Heights Libraries offers free Internet training certification

Technology permeates our culture. With social media sites, Internet-ready mobile devices, programs that allow video chat from one country to another and a host of other new methods of communication that seem to be cropping up daily, those without the means or training to keep up risk being left behind. That’s why the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the USDA's Rural Utilities Service made $4.8 billion dollars available to bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth and create jobs. These funds have fueled a way for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library to partner with Connect Ohio to offer a free Internet training program called Every Citizen Online (ECO).

ECO is a state-wide, grant-funded program, geared towards new computer users, that trains individuals on computer basics, how to access the Internet and how best to use all that the Internet has to offer. The program is housed at a number of locations throughout Ohio, including Heights Libraries.

“The program consists of classes that teach people how to use computers and broadband Internet access,” said Joe Kaiser, technology training supervisor for Heights Libraries. The program is divided into six classes:

• Basics
• Using the Mouse
• Internet Access
• How to Use the Internet
• E-mail
• Web Searching

Upon completion of all six classes, users will receive a certificate good for discounts on local broadband services and computers. They can also use the certification to boost their resumes.

Kaiser has worked to bring programs like ECO to the library. “These courses tie in well with the programs we already offer at the library. Our fall classes are already full and have waiting lists, and we’re anticipating our winter classes will experience the same level of demand,” said Nancy Levin, director of Heights Libraries.

All classes are taught at the Lee Road Library and will be offered during the winter quarter. For more information or to sign-up for a class, visit www.heightslibrary.org. Registration begins Nov. 17.

Users unable to register at Heights Libraries can call Connect Ohio at 1-855-669-4226 for other class locations at area libraries, community colleges and educational centers. Additional information about Connect Ohio and Every Citizen Online can be found at www.connectohio.org.

Connect Ohio is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing technology access and literacy throughout Ohio.