Learning opportunities from the CRC - Penn Printout, Feb 1992

The University of Pennsylvania's Online Computing Magazine

February 1992 - Volume 8:5

A la carte: Expanded learning opportunities from the CRC

By Kathy Burgess

For a number of years, training classes have been one of the Computing Resource Center's (CRC's) most popular services. Despite yearly increases in number and frequency, classes continue to fill up so quickly that three people are routinely turned away for every one registered. To meet the increasing need, and in recognition of the Penn community's need for flexibility in selecting the method, location, time, and pace of learning, the CRC is not only providing greater access to current learning resources, but is also offering new opportunities for learning about computers and information resources at Penn.

The CRC's traditional offerings-self-directed tutorials, seminars, and instructor-led learning sessions; technical documentation; and course materials for self-study-continue to be available. Now you can also view, download, and print CRC technical information stored on PennInfo, Penn's online information system, 24 hours a day; address questions or materials requests to the CRC's Electronic Consultant at your convenience; or rent computer videos at Houston Hall seven days a week.

PennInfo

The most convenient way to view CRC resources is to log on to PennInfo. It is accessible from home computers equipped with a modem or from on-campus computers that have a connection to PennNet, the University network.

The "Computing Resource Center (CRC)" section, found under "Computing," has detailed descriptions of CRC learning resources, along with seminar and course schedules, information on CRC consulting and hotline services, directions on how to obtain anti-virus software and software updates, a listing of campus computer labs, Super User Group bulletins, and much more.

For more information on accessing PennInfo, contact the CRC and ask for a PennInfo quick guide.

Video training

The CRC has provided the Video Library in Houston Hall with a suite of computer videos, which can be rented for $1.75 per day. This is an inexpensive and enjoyable way to attend a presentation or take an actual hands-on training session at your convenience.

Videos are offered for both Macintosh and PC-DOS/ Windows systems on both CRC-supported and unsupported products. The PC videos cover topics such as introduction to hardware and software, introduction to local area networks, and Windows 3.0. Macintosh video topics range from an introductory guide to the Macintosh, System 7.0, Excel 2.2, FileMaker Pro, and PageMaker 4.0. A complete list of video titles can be obtained at the Video Library, at the CRC Locust Walk facility, or on PennInfo in the "Computing Learning Resources" section under "Computing Resource Center (CRC)."

Technical tip sheets

The CRC's new library of technical tip sheets is presently limited to Microsoft Windows and Windows-related documentation but will be expanded to other topics. A listing of current CRC tip sheets, along with the tip sheets themselves, resides in the "CRC Technical Tip Sheets" section under "Computing Resource Center (CRC)" on PennInfo. Copies of these tip sheets can also be obtained from the kiosks at the CRC Locust Walk facility or requested via fax or intramural mail.

Self-directed learning

The suite of audio, disk-based, and text-based tutorials has been augmented with 150 new tutorials for Macintosh users, as well as many new ones for PC-DOS/Windows users. The tutorials guide you through the learning process at your own pace and direction with a combination of audio instructions, practice files, and workbooks.

The tutorials cover a wide range of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Other subjects available are Macintosh basics, HyperCard and Microsoft Works for the Macintosh, and Microsoft Learning DOS and a typing tutorial for the PC.

These tutorials can be used in the CRC front lab area upon request. A reservation is recommended. A complete list of tutorials is available at the CRC. The list, along with a description of the topics covered in each tutorial, can also be found under "Computing Learning Resources" on PennInfo.

Tutorial labs

Self-directed tutorial sessions for DOS/Windows users are scheduled regularly in the CRC's PC lab. A monitor is present in the lab to assist with basic operational problems or questions.

Basic, intermediate, and advanced tutorials of various types (audio, disk-based, text-based) are available. You can choose the format that best fits your learning style. Registration is required; call the CRC training department to reserve your machine and tutorial.

Off-campus training

Although a wealth of no-cost and low-cost computer training opportunities are offered at Penn, there may be times when an outside training vendor is preferable. Campus computer courses may conflict with your schedule or be oversubscribed, or they may not cover the topics that you want to learn about. In these instances it is worth investigating the offerings of local training vendors.

The CRC has evaluated courses offered by several training vendors in the Philadelphia area and negotiated discounts of approximately 35 percent for Penn affiliates. Courses generally last one or two days and are held at the vendor's site; special arrangements can be made for customized and on-site training. Registration is directly through the vendor. Come to the CRC or look under "Computing Learning Resources" on PennInfo for a list of recommended vendors.

CRC course materials

Course materials for CRC hands-on courses and Bits & Pieces seminars are available upon request. You can fill out a request form at the CRC Locust Walk facility or send in a fax or e-mail request. For some courses, practice disk files accompany the text. You must supply blank disk(s) for the files at the time of the request or when you pick up the materials.

Instructor-led sessions

Bits & Pieces seminars and hands-on courses on supported products are scheduled monthly. Schedules and registration dates are published in Penn Printout and on PennInfo, in the "CRC Training Calendar" section.

Most Bits & Pieces seminars are open to the Penn community and do not require registration. They cover a variety of topics related to supported products and periodically feature presentations from vendors and other computing organizations on campus.

All hands-on courses and those Bits & Pieces seminars that require registration are open only to members of the University with a valid PennCard or HUP ID. All CRC courses and Bits & Pieces seminars are held at the CRC's Locust Walk facility.

KATHY BURGESS is a Training Specialist for the Computing Resource Center.