Jefferson College Offering Free Computer Classes, Internet Access

Jefferson College is providing free computer and Internet classes to Arnold and Jefferson County residents.

The Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), funded through a state grant, allows the college to offer the classes, a news release said.

People can learn about the Internet, social media, e-books, or video conferencing in 15 free classes offered this spring.

The classes will be offered at the college’s following locations:

• Arnold at 1687 Missouri State Rd.
• Imperial at 4400 Jeffco Blvd.
• Hillsboro at 1000 Viking Dr.
• Cedar Hill at 6471 Cedar Hill Rd.

Each class will be taught in a single session and all books and handouts, will be provided.

Free high-speed Internet access also provided

The grant also enables the college to provide free high-speed Internet access in the computer labs in Arnold, Imperial, Hillsboro and Cedar Hill.

The classes are part of the college's goal to help people understand the benefits of high-speed Internet, also called broadband, access throughout Jefferson County.

Other events have included community and student  forums, demonstrations, and panel discussions about the need for broadband access.

“To compete in today's global economy, we need the tools used in the global economy, including high speed broadband access,” said Jefferson College President Raymond Cummiskey. Information from the Internet allows residents  to live in Jefferson County and work anywhere.

Available classes include:

• "An Introduction to Online Courses"-Online courses help students who otherwise might not be able due to personal schedule or location attend college. This class discusses the components of online courses, lets students view some real courses, and take an online readiness indicator to determine if they might be a good candidate for online college courses.
• "Basic Internet Skills"-This course teaches students how to use email, use a search engine, make hotlink connections, learn discussion group basics, and how to cut and paste between word processing software, email and the Web.
• "Basic Computer Skills"-This course teaches students the skills required to use a personal computer.
• "E-Books"-Discover the technology that allows people to read their favorite books via an e-book reader, computer or PDA.
• "E-Mail Basics"-This short course provides a hands-on opportunity to create a free email account and explains the sending and reception of email.
• "Finding a Job Using the Internet"-In this course, students learn how to use the Internet to research companies, and to find job postings and labor market information. Participants must have basic computer skills and know how to use a mouse to take part in this seminar.
• "Internet Video Conferencing"-This course teaches students how to have a face-to-face telephone conversation over the Internet.
• "Selecting a Broadband Internet Service Provider"-This course explains the different types of Internet service options and their pros and cons. It will provide a list of local Internet service providers and help students determine the improvement over their current Internet service provider.
• "Introduction to Online Research"-This course discusses information search techniques and recommended websites to find useful information on the Internet. Participants will learn how to evaluate information for accuracy and authority. Instructors will provide Internet and library resources for specific information needs.
• "Keeping Your Computer Safe"-Teaches people to recognize security threats and Internet hazards, and how to protect computers using the Internet. Topics will include malware, pop-ups, antivirus software, anti-malware software, using the Internet wisely, best email practices, software updates and backup of critical data.
• "Promoting Your Business On The Internet"-Many entrepreneurs lack the skills to use the Internet to gain customers and increase sales. This class will teach the skills needed to have that competitive edge.
• "Introduction to Social Networking, Blogs & Wikis"-This course provides an introduction to sharing information on the World Wide Web. Topics include: Internet terminology, blogs and wikis, and an introduction to social networking with Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other social networking websites.
• "Microsoft Word Basics"-This class teaches the basics of word processing and using Microsoft Word. Students learn to create and save documents; insert and modify text, margins, indents, line spacing, fonts and font sizes; the elements of the Word window, headers/footers, and automatic page numbering.
• "Microsoft Excel Basics"-This class teaches students how use spreadsheets to track data and make numerous related calculations; navigate with Excel; create a basic spreadsheet; move, copy, and edit cells; and apply basic mathematical functions to spreadsheet data.
• "Microsoft PowerPoint Basics"-Participants learn to design presentations, evaluate several ways to present information, create presentation text using the "outline mode," add and manipulate pictures, shapes and Smart Art objects, run and save a presentation for various purposes.

Classes will be taught on a rotating basis from January through May.

For more information, call the Jefferson College Continuing Education Office at 636-481-3144 or 636-797-3000, extension 3144 (TDD 789-5772) or visit the college’s website at www.jeffco.edu.