The pandemic threw our world upside down, and our Tech Center, which had to pivot to online service delivery, was not immune to the impact. Yet despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, we’ve used that time to develop exciting new courses for learners throughout the community.
Nadya Poveda, our Tech Center program coordinator, recently shared that we will be hosting a brand-new workshop: “Learn the Basics of Website Building.”
“This workshop will cover the basics of website building to help you gain a complete understanding of the subject,” Nadya explained.
The course – comprising two 90-minute sessions – will teach participants with no prior coding knowledge how to create their own websites. Classes take place on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Nadya will also tell you that putting together our first daytime class was one of our greatest accomplishments this year.
“I had the opportunity to help make this project a reality. We were fortunate to find another amazing volunteer instructor for the Google Docs class,” Nadya said. “This class has been an excellent opportunity for everyone to learn about Google Docs using Google Drive.”
Back by popular demand, this Google Docs class consists of two 90-minute-long sessions. It will be offered again in the second and third weeks of January 2023. Class dates and times will be announced soon.
More exciting news: plans to bring back Computer Basics in Spanish are currently underway.
“The Computer Basics class will teach participants in Spanish how to use fundamental computer concepts, basic computer terminology, recognize common computer parts and components, and the fundamentals of computer operating systems and Windows,” Nadya explained.
All the Tech Center courses are free of charge and designed for adults with little to no prior computer experience who want to learn with others in an encouraging environment. The online classes will teach participants about the most popular and current technologies used at home and in the workplace.
We also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. These classes assist non-native speakers in developing their ability to understand, speak, read, and write English, while also improving their language skills to use in their daily lives.
Nadya shared that during her time working at the Tech Center, she has had the opportunity to meet community members from various walks of life.
“The Tech Center is full of inspiring stories. Participants join our online classes with high hopes of learning new skills needed for success or improving their English communication skills,” she said. “It's wonderful to hear how our online classes have helped our participants improve their skills and play an important role in achieving their personal and professional goals. Some have made huge strides personally and/or professionally as a result of our Computer Basics classes. It's also a rewarding feeling when our ESL students describe how their English has improved and how much confidence they now have.”
She wanted community members to know that the Tech Center provides the necessary assistance and resources needed for participants to be successful, while teaching them critical computer and technological skills from the comfort of their own homes.
For Nadya, helping run the Tech Center remotely has been extremely gratifying.
“We’ve changed people’s lives by connecting them with exciting opportunities or by going the extra mile and helping them reach their personal and professional objectives.”
To summarize:
- Learn the Basics of Website Building will take place Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- Another Google Docs course consisting of two 90-minute-long sessions will be offered in the second and third weeks of January 2023. Class dates and times will be announced soon.
- We're working on plans to provide a Computer Basics in Spanish to the community.
For a complete schedule of Tech Center courses, visit https://www.opportunityjunction.org/free-classes/computer-basics.
