevant discussion on this current topic.
Dates Offered: Jan. 10 and 31, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Careers in Computers and Technology
This class will provides practical advice for building a technology-focused career. Discussions on current and future opportunities in the information technology career field.
Dates Offered: Jan. 12 and Feb. 4, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Computers and Technology in the Work Place - Today and the Future
A workplace can be defined as a place of employment, a place where somebody works. It has in the past been considered a place where you travel to like an office to complete the tasks at hand but changing work practices are redefining what people see as a workplace. Due to improvements in technology and the changing nature of work practices which has brought about telecommuting the workplace is now being seen as anywhere that the tasks at hand can be performed best. This class will provide information and discussion of these aspects of the workplace.
Dates Offered: Jan. 17 and Feb. 7, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Computers and Technology: The Art of Troubleshooting and Tech Support
When you need to contact technical support, having as much specific information about your issue as possible will help resolve your problem more quickly. This class will assist the average user on tips and insights of computer troubleshooting and working with technical support personnel.
Dates Offered: Jan. 19 and Feb. 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Computers and Technology: E-Commerce for the Average Guy (Includes Ebay)
E-commerce is the sale of products and services over the internet, and the fastest growing segment of our economy. It allows even the smallest business to reach a global audience with its product or message with minimal cost. In this class you will learn aspects of e-commerce website, and discussion of how to get started on eBay
Dates Offered: Jan. 24 and Feb. 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
