eCommunity Strategies Newsletter
2
February 2011
Library reopens with new computer lab and ECO training Continued from page 1
“We would not have the computer lab without the Every Citizen Online program,” said McKell. “It was great timing. We had just passed the levy and were preparing to reopen the branch.” Through the ECO program, the library was able to purchase 7 laptop computers and 3 iPads. They plan for the laptops to be used for public access, as well as ECO computer introduction courses. “The response has been phenomenal for the ECO courses,” said McKell. All of the library’s scheduled ECO training classes are full. They offer several classes per week and can have up to 7 registrants per class. McKell attributes the program interest to the current state of the economy.
Not only has the Ross County community embraced the re-opened library, but they’ve welcomed the ECO program with an overwhelming interest in completing the training.
BroadbandStat question of the month Q: Can I send an e-mail from BroadbandStat with a picture attachment of the map area currently on my screen? A: Yes. From the MAPPING TOOLS window, click on the icon with the @ on top of the map image. This will open a window to input the e-mail address and a subject text.
“Many people are out of work and want to learn computer skills for job placement,” McKell said. “Also, people want to keep in touch with family and grandkids.” Teresa Myers, the library’s branch manager, says the age range and the computer skill level for those taking the courses have been diverse. Participants range from 30-yearolds to seniors. Some already have e-mail accounts that are rarely used, while others do not know how to operate a mouse or use a search engine. Russell Mason completed the 6-hour ECO training in January. He volunteers his time in ministry at the local prison and would like to learn to use Facebook to keep in touch with those he’s built a relationship with there. “I get lost on the thing,” Mason explains when talking about using the Internet. “I want to be able to operate the computer, learn the basics.” Jim and Jan Keeton also completed ECO training at the Northside Branch. Jim wanted to learn e-mail to communicate with his kids who live out of town. Jan volunteers at a local center for aging. “I compile newsletters for the organization and use the computer often,” Jan said. “But I’d like to enhance those skills and learn to make the newsletters look more professional.”
Have a question about a BroadbandStat program? E-mail it to Public Relations Specialist Amanda Murphy at amurphy@connectohio.org
Social media highlight of the month The Every Citizen Online program has gone viral. On Feb. 1, Connect Ohio launched a YouTube video contest, requesting 30- and 60-second public service announcements showing how broadband has helped students, grandparents, non-profit organizations, and more. To view all contest submissions or to enter your own, visit http:// connectohio.org/consumer_training/video_contest. php or check out entries on our YouTube channel http://youtube.com/OhioBroadband.