Harper class helps women learn computer skills

Officials with the Rita and John Canning Women's Program at Harper College began to notice something troubling in their daily interactions with displaced homemakers: Many didn't know how to use a computer.

"The majority of these women have been home raising children for a long time, and for whatever reason, they have to re-enter the work force," says Kathleen Canfield, Women's Program director. "We realized they needed basic navigation skills as well as some fundamental business applications."

Two years ago, they created Computer Skills JumpStart, a free course for Women's Program participants. Funded through a grant from the Harper College Educational Foundation, the two-week intensive training takes place in the computer lab at Harper's Professional Center in Hoffman Estates.

The latest session ends this week, when on Friday, students receive a free desktop computer, along with software and the confidence that comes with breaking down the technology barrier.

"I wish you could see their faces," says Martha Karavitis, computer training coordinator for Harper's continuing education department. "This is a huge confidence builder for them. They leave here transformed."

Harper officials say these computers have been donated and refurbished, and they buy them for as little as $150 each through the "Pass on Your PC" program.

Teacher Cindy Miller covers the basics of word processing programs, firming up their keyboarding skills and navigating the Internet. On Monday, class members started out by learning to formulate business materials, such as a meeting agenda.

"We try to create a small, comfortable learning environment for these women," Canfield adds. "It is a stress-free way to obtain these needed skills."

Women in Monday's class concurred, adding that in the safe setting of the Harper classroom, among women from the same background, including several who are domestic violence victims, they were not embarrassed to ask questions.

Arlene Villers, of Schaumburg, is a returning student at Harper and she found she needed computer skills just to actively participate in classes.

"I need to learn how to create papers," Villers said. "The professors will not accept anything unless it's in the right format."

Yamini Notaria, of Palatine, completed the course last summer, and currently is studying at Harper with hopes of finding a job in the medical records field.

"Everywhere I went, they asked if I knew how to use a computer," Notaria said. "Especially in my field, I needed to learn as much about the computer as I could."

Janet Sears of Mount Prospect said simply that she loves coming to class. Surrounded by her classmates, she felt a camaraderie and kinship in learning to overcome their fears.

"Instead of asking my kids, now I'm the one answering their questions," Sears said. "It's the knowledge that I'm gaining. It's something that will always be with me."

One woman, who asked not to be identified, said she was coming off a 30-year marriage and that she did not even know how to turn on a computer. Now, she says, she not only can turn it on, but she can create documents, surf the Internet and e-mail with ease.

Currently, the free computer course is available to those who meet Women's Program requirements, though Harper officials are hoping to offer a similar course for the wider community.

For more information on the class or the Women's Program, call (847) 925-6558 or visit harpercollege.edu.