Libraries
have a new tool in their belt to help patrons bridge the digital divide; it’s
called the Microsoft IT Academy.
Thanks
to $1.5 million in funding from the Washington State legislature, a 90% product
discount from Microsoft, and strong leadership by visionary staff at the Washington
State Library, more than 380 libraries across the state can now offer their
patrons self-paced computer instruction courses through Microsoft’s IT Academy
– for free. Neill Public Library in
Pullman and Whitman County Library District in Colfax are excited to be two of
these participating libraries.
Public
libraries help people acquire the information and knowledge they need to lead
healthy, fulfilling lives. Since the recession,
Neill Library staff have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people needing
assistance to create resumes, search for jobs, and navigate through the ins and
outs of submitting an online application.
On a regular basis, we hear patrons express a desire to learn new
computer skills so they can compete for the family wage jobs [many of which require
a strong proficiency in STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)]. However, these patrons do not have the
financial means to pay for instruction and, between work and family, their schedules
are not compatible enough to attend classes.
The widening gap between people who have the means and access to obtain IT
skills and those who do not is known as the digital divide.
Enter
the IT Academy. Through IT Academy training, participants will
achieve industry-leading skills to be competitive in the job market. Participants can select courses from three
skill levels – Basic Digital Literacy, Microsoft Office training, and Advanced
Skills for IT professionals. More than
250 courses are available for free, and in 30 different languages. These courses are self-paced, making them
ideal for people with busy schedules.
Microsoft certification is an option.
The
Basic Digital Literacy curriculum introduces first-time users to the
fundamentals of computing. The function of a mouse, a monitor, a keyboard, and
a hard-drive are discussed. Use of the Internet,
online privacy, and virtual security are covered. Participants will learn what email is, how it
works, and how to set up an email account.
The
Microsoft Office curriculum offers coursework for 117 different programs in
Office and 10 programs in Office 365. Instruction
is available for commonly recognized programs like Word, Excel, Outlook, and
Powerpoint, as well as the lesser known ones like Visio, Lync, and OneNote.
The
Advanced Skills curriculum includes instruction on System Center, Cloud, a
variety of different servers, SQL Server database, Visual Studio, and Windows
Azure.
The
IT Academy is compatible with most, but not all browsers. Internet Explorer
(through IE 10), Firefox, and Google Chrome work well. Safari is not compatible, but iOS users can download
an alternative browser to access the content.
The
IT Academy can be accessed anywhere, anytime.
Participants need to have a library card and a registered email to
access to the Office and Advanced Skills Level curriculum. Use the library’s public computer stations or
connect to our wi-fi from your own laptop. The Academy is also available from your home
or mobile device via our website. Just
another way libraries make life-long learning free and easy for you.
Coursework
for Basic Digital Literacy is available now through the websites of Whitman
County Library District and Neill Public Library. Coursework for Microsoft Office and Advanced
Skills will be available by early
December. Both libraries offer
Book-a-Librarian sessions providing one-on-one assistance to help get you
started. Contact us today to schedule
your free session. Happy Learning!
Joanna Bailey
Library Director,
Neill Public Library
1130-12-1/13 Moscow Pullman Daily News
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