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Bringing it back to the basics
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.Librarian Lindsay Platt taught Basic Computer Skills at the Austintown library on May 14.
By amanda tonoli
The Austintown library is known for establishing classes based on their patrons’ needs. Recently there have been classes focused on technology literacy to teach people how to effectively utilize available devices at the library and at home.
On May 14, librarian Lindsay Platt took these in-depth technology classes back to the basics and taught the simplest, most basic form of a how-to for using the internet, Basic Computer Skills.
Four laptops were set up in the front of the room, which were provided by the library for students to use while they learned how to explore the world wide web.
Unlike Kindle classes, Facebook classes and other classes specifically focused on an aspect of internet use, this class was focused on the internet as a whole.
“It’s basic internet from scratch,” Platt said. “It’s for someone who’s never ever used internet before.”
Platt answered many questions throughout the class, sometimes straying from the basic principle the class sought to teach. She said her purpose was to help them in any way she could, even if that meant getting a little off topic, as long as it was in regards to the use of computers and tablets.
Students seemed very pleased with the open format of the class, bringing up obstacles they encountered as they tried to search the internet on their own.
“We started this class because we started getting a lot of questions from people about how to use their computers,” Platt said.
Other classes like this one are offered at all the libraries and Platt reminded everyone that librarians are always available to try and help those seeking it.