Technology

West Warwick Public Library

Maureen Delovio

October 24, 2003

Modems, Internet, URL, mouse, WWW, CPU, scrolling, hyperlink, ‘A’ drive…. the list goes on and on. These are just some of the terms and acronyms used in today’s high tech world and you don’t have to go far to hear them: schools, supermarkets, TV, the library. They permeate every conversation to one extent or another. There is a whole new vocabulary that people have to learn in order to stay current in business and just plain daily life. Children have been growing up with this new technology for a decade now and have adapted very well, as children usually do.

It is a different story for older people. Just as there is a language acquisition age there is also a “technology acquisition age,” specifically an “it is easier to learn to use a computer if you are below the age of 25 age.” This isn’t to imply that older people cannot learn new skills, incorporate new ideas into their way of thinking, or think outside the box. Sometimes the problem is time, opportunity or cost. Computers are taught as part of the public school curriculum. What do people do who have graduated so many years ago? The public library is the answer.

West Warwick Public Library has a computer lab with twelve computers each of which is equipped with the Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Power Point. These computers also have an Internet connection as well as the various databases and encyclopedias that live here. This is all good and well but what about the knowledge and skill to use these computers, you ask? The library has books that cover each of these programs: i.e. Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows for Dummies, by Wallace Wang, Step by Step Microsoft Windows XP, edited by Jenny Moss Benson. For the Internet there is K.I.S.S. Guide to the Internet, by Willie Lubka, or How to Use the Internet, by Marietta Tretter. Typing books have changed to include the new keys and key combinations: Mastering Computer Typing: A painless course for beginners and professionals, by Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts and Typing and Keyboarding for Everyone by Nathan Levine. These are only a few of the myriad titles at the library that can help you to be a competent computer user.

Having the equipment and the books are pieces in the process of becoming computer literate. Everyone learns differently. Some people have only to read the directions to learn while others have to see it demonstrated. The older we get the more practice and reinforcement we need to acquire a new skill. The West Warwick Public Library is addressing these different needs and learning styles by giving free computer classes to anyone who wishes to learn. Every month we offer four or five one to two-hour basic skills computer classes. These are hands on classes that are taught by library staff or volunteers who have some computer expertise. We vary the time and day to give everyone a chance to take them. These are some of the classes that have been given in the past and will be repeated in the months to come:

Computer Basics - an introduction to computer hardware and basic computer functions.

Computer Keyboarding – an introduction to the computer keyboard, key functions, and a beginner’s touch typing lesson.

Microsoft Word I – learn basic commands, learn to use the toolbars, write a report and more.

Microsoft Word II – page formatting, editing, creating envelopes, composing newsletters.

Internet Security – protect yourself on the Internet from viruses, adware, spam and learn to determine what sites are secure when using a credit card.

Internet Basics – introduction on how to get on and search the Internet.

Yahoo Email Basics – get a free email account that you can access from any computer worldwide.

Excel I – learn to organize and create lists, spreadsheets, charts, and graphs.

Ebay – learn how to sign up for an Ebay (online auction) account, find products to bid on and buy.

Check with the West Warwick Public Library at the beginning of every month for a schedule of classes, or call 828-3750 extension 4 to sign up for one or more.

Come to the library and close that “digital divide!” After reading the books and taking the classes come back in and Practice, Practice, Practice. The computers are available any time the library is open except when classes are being given. The staff is always willing to help.