Computer Center
WELCOME TO THE TRINITY CHURCH
COMPUTER CENTER
- To nourish our love of God and knowledge of spiritual resources available through computer technology,
- To guide individuals of all ages in the study of the Bible by using computer technology,
- To help members grow in fellowship through a series of small group computer classes.
About our Computer Lab & Classes:
Class Schedules
Classes are organized by levels to provide a range of learning experiences and to offer opportunities for both Beginning and Advanced students.
Beginning level classes - Introductory fundamental course provides an overview of the subject and a foundation for further study. It is expressly designed for persons who have little or no computer experience .
The module seeks to demystify the way computers work and also demonstrates how the computer can be used as a useful tool and resource.
The knowledge is delivered via a combination of lecturers, demonstrations and hands-on practice time. Typing skills not required.
Our Level One class is especially helpful for seniors (parents, grandparents) wanting to attain basic understandings of computers and their potential uses. This course is be repeated on a regular basis.
There are no registration fee for our classes. Although some sources, including area churches, charge nominal fees for instruction, materials, etc. our classes are completely free of charge for church members on a first come - first serve basis. A limit of eight students per class is necessary as there is space and equipment available for eight workstations in the computer lab.
Participants become acquainted with computer technology through hands-on training - the how and what of computers, the programs already installed in our computers plus valuable bible resource materials available today. The skills gained will allow participants to become efficient, as well as comfortable with computers. They become familiar with ways to use computers in their personal lives through demonstrations and uses of popular software applications such as word processing, electronic spread sheets, and later on in budgeting, money management -- and even income tax preparation.
BEGINNING Level One Classes - Introductory fundamental course provides an overview of the subject and foundation for further study.
This class is designed for beginners and assumes NO previous knowledge. Some typing skills will be helpful but are not a prerequisite. Computer workstations available for up to eight students..
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the module, students will be trained in:
Operating a PC computer (including keyboard and mouse), opening and closing files, writing/editing letters & memos, updating files, using the toolbar, dragging and dropping text, signing on and using the Internet (including handling e-mails, locating information and resources).
Session #1 - The Absolute Basics
Turning the computer on and off, the menu, commands including the Help button, typing at the prompt, using the mouse, introduction to Windows, running a program, opening and closing files, scrolling, editing, dragging and dropping, naming, saving & printing files, changing disks and changing drives. Testimonials about overcoming initial concerns about using a computer.
Session #2 - Using the Computer
Using Windows, running several programs at a time; changing a window = s size, switching programs, using a clipboard, cutting, pasting, undoing, and modifying items in letters/memos; using the toolbar, recycle bin, spell check, thesaurus & more.
Session #3 - Computer Tips & Hardware
Computer ports (printer, mouse, modem), running and using software, using the CD-Rom drive, and basics in preparing/printing a variety of creations.
Session #4 - The Internet, Part I
Overview of the > Net = , AOL, Internet Explorer, web addresses, screen names, passwords, e-mail formats, resources on the Net including religious pages (Trinity web site/e-mail Prayer alerts, A God = s Daily Word @ , Bible searches), plus medical/health information, investment information, researching and more.
Session #5 - The Internet, Part II
Downloading/Uploading on the > Net = , conducting searches, AOL & Internet Explorer services, web addresses, e-mail protocol, virus protection, keeping in touch with friends and family throughout the US and the world. Learning how to find information quickly and easily, and exploring other resources on the Net, beyond the web site pages we visited earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Do With My Old Computer?
Needy individuals and churches welcome the opportunity to use older model computers. Our computer lab does diagonostic tests and passes working computers along to the needy. Donations of computers may be tax deductible. The drop off location is Room 101, our computer center.
Background
In early 2001 Trinity Church was greatly blessed when then Pastor Betsy Youdris unveiled a new Christian Education program plan calling for the establishment of a new computer center.
Shortly after the plan was announced, the Illinois Bankers Association generously donated an extensive amount of their used computer hardware, enabling the center to officially open in Room 101 of the Education wing. Lloyd Unger offered his very capable technical assistance and in the fall of 2001 began teaching a series of Sunday school classes using the donated computer equipment in the Center.
All of the original computers and related equipment have been since been upgraded. Today the center has eight state-of-the-art computer workstations with Windows XP computers, monitors, keyboards, sound speakers, CD-Rom software, etc. All computers have CD-Rom drives, enabling a wide assortment of creative software programs to be run on each machine.
Mindful of our duty to be good Christian stewards, many of the original computers have been turned over to needy individuals and urban churches lacking such equipment.
Trinity further expanded on the use of its remarkable facility In 2002 by offering an ongoing series of classes to interested individuals at two levels - Beginners and Advanced. Since the necessary equipment and space was already in place and experienced instructors were available to teach those courses, there was no additional expense to Trinity Church.
Recommended Web Sites to Visit
Daily devotionals/e-mail - www.gdwm.org
Bible sites
www.religiousresources.org
www.screensaverarchives.com/religious.html
www.bartleby.com
www.christianitytoday.com
www.aphids.Com
www.Biblenotes.net -
Religious Resources on the Net containing thousands of listings and provides the location of key Biblical verses for events in Old/New Testament.
Christian Texts Search - The Bible -
http://Gospelcom.net
Allows searches for Bible verses
Medical/health sites -
www.medscape.com
www.nlm.nih.gov
www.healthfinder.gov
www.reutershealth.com
Investing sites -
Bloomberg - http://www.bloomberg.com
CNBC - www.CNBC .com
CNN/fn - http://money.cnn.com
http://Investor.CNet .com
www.Earnings.com
www.Money.Net Motley Fool - www.fool.com MSN Investor -
http://moneycentral.msn.com
www.Quicken.com
http:// finance.yahoo .com