Computer Workshop for our Students

Elliot Zhang, one of our ESOL tutors, is a member of the Asian Diversity Networking group at his company (IBM).  A few months ago he approached the Council with the idea of having this group do a workshop for LCNV students who are interested in acquiring some computer skills.  Of course, we were delighted with the offer although we were uncertain how many students would take advantage of it.  We’ve often had difficulty getting our students come to events other than their regular language classes and tutoring sessions since many of them lead such busy lives.

The workshop took place last Saturday afternoon in our computer lab.  The turnout surpassed our wildest expectations.  Students from the classroom and tutoring programs came in equal numbers, and many of them brought along friends and family members.   In fact more people showed up than could fit in the room, and Elliot and his crew were forced to turn away some latecomers.

The workshop was a huge success.   Although some of the students had some prior knowledge of   computers, many of them were starting at ground zero, thirsting for answers to the most basic questions such as how to turn on the computer.  The attendees were extremely grateful for the opportunity and overjoyed at what they learned during the afternoon.  The only negative comment I heard was disappointment that the workshop was a single event rather than a continuing class.

The experience has led to interesting discussions among the Council staff regarding the desirability and/or feasibility of the council’s adding computer literacy classes to its other educational offerings.  Meanwhile, we all are extremely grateful to Elliot and his IBM colleagues for this excellent workshop – and hope we can convince them to do a repeat performance soon!

-Elise Bruml, Tutoring Programs Director