Purpose

1. The computer labs are here as an outreach program to help the clients of the San Antonio area learn about the benefits of computer technology. The clients being served by the computer labs are from the following programs: Scattered Sites, Senior Nutrition, Emergency Shelter, Child Development Centers, Boys and Girls Club, and Women's Transitional Programs.

2. The labs also have incorporated times that are available to outside members of the community.

3. These training session are offered and used by the various programs.
   a. Computer Basic Skills (Instructor led)
   b. How to use the Internet (Instructor led)
   c. Intro to Microsoft Word (Instructor led)
   d. Microsoft Excel (Computer based training)
   e. Steps to building a Resume (Instructor led)
   f. How to search for jobs (Instructor led)
   g. How to create and use email (Instructor led)

4. There are individual or open lab sessions for members that want to have general computer use. The following activities may occur during these sessions:
   a. Internet, email, job search usage and resume development - Adults
   b. Aztec - used by the Seniors or Adults
   c. Internet, Netsmartz, and Paint - kids and preschool
   d. Use of Microsoft Word, Publisher, or Excel
   e. Many other applications that are contained on the computer or Internet
   f. Typing program - Adults and Seniors

5. As the computer lab manager, I maintain the computers, schedule and usage of the computer labs. Over the last fourteen months the labs have had great success, in overall client/member participation. In April 2004 we had a total of 179 clients; the total for May 2005 was 473 clients. It is my goal to reach 500 by the end of the summer.

6. The schedule is broken into four areas.
   a. Open Lab - this time is dedicated to those clients/members that want to use the computers for various activities. So this time is a free-to-do-what-you-like time, search the Internet, email a family member, use the typing program, job searches and resumes, listen to music, or get one-on-one training.
   b. Senior Time - The seniors will come in and get basic computer skills training. Once they have the basic operations down they will get on the Internet, email family or friends, Aztec, and MS Word to write letters.
   c. Shelter & Women's Transition - They will use the Internet to do job searches, do online applications, create resumes, email family and friends, look for housing/apartments, use the typing program, formal training as mentioned above.
   d. After School Kids (ASK) & Pre-K - The After school kids used the Netsmartz and Internet to do educational activities and games. They will create pictures with the Paint program and I will display them on the bulletin board. We may have scavenger hunts or Wheel of Fortune using the computer and projector. The Pre-K students will use Netsmartz, Paint, and the Internet. I have found a few Internet sites that help with their early education development.

7. The availability of the computer labs has been a blessing to the clients and community members, all have benefitted by these services. I am always getting reports and thank-yous for the things that the adults and seniors have learned. The ASK and Pre-K students are gaining a foundation into the world of computer technology. I am thankful that the computer labs are here because I get to share my knowledge of computers with the clients and members. I also am blessed because I love to teach and this gives me an opportunity to do so with a various group of learners.