February 2003
People

University offers a taste for IT

The University's adult taster sessions in Information Technology have proved to be a resounding success as the whole class is planning to sign up for the nationally accredited follow-up course.

The Level 1 Computer Skills course, held at Wyke Manor Community Centre offers a taster to Information Technology in areas such as Microsoft Windows, word processing, managing files, surfing the net, PC components and what to look for when buying a computer.

From left: Cath Dyson, University ICT teacher from the UNiversity's School of Lifelong Education and Development, with Martin Elsender from Eccleshill and Mary Emmett from Wyke.

All the students have now been awarded a certificate of attendance for the course, and every one has said that they plan to enrol onto the IT Skills 1 course, which is a 10-credit basic level computer HE qualification that can be used towards a degree.

Mary Emmett, from Wyke, who is in her seventies, said: "The course was very encouraging for people new to IT and we were filled with enthusiasm from day one."

Supported by the Bradford Metropolitan District Council Adult and Community Learning Fund, the classes were held as part of the University's School of Lifelong Education and Development's 'University in the Community' programme. The programme offers a number of different taster sessions with subjects ranging from Holiday Spanish, Foot Massage, and Psychology, to IT for beginners.

University of Bradford Development Officer Anne Weston said: "These taster sessions are giving people the chance to learn about a subject of their choice without a major time commitment. They can learn the basics to build a good foundation and experiment to see where their interests lie.

"Working in partnership with other organisations enables us to offer progression from introductory courses right through to higher education."

As well as the University of Bradford and Bradford Council, the programme has been a success thanks to partners Bradford College, Wyke Manor Community College, Royds Community Association, WEA and The Click On ICT Project. From this month, accredited courses on offer include IT Skills 1, Web Page Design, Criminology, Mind Body and Spirit, and Lifelong Learning Skills. These will also be held in Wyke.

• Further information about the courses can be obtained from Wyke Manor Community Centre on 01274 414386.

11 February 2002

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