You don't have to be in the job market to benefit from this workshop presented free of charge by Community Education as part of the Brighter Futures initiative. Everyone (faculty, staff, students, community) is invited to take advantage of this opportunity to improve your personal and professional networking skills.
The Art of Networking
You can (and should) develop and manage a network of people who can help you personally and professionally. How can you create a network? In this practical seminar presented by Marianne Rowe-Dimas you'll learn how to establish affiliations and increase your visibility. You'll also learn and practice the skills that will keep you connected with the network you've created.
Tuesday, September 29
7 -9 p.m.
Academic and Professional Center, Room 110A
FREE
Marianne Rowe-Dimas has more than 20 years of experience in corporate management, training and coaching. As an author, image consultant, and communications coach she is uniquely qualified to help you achieve your goals.
www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures
Douglas Grier
Dean of Community Education
Waubonsee Community College
Route 47 at Waubonsee Dr.
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
phone (630) 466-5715
FAX (630) 466-9495
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Job Assistance: Plano/Yorkville/Sandwich area
Millions of Americans remain unemployed or underemployed. The country's jobless rate ticked up to 9.7 percent in August. If laid-off workers who have given up looking for jobs or who have settled for part-time work are included, the August unemployment rate comes in at 16.8 percent.
As of July, the unemployment rate in Kane County was 11.1%
Even as the economy improves we are likely to see continued high levels of unemployment and instability. Clearly, it remains difficult for America's unemployed or underemployed to find new or better jobs. Many of our district residents are still having trouble paying bills, in danger of losing their home, or are just confused and uncertain about the future.
Waubonsee Community College's Brighter Futures initiative is designed help district residents navigate today's economy. Brighter Futures begin on Wednesday, October 28 with a free event featuring one-on-one resume assistance and information sessions on a variety of topics including the job search, career decision making and personal financial survival. Held at Timber Creek in Sandwich, this event will be especially convenient for those who live in Yorkville, Plano, Sandwich and points west. Please help get the word out!
Community Event
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
4 -7:30 p.m.
Best Western Timber Creek Inn & Suites
3300 Drew Avenue, Sandwich, IL 60548
FREE
To learn more about Brighter Futures initiatives or to RSVP for the FREE Community Event visit www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures or call Community Education at (630) 466-2360.
Douglas Grier
Dean of Community Education
Waubonsee Community College
Route 47 at Waubonsee Dr.
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
phone (630) 466-5715
FAX (630) 466-9495
As of July, the unemployment rate in Kane County was 11.1%
Even as the economy improves we are likely to see continued high levels of unemployment and instability. Clearly, it remains difficult for America's unemployed or underemployed to find new or better jobs. Many of our district residents are still having trouble paying bills, in danger of losing their home, or are just confused and uncertain about the future.
Waubonsee Community College's Brighter Futures initiative is designed help district residents navigate today's economy. Brighter Futures begin on Wednesday, October 28 with a free event featuring one-on-one resume assistance and information sessions on a variety of topics including the job search, career decision making and personal financial survival. Held at Timber Creek in Sandwich, this event will be especially convenient for those who live in Yorkville, Plano, Sandwich and points west. Please help get the word out!
Community Event
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
4 -7:30 p.m.
Best Western Timber Creek Inn & Suites
3300 Drew Avenue, Sandwich, IL 60548
FREE
To learn more about Brighter Futures initiatives or to RSVP for the FREE Community Event visit www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures or call Community Education at (630) 466-2360.
Douglas Grier
Dean of Community Education
Waubonsee Community College
Route 47 at Waubonsee Dr.
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
phone (630) 466-5715
FAX (630) 466-9495
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
New Class: Absolutely Basic Computer
Sometimes basic is just not basic enough. We are developing a new class called Absolutely Basic, for those who have never so much as turned a computer on, or who have a fear that anything they do on the computer will be wrong.
The first class will be Friday, October 2 from 10 - 2. Participants will learn the proper way to start and close the computer, use applications, try out the web, and explore things such as Email, Facebook, shopping online, use Web MD and explore travel reservation sites.
This class IS for the faint of heart. If you know anyone who fits the description, have them call 630-906-4248. Registration is limited because of the hands-on aspect of the class. We'll be gentle...
Beyond Office
Do you know that we also offer classes other than Office programs? Check our schedule for classes like:
- Using Social Web sites in Business
- Digital Photography
- Quick Books Pro
- Beginning Publishing
- Web Resume
- Job Search
- 'Freeware' free software online
We also are looking for ideas for additional courses. Use the comments link below this post to add any thoughts you have, or call us at 630-906-4248 to register for any of the above classes.
46 More Days!
Don't forget that all vouchers you are assigned MUST be registered before October 31, 2009, or they will expire. Certification vouchers are not registered, but must be used by October 31. After that date, you can still take the certification testing, but you will need to pay for it.
All registered vouchers are good until one year from the date of registration. You can go back and review at any time during the year.
All registered vouchers are good until one year from the date of registration. You can go back and review at any time during the year.
Vouchers
I have more vouchers, so if you wish addditional vouchers, please let me know. Limits are: 6 for Business Worker, 6 for Certification, and 10 for IT Professional. You can have both IT and BW/Certification vouchers.
Certification Testing
Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove has testing dates available. The link to that list is in the left hand column.In case those dates do not work for you, here is information on finding additional testing sites. Please note that Testing Centers may charge up to $15 per test. The WCC site is free.
Do you know how to find Microsoft Testing Centers? This information is available in multiple locations within illinoisworknet.com. The following approach provides a way for staff and customers to print the Certification Exam voucher number and instructions on one page. These instructions include links to locate Microsoft Certification Testing Centers. To access this information:
As a customer:
Log into the Individuals Illinois workNet account and click on the link to view vouchers/instructions. Note: The customer must have been allocated one or more vouchers to see this link.
Next to the Certification Exam voucher, click on the "view voucher instructions" link.
Print the page and/or click on the links to find testing centers.
Do you know how to find Microsoft Testing Centers? This information is available in multiple locations within illinoisworknet.com. The following approach provides a way for staff and customers to print the Certification Exam voucher number and instructions on one page. These instructions include links to locate Microsoft Certification Testing Centers. To access this information:
As a customer:
Log into the Individuals Illinois workNet account and click on the link to view vouchers/instructions. Note: The customer must have been allocated one or more vouchers to see this link.
Next to the Certification Exam voucher, click on the "view voucher instructions" link.
Print the page and/or click on the links to find testing centers.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Getting Help
I've been fielding a lot of questions about registering your vouchers, getting into the Microsoft e-learning site, and navigating through the program. We can help you if you call us at 630-906-4248. My assistant Tyesha Rollins can usually get you into what you need, but I would highly suggest watching the e-learning video on how to navigate through the site BEFORE you begin your courses. We want you to be successful using these vouchers. This blog is for YOU. Please feel free to use comments to tell us of any success or problem. I monitor this page regularly.
Cheers!
Judith
Cheers!
Judith
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Comment on EA Vouchers
I received the following comment from an EA student:
I began my training classes in Word. I found the program to be awkward and dificult to navigate. Though I knew the material in the "Starting Word" segment, I felt like I wasted my time trying to navigate rather than learning anything.
Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice?
Comments from others using EA vouchers? How long did it take you to be able to comfortably navigate through the courses? Any suggestions? Below are my suggestions to this student:
This is the program that Microsoft uses for all the courses it offers for certification. I can suggest that there is a free Office training program on the Illinois workNet site that may be easier to navigate. You might try that first, and then go back to the voucher courses when you have a larger base of knowledge to draw from. You can access those courses (also online, but without needing vouchers) at http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Tools/
Go down to Elevate America, Getting Started with Microsoft Business Worker Courses, not Requiring a Voucher - Learn about the Getting Started Microsoft Business Workers online courses that do not require a voucher.
If that is still not what you need, the ACTC has classes in Word, levels 1 and 2. You can access a schedule from http://actcstudent.blogspot.com, and click on ACTC schedule in the left hand column.
If you would like to make a comment, click on the 'comments' button at the bottom of this post. A colleague suggested:
The navigation for the e-learning courses is not as intuitive as users may initially assume. Make sure to encourage the clients to go through the course overview section of each course prior to beginning the actual modules. The course overview provides videos and specific instructions for navigating through the online courses.
That is good advice, and relative to almost any online course that one takes. Good luck to all using the vouchers, and let me know how you are doing.
Judith Sotir
I began my training classes in Word. I found the program to be awkward and dificult to navigate. Though I knew the material in the "Starting Word" segment, I felt like I wasted my time trying to navigate rather than learning anything.
Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice?
Comments from others using EA vouchers? How long did it take you to be able to comfortably navigate through the courses? Any suggestions? Below are my suggestions to this student:
This is the program that Microsoft uses for all the courses it offers for certification. I can suggest that there is a free Office training program on the Illinois workNet site that may be easier to navigate. You might try that first, and then go back to the voucher courses when you have a larger base of knowledge to draw from. You can access those courses (also online, but without needing vouchers) at http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/residents/en/Tools/
Go down to Elevate America, Getting Started with Microsoft Business Worker Courses, not Requiring a Voucher - Learn about the Getting Started Microsoft Business Workers online courses that do not require a voucher.
If that is still not what you need, the ACTC has classes in Word, levels 1 and 2. You can access a schedule from http://actcstudent.blogspot.com, and click on ACTC schedule in the left hand column.
If you would like to make a comment, click on the 'comments' button at the bottom of this post. A colleague suggested:
The navigation for the e-learning courses is not as intuitive as users may initially assume. Make sure to encourage the clients to go through the course overview section of each course prior to beginning the actual modules. The course overview provides videos and specific instructions for navigating through the online courses.
That is good advice, and relative to almost any online course that one takes. Good luck to all using the vouchers, and let me know how you are doing.
Judith Sotir
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Free Job Search Presentation
This expert presentation by Marianne Rowe-Dimas is offered FREE of charge by Community Education as part of the Brighter Futures initiative and is designed to help members of our district with their job search, career transition. No RSVP is necessary to attend.
The Art of Networking
You can (and should) develop and manage a network of people who can help you personally and professionally. How can you create a network? In this practical seminar you'll learn how to establish affiliations and increase your visibility. You'll also learn and practice the skills that will keep you connected with the network you've created.
Tuesday, September 29
7 - 9 p.m.
Academic and Professional Center (110 A)
Sugar Grove Campus
Marianne Rowe-Dimas has more than 20 years of experience in corporate management, training and coaching.
As an author, image consultant, and communications coach she is uniquely qualified to help you achieve your career goals.
For additional Brighter Futures related events, services, and job club information visit www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures
The Art of Networking
You can (and should) develop and manage a network of people who can help you personally and professionally. How can you create a network? In this practical seminar you'll learn how to establish affiliations and increase your visibility. You'll also learn and practice the skills that will keep you connected with the network you've created.
Tuesday, September 29
7 - 9 p.m.
Academic and Professional Center (110 A)
Sugar Grove Campus
Marianne Rowe-Dimas has more than 20 years of experience in corporate management, training and coaching.
As an author, image consultant, and communications coach she is uniquely qualified to help you achieve your career goals.
For additional Brighter Futures related events, services, and job club information visit www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Office 2003 Vouchers
The Waubonsee Certiport Testing center is available for Office 2007 vouchers ONLY. We are researching the closest sites available for Office 2003 tests. So far it looks like Oswego East HS may give the 2003 tests, but I am waiting to hear back if that is indeed true, and, if so, will post their testing dates on this blog.
EA Tips and Techniques
Q: After I have activated my voucher, on some pages, it looks like I am being asked to pay for the courses I have selected, what does this mean? A: On a few pages in the Microsoft Learning system, you may see a dollar amount shown. This dollar amount indicates the total value of the collection of courses you are pursuing as part of your Microsoft Learning. While it may appear to be indicating payment is required, it is not. As long as you redeemed your voucher at the beginning of the process, you can ignore that item and proceed to your individual courses to begin your training.
Q: Is my Microsoft Windows Live ID member name an actual email address?A: No, your Windows Live ID member name is for logging into you Microsoft course only, it is NOT an actual email address. (sample Windows Live ID member name: computergenius@ea.illinoisworknet.com). Be sure to type in your real email address when creating your "My Illinois workNet" account.Q: I’m a returning user, where do I go to continue my learning? A: Click here for instructions and a link to return to courses you already entered or started. Q: I’m just getting started using computers, where do I begin? A: Click here for (New Computer User Level) Basic Computer Online CoursesQ: Do I need to own Microsoft Office 2007 software to use take the Microsoft Office 2007 online courses?A: No. Course participants do not need to purchase Office 2007 to take the Office 2007 courses. The courses do include hands on activities (labs) that use the Microsoft Office software. The activities are not required but they do reinforce learning the information. If you would like to complete the hands on activities, the software is available to download for a 60-day trial. Click here to download a free 60-day trial of the software to use with the vouchers . The other option is to use the Find a Location Near You search to find a location that offers public access computers.Q: I’m an IT Professional or Developer, what resources are available for me? A: Access to full Microsoft Learning library of E-Learning courses are provided for you when you collect an access code voucher from your participating site (link). Click here for more information and instructions on Technical Professional Online CoursesQ: What is the difference between an Access Code and a Voucher Code? A: There is no difference in these terms. Both refer to an e-learning activation code which will allow you to redeem a free e-learning course. Q: How long will I be able to use my E-Learning courses? A: Once you activate your e-learning, you will have 12 months of access to the coursesQ: How many courses can I take with my voucher? A: Your voucher will allow you to redeem either one course or one collection depending on the courses you select. Q: How many exams can I take with my Microsoft Certification Exam voucher? A: Your Microsoft Certification Exam voucher will allow you to redeem one free exam, and one retake if necessary. The first attempt must take place before October 31, 2009.Q: Are the Microsoft Business Worker Certification Exams timed? A: Yes, you have 45 minutes to complete each Microsoft Business Worker Certification Exam. Q: If I need to re-take a Microsoft Certification Exam , how soon can I take it again and what is the time limit?A: There is a 24 hour wait period for a re-take, and re-takes must be completed within 30 days. If you need to re-take the exam:
Microsoft will email your second (retake) attempt voucher number to your email account (not Illinois workNet account). The retake can be completed 1-2 days after the first attempt. If necessary, the second attempt can occur after October 31, 2009 (but that would be your last attempt for free).
If you need a third attempt before October 31, 2009, your advisor will need to assign another voucher to you. That voucher will be good for one attempt and one retake. Your third attempt must take no earlier than one week after your second attempt. It must used before October 31, 2009 to take the exam for free.
Q: Why should you complete Microsoft Certification Exams? A: Unlike resumes, certification offers concrete evidence that you have a specific set of skills. A certification exam is based on standards that were established by a professional group.Q: Why is Microsoft Business Worker Certification important to employers? A: Computers have become more and more essential to the workplace. Certifying Office skills that employers require ensures them you can effectively use computer software tools essential for success.Q: What if I do not want to use Internet Explorer, and prefer to use Firefox to access Elevate America Online courses? A: We strongly encourage you to use Internet Explorer, this is the only way to guarantee compatibility. There is however a work around for using Firefox to access Microsoft Elevate America Online courses:
In Firefox 3.0 or later:
1. go to Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons
2. In the search bar at the top of the box, type: IE Tab
3. Install the IE Tab extension
4. Select Restart Firefox
In Firefox 1.5 - 2.0 (Note: we recommend that you upgrade to the latest version of Firefox as a security measure):
1. go to Tools -> Add-ons
2. Click the "Get Extensions" link in the bottom right-hand corner of the box.
3. A new page will open, type IE Tab in the search box
4. The first result will be the IE Tab extension however this will NOT work, instead click on the link (right hand side) that says "older version"
5. Scroll down to version 1.3.3.20070528 (bottom of the page)
6. Select Add to Firefox
7. Select Install
8. Select Restart Firefox
Once the add-on has been installed you will need to do one of the following:
Right click on the link you intend to follow and select "Open link in IE Tab"
OR
Click on the link then Right-Click on the tab or window that opens and select "Switch Rendering Engine" or "View Page in IE Tab"
(The menu option varies based on where in the page you right-click)
Q: What do I do if I get stuck? A: If you find you need customer support, please contact the Microsoft Regional Support Center by phone at (800) 636-7544, or email e-learn@microsoft.com. More support information is available at the following website http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/northamerica.mspx .If you find you need customer support, please contact the Microsoft Regional Support Center by phone at (800) 636-7544, or email . More support information is available at the following website . Flash Animation1 - To control the size of the flash movie, you can use the property window and replace the description with the width and height in parenthesis. For ex (300, 400)
Q: Is my Microsoft Windows Live ID member name an actual email address?A: No, your Windows Live ID member name is for logging into you Microsoft course only, it is NOT an actual email address. (sample Windows Live ID member name: computergenius@ea.illinoisworknet.com). Be sure to type in your real email address when creating your "My Illinois workNet" account.Q: I’m a returning user, where do I go to continue my learning? A: Click here for instructions and a link to return to courses you already entered or started. Q: I’m just getting started using computers, where do I begin? A: Click here for (New Computer User Level) Basic Computer Online CoursesQ: Do I need to own Microsoft Office 2007 software to use take the Microsoft Office 2007 online courses?A: No. Course participants do not need to purchase Office 2007 to take the Office 2007 courses. The courses do include hands on activities (labs) that use the Microsoft Office software. The activities are not required but they do reinforce learning the information. If you would like to complete the hands on activities, the software is available to download for a 60-day trial. Click here to download a free 60-day trial of the software to use with the vouchers . The other option is to use the Find a Location Near You search to find a location that offers public access computers.Q: I’m an IT Professional or Developer, what resources are available for me? A: Access to full Microsoft Learning library of E-Learning courses are provided for you when you collect an access code voucher from your participating site (link). Click here for more information and instructions on Technical Professional Online CoursesQ: What is the difference between an Access Code and a Voucher Code? A: There is no difference in these terms. Both refer to an e-learning activation code which will allow you to redeem a free e-learning course. Q: How long will I be able to use my E-Learning courses? A: Once you activate your e-learning, you will have 12 months of access to the coursesQ: How many courses can I take with my voucher? A: Your voucher will allow you to redeem either one course or one collection depending on the courses you select. Q: How many exams can I take with my Microsoft Certification Exam voucher? A: Your Microsoft Certification Exam voucher will allow you to redeem one free exam, and one retake if necessary. The first attempt must take place before October 31, 2009.Q: Are the Microsoft Business Worker Certification Exams timed? A: Yes, you have 45 minutes to complete each Microsoft Business Worker Certification Exam. Q: If I need to re-take a Microsoft Certification Exam , how soon can I take it again and what is the time limit?A: There is a 24 hour wait period for a re-take, and re-takes must be completed within 30 days. If you need to re-take the exam:
Microsoft will email your second (retake) attempt voucher number to your email account (not Illinois workNet account). The retake can be completed 1-2 days after the first attempt. If necessary, the second attempt can occur after October 31, 2009 (but that would be your last attempt for free).
If you need a third attempt before October 31, 2009, your advisor will need to assign another voucher to you. That voucher will be good for one attempt and one retake. Your third attempt must take no earlier than one week after your second attempt. It must used before October 31, 2009 to take the exam for free.
Q: Why should you complete Microsoft Certification Exams? A: Unlike resumes, certification offers concrete evidence that you have a specific set of skills. A certification exam is based on standards that were established by a professional group.Q: Why is Microsoft Business Worker Certification important to employers? A: Computers have become more and more essential to the workplace. Certifying Office skills that employers require ensures them you can effectively use computer software tools essential for success.Q: What if I do not want to use Internet Explorer, and prefer to use Firefox to access Elevate America Online courses? A: We strongly encourage you to use Internet Explorer, this is the only way to guarantee compatibility. There is however a work around for using Firefox to access Microsoft Elevate America Online courses:
In Firefox 3.0 or later:
1. go to Tools -> Add-ons -> Get Add-ons
2. In the search bar at the top of the box, type: IE Tab
3. Install the IE Tab extension
4. Select Restart Firefox
In Firefox 1.5 - 2.0 (Note: we recommend that you upgrade to the latest version of Firefox as a security measure):
1. go to Tools -> Add-ons
2. Click the "Get Extensions" link in the bottom right-hand corner of the box.
3. A new page will open, type IE Tab in the search box
4. The first result will be the IE Tab extension however this will NOT work, instead click on the link (right hand side) that says "older version"
5. Scroll down to version 1.3.3.20070528 (bottom of the page)
6. Select Add to Firefox
7. Select Install
8. Select Restart Firefox
Once the add-on has been installed you will need to do one of the following:
Right click on the link you intend to follow and select "Open link in IE Tab"
OR
Click on the link then Right-Click on the tab or window that opens and select "Switch Rendering Engine" or "View Page in IE Tab"
(The menu option varies based on where in the page you right-click)
Q: What do I do if I get stuck? A: If you find you need customer support, please contact the Microsoft Regional Support Center by phone at (800) 636-7544, or email e-learn@microsoft.com. More support information is available at the following website http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/northamerica.mspx .If you find you need customer support, please contact the Microsoft Regional Support Center by phone at (800) 636-7544, or email . More support information is available at the following website . Flash Animation1 - To control the size of the flash movie, you can use the property window and replace the description with the width and height in parenthesis. For ex (300, 400)
Elevate America Quick Tips and Updates
Microsoft Certification Exams During Elevate America: Elevate America Frequently Asked Questions have been updated to include Microsoft Certification information related to timed testing, exam retake information, and reasons to complete a certification exam.
More Vouchers 9/1
I can (at least for now) issue all the vouchers you requested. Please leave me a comment on this post or call me with the list of vouchers you did not receive.
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