How are the lessons conducted?
One student, one instructor, one computer! Each
lesson lasts for 30 minutes. A state-of-the-art Windows based personal computer
is provided for "hands-on" instruction. You decide how many lessons you want,
how often you want them and what topics will be discussed. On average, students
tend to take four lessons (2 hours) per session. Certificates of achievement are
available to recognize progress.
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How does this differ from
classroom instruction?
The sessions are scheduled based on your
availability! We cover topics to the level of detail that you
desire, spending as much time as necessary on areas that you
find interesting or confusing. You learn at your own pace, not at that of the
instructor or other students in a class. There is no "wasted" time covering
subjects that are not in your particular area of interest. You don't have to be
afraid of asking a "stupid" question in front of other students. Also, we
do not make you sit in a classroom for eight hours of training in a single
day (not a good way to learn)!
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What is being taught?
If you have a special area of interest, we can
tailor lessons to cover your particular needs. In addition, you can choose from
the following topics:
- Word Processing (Microsoft Word)
- Spreadsheet Applications (Microsoft Excel)
- Data Base Systems (Microsoft Access)
- Professional Presentations (Microsoft
PowerPoint)
- Microsoft Office
- How to buy a Personal or Business Computer
- Everyday Uses for Personal Computers
- Accessing the Internet
- Sending/Receiving E-mail over the Internet
- Surfing the Web
- Understanding Microsoft Windows
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Where and when are the lessons
conducted?
Sessions can be conducted in our Cranberry Township
office. Evening and weekend appointments are also available to accommodate any
schedule. If you prefer, training sessions can be conducted at
your home or office. In this case, travel time charges may apply.
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What hardware and software do
I need to get started?
None!
You will practice in our office on a desktop computer or at your site on our
laptop computer, so there is no
need to have your own computer before you enroll. In fact, you may wish to take
a few lessons before
buying your own computer. This will give you a chance to discover just what a
personal computer can do for you and which system and software is right for your needs.
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Who should attend?
- Business owners, entrepreneurs, managers or
anyone who needs to use personal computers and wants to understand them
better.
- Professionals who want to get better
utilization from personal computers that they already use.
- Homemakers who are looking for a skill base on
which to reenter the work force.
- Students who may need to use personal computers
to assist with their schoolwork.
- Children with an interest in computers.
- Anybody with an
interest in learning more about the power and practical use of personal
computers.
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What are the qualifications of
the instructors?
Although there are several teachers on staff, Ken
Jensen is the founder of ComputerMagic Corporation and is our primary instructor. He received his Bachelor of
Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972.
Fascinated by computers, he continued study at the University, receiving a
Master of Science Degree in Computer Science the next year. Since that time, he
has held various technical and management positions in the Data Processing
Industry around the country. Mr. Jensen taught for 19 years at the University of
Pittsburgh and also Butler County Community College.
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How long does it take to
become proficient?
That depends on what topics you study, how extensive
your computer knowledge is already, how quickly you learn and many other
factors. The beauty of individualized instruction is that you make progress at
the pace that's exactly right for you!
Most people show significant progress after a couple
hours of lessons. Without any prior experience, you can expect to be able to use
software packages such as a word processor or spreadsheet with confidence after
3 to 5 hours of training.
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How does the cost compare to
classroom instruction?
Very favorable! The cost per 30 minute lesson is
just $25! This sounds more expensive than some classroom training if you
calculate the cost per hour. However, individual training is much more
efficient, since there is no "wasted" time waiting for the instructor or other
students. Also, you do not cover topics that do not interest you or are not
relevant to your needs. You learn exactly what you need to learn, have time to
practice and review on your own and can continue with subsequent lessons until
you are satisfied with your knowledge. There is no contract to sign nor minimum
number of sessions required. And, you don't have to sit in front of the computer
for eight hours at a time!
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Can I bring a friend to learn
with me?
Yes, if that's what you prefer. Some people feel
more comfortable learning with someone else instead of one-on-one instruction.
In this case, the cost for each lesson remains the same ($25 per person) and
the length of the session is extended to 45 minutes. However, no more than two
students will be admitted to a lesson in order to preserve the advantages of
individualized instruction as described in this section. Group training is
also available for larger classes!
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How do I register for
instruction?
For more information, call
ComputerMagic
at
(412)585-1037. You can also Email your comments
or questions to ComputerMagic.
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