Aurora Community Technology Center - Recently Updated Pages

ACTC Daily Class Schedule

jsotir — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:29:21 CST

TO REGISTER CALL 630-801-7900 X 4248

All Classes are at 501 College Ave. Room 100 Aurora IL 60505

Located in the Aurora Community Center

WCC does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities

Funding provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

July 2009

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3	4 Independance Day (U.S.)
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20 ACTC Re-Opens 11-1: Computer Fundamentals (ald) 1-3:Word 1(da) 3-5: Word 2 (da)	21 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Excel 1(kl)	22 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8 SPANISH Basic Computers (nw)	23 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Excel 2 (ald) 6-8: Spanish Word 1 (nw)	24 11-1: Basic Computer (kl) 1-3: Outlook Tutorial (da) 3-5: Email (da)	25
26	27 11-1: Basic Computers (ald) 1-3: Email (da) 3-5: PowerPoint 1(da)	28 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Internet 1 (kl)	29 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: PowerPoint 2 (nw)	30 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Computer Fundamentals (ald) 6-8: Word 1 (nw)	31 11-1: Computer Fundamentals (kl) 1-3: Digital Photography (da) 3-5: Job Search 1

August 2009

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
						1
2	3 11-1: Quick Books 1 (ald) 1-3: Using Elevate America vouchers (da) 3-5: Excel 1 (da):	4 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Using Elevate America Vouchers (kl)	5 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: Using Elevate America Vouchers (Spanish) (nw)	6 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Using Elevate America vouchers: (ald) 6-8: SPANISH Excel 2 (nw)	7 11-1 Using Elevate America vouchers (kl) 1-3 PowerPoint 1 (da) 3-5 PowerPoint 2 (da)	8
9	10 11-1:Quick Books 2 (ald) 1-3: Resume Web Site (da) 3-5: Beginning Publishing (da)	11 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6 Word 1 (kl)	12 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: Using Elevate America vouchers (nw)	13 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Quick Books 1 (ald) 6-8: Word 1 (nw)	14 11-1 Word 2 (kl) 1-3: Internet 1(da) 3-5: Using Elevate America vouchers(da)	15
16	17 11-1 Quick Books 3 (ald) 1-3: Job Search 1 (da) 3-5: Employment Test Prep (da)	18 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6 Computer Fundamentals (kl)	19 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: PowerPoint 2 (nw)	20 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Quick Books 2 (ald) 6-8: Word 2 (nw)	21 11-1: Excel 1 (kl) 1-3: Email (da) 3-5: PowerPoint 2 (da)	22
23	24 11-1: Quick Books 4 (ald) 1-3: Excel 2 (da) 3-5: PowerPoint 1 (da)	25 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: ESL Business Pronunciation (kl)	26 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: Word 1 (nw)	27 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Quick Books 2 (ald) 6-8: SPANISH Resume Web site (nw)	28 11-1: Using Elevate America Vouchers (kl) 1:30-3:30: Job Search 2 (da) 3:30-5:30: Resume Web (da)	29
30	31 11-1: Quick Books 4 (ald) 1:30-3:30: Using Elevate America Vouchers (da) 3:30-5:30: Digital Photography (da)

September 2009

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
		1 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Computer Basics (kl)	2 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: Word 2 (nw)	3 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Quick Books 3 (ald) 6-8: PowerPoint1 *Bilingual (nw)	4 11-1: Using Elevate America Vouchers (kl) 1:30-3:30: Using Elevate America Vouchers (da) 3:30-5:30: Outlook Tutorial (da)	5
6	7 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY CLOSED	8 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Internet 1(kl)	9 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: Excel 1 * Bilingual (nw)	10 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Quick Books 4 * Bilingual (ald) 6-8: Using Elevate America Vouchers * Bilingual (nw)	11 11-1: PowerPoint 1:(kl) 1:30-3:30: PowerPoint 2 (da) 3:30-5:30: Beginning Publishing (da)	12
13	14 11-1: Computer Fundamentals * Bilingual (ald) 1:30-3:30:Social Web sites (da) 3:30-5:30: Basic Computers (da)	15 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Using ElevateAmerica Vouchers (kl)	16 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: Excel 2 * Bilingual (nw)	17 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Digital Photography * Bilingual (ald) 6-8: Using Elevate America Vouchers *Bilingual (nw)	18 11-1: Word 1 (kl) 1:30-3:30: Internet (da) 3:30-5:30: Outlook Tutorial (da)	19
20	21 11-1: Word 1 * Bilngual (ald) 1:30-3:30: PowerPoint 1 (da) 3:30-5:30: PowerPoint 2 (da)	22 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Using Elevate America Vouchers (kl)	23 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8: Word 1 * Bilingual (nw)	24 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Word 1 Bilingual (ald) 6-8: Word 2 Bilingual (nw)	25 9-11:Using Elevate America Vouchers (JS)(TR) 11-1: Excel 1 (kl) 1:30-3:30: Excel 2 (da) 3:30-5:30: Social Web Sites for Business (da)	26
27	28 11-1: Word 2 *Bilingual (ald) 1:30-3:30: Email 1 (da) 3:30-5:30: Email 2 (da)	29 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4-6: Basic Computers (kl)	30 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6-8 Word 2 *Bilingual (nw)

October 2009

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

1
4-6: Quick Books 1 Bilingual (ald)
6-8: Email Bilingual (nw)

2

11-1: Extremely Basic Computers 1: (kl)

1:30-3:30: Extremely Basic Computers 2:(da)

3:30-5:30: Internet 1(da)

3

4 5
11-1: Basic Computers
*Bilingual (ald)

1:30-3:30: Email (da)

3:30-5:30: Using Elevate America Vouchers(da)

6
Open Computer Lab 9-1

4-6: Word 1 (kl)

7
Open Computer Lab 9-1

6-8: Computer Fundamentals
*Bilingual (nw)

8
Open Computer Lab
9-1

4-6: Quick Books 2
*Bilingual (ald)

6-8 Job Search 1 *Bilingual (nw)

9
11-1: Excel 1 (kl)

1:30-3:30
Practice & Review
(da)

10

11 12

11-1: Computer Fundamentals
*Bilingual (ald)

1:30-3:30: Email 1(da)

3:30-5:30: Word 1(da)

13
Open Computer Lab 9-1

4-6: Word 2 (kl)

14
Open Computer Lab 9-1

6-8: PowerPoint 1
*Bilingual (nw)

15
Open Computer Lab 9-1

4-6: Quick Books 2
*Bilingual (ald)

6-8: PowerPoint 2
*Bilingual (nw)

16

11-1: Internet 2 (kl)

1:30-3:30: Excel 2(da)

3:30-5:30: Using Elevate America Vouchers (da)

17

18 19
11-1 Computer Fundamentals
*Bilingual (ald)

1:30-3:30 Email 2 (da)

3:30-5:30 Word 1(da)

20
Open Computer Lab 9-1

4-6: Excel 1(kl)

21
Open Computer Lab 9-1

6-8: PowerPoint 2
*Bilingual (nw)

22
Open Computer Lab 9-1
4-6: Quick Books 3 *Bilingual (ald)

6-8: Practice and Review *Bilingual
(nw)

23

11-1: Basic Computer (kl)

1:30-3:30: Beginning Publishing (da)

3:30-5:30: JobSearch 2 (da)

24

25 26
11-1: Computer Fundamentals
*Bilingual(ald)

3:30-5:30: Internet 1 (da)

27
Open Computer Lab 9-1

4-6: Internet 2 (kl)

28
Open Computer Lab 9-1

6-8: Excel 2 *Bilingual (nw)

29
Open Computer Lab 9-1
4-6: QuickBooks 4 (ald)

6-8: Word 2
*Bilingual (nw)

30

11-1:Practice and Review (kl)

1:30-3:30: Outlook Tutorial (da)

3:30-5:30: Freeware Software Online (da)

31

Halloween

November 2009

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
1	2 11:00-1:00 QuickBooks 1 (ald) 1:00-3:00 Computer Fundamentals(da) 3:00-5:00 Web for job Search(da)	3 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 Internet 1 (kl)	4 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 Computer Basics (ald) 6:00-8:00 Digital Photography (nw)	5 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6:00-8:00 Outlook Tutorial (nw)	6 11:00-1:00 Internet 2 (kl) 1:30-3:30 Word 1(da) 3:30-5:30 Word 2(da)	7
8	9 11:00-1:00 QuickBooks 2 (ald) 1:00-3:00 Online Social Networking(da) 3:00-5:00 Digital Photography(da)	10 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 Word 1 (kl)	11 CLOSED	12 Open Computer Lab 9-1 11-1: Internet 1 (ald) 6:00-8:00 Computer Fundamentals (nw)	13 11:-1:00 Word 2 (kl) 1:30-3:30 Excel 1(da) 3:30-5:30 Excel 2(da)	14
15	16 11:00-1:00 QuickBooks 3 (ald) 1:00-3:00 PowerPoint 1(da) 3:00-5:00 PowerPoint 2(da)	17 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 Extremely Basic Computers 1 (kl)	18 Open Computer Lab 9-1 11-1: Inernet 2 (ald) 6:00-8:00 Job Search 1 (nw)	19 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6:00-8:00 Job Search 2 (nw)	20 11:00-1:00 Computer Basics (kl) 1:30-3:30 Extremely Basic Computers 2(da) 3:30-5:30 Math Review (da)	21
22	23 CLOSED	24 CLOSED	25 CLOSED	26 CLOSED Thanksgiving (U.S.)	27 CLOSED	28
29	30 11:00-1:00 QuickBooks 4 (ald) 1:00-3:00 Resume Basics(da) 3:00-5:00 Beginning Publishing(da)

December 2009

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
		1 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 Word 1 (kl)	2 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6:00-8:00 Email 1 (nw)	3 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 QuickBooks 1 (ald) 6:00-8:00 Email 2 (nw)	4 1:30-3:30 Excel 1 (da) 3:30-5:30 Excel 2 (da)	5
6	7 11:00-1:00 Computer Fundamentals (ald) 1:00-3:00 Resume Basics (da) 3:00-5:00 Digital Photography (da)	8 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 Extremely Basic Computers 1 (kl)	9 Open Computer Lab 9-1 6:00-8:00 Job Search1 (nw)	10 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 QuickBooks 2 (ald) 6:00-8:00 Job Search 2 (nw)	11 11:00-1:00 Internet 2 (kl) 1:30-3:30 Extremely Basic Computers 2 (da) 3:30-5:30 Word 2 (da)	12
13	14 11:00-1:00 Basic Computers (ald) 1:00-3:00 Math Review (da) 3:00-5:00 Outlook Tutorial (da)	15 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 Excel 1 (kl)	16 Open Computer Lab 9-1	17 Open Computer Lab 9-1 4:00-6:00 QuickBooks 3 (ald)	18 11:00-1:00 Basic Computers (kl) 1:30-3:30 PowerPoint 1 (da) 3:30-5:30 PowerPoint 2 (da) ACTC CLOSES	19
20	21 CLOSED	22 CLOSED	23 CLOSED	24 CLOSED	25 Christmas Day CLOSED	26
27	28 CLOSED	29 CLOSED	30 CLOSED	31 CLOSED

ELEVATE AMERICA TRAINING VOUCHERS

jsotir — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:42:44 CDT

Training Vouchers at all levels are currently available. Please contact Tyesha or Ebony at 630-906-4248 for information and classes. A training class for using the vouchers is required, along with a Illinois workNet account. You can apply for a workNet account by going to: http://illinoisworknet.com and then create an individual account. All voucher assignments will be made via that account, and all courses will be accessed from that site.

At this time, there are no certification vouchers for the IT Professional program. However, check back to this site, and if they do become available, the information will be posted here.

If you have been assigned vouchers but are having difficulty accessing the site, please contact us.
Additional vouchers should be available in September.

When testing sites and times are available, they will be posted here. Illinois workNet also has a list of testing sites.

Home

jsotir — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:17:24 CDT

Aurora Community Technology Center (CTC)
501 College Avenue
Aurora IL 60505

DCEO Grant Technology Support Site

See the schedule of UPCOMING classes on the ACTC DAILY SCHEDULE page, located under the 'Welcome to the Aurora Community Technology Center' page

CALL 630-801-7900 extension 4248 to request a current schedule (when available)

ELEVATE AMERICA VOUCHERS are now available
contact class instructors or 630-906-4248 for details

To view the information on this site, go to the top left corner of the screen. There is a search box, and underneath is a list that starts with 'HOME'. Click on any of the topics to open additional pages. Click on the page that interests you.

Community Technology Centers (CTC) are established through the Eliminate the Digital Divide Grant to provide free access to a variety of computing technologies in an environment of supportive learning.

CTC's are stepping-stones to opportunity, equality and civic participation for youth, senior citizens, minorities, low-income people, and new residents. These Centers also serve as focal points for job skill development, lifelong learning and community building.

The Aurora Community Technology Center was opened on July 10, 2006. The official Grand Opening was held on July 20, 2006, and shares an anniversary with the Illinois Employment and Training Center housed in the same facility.

Funding for the CTC was secured by Waubonsee Community College's Career Services Center, Workforce Development, and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity 'Eliminate the Digital Divide' grant.

In addition, the generosity of many partners helped to establish the CTC, including:

Aurora Economic Development Commission
City of Aurora
East Aurora School District 131
Kane County Department of Employment and Education
Illinois Department of Employment Security
River Valley Workforce Investment Board
Waubonsee Community College Information Technology, Adult Education, and Marketing and Communications Departments

From July 1, 2007 through August 30, 2008, the CTC served over 400 students. In addition, the center constantly monitors its program and expands its hours of operation and schedule of classes to address the needs of area residents. 15 up to date computers are available to assist students in preparation for workforce readiness or life skills. Broadband Internet connections are installed on all computers, allowing access to a variety of Web sites and job postings. Class enrollments vary, but individual assistance is always available to all students.

Course offerings include:

Two levels of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet searching.
Three sections of assistance with job searches
A resume Web site session
Office Technology and Equipment

All Classes are at 501 College Ave. Room 100 Aurora IL 60505

Located in the Aurora Community Center
630-801-7900 x 4248

WCC does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities

Funding provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Student Tools

jsotir — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:58:28 CDT

These are required forms for each class:

Post-class Information Form

Post-class Information Form

ACTC Job Preparation Classes

jsotir — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:10:52 CDT

Digital Divide – CTC Job Preparation Classes: Skills

NEW: Using Elevate America vouchers:
Prerequisite: Computer Basics or Fundamentals, or general computer basic skills
This course will show you how to activate your voucher, access the program online, navigate the program, and give tips and information on using the program. There will also be information on how and where you can test for certification of the skills you've learned.

Job Search I Start your job search with a resume. Learn how to highlight your skills
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic computer skills.
Lessons Put together a resume using Winway® Resume Software Identify your skills Job seekers will complete a resume and will be able to market their skills and, abilities to employers.

Job Search II Continue learning the steps to finding employment. Prerequisite: Job Search I and completed resume.
Lessons Using the Internet to find jobs
Applying online
Review of Winway® interview video. Individuals will learn how to find job openings online and be able to complete an online application.

Job Readiness Improve your math and reading skills to prepare for employment tests. Lessons Review and practice basic math skills.
Practice reading comprehension. Job seekers will review or upgrade their math and reading skills.

Beginning Publishing Publishing software can be used to create invitations, flyers, brochures, business cards, calendars and much more.
Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic computer skills.
Lessons Review projects
Designing: font, graphics, layout Students will be able to create professional looking projects on graphic software .

Welcome to Digital Photography Find out how to use the computer with a digital camera and organize and edit your photos. YOU DO NOT NEED A DIGITAL CAMERA. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic computer skills.
Lessons
Transfer pictures to the computer
Organize files
Edit photos

Things to Do on the Internet Access the resources of the Internet to shop safely, learn how to plan a trip, or locate information. Prerequisite: Introduction to the Internet or familiar with the Internet.
TOPIC of the Day
Shopping
Plan a Trip
Finding Information

Microsoft Outlook Learn how to use Outlook email, address book and calendar. Add to your employment skills or use Outlook to organize your personal information. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic computer skills.

ACTC Archive

jsotir — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:03:02 CDT

In celebration of its first anniversary, the ACTC staff recognized the dedication and service of the volunteers at a luncheon on June 28th.. Volunteers were given small gifts and certificates of appreciation.

Thank you to all the volunteers!

ACTC Class Information

jsotir — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:51:33 CDT

Check the current class schedule for class information, times and classes in Spanish.

Call 630-978-9396 ext. 225 or 630-801-7900 x 4248 for more detailed information and registration

Open Lab: The CTC has several hours when the lab is open for use outside of the class schedules. You can come in and use the open lab computers to work on whatever skills you wish. Volunteers are available to assist you during the open lab sessions.
Holiday Closings: Dates that the CTC is closed for holidays are listed as Holiday Closings
Special Topics: The CTC also provides a quick tour of special topics . See the Special Topics schedule for daily topics.

At the CTC you can:

Search for a job
Surf the Internet
Learn new computer and office skills

Let us help you gain the skills and experience necessary for success.

ACTC Skills Classes and Information

jsotir — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:41:35 CDT

Fundamentals of Computers
This is a beginner class for those with little or no computer skills.

Lessons

Introduction to the parts of the computer
Mouse skills: point, click and drag
Keyboarding skills
Opening and closing computer programs

Hands on experience will provide students with skills to perform basic computer tasks.

Microsoft Word
This class provides basic word prcessing skills for those not familiar with Microsoft Word. Prerequisite: Introduction to Microsoft Office or basic Windows skills.

Lessons

Create, edit and save a new document
Opening and closing a document
Fomatting text
Changing the layout of a document
Preview and print a document

Students will be capable of using word processing functions to open, create, edit and save documents.

Introduction to Excel
Learn the major functions of Excel worksheets. Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

Lessons

Create a worksheet and enter data
Move between Excel sheets
Adding and editing formulas to cells

Students will gain basic knowledge of Excel and be comfortable with creating worksheets and entering data.

PowerPoint and Graphics
This class covers the basics of PowerPoint and graphics: Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

Lessons

PowerPoint features and creating a presentation
Adding and editing clip art and graphics

Students will gain basic knowledge of PowerPoint and will know how to insert and edit graphics into PowerPoint.

Introduction to E-Mail
This class is designed for the beginner with minimal e-mailing experience: Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

Lessons

E-mail basics: create an account, sending, receiving and attachment

Students will gain basic understanding of e-mail and have an e-mail address.

Introduction to the Internet
This class is designed for the beginner with minimal Internet experience: Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Computers or basic mouse and keyboarding skills.

Lessons

Finding information on the Internet
Use informational Websites for directions, phone numbers, news and more.

Upon completion of this class, students will be able to search for information using the Internet.

Teaching Tools and Classroom Resources

techZ77 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:24:34 CST

Tools to Use in Teaching

Blogs and Wikis of Interest

http://wccniuesl.blogspot.com/ A Blog to access the best academic Websites, teaching tools and information, developed for the Adult Education instructor by the Waubonsee Community College AELC. Click on any of the links to access the Websites.

http://wccfamtech.blogspot.com A Blog with Websites and information for children, developed by the Waubonsee Community College AELC, Click on any of the links to access the Website.

http://wcctransition.blogspot.com
A blog set up for students who are seeking to continue their education. Many Websites for reviews of grammar, writing and vocabulary, as well as information on topics of interest.

http://wikipedia.org/ The free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. The wikipedia information is much more current than other online encyclopedias. Have students use this to search for current events and topics of interest.

http://lists.literacytent.org/mailman/listinfo/icvv
The International Clasroom and Virtual School. Enables students to meet each other virtually, share information about their cultures, their classrooms, and their communities, and to build cultural understanding

http://writingwiki.org/default.aspx/WritingWiki/For%20Teachers%20New%20to%20Wikis.html Information for teachers new to wikis.

http://en.citizendium.org/wiki/Main_Page
The Citizendium (sit-ih-ZEN-dee-um), a "citizens' compendium of everything," is an experimental new wiki project. The project, started by a founder of Wikipedia, aims to improve on that model by adding "gentle expert oversight" and requiring contributors to use their real names.

Career and Business Information

www.ilworkinfo.com
Career and labor market information.

www.better-english.com/exerciseslist.html
Business English exercises

http://litlink.ket.org
Skills and lessons in Reading, Writing, Workplace and Math skills

http://www.nhlink.net/employme/workhow1.htm
All About Work: How to Find a Job
Tips and techniques

http://www.armadamusic.net/CareerPassport/

Excellent site for developing a Career Passport or portfolio. Good self-assessment for skills areas.

ESL Grammar, Writing, Pronunciation and Other Sites

http://www.weblogg-ed.com
The read/write web in the classroom blog.

http://www.uiowa.edu/-acatech/phonetics
English, Spanish and German, the sounds of spoken language

http://www.confusingwords.com
3210 words that are troublesome to readers and writers

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/
Interesting site that has current front page news from around the world.

http://www.eslbee.com
Advanced composition for non-native speakers

www.evaeaston.com/pr/home.html
Authentic American English pronunciation, including alphabet

http://www.englishgrammarsecrets.com/index.html
Good remedial grammar programs

www.englishbaby.com/lessons/index.php
Learn English, including slang/meet other ESL students

www.eslpartyland.com
Billed as the 'cool way to learn English' for students and teachers

http://perso.wanadoo.es/autoenglish
Grammar, idioms, chat, lesson plans, vocabulary

http://a4esl.org
Grammar and vocabulary quizzes, crossword puzzles, bilingual quizzes

http://www1-language.com
Flashcards, phonics, writing, ESL games and grammar

Podcasts

(Click on the title to access site)

ELT Podcast
ELT Podcast provides basic conversations for EFL and ESL students and classes. ELT Podcast presents a common conversation theme in each episode. The first presentation is at a normal speed, and then at a slower - less natural speed to help with comprehension. The site also provides a transcript of the conversation.

English Conversations
English Conversations provides practical conversations for language learners. Podcasts include interviews and stories with links to further resources on the Internet to explore the subject matter. The podcasts are generally under 5 minutes.

English Idioms and Slang
Short podcast featuring an idiom. The site provides the transcript of the short podcast.

ESL Pod
One of the more mature - if you can say that anything is mature at this point - podcasts dedicated to ESL learning. The podcasts include advanced vocabulary and subjects which will prove especially useful for English for Academic Purposes classes. Pronunciation is very slow and clear, if rather unnatural.

ESL Business News
ESL Business News provides a weekly podcast of international business news every week in slow, clear English. Great listening materials around which you can build a lesson plan.

Other Websites and Information

http://www.ctcnet.org Community Technology Centers network site.
The Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet) is a national membership network of community technology centers (CTCs) and other non-profits, united in their commitment to provide technology access and education to underserved communities. CTCNet works through the CTC Network to provide resources and advocacy to improve the quality and sustainability of CTCs. CTCNet was founded on the recognition that in an increasingly technologically dominated society, people who are economically disadvantaged will be left further behind if they are not provided access to and training on information tools. Our mission is to provide resources and advocacy to improve the quality and sustainability of CTCs for underserved communities.

http://www.startechprogram.org/technology/usingtech.html Using Technology in the Classroom:
STAR tech is a research-based development program which promotes teaching with technology in the classroom. It is designed with easy instruction on how to incorporate low, mid, and high-technology tools into the curriculum to help teachers improve student performance.

http://www.meetingtomorrow.com/how-to-connect-a-laptop-to-a-projector.html
A step-by-step article on connecting a laptop to a a projector for PowerPoint and other classroom presentations.

This is a listing of available sites on the Internet. Please check the sites for author credits and addtional information.

Class Notes

jsotir — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:28:45 CST

There is no abstract available for this page revision.

Press Releases and News Articles

jsotir — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:44:16 CST

Aurora computer center offers free training

Grand Opening, July 20, 2006

• Catching up: Beginners offered opportunities to learn technology

Donnell Collins / Staff Photographer

By Justina Wang

Staff writer

AURORA — In 1968, Linda Farrington took a job at Madonna High School typing and bookkeeping course, one for which she found little use after graduation in her assembly line job. Nearly four decades later, Farrington practices typing in a room that used to be her high school cafeteria, although the Madonna building now serves as the Aurora Community Center. And instead of an electric typewriter, her fingers move along a keyboard as she follows a colorful typing program that flashes across a PC screen. "You have to be able to use this type of technology just for everyday living now," said Farrington, as she sat in the just-opened Community Technology Center Tuesday. Farrington was laid off from her food service and cleaning job a year ago and since found that many companies require online applications. "Everything is computerized," she said. The Community Technology Center opened July 10, giving residents like Farrington a place to hone those much-needed computer skills. A year ago, Waubonsee Community College, along with the Illinois Department of Employment Security and the Kane County Department of Employment and Education, opened an Illinois Employment and Training Center affiliate site at the Aurora Community Center. Thanks to donations from the community, the site was well-stocked with phones, fax machines, copy machines and other equipment. There was even an unused classroom with extra computers. The problem was, many of the people who came in had very little experience with computers and didn't know how to access Internet job sites. "There's no such thing as a job board anymore — they have to be able to access a database on the Internet," said Mary Myers, career services manager for Waubonsee Community College. "But there are many people who work in jobs that don't utilize computers, so they are getting further and further behind." So Waubonsee officials and their partners decided to put that extra classroom to use. They applied for and received an Eliminate the Digital Divide grant this spring to set up a Community Technology Center that would provide free basic computer classes and an opportunity for anyone who doesn't have a computer to use one. The state grant money also provided new software, instructional materials and a bilingual instructor to teach basic computer literacy courses. In the first week the Community Technology Center was open, 19 people showed up for classes to learn how to do things like send emails, pay utility bills online, look for car insurance, surf the Web and create Word documents. "Many times people come in and they don't know computers at all," Myers said. "We hope these types of learning opportunities will let people become more comfortable with computers." A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Community Technology Center is set for 1 p.m. Thursday at the Aurora Community Center, 501 College Ave., Suite 100. Interested residents can sign up for free computer classes, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. The center is open to the public Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays 4 to 8 p.m. Volunteers are needed to staff the Center. For more information, call the Community Technology Center at (630) 978-9396 , ext. 225, or Waubonsee Community College Career Services at (630) 466-7900 , ext. 2368.

Grant Extended for FY2008

jsotir — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:18:07 CST

Waubonsee Community College has been awarded the Eliminate the Digital Divide Grant for a second year. The Community Technology Center will continue to provide free computer classes and an open computer lab through June 2008. Additional computer classes will be offered starting July 2007. These new classes will focus on using technology to gain employment. The CTC will acquire more equipment and software to enhance the center’s services. For instance, Microsoft Office in Spanish will soon be available on all 15 computers. For more information, please call (630) 466-2368.

Welcome to the Aurora Community Technology Center!

jsotir — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:24:58 CST

The Aurora,Illinois Community Technology Center is located at 501 College Avenue.

Pace Bus Route 521

CTC July 20 Ribbon Cutting

jsotir — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 09:51:45 CDT

Dr. Marzano cuts the ribbon, while honored guests look on.

A copy of the grant check

Featured speakers

Participants in the event

Participants in the event

Mr. John Barr, IDCEO, hands check to Dr, William Marzano, WCC

Dr. Marzano (WCC) and Mr. John Barr, Program Manager, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Dr. Christine Sobek, President, Waubonsee Community College

Joan Tarsha, Mary Myers, WCC Career Services and IETC

Mr. Clayton Muhammad, Aurora East SD 131, and Mt. Ted Beck. Chief Technology Officer, City of Aurora

Ms. Brenda Russell, Director, Illinois Department of Employment Security

Mr. Clayton Muhammad, Community Relations Coordinator, Aurora East SD 131

Mary Myers, WCC Career Services Manager, IETC and Grant Administrator

Mr. Tony Hylton, Technology Consultant, City of Aurora

Mr. Sherman Jenkins, Executive Director, Aurora Economic Development Commission

Press Releases

jsotir — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:38:38 CDT

KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE

AURORA - Waubonsee Community College will celebrate the grand opening of a new Community Technology Center today at the Aurora Community Center.
At 1 p.m. college representatives, Aurora technology administrators, county employees and high school faculty will tour the new facility which will provide area residents with computer access.
The portion of Aurora where CTC has been built was designated by Gov. Rod Blagojevich as a region of high unemployment and poverty with employment barriers, according to Mary Myers, the manager for Waubonsee Community College's career services center. For that reason, the CTC was created through a state grant called "Eliminate the Digital Divide" to provide area residents with a place to log on-line and search for jobs.
"It's just a place to have a learning environment where people can feel comfortable and learn how to use the Internet," Myers said.
CTC includes computers donated by Waubonsee Community College and Kane County in space donated by the City of Aurora.
"The three partners have been running this facility by providing equipment for people who are job searching," Myers said. "But most of these people have never touched a computer."
For that reason, CTC will provide free basic computer training form 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Open computer lab hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
The facility also employs a bilingual instructor to assist anyone with computer related questions.

Governor's Press Release

jsotir — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 11:30:31 CDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACTS: July 20, 2006 Abby Ottenhoff 312/814.3158
Rebecca Rausch 217/782.7355
Gerardo Cardenas 312/814.3158
Andrew Ross 312/814.8193 (DCEO)
Mary M. Myers 630/466.5708 (Waubonsee)

GOV. BLAGOJEVICH ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING OF A COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER WITH A $35,300 GRANT TO STRENGTHEN TECHNOLOGY LITERACY IN AURORA

‘Eliminate the Digital Divide’ Grant Will Prepare Workers for Better Jobs
CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $35,300 in an innovative technology grant that will allow hundreds of Aurora residents to receive critical training in technology literacy. The grant program, known as Eliminate the Digital Divide, provides funding to local community technology centers in low-income communities to provide technology skills training and access to computers and the Internet. Since technology literacy today is a necessity to competing for and succeeding in well-paying jobs, this program teaches essential skills to people whom often lack access to important educational opportunities that will help prepare them for a 21st Century job. "Expanding access to the Internet and technology goes hand-in-hand with giving children and working families in Aurora the chance to learn more and get ahead. By investing in this new community technology center, we will help hundreds of people do better in school or in their jobs, which will help them build better lives," Gov. Blagojevich said. The $35,300 in funding will go to Waubonsee Community College to open a Community Technology Center (CTC) and provide training services in Aurora. These services include learning opportunities to improve participant's basic computer literacy skills (basic computer, word processing, spreadsheet, and Internet skill acquisition delivered through self-paced and bi-lingual instruction), bi-lingual training in job-search skills, and public access services for area residents to utilize computer resources for learning enhancement and personal interests in a facilitated and safe learning environment. The services of the CTC will be provided in a computer lab/classroom setting housed in the Aurora Community Center located at the corner of Root and College Streets in Aurora.
"Technological literacy is one of the most important investments the state can make," State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) said. "In our community, we have a large population that does not have the skills necessary to compete in a high-tech economy. With Waubonsee Community
(more)
College providing the training our workers need to update their skills, I am confident we will have a workforce that can compete for the most desirable and high-paying jobs and help them build a brighter economic future for themselves and their families." "In today’s society, technology literacy and access to the Internet is really an essential building block to competing for better jobs and a better standard of living. Through this grant program, Gov. Blagojevich is helping us provide training in critical skills and bridge the technology divide," said Mary M. Myers, Career Services Manager, Waubonsee Community College. "To meet the demands of today’s world, students and adults need to be proficient in Internet use and basic computer skills. In many economic environments, the resources that are needed to teach these skills simply aren’t available. The Eliminate the Digital Divide program is bringing these resources into the heart of the communities that need them most - helping to cast a wider net of real economic opportunity here in Aurora and creating a brighter future for all of us," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin said. Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategyis the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.
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Aurora Community Technology Center - Recently Updated Pages

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