As part of the ongoing mission to help bridge the digital divide the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network Inc. (viNGN) encourages the community to access a free Absolute Beginners Computer Lab. The course is available online by clicking “Digital Literacy” on viNGN’s Web site: http://www.vingn.com. The lab is a collective work containing custom text plus links to tools and video from a variety of sources to eliminate the guesswork in introducing new users to the mouse and keyboard, computing, Internet, e-mail, search and online safety.
In recent years, MOOCs (Massive Online Open Courses) have provided free training to anyone with access to the Internet; however, these courses remain inaccessible to those who are unfamiliar with basic computing concepts. The one-hour lab contains micro-doses of knowledge to reinforce simple, attainable goals plus a broad and digestible overview of computers and the Internet to help new learners to grasp technology.
Then, an exam may be taken to earn a certificate with the score of 80 per cent or more, and links to recommended additional courses are provided. Users then move from strength to strength to join their families, communities and the world online.
The course comes with a downloadable guide, which may be used at home or at a Public Computer Center (PCC). Before helping anyone with the course, the trainer should review all materials and videos, which will take about 30-40 minutes. Learners who have never actually used a computer before must take a mouse and keyboard course a few times before starting this training. When used in a PCC or other public area, a head set or ear buds are needed to hear the video content and not disturb others.
Students seeking a greater challenge may request assistance in locating instructional, certificate and diploma courses from proven leaders in the online training industry – all for free. Those who are already advanced users may skip this course and contact viNGN for help in locating free online training in such topics as Microsoft Office, application development, resume building, social media, accounting, education, project management, coding, Web design and much more.
This beginners program was designed using Google sites, and it is accessible over the Internet from any location, containing links to materials from the following sources: The Library Network (TLN), GCFLearnFree.org, SeniorNet.com, OnGuardOnline.gov and Valley Telephone Cooperative (VTX).
For more information or to schedule a Train the Trainer session for the Absolute Beginners Computer Lab, contact Anita Davis of viNGN at 715-8581, ext. 2244, Mondays through Fridays, or e-mail adavis@vingn.com.
