Education

Stephany Beane of Oak Ridge, TN has put a new “spin” on the concept of teaching computer skills to seniors. Ms. Beane, 52, owner of TN Platespinner (www.tnplatespinner.com), takes that concept one step further, focusing primarily on teaching social networking skills, such as Facebook, Skype and Twitter. She also offers a very unique course called, “Tech Club for Geezers, Fogies and Luddites” where students can see, touch, handle, try out and ask questions about various gadgetry such as smartphones, digital cameras and iPods. At the end of the course, a field trip is planned to one of the large electronics stores should anyone care to shop with assistance.

Services Include:

Class Instruction for up to 4 students in Oak Ridge (both PCs and Macs)
Speaking to Groups – explaining why Social Media is important
Hands-on training in Facebook
Hands-on training in Twitter
Designing a Social Media Marketing Plan for clubs, non-profits, and small businesses
Converting Digital Photos into “Life Journey” videos
Providing Basic or Remedial Computer Instruction
Training and Set-up for Skype and Video Chatting
Working on your unique projects (reunions, newsletters, club directories, mailings, letters)

In the Oak Ridge, TN area, you can e-mail Stephany or call her at: 865-274-7798. Or, simply visit her website at tnplatespinner.com

Almost forgot to mention, during my self-imposed exile from writing, I wasn’t just sitting around enjoying the holidays. I have now officially completed two of the four Microsoft Office certifications I’m attempting, courtesy of the state of Michigan’s “No Worker Left Behind” program. I am now known as a “Microsoft Certified Application Specialist”, certified in both MS Word and MS Excel 2007. PowerPoint is next up, which I began studying for just yesterday. I suspect this one will be much easier and faster than Excel, which was a monster. Also continuing work toward A+ and Network+ certifications. Whether any of this will help my unemployment situation is up for debate. Are certifications minus real-world experience really worth anything in today’s hyper-competitive job market? I say it’s doubtful. But what do you think? Leave me a comment! At any rate, it’s something I’ve wanted to accomplish for quite awhile so I am getting a sense of satisfaction from having achieved these certifications. And the oh-so-pretty certificates from Microsoft – signed by none other than Bill Gates, himself – look so nice on my office wall.

Many baby boomers find it difficult, if not impossible to find employment in today’s tough job market. One of the reasons for this is that many employers believe mature applicants don’t have any computer skills or are not willing or able to learn new applications. Certifying your skills and furthering your education can be the most rewarding and effective way of combating this stereotype and improving your chances of being hired by an employer.

I, myself, have recently begun to do just that, thanks to Michigan’s “No Worker Left Behind” program. It’s a great program for those who are unemployed or simply making less than $40,000 per year. Under the program, you can receive up to $10,000 for two years to further your education. There are a few stipulations, however. The degree or certificate you’re earning must prepare you for a job in an “emerging industry” or “high growth occupation”. They have a list of such occupations on the NWLB website at http://www.michigan.gov/nwlb

I have been pursuing IT certifications in various computer applications and have recently completed the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist exam in Microsoft Word. I now hold MCAS certification in that application. These certifications will help to certify my skills, so that employers will know exactly how proficient I am. I will be continuing on through the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Excel is next), eventually leading to certification as an all-around MS Office “expert”.