Computer programs offered at Waynesville Center

By Steve Koehler

Waynesville-area residents who are looking to further their education or sharpen their job-seeking skills have an opportunity to obtain such training this summer at Ozarks Technical Community College’s Waynesville Education Center.

Some of these programs are a direct result of the current economic issues to retrain displaced workers or those needing additional work skills in order to compete for various jobs.

Beginning in June, a new computer user certificate program will begin at the Waynesville Center. This program is geared to help individuals hone their computer skills.

In just seven days, students will complete five classes, culminating in basic computer skills to navigate the Internet, use email, prepare documents, labels and envelopes and master some other basic computer skills.

“Since this is our first summer semester in the area, we wanted to offer a varied schedule that would interest numerous residents. So far, we are very pleased with the response. Additionally, due to job losses and the current economic situation, we offer a wide array of courses that will help us respond quickly to the increasing demand for education and workforce training in the area,” said Sue Moore, the College’s Dean of Extended Campuses and College Outreach.

Each of the Continuing Education computer-related classes is generally a half-day or one-day class, with the longest meeting for a day and a half.

Those interested can save money by registering for the full certificate program. Use course number CEC 007-60 and save $40 off the individual course fees.

 Classes include:

• Mouse & Keyboard CEC 431-80: Monday, June 8 8:30a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday, June 9, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $135.

• Basic Computer Level 1 CEC 200-80: Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $99.

• Basic Computer Level 2 CEC-240-80: Thursday, June 11, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $99.

• Windows XP CEC 288-80: Friday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. $99.

• Internet & Email CEC 394-80. Monday, June 15, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  $99.

• Windows File Management CEC 437-80. Tuesday, June 16, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $59.

Books are required for most of the courses. To sign up call the Waynesville Education Center at (573) 774-5061 or go online to www.otc.edu/continuinged and follow the instructions to register or call the Springfield campus at (417) 447-8888.

Other Continuing Education classes coming to the Waynesville Center include: Medical Claims Analyst (coding, terminology, billing and insurance), a certificate program in cake decoration, foreign languages and electrical updates. Suggestions for additional course topics may be sent to: pattersd@otc.edu.

In addition to the specialized classes, registration for the dozens of summer and fall semester course offerings is occurring at the Waynesville Center.

Moore said she was excited about the area’s response to the new Waynesville Center, which will mark its first anniversary of operation this fall.

“Clearly, there was a need for a public community college in the region. The College, through collaboration with the community leaders, found a way to develop a partnership to fill this need. It is exhilarating to be a part of this community,” she said.

“Enrollment in the first fall semester surpassed all of our projections with over 120 students and this trend continued during the spring semester. I don’t see that changing in the near future. As enrollment continues to increase, we will need to develop a plan for expanding the facility and hiring additional staff.”

Moore said the long-term future for the College and the Waynesville Center looks bright.

“Within the next five years, I would not be surprised if we have outgrown the current facility.  Opportunities and challenges are abundant in the region. We look forward to continued collaboration with our local educational partners to provide affordable, convenient, high quality higher education,” she said.

 Steve Koehler is coordinator of publicatins at Ozarks Technical Community College