The Minot Public Library has continued to offer adult computer training classes to teach computer basics and how to use electronic resources to get information. The classes offer 90 minutes of class instruction with 30 minutes for practice and questions.
"We would like people to take the classes, because we have a lot of information to offer. We want to get more people accustomed to looking at the library catalog on their own and using electronic resources," Marci Julson, library associate for the Minot Public Library, said.
For people just starting out or those who have never used a computer before, the computer basics and library catalog class is the place to start.
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Marci Julson, library associate for Minot Public Library, uses a Smart Board screen to teach the adult computer training classes.
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"Sometimes they may feel overwhelmed if they haven't used a computer before. We joke in class and make them feel comfortable. The main thing is for them to not be scared of the computer. Once they master the mouse, it's a lot easier," Julson said.
After learning the basics, people can take other classes offered including the Internet tips and searching class, the investment research class, or the language learning class. Some additional classes that have recently been added include a class on how to use the overdrive database and download eAudiobooks, the genealogy basics class, the consumer health resources class, and beginning hotmail class on how to use e-mail.
For people who may have taken a class before, a refresher is often helpful because electronic resources change frequently. The library has been offering adult computer training for seven years, and changes continue to happen.
"Our catalog system is so different now, and our Internet tips class changes a bit each time we teach it. Electronic resources change frequently, as independent resources update their pages," Julson said.
Julson teaches the classes with the use of a Smart Board, a board that shows what is on her computer on a larger screen. Julson can navigate the Internet on the larger screen so her students can easily watch what she's doing. Julson also provides handouts for students to take home and keep by their home computers.
The classes can help people who are just getting started on the computer or who want a little extra instruction on navigating some of the library's online resources.
"If they have never used the computer before, they are intimidated. But as they start to adapt to computer work, and it's nice to see that satisfaction on their face that they've learned something new, and they're excited about using it," Julson said.
Preregistration for the classes is required. To register, contact the library at 852-1045 for more information or pick up a brochure at the library service desk.