pPOTSDAM — In just over a month, the Potsdam Public Library’s Public Computer Center will be losing its student instructors for the summer, so now is the time for residents to improve their digital literacy skills, according to center coordinator Bobby K. Gordon./ppMrs. Gordon said the center’s eight student instructors, all from Clarkson University, will quit work for the semester by April 15 to prepare for final exams, which run from April 25 to 29. They will not return until the second week of September./pp“As a general rule, that’s about when they stop,” she said. “Their priority is really their studying. They obviously have to succeed; that’s why they’re here.”/ppThe students, who spend an average of eight hours per week at the center either as part of the college’s work-study program or as volunteers, teach classes on a variety of topics, from learning how to use Microsoft programs like Excel and PowerPoint, to using iPhones, to using social media programs like Tumblr, LinkedIn and Twitter. They also do individual sessions, where residents can ask questions about computer hardware and software, job search techniques, Internet use and other topics, at a slower pace than in the classroom. /ppMrs. Gordon said the students are valuable to the center because they can commit more time than other volunteers, meaning classes on topics like PowerPoint can be offered more often. Their increased availability also makes meeting the needs of walk-ins easier./pp“They may not actually have an appointment, they may not be scheduled to teach a class, but they’re here,” she said. “If somebody’s here, chances are a Clarkson student will be able to handle it.”/ppCommunication and psychology double major Paige Hewlett called the computer center and its staff wonderful because they are “flexible with my busy schedule and still find a way for me to teach classes or assist individuals in extremes, from assisting them in coding their website for their business, or teaching them how to use their iPad.” /ppOnce she and her classmates leave, the center will be reduced to five volunteers, who can’t commit as much time to the center./ppNonetheless, the center will still offer classes in several areas, including using software such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Windows 8 and 10, and Skype. Classes on digital photo management, using Ancestry.com, operating an Ipad and the basics of computer use will also still be available. /ppIn a Thursday release, Mrs. Gordon indicated that the center also occasionally offers free classes on how to survive on a limited budget, and avoiding tax scams. It additionally provides a space for holding public presentations, group meetings, or information sessions, as well as computers and free wifi for checking email, and doing research and shopping online./ppAdvance registration is required for all center services, which are free of charge except for classes taught on using QuickBooks. To view a complete list of classes, visit a href="bit.ly/1WfCpXv"bit.ly/1WfCpXv/a. To sign up to use the center’s various services and resources, call the library at 265-7230, and ask to be connected to the computer center./p
↧