Learning the basics

In an age when everything from paying bills to basic communication is becoming more computer-based every day, Teresa Flynt decided to reach out to her local librarian for help.

“Everything is going to computers,” Flynt said. “You’re going to have to know how to use one and I wanted to learn how to do it the right way.”

 Flynt, from Mayodan, was one of five people taking a course in basic computer skills at the Madison Public Library last Wednesday morning. Instructor Keli Watkins, a librarian with the Madison and Mayodan branches, told class members the 3-week course should provide enough information to give them a solid background in starting to use a computer.

“How many of you have even turned on a computer before today?” Watkins asked.

Although the question received a positive response from most of the class, Audrey Doby admitted her grandchildren usually did that for her.

“Now that they’ve gone back to school, I figured it was time I learned how to use the thing myself,” Doby said.

The 72-year-old Stokesdale resident confessed it had been a long time since she used a typewriter, so her typing ability also needed some work.

“I can give all of you some Websites for typing tutorials that will help you learn or brush up on keyboard skills,” Watkins said. “We’re just here today to learn the very basic elements of computer parts, startup and beginning use.”

Watkins said the course, offered periodically at the Madison branch, attracted so many requests for the January sessions that additional classes were scheduled for other locations. The Eden Public Library (623-3168) will begin a series of introductory computer classes Jan. 23 and Goodwill Industries Community Resource Center in Eden (623-3007) maintains an ongoing series of computer classes.

“We were sort of overwhelmed this time,” Watkins said. “This class is really getting popular with seniors wanting to learn how to use the technology and with people in the job market wanting to improve their computer skills.”

Sammy Lafoy of Stokesdale said the construction company he retired from sent him to computer classes many years ago.

“But I never really used computers in my job with the company, so those lessons just sort of faded away,” Lafoy said. “Now I’ve got a great-grandson that knows everything about computers and I know nothing. I need to catch up.”

Watkins’ 3-week course covers basic knowledge, such as the difference between computer hardware and software – basically the computer itself as opposed to the programs added onto it, and how to use the mouse to navigate around the desktop – as well as what a mouse and desktop are and what those little icons on the desktop mean.

 The course continues Jan. 18 with a review of the first week’s information and answers to problems that came up during the week, followed by more detailed instruction in navigating around the desktop, Windows and start menu.

The final class on Jan. 25 goes into the introduction to setting up files and folders; keeping track of documents, photos, videos and music; and learning to save, edit, copy, move and delete files and folders.

For information concerning future computer classes offered by the Rockingham County Public Library, call the RCPL office at (336) 627-1106.