As of November 1, 2009 Columbia Center does not currently have any computer classes scheduled classes. Check back soon for updated class information.

Computers have become nearly a necessity of life in both the workplace and at home. With this in mind, the Columbia Learning Center offers computer classes on various subjects to help increase technical expertise to members of the community.

Computer classes and private lessons are held in our computer lab, meeting rooms and at your business or residence. Our skilled instructors can customize the curriculum to meet your specific instructional needs. Our classes are an excellent choice for those students wanting to increase computer skills, prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce or change career paths.

If you don’t see the class you are looking for, we can design classes according to community requests!

We work with vocational rehabilitation agencies, veterans and serve all age groups and levels of computer experience. We embrace community diversity and view technology as a tool to get you where you want to go. Your success is our success! All classes are ‘custom-scheduled’ to work with your schedule!

To register for a class or if you have questions, please call Anna Swiger, 397-1139.

Class Fees:
3-hour classes                    $40
6-hour classes                    $80
8-hour classes                    $100
10-hour classes                  $120
Private lessons                   $35 hour   ($30 for senior citizens)

Textbook Fees*:
Purchase:  $25     Rental:   $5

*Textbook rental fee waived for senior citizens and unemployed persons

User Groups: These are free informal gatherings of individuals looking to expand their computer knowledge and skills moderated by knowledgeable volunteers.

Columbia Learning Center's computer lab is also available for rental by groups. Please call Anna Swiger for details.

3 Hour Classes – Cost $40.00 + Text Fee

Keyboarding 101: Learn the basics of using the keyboard and keyboard shortcuts.  Excellent for increasing typing speed and accuracy.  Pre-requisite: Beginning Computers, or equivalent knowledge. (no textbook)

Beginning Computer: This series was designed just for new computer users! Learn how the computer works from square one. Learn basic information about windows and word-processing. Pre-requisite: None. (no textbook)

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6 Hour Classes – Cost $80.00 + Text Fee

Introduction to the Internet & Email: Learn how to find what you want on the Internet, save the information, send and receive e-mail, attach pictures and files.  Pre-requisite: Beginning Computers or equivalent. (no text)

Windows XP: This class is for new users and focuses on Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows XP.  Pre-requisite: Beginning Computers” Pre-requisite:  None. Textbook fee required.

Buying & Selling on Internet Auctions (E-bay): Edit and compress photos of your items, post them on the web server, fill out the forms and set up payment options. Pre-requisite: “Beginning Computer’s” or equivalent knowledge. (no textbook)

Word Level 1: Learn to format text, set tabs, set margins, align text, insert bullets, and various print options. Start at the beginning, textbook required. Pre-requisite: “Beginning Computer’s” or equivalent knowledge. Textbook fee required.

Outlook: Learn the ins and outs of Microsoft’s e-mail calendar, interactive day planner and address book. Pre-requisite: “Beginning Computer Series” or equivalent knowledge. Textbook fee required.

Excel Level 1: Start from the beginning learning basic terminology, commands, functions and formulas for creating spreadsheets.  Pre-requisite: “Beginning Computer’s” or equivalent knowledge. Textbook fee required.

PowerPoint Level 1: Learn to use PowerPoint presentation software to create impressive on-screen, slide, overhead, or printed presentations.  Pre-requisite: “Beginning Computer Series” or equivalent knowledge. Textbook fee required.

Microsoft Publisher: Learn how to create a variety of professional publications working with text, graphics, creating flyers, certificates, signs, business cards, envelopes, and stationery. Pre-requisite: “Beginning Computer Series” or equivalent knowledge. Textbook fee required.

Photo Editing: Learn the different formats used to work with graphics, cropping, resizing and more!  Also learn to send photos as email attachments, and import them into other programs. Pre-requisite: “Beginning Computer’s” or equivalent knowledge (no textbook).

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8 Hour Classes – Cost $100.00 + Text Fee

Front Page 2000:   Learn user-friendly web page design. Start at the very beginning, no previous FrontPage or web design experience necessary. Pre-requisite:  “Beginning Computer Series” and “Internet, Email & Downloading” or equivalent knowledge. Textbook Fee required.

Access Level 1:  Learn how to create and use a relational database system and its common components. It is designed for people who have little or no experience with database systems. Pre-requisite:  “Beginning Computer Series”  or equivalent knowledge.  Textbook fee required.

Word Level 2: Learn how to add headers & footers, work with columns and tables, insert graphics and perform mail merges. Pre-requisite: “Word, Level 1”  or equivalent knowledge. Textbook fee required.

Excel Level 2:  Learn to apply built-in and custom formats, change cell size and alignment, hide and unhide rows and columns, use styles and sort a list of data. Pre-requisite: “Excel, Level 1”  or equivalent knowledge.  Textbook fee required.

Excel Level 3:  Learn how to link workbooks together, consolidate information from different worksheets, merge workbooks, create and run macros and import and export data with other applications. Pre-requisite: “Excel, Level 2”  or equivalent knowledge.  Textbook fee required.

Powerpoint Level 2:  Learn how to add advanced elements to your presentations. Create, modify and enhance data charts, apply various animation effects to objects, text or charts, create custom shows and self-running presentations. Pre-requisite:  “Powerpoint, Level 1”  or equivalent knowledge. Text fee required.

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10 Hour Classes - Cost $120.00 + Text Fee

Quickbooks 2002: Learn how to create a new set of data files, use the chart of accounts, work with payrolls, and with accounts payable and receivable amd much more. Pre-requisite: Basic computer & windows knowledge. Knowledge of accounting concepts a plus. Textbook Fee required.

Access Level 2:  You will advance your skills in designing queries, forms and reports, get an introduction to the creation of macros and Visual Basic program modules, and explore ways in which to make your database work more efficiently. Pre-requisite:  “Access, Level 1”  or equivalent knowledge.  Textbook fee required.

Level 3 Classes: Level 3 classes are available for Word, Access and Powerpoint are available.  Call for details. 503-397-1139.

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PC User Groups

PC User Group for Seniors: This is an interactive lecture and question-and-answer meeting between local seniors citizens who want to learn more about computing.

The group covers emails, word processing, finding information on the Internet or any other topics the group chooses to discuss. There is also plenty of time to answer specific questions and while the group is gearedd towards seniors, all ages are welcome to attend. Best of all, the sessions are free!

The group normally meets on the second Friday of every month from 10am to 12pm.

Space is limited so please stop by the Columbia Learning Center or call 503-397-1139 to sign up.

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