A little-known computer training resource for everyone from small-business employees to government workers is available in Providence.
The Providence Public Library has offered free computer classes since 1995, said Shane Sher, the library’s computer training specialist. But very few people take advantage of what he calls an “untapped resource.”
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“A lot of people who are starting their home businesses and can’t seem to figure out where to go or what programs to buy,” attend the classes, Sher said.
So for those who are trying to master, or at least navigate, things like Microsoft’s Outlook, Excel, Word or PowerPoint, each of the library’s 10 branches host the classes.
Sher said more than 3,000 students have taken one class or another in the past one-and-a-half years. Those who go to learn hail from various organizations, but mostly with the same goal.
“People want to learn how to utilize their programs that much more,” Sher said. “Unfortunately many people are learning on the fly – all of us use MS-Word, but a lot of us haven’t had the basic introductions that would speed up their working habits by 50 percent.”
The classes turn people onto the basics of computing, which helps their overall workday, Sher said. Groups of employees from companies of various sizes have taken part in the instruction at the library, Sher said.
“A lot of people looking for work come to the classes,” Sher said. “They’re brushing up their skills and want to be able to say on their resume that they can use and understand certain programs.”
The courses cover all levels: “From the person who thinks a computer is a toaster to someone who needs to understand Excel in a much broader way,” Sher said.
Students can start with “Using Windows I,” which teaches the basics of using the keyboard and mouse. More intro classes include instruction in customizing Windows, maintaining the operating system and basic word processing. Beginning Web classes show the basics of the Internet and an introduction to Google. Courses progress to several Word classes, using Outlook Express, Microsoft Publisher, Excel and more instruction in Web usage. Advanced classes include using Outlook 2000, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop and advanced Excel. There’s even eBay I and II that teaches people how to buy and sell on the online auction site.
Classes run through the summer months.
While the programs have been running for nearly 10 years, “no one really knows about them,” Sher said.
“We get a trickle of people coming in, but we really just want this free service known,” Sher said.
Several government offices – like the state Department of Administration – have sent their employees to the library’s computer courses. Sher said many office workers from various fields have also been sent to the classes by their employers.
Last May, the library had 38 classes at the 10 branches. In June, another 31 are scheduled. Some branches, Sher said, are busier than others.
“At the Rochambeau branch, people know the computer classes are there and we get between 10 and 20 people a night,” Sher said. “But at the Mount Pleasant or South Providence branches, people just don’t know it’s there.”
The classes usually run for 90 minutes and are more than one session. The schedules are staggered to accommodate a variety of students. To register, or for more information, call (401) 455-8026.
