The town of Danville is offering computer classes to the public this fall ranging from how to use Microsoft Word to checking one’s e-mail.
“A lot of people were calling in and asking that we provide basic computer classes,” said Christine Mabry, adult and senior services coordinator for Danville.
Students attending the courses will work in pairs. At the Microsoft Word classes, students are taught how to mail merge letters, print out personalized labels, and create customized names. They are also taught how to make their own business cards.
The e-mail class teaches students the basics of online services. They learn how to download and attach files, send and receive e-mails, and use different search engines. There is also a discussion on the differences between modem, DSL and broadband Internet services.
Classes are also available for those in the business world. This year, courses are being offered that focus on creating effective PowerPoint presentations. Students are shown how to make their slides concise, and are given instructions on how to change background layout and use clip art.
After each class concludes, take-home manuals are given out.
The instructor for the courses, Lynn Heller, has been with the company EZ Comp for the past eight years, which contracts with the town to teach basic computer classes. The courses were originally created last year to satisfy a growing demand by the public.
At first, the program was primarily aimed at adults and senior citizens, but it has already managed to reach a far-ranging audience.
“It really does vary,” said Erin Sabbatini, recreation supervisor for Danville. “We typically don’t track ages, and anyone over 18 can join.”
The classes last year did not enjoy a great deal of success because they were not listed in the fall activity guide. People mainly learned about them through fliers and mailers. However, this year the town is trying to get the word out to residents and the program has been vastly improved. Previously, the only courses offered to the public were for computer, online and scanner training. Now residents can also take classes on Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
It is important to sign up early for the classes because they can fill up quickly, said Mabry. Certain classes can only accommodate around 20 people, and Mabry is expecting 25 or more to sign up. At the hands-on digital and photo class earlier this month, for instance, it took less than a week for the class to meet its minimum requirement of students.
There is one more Microsoft Word classes, to be held Nov. 30; an Internet services class Dec. 7; and a PowerPoint class Dec. 14. Courses typically take place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Danville Community Center, and cost $25 for Danville residents, and $30 for nonresidents. For more information, contact Christine Mabry at 314-3476.
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