Computer Literacy Course for Rural Adults Opens Doors of Opportunity

February 01, 2008

Coosa County is a rural county with a population of more than 12,000 people. Statistics indicate that 67 percent of the county population has completed a high school diploma and only 8 percent have completed a college degree. Many Coosa County residents have not had the opportunity to learn and understand the value of computers and the various software programs that are available. And, like many other rural Alabama counties, the county lags behind urban counties in the adoption of technology and information transfer.

In 2007, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System office in Coosa County applied for and was awarded a Rural Alabama Initiative Grant to develop a computer literacy lab for rural adults. The objectives for the lab were trifold: (1) to introduce a rural audience to the use of computers and to overcome the apprehension that comes from trying this new and evolving technology; (2) provide training to rural adults on specific software applications that would be beneficial and are basic to today's society; and (3) increase the adoption, acquisition and use of computers as a mode of communication.

Eight laptop computers were purchased and a small computer lab was established to provide hands-on training to rural home and business owners. The first course was completed over a six-week period with the class meeting once a week. Classes included an introduction to computers, word processing using Microsoft Word, spreadsheets using Excel, presentations using Powerpoint, finding information on the Internet, communicating using e-mail and money management using Quicken. The class was limited to seven people so each individual could receive one-on-one assistance.

The first course was completed in December. All the participants ranked the course as beneficial and said they had learned new skills that would be useful in their everyday life. One participant purchased her first computer after taking the course. Another class member involved in consignment sales said that he would pursue marketing through the Internet. Several participants downloaded new computer software programs to their home computer, and all class members stated they would recommend this course to others.

As a result of this course, a few rural adults feel more confident in taking advantage of the many applications of a home computer. New classes are being scheduled for 2008. The first class, which is already filled, will begin next week. Coosa County residents interested in attending future classes should call the Extension office at (256) 377-4713.

For more news from Coosa County, visit: http://www.aces.edu/Coosa

Posted by dreynold on February 1, 2008 04:35 PM
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