COMPUTER LITERACY USA
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Director Bill Stewart
281-489-7944

Computer Literacy
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Getting Computer Literate in Houston at the Leisure Learning Unlimited Computer Center

Course descriptions:
Computer Orientation I
$59.

Whether you are a long-time but frustrated computer user or just getting started, take the most critical step in becoming a comfortable, confident, conversant, and self-sufficient computer user once and for all. In this unique, comprehensive, and compelling course, learn what every computer user must know to manage a computer system and communicate effectively with other computer "literate" people. Surprisingly few people learn the essential yet simple principles and concepts that are behind everything we do with computers, whether it's word processing or Web development. The popular notion that by keeping at it you will eventually "figure things out" is often very wrong—but it's not because the learning process is difficult; it's just that when it comes to today's computers, things are not what they appear to be. Learn the astonishingly simple nature of programs and data, essential hardware concepts, what "files" really are, and what "Windows", multimedia, and telecommunications are all about. Get more useful information than you would have ever thought possible.


Computer Orientation II
$69.

In this course, take it all to a deeper level including essential Windows concepts, file organization and management, working with programs to create, edit and save various types of data, using Windows techniques to move data across programs to create multi-media documents. Learn what it really means to work in the object-oriented environment that Windows creates. Numerous examples involving scanners, CD-ROM and sound cards will reinforce what you've learned. See how today's programs have more features than ever before yet are adopting more "user-friendly" and standardized methods to help you become productive as quickly as possible.


Leisure Learning Unlimited offers hundreds of classes on a wide range of subjects including travel, arts & crafts, cooking, languages, business and much more. Visit www.llu.com for more information.

 

CL-USA founding member Bill Stewart's Computer Orientation classes have been a mainstay at the LLU Computer Center since 1988.

If you live in Houston or are just visiting, you can attend the classes that were used as the basis for the CL-USA computer literacy standards and which have helped thousands of people become confident, self-sufficient computer users. Come and see why Computer Orientation is still one of the most popular classes in Houston. There is nothing else like it!

Computer Orientation is offered several times a month and is available weekdays, evenings and Saturdays.

To find out about more these and other computer classes, visit www.llucomputer.com or call 281-489-7944.


Selected Responses to Bill Stewart's Computer Orientation Classes.

The importance of basic computer literacy is apparent in the reactions of students. The Computer Orientation classes consist of thirteen hours of lecture and demonstration. Although the conventional wisdom seems to be that hands-on is the only way to learn, the following reactions show that our approach is not only effective and necessary before any hands-on, students become enthusiastic supporters of our methods. In fact, roughly half of the students have solid hands-on experience before taking Computer Orientation.

The following quotes are divided into groups that illustrate the various features and benefits of Computer Orientation these include:

  • The format allows for a great amount of information to be presented.
  • People feel as though they can move ahead with confidence, rather than resign themselves to more unpleasant classroom experiences.
  • The entertainment factor keeps people interested and focused.
  • The ability to communicate with other computer literate people is probably the most important benefit.
  • People become advocates of Computer Orientation and our definition of computer literacy.
  • Both new and experienced computer users go from confusion to a true understanding.
  • Many people have taken other classes (community colleges, other organizations) and been disappointed.
  • Even experienced and knowledgeable computer users benefit because it fills in the many "gaps" in their knowledge.
  • Many people are surprised at how much they learn and how much they enjoyed it.

The format allows for a great amount of information to be presented:

"Extremely interesting and informative! Much more than I expected!"

"This was great!! We were exposed to so much in so little time-money well spent!! A wealth of information."

"Covers material faster, more effectively with greater comprehension than comparable college course."

"Very comprehensive and a good quick fix that is quite necessary for everyone to have."

People feel as though they can move ahead with confidence, rather than resign themselves to more unpleasant learning experiences:

"I'm very pleased by this course. It leaves me very anxious to learn more and more!"

"…motivates one to continue."

"I'm going on to the next courses. I want more."

"I am endeavoring to build a foundation of knowledge, fill the gaps in my "rote learning" of the past several years and become expert and have fun with my PC. I can do this based on these classes. Thanks."

The entertainment factor keeps people interested and focused:

"Fascinating. (Instructor) very knowledgeable plus entertaining-a fount of information."

"…you can't help but get caught up in (the presentation)."

"Very well-versed and enthusiastic and reassuring; makes it all reasonable and believable."

"…held my attention the whole six hours."

"Excellent, detailed lesson! After the class I easily understood this complex subject. Excellent analogies enhanced understanding. Great graphics! Enthusiastic presentation."

An in-depth look at hardware and terminology does not have to be intimidating.

"I really liked looking at the insides of the computer and see all the sound cards, memory chips, etc."

"I am a very new computer user…and I wanted to give up… What the LLU Center is doing is great…I didn't feel that I was the only one who didn't know about computers…"

"Took away my anxiety."

The ability to communicate with other computer literate people is probably the most important benefit:

"…will help me work independently and be able to rely on knowledge rather than operate from a seat-of-the-pants mode or call for help."

"It helps me understand what the hardware guys are talking about."

"Gave me the ability to ask questions and I'm no longer afraid of the computer."

"I can understand what people are talking about at work. Finally."

People become advocates of Computer Orientation and our definition of computer literacy:

"Every computer user should know what is taught here."

"(Computer Orientation) I and II are the most informative computer classes I have attended. Should be required for all computer users."

"Stay the course and just continue to stay abreast of new technology & industry changes to continue to provide this excellent service."

"Keep up the good work and try to get this course into all schools for young children…"

Both new and experienced computer users go from confusion to a true understanding:

"The light finally came on in a very dark room. Gee whiz, I can actually do this."

"I've been afraid of computers all my life but this class is helping me to not be intimidated by computers and the terminology."

"I was shocked and annoyed by how simple this was. All these years of feeling stupid were totally unnecessary. Thanks!"

"Eliminated so much frustration and misunderstanding"

"I am de-mystified! No techno-nerd will demean me ever again"

"I have used a number of popular programs for years but now, for the first time, I understand what is taking place when I use them."

"Makes information I've heard about computers much clearer. It actually now makes sense."

"We came all the way from Massachusetts to take this course. Now we have some clue to enable us to use the computer that's been sitting in our house for two years, mostly unused. Enlightening."

"I took this course not knowing much but came out knowing I can be a part of all this."

"I have graduated from being totally intimidated and resistant to being comfortable and confident. I know now that I am capable of being functional and independent."

Many people have taken other classes (community colleges, other organizations) and been disappointed:

"I wish I had known about this before I attended a different school. This helped me tremendously."

"After taking two other intro classes from HCC (Houston Community College) neither one started from the beginning."

"This was my second time in an "intro" class. This time I got it!"

"Yes, yes, yes! I've learned more in this class than in the last 10 years of training in computers and programs."

"Very clear presentation allowed me to understand concepts presented for the first time."

Even experienced and knowledgeable computer users benefit because it fills in the many "gaps" in their knowledge:

"Although little was totally new (to me), the class information brought everything together in a rational way."

"Wish I would have done this five years ago."

"I have a better chance of correcting and/or avoiding future problems."

"You've answered 98% of my questions that no one ever could explain. I've spent thousands of dollars using experts-I wish I had come here years ago."

"Seemed to start as over-simplistic but by the end everything came together in a way that made so much sense and can only make my future computer work easier and more fun."

"I have used a number of popular programs for years but now, for the first time, I understand what is taking place when I use them."

"I worked for huge company for many years and took the computer courses offered for banking programs but never received instruction in computers!

Many people are surprised at how much they learn and how much they enjoyed it:

"Very deep information."

"Mind blowing-excellent-Mr. Stewart brings it all together. The light bulb came on! Wow!"

"Just what I needed-my fears are eased!"

"…I think I am ready to progress into the world of computers as possibly a career change."

"…will significantly improve my life."

"I'm pleasantly surprised I could understand the context of the computer technology presented."