Navigating technology in Eagle County
Computer skills are essential for success in everyday life, whether for the job market or staying in touch with family and friends. The JFS Computer Basics course prepares participants to earn the internationally recognized Northstar Certification in Digital Literacy through sessions on computer and internet skills, email systems, Microsoft programs, Google Workspace, telehealth, digital footprints, and much more. Now, thanks to a generous grant from The William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, several sessions have been held in Eagle County.
The McGowan Fund helps build healthy communities through job training in select counties across five states, including Colorado’s Eagle County. One of the McGowan Fund’s board members, who lives in Eagle County, recognized the need for computer skills classes in the area and encouraged JFS to apply.
After successfully launching and leading Computer Basics classes in Denver for more than three years, Michael Gillett, JFS Training and Program Coordinator in Career Services, took on a new challenge: bringing the program to Eagle County, a new service area for JFS. Starting from scratch, he secured a class location, recruited participants through community outreach, and redesigned the curriculum into a more streamlined format, all in time to welcome the first cohort this past April.
The grant covered three to six courses for 60 people at no cost. So far, 46 participants have benefited from three bootcamp-style courses, with a final session scheduled for mid-October. Topics included basic computer and internet skills, email systems, and using Microsoft Windows over the weeklong class, which included guided lessons, one-on-one assistance, and pre- and post-class office hours for additional support.
“Everyone in Eagle County has been so welcoming and grateful that I’m able to come teach there,” said Gillett. “It makes me happy knowing we’re providing a service in an area where there are fewer resources for this kind of support. Their appreciation has made the experience especially meaningful to me.”
Some participants were more comfortable with technology than others, but all left with new or reinforced skills. When asked what they enjoyed most about the courses, feedback included:
“Learning how to work with the computer. I always thought the computer was my enemy.”
“Having the opportunity to learn new skills.”
“Michael's teaching style and helping everyone when necessary have been most impressive. Really excellent instruction. The Northstar program has been great [and in] a really fun and comfortable setting.”
In addition to hosting Computer Basics courses, Gillett also gave presentations at the Golden Eagle Senior Center as part of its Healthy Aging resources. During each weeklong visit to Eagle County, Gillett presented to adults 60 and older following lunch through the Healthy Aging Community Meals program. Topics included online safety, internet use, and navigating Google.
Gillett also extends a special thank-you to Carly Rietmann, Healthy Aging Manager with Eagle County Public Health and Environment, and Jane Nilsson, Eagle Adult Services Librarian with the Eagle Valley Library District, for their support and partnership in bringing these learning opportunities to the community.
In addition to the October Computer Basics class in Eagle County, Gillett will be offering an in-person presentation with Spanish interpretation in October that will cover creating online accounts and managing digital files at Gypsum Public Library.
Learn more about the JFS Computer Basics course today.