We offer computer classes for the patrons of CKLS member libraries.

• Chris Rippel sets up CKLS' mobile computer lab in your library.
• Chris offers over twelve classes.
• The librarian is responsible for advertising, registration and assigning students to classes.
• Computer training tutorials

The mobile computer lab

Your library provides one eight foot or two six foot tables and eight chairs in a large enough area where Chris can walk around the table(s) when people are seated at the table(s) and an Internet connection.

CKLS' mobile computer lab has one PC and seven laptops. All the computers have Windows XP, Microsoft Office, Open Office, Internet Explorer, Firefox, PrintShop and several photo editing softwares.

All computers also have wireless Internet cards and connect to Internet through the library's wireless connection or, if the library does not have a wireless connectivity, through the lab's Internet antenna plugged into the library's network.

Finally the computer has one LCD projector to display one computer on a screen.

The classes

The teacher Chris Rippel offers over 12 classes from basic computers to advanced Word. Here is a description of the current classes.

Each class is 2 hours long. Chris usually teaches four classes each day, but restricted time scheduling (e.g., only during the day or evening) are also acceptable.

• 9 am to 11 am
• 1 pm to 3 pm
• 4 pm to 6 pm
• 7 pm to 9 pm

Chris Rippel has taught elderly patrons with little or no computer experience for over 5 years. He is known for using lots of patience and little jargon.

He believes in lots of hands-on experience whenever possible because

• People unfamiliar with computers remember more by doing, and
• The best lessons not only tell how to do it right, but also how to correct mistakes. Hands-on experiences provide lots of mistakes to be corrected.

The librarian's role in scheduling classes

The librarian has an important role in scheduling the classes.

• Librarians hand out this description of current classes to interested patrons.
• Patrons sign-up for classes with these sheets.
• Librarians use this schedule to assign patrons to classes.
  • Each class must be on one of the topics above or another topic stated by the patrons. Patrons will not show up for classes with no specific topic, in which "Chris will simply answer questions or handle whatever software people mention."
  • Schedule classes with at least four people.
  • Since the lab has eight computers, only eight students can officially attend each class, but Chris welcomes watchers. Any number of people can come and watch. Watchers will receive handouts.

About a week before the class, Chris or Mary Ann will call and ask for the numbers registered to attend each class. We use these numbers to print the handouts.

Since the first class of the day starts at nine, Chris will arrive on the first day at about 8 am to set up the lab. On succeeding days, Chris will want to get in the library at about 8:45 am.