Computer Classes Statement of Intent

Why we provide Tech Training:
The purpose of our public technology training/computer classes is five-fold:

1. To support the process of lifelong learning
2. To help customers keep up with changing technology
3. To satisfy workplace/job requirements
4. To prepare customers to compete in the job market
5. To introduce customers to new software programs and technology

How we select the topics:

• Customer feedback is the #1 way we select topics. 
  (Click here to suggest a new topic.)
• Reading job ads – what are employers looking for
• Awareness of types of classes being taught at other area libraries, senior centers and learning organizations

How we obtain customer feedback regarding computer classes:

• Community Office Survey (2006)
• Solicit feedback and suggestions through Check Us Out
• Class evaluations
• Class discussions
• Tell-Us-Slips and email
• Customer interactions with staff
• Class attendance statistics

           
Why feedback is important:

• New courses are developed based on customer feedback (such as Google, Mail Merge, Labels, Digital Photography, etc). Unpopular classes are “shelved” to make room for new classes and new topics. Current feedback from customers indicates they would like classes in three software programs not currently owned by the library: Microsoft Access, PhotoShop Elements, and Microsoft Publisher.
• To improve/tweak current courses
• Feedback from customers helps us determine appropriate days of the week and time of day for classes.
• Feedback from customers gives us information needed to plan the appropriate length of each class and how many times to offer the class each quarter
• Feedback helps us to know our community and its special populations. Classes and individual tutorials for the hearing-impaired and seniors were created as a result of customer feedback.
• Feedback helps us stay focused on teaching what our customers need, not what we believe they should know.

Limitations:

• Current staffing is 3 Technology Trainers working a total of 39-40 hours per week. Time is required to learn and prepare classes in addition to presenting them.
• We only teach software that is available in the Computer Classroom.