Top Differences of Office 2010

At the ACTC we teach Office 2007, because it is still the most relevant to the current business environment. But the fact is there is a newer Office version, Office 2010, which will eventually phase out 2007 in most offices as will the ACTC. But to answer some of the student questions about differences, I've copied an article from the December 2010 Redmond magazine below:

10 Top Office 2010 Features
By Doug Barney12/01/2010
Thought we left Office 2010 off the 10 Best Things Microsoft Did This Year list? No, we thought it deserved its own section, as it was perhaps the most important new product from Microsoft in 2010. Here are our 10 favorite features in the new suite.

The Ribbon: The Ribbon is about as divisive as a speech by Newt Gingrich or Keith Olbermann. Many find it more intuitive, while just as many are confused. Like it or hate it, it's a centerpiece of the entire suite.

Locking the Office Doors: Office is a big target for hackers. One new piece of protection is Data Execution Prevention, which keeps rogue EXEs from running in memory space reserved for data.

Backstage: Backstage shows up when you click the file tab. Instead of a simple list of functions, Backstage has a center panel that shows up when you click a task, and it presents options related to that task.

Most Excel-lent: Excel 2010 has two main new features: PivotTables, which can be enhanced through Slicers (which offer better filtering of the data), and Sparklines, which can take a single cell and create a mini-popup chart that demonstrates patterns.

A Brighter Outlook: Outlook is more and more the master of your communications. Now, it not only manages alternative e-mail back-ends such as Gmail and Hotmail, but it even ties directly to social networks.

Office Web Apps: Office 2010 includes scaled-down Web versions of core apps such as OneNote, PowerPoint, Word and Excel. With Office Web Apps, you can work entirely online with a Web browser - even storing files on Windows Live.

Get the Picture: PowerPoint and Word feature picture editors that used to be the domain of dedicated programs; the new editors can even adjust saturation and color temperature.

Making a Powerful Point: Similar to how Word and PowerPoint can edit pictures, you can now edit video from within PowerPoint 2010.

Spell Check: Often we spell a word correctly, but it's just the wrong word. Word 2010 helps stop that with context-sensitive spell check, and thus should know the difference between "there" and "their."

Found in Translation: Word includes a built-in language translator, perfect for an international company or your kid's homework.

About the Author
Doug Barney is editor in chief of Redmond magazine and the VP, editorial director of Redmond Media Group.

Blog Retirement

As of January 25, 2011, this blog will be 'retired' and information will be transferred to the http://waubonsee.edu website. Prior to that event, we will make sure that you have all the information you need to access the site for schedules,online registration, class cancellations, events, general information on holidays, closings etc. The waubonsee.edu site will be our main communication tool starting January 25th. As always, you can contact the ACTC at 630-906-4248 if you cannot access the Internet or have questions.

Thank you and I look forward to 'seeing' you at our new address! My best wishes for enjoying the season and the winter break, and we look forward to classes starting again on January 17.  Enjoy the New Year, and remember to keep your New Years' Resolutions to 'upgrade' yourself to the new technologies at the ACTC. As always, that upgrade is free. .

Classes for December

We still have openings for classes in December, so start your New Year's Resolution early and sign up. Register online, or contact us at 630-906-4248 for help. HO HO HO!

About Me

My name is Sharee Owens, and I'm the assistant for ACTC. My objectives for you students are to help you enroll and get started with free computer classes. All you have to do is contact me at (630)-906-4248 and I could help register you all up for some computer classes. I'm here to help you accomplish your goals towards bettering your computer skills!

Have you SEEN what Sugarplums cost lately?

The ACTC is as good a deal as there is...FREE.  So check out the schedule.Our friendly staff at the ACTC can help you finish your New Year's Resolution early:  

Quick Books (series of 4 classes) begins again Mon. Nov 15 and will run from 9-11 AM on Nov. 15, 16, 29 and 30.

Spreadsheets dancing in your head?  Try Excel classes to make them spin. Classes are offered (two in the series):
Nov. 17 and 18, from 4-6PM or Nov. 29 and 30, from 4-6 PM. If you need to know all that MS Office has to offer, consider taking MS Office 2007 overview to check it out and learn how different it is from the older Office software.  There's a class waiting for you on Thursday, November 17 from 11-1 PM

Thinking that now is the time for learning the computer? If you've never really gotten over using slide rules and an abacus, Absolutely Basics! is for you. We can ease you gently into the tech age. Classes offered on Nov. 29 from 6-8PM or Dec. 3 from 11-1. If you have some computer experience, or need a brush-up, Computer Fundamentals is offered from 11-1 on Nov. 16.

Check out the schedule for more exciting classes. and then either sign up online or call Sharee Owens at 630-906-4248 to sign up by phone.  Give yourself the gift of knowledge this year. It will last you a lifetime!

Reminder: Closed for Veteran's Day November 11

The ACTC will be closed on November 11 to honor those who have honored us with their service. Thank a Vet!

Veteran's Day Discounts

Many of you may have seen these before but here is a reminder that they are still around and some folks still appreciate those who are serving and those Vets who did.


Veteran's Day Discounts

Restaurant Freebies

Applebee's Restaurant - Free dinners to veterans throughout Veterans Day
November 11th; selections will be from a new Veterans Day menu. Go to:
http://www.applebees.com/vetsDay/default.aspx

Outback Steakhouse - Free Blooming Onion and beverage. Go to:
http://www.outback.com/pressroom/pr_101018.aspx

Golden Corral- Free buffet dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 to anyone who has
ever served in the U.S. military Staff. Go to; http://www.goldencorral.com/military/

In celebration of Veterans Day 11 Nov 2010, Subway is showing its thanks with
free six inch subs to all Veterans or Active Duty members.

On Nov. 7, McCormick & Schmick's restaurants will offer a free entree to military veterans for its 12th annual Veteran's Appreciation Event. Menu picks include such seafood items as parmesan crusted tilapia, roasted cedar plank salmon and almond crusted rainbow trout. For more information: www.mccormickandschmicks.com

Krispy Kreme - One free doughnut of any variety.

UNO Chicago Grill- Free entree or individual pizza with an entree or pizza
purchase of equal or greater value.

Coushatta Casino Resort - The Louisiana casino and resort is offering a free
seven-clans lunch or dinner buffet to veterans or active military.
MarketPlace Grill & Express - Veterans and active-duty military receive free
entrees.
Masala Wok - The Northern Virginian restaurant is offering a free entree to
veterans.
Hy-Vee supermarkets - The mid-western supermarket chain is offering a free
breakfast to veterans.
Abuelo's Mexican Food Restaurants - All veterans and active-duty military
receive a free entree.
Carolina Burgers & BBQ - In Matthews, NC is offering a free meal to all service
members and veterans.

Retail Freebies
Brides Across America - Provides free wedding gowns to qualified military
brides.
Lowe's & Home Depot - Extra 10% off to active-duty military members, National Guard and reserve members, retirees, honorably discharged veterans and immediate family members. They do it all year long, not only veterans holidays. But you have to ask.

Sam's Club - Over 25,000 Hugo canes will be given away to U.S. veterans in need of mobility assistance. Membership is not required, but supplies are limited, so check with your local store.

Amazon.com - Free "Veterans Day Honor" MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Cabela's Outdoor Store - Offers their employee discount to all veterans,
active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel Nov. 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop - Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount Nov. 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Dollar General - 10% discount for all veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and reserve and their immediate families.
Fashion Bug - 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.

Entertainment Freebies
National parks, forests and monuments - Admission is free to everyone on Veterans Day.

Knott's Berry Farm - Free park admission to U.S. armed forces personnel and a guest during Veteran's Month, November 1-26.
Colonial Williamsburg - Free admission Nov. 6-11 for active-duty military, guard and reservists, retirees, veterans and their dependents.
San Jacinto Museum of History - Free visits to the Observation Deck, theatre, and special exhibit for veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families.
Historic Jamestown - Free admission to veterans, current Armed Forces members and their family members.
Battleship Cove - Free admission and a special ceremony for veterans, active, duty and reservists.
Vicksburg National Military Park - Free admission for all.
Birmingham Museum of Art - Free admission to the ticketed event "Life and
Liberty" on Nov. 10-11 for veterans and active military.
Vulcan Park and Museum- In Birmingham, Alabama is offering discounted admission through November to the park and museum.
Greenbay (WI) New Zoo - Free admission to veterans and their families.
Central Florida Zoo - Free admission to the Sanford, Florida zoo with proper ID.
Strategic Air & Space Museum- Free admission for veterans Nov. 11-14 to the Ashland, Neb. museum.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum - in Oklahoma City offers free
admission to veterans and five guests from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Natural Elements Spa & Salon - In Chesapeake, Virginia, will provide free
services from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to both active duty and retired military

Anytime Offers:

MILITARY DISCOUNTS UPDATE 02: All these businesses offer military discounts; all you have to do is ask:

Restaurants
· Arby's · A&W · Back Yard Burgers · Burger King · Captain D's · Chick-Fil-A ·
Cotton Patch· Denny's · Dunkin' Donuts · Farmers Boy · IHOP (20 percent discount with
military identification) Java Café · KFC · Long John Silver · Pancho's Mexican Buffet · Pizza Hut ·
Quizno's · Sizzler Sonic · Taco Bell · Whataburger

Services
· AT&T · California Cryobank · Geico · Jiffy Lube · Meineke · Sears Portrait

Studio
Travel and Leisure
· Blockbuster · Movie theaters · Ripley's attractions and museums · Professional Sports teams

Products
· Apple Computers · AutoZone · Barnhill's · Bass Pro Shop · Bath and Body Works Big 10 Tires · The Buckle · Champs Sports · Copeland's Sports · Dell· The Discovery Channel Store · Dress Barn · The Finish Line · Foot Action · Footlocker· Gadzooks · GNC · Goody's · Great Party· Happy Harry's ·Home Depot · Hot Topic· Jockey · Lerner ·Lowe's · Michael's · NAPA Auto Parts · New York & Company · Pac Sun· Payless Shoes · Play It Again Sports · Pure Beauty · Sally Beauty Supply · Spencer's Gifts· Suncoast · Timberland Outlets · Wilson's Leather

Cell Phone Service Discount - All Federal employees are able to get a 15%
discount on their personal cell phones by calling their carrier and mentioning
the "Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 - Discount to Federal Employees Past and Present." You will need to know the military member's supervisor's name, phone number, and full address, so that his/her military status can be verified.

Use the following contact numbers:
Cingular - 800-319-6393
Sprint - 877-812-1223
T-Mobile - 866-646-4688
Nextel - 800-639-6111
Verizon - 800-865-1825

[Source: VA Frederick Service Office Maryland VSO msg. 26 Apr 2010 ++]

New face behind the phone

The friendly face above belongs to Sharee Owens, who is the new face behind the phone at the ACTC. Sharee will be in the office M-Th from 9-4 and Fridays from 9-12 to help you with questions about the schedule and classes. Her direct line is 630-906-4248. Call and say hello!

Classes in the ACTC

If the Affiliate CRC is closed (as it is on October 18) there will be a sign pasted on the door with that information. ACTC CLASSES are not affected.  The door may be closed, but the instruction is going on inside. If you arrive late and the door is locked, please knock on the door and the instructor will open. The door is locked after class begins to avoid interuptions in the class.  

November and December Class Schedules now OPEN

November and December class schedules are now online. As always, check the online before registration because days or classes may change due to enrollment. The schedules on this blog are always the most up-to-date.
Cancellation of classes: If an emergency comes up, the instructor should call registered students as soon as possible, with the date and time of the new class.
Remember that online registrations are all accepted, and you will not get a confirmation unless the class is full. We no longer have any clerical staff.
All schedules are subject to changes, even though that is rare, so check that the class you are interested in is still being offered.
We have a week off for the Thanksgiving holiday (Gobble it up!) and  there are 2 weeks off in December. Schedule your classes early.

Please note there was an error on the November schedule for the week of Nov. 8-12. The version you view from this blog site is the corrected version. My apologies.

Class Cancellation: Quick Books 3 Monday, Sept 20, 9 AM

Ana was ill this morning (Monday, Sept. 20) and needed to cancel her Quick Books 3 class. She will however teach the class tomorrow morning (Tuesday, Sept 21)  at 9 AM.  If you were scheduled for the class, please check your calendars and hopefully tomorrow will work for you. If not and you need to re-schedule to another date, please call me at 630-906-4248.

Ana asked if the time can be changed to 10-12 on Tuesday 9/21.  I will call registered students regarding the change of day/time.

Judith

New Class: Social Networking (SN) for Business October 26

You've had enough Access? Are you all accounted for with Accounting? Then perhaps you might find "Social Networks for Business (SNB)" a tool you can use. The first SNB class will be held Tuesday, October 26 from 2-4, and will be taught by JoAnne Gerding.

Social Networking is a hot topic these days, from more social sites like Facebook and Twitter to those that have been developed to assist in career networking, such as Plaxo and LinkedIn. It seems like everybody is doing something with SN's. Here's a chance to see what they can do for you, or learn how they should NOT be used. You should bring a 'business' email address that you would not mind sharing with potential employers. Email addresses like 'hot4funparties.blahblah.com' or .Ihonkfordemocrats.blahblah.com' are not appropriate for a business environment, and if you have something that either suggests that all you do is party, or ties you to a specific church, political or other group, you should create a new address for resumes and SN sites. There are plenty of free email sites, like hotmail (hotmail.com), Google (gmail.com)  Comcast (comcast.net) orYahoo (yahoo.com), and it makes sense to keep your business and personal lives separate. I'd suggest gmail, since we often ask you to use Google tools, and it has a strong level of security. If you need help setting up a new email address, ask one of our instructors. Tips to keep in mind:

• Keep them as short as possible, since you may have to give them over the phone.
• Rather than first and last names, or first initial last name, consider some of each, such as josmam.blahblah.com instead of JohnSmithAmherst.blahblah.com
• DON'T use things that could help thieves steal your identity, such as parts of your address, social security number, birthdate, children's names, pets etc.
• The less identifiable the address, the better.
• Do NOT use any groups you like or are a part of, such as politcal groups, church groups, social groups etc. You do not want to turn-off a potential employer who may have different leanings. Your Bobloveswhitesox.blah.com might not impress a Cubs-loving employer.
• DO use the business email address you create on your resume and on any employment applications.
• DO keep the business address for employment purposes, and give Aunt Bertha your more social email address. Keeping your business mail separate from your social mail will make sure that you don't miss a potential job offer or reply.
• Most email addresses use lowercase as the default, so use 'josmam' instead of JoSmAm. 
• However, for PASSWORDS for your email, longer IS better, and a combination of random letters and numbers is better than all letters. Again, don't use anything that is identifiable to you, such as addresses, social security numbers, pet names etc.

New Class Added: Accounting 102

An Accounting 102 class has been added to the schedule, based on student request. The first class will be Tuesday, October 12, and will cover additional material not covered in Accounting 101. Ana Lotfe de Diaz will be teaching that class.

NEW Class Added! Microsoft Office Access 2007

We've added a Microsoft ACCESS class to the schedule, starting in October, in response to your requests. A new instructor, JoAnne Gerding, is starting in October as well. JoAnne has a wealth of instructional experience, and has worked at Waubonsee in the AELC and Workforce Development, as well as several other areas. She will be replacing David Adams, and will be bringing some new direction to the ACTC. Please welcome her to the instructional staff.

Microsoft Office Access, previously known as Microsoft Access, is a pseudo-relational database management system from Microsoft that combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software-development tools. This program takes the spreadsheet concept to a relational database, allowing for sharing between pages and cells, and creation of forms for easier data entry. Experience in Excel or completion of Excel 101 and 102 are pre-requisites for the Access class. The first Access classes will be held October 26 and 28 from 11-1.

Microsoft Office Access 2007 Features

Thinking about taking Access? Here are some of the features of this program:

• Enter information into a data cell — just as you do in Microsoft Office Excel. When you enter a new value, Office Access 2007 automatically adds a new field and detects the data.
• Attach documents and files to your database  
• WYSIWYG: Office Access 2007 features a what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) forms design interface. You can design and modify the form layout in real time on the screen — and preview your form as you build it.
• Interactive report browse:  The new report browse mode makes user reports more accessible. Use CTRL+F to find records, copy the data into other applications, and get to detailed records to edit the data.
• Revision history: New functionality enables you to track records and see who created, edited, and deleted records.
• Work with multivalue fields: Office Access 2007 supports complex data types, so you can create columns that accept more than one value in a cell. For example, if you assign a task to more than one person, you can include both names in the cell. 
• Quickly create tables: Office Access 2007 makes it easier to work directly within a datasheet to create and customize tables. Enter information into a data cell — just as you do in Microsoft Office Excel. When you enter a new value, Office Access 2007 automatically adds a new field and detects the data type (for example, date, number, or text). You can even paste Excel tables into a new datasheet, and Office Access 2007 will build all the fields and recognize the data types automatically.
•  Collect information through forms in e-mail or import data from external applications.

October Schedule now available

The OCTOBER ACTC schedule is now available. Highlights:

• NEW this month is Microsoft ACCESS, 11-1, October 26 and 28. A new instructor, Joanne Gerding, will be teaching this much requested class.
• Math Review: 11-1, October 8: many employers are requiring a math skills test prior to employment, this class is an opportunity to brush up on those skills.  
• Google Docs: 6-8, October 4 and 11-1 October 20: the newest method of sharing Office documents that you should know to give you an edge over other job applicants.
• Office 2007 Overview:  2-4, October 21: get a good sense of all Office products prior to taking individual classes.
• Absolutely Basics: 9-11 October 1, 11-1 October October 7: for those new to computers, or those who have a fear of computers, this is the class!
• Job Search 001: 6-8, October 29: Tips and Techniques for searching for a job online.
• Accounting 101, 9-11, October 12: If you have no previous experience with accounting, this class will give you the terms and vocabulary you need to succeed in Quick Books.

Please remember that the schedule is subject to changes/cancellations, so check the schedule prior to completing the ONLINE REGISTRATION.

Don't forget we will be CLOSED on Monday, October 11 in observance of Columbus Day.

ACTC 'Hit Parade": What students say about the ACTC classes:

“Just when I think all the excitement is gone... I get excited every time I come to class, WOW! This is a great feeling”

“The teacher is great:  informative and patient”


“Keep the classes coming. I have come a long way, but yet I have so much to learn.”


“My instructor is so great she encourages me to keep coming back.”


“This class (Absolutely Basics) helped me a lot to learn about computer basics.”


“I loved this class (Google Docs) ......... will use from now on......... excellent instructor.........”

“This class was very helpful and I know more that I can do with my computer.”

"I am amazed with Google Docs - it's like a whole new powerful world! Unbelievable efficiency, this is going to change the aspect of everything I do, both personally and professionally. Thank you!"

“Easy and right to the point on all sections of the program (Quick Books)”

“It was refreshing to go over some (Accounting) terms I once knew and have an even better perspective on because of this class. Thank you.”

“Very pleasant, makes you feel relaxed”

“...just glad to have this opportunity and learn something new.”

See what all the buzz is about. Sign up online for ACTC classes TODAY!

Job Fair 2010: Friday September 17, 2010

The 9th annual Working for the Fox Valley Job Fair 2010 will be held on Friday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Waubonsee College Academic and Professional Building, Event Room, Sugar Grove, 60554. It is free and open to the public. There will be a shuttle bus from the Waubonsee Aurora Campus, 5 E Galena, 60506.
Suggestions: Bring plenty of resumes, dress professionally and be prepared to interview.
For a list of participating employers, directions and a workshop schedule, visit www.waubonsee.edu/careerservices or http://www.illinoisworknet.com/  . You can also call 630-466-2368 with any questions. List of employers: http://www.waubonsee.edu/downloads/pdf/career_services/1011jobfair_part_employers.pdf

New Look...Same GREAT Place!

The blog has a new look but still has all the information you are looking for from the ACTC!

Google Docs Rocks! Monday, August 30 9-11 and 11-1

Cloud Computing is the newest thing in technology. The ACTC will be offering 2 classes to introduce you to Google Docs, which is a form of information sharing using the Cloud concept. If you've always saved your Word files or Excel spreadsheets to your hard drive, and then sent them as an email attachment, you need to get your head into the cloud. With Google Docs, you can upload those files directly to a free Google account, and then share them with your co-workers or friends in REAL TIME, and do it with just a URL address. If you want to see what this can do for you, come to the ACTC on Monday, August 30 from 9-11 or 11-1 and see what else you can do with Office documents.
PS: to try out Google Docs before the class, just use the ACTC Online Registration form. Or fill out a Post-Class Assessment form. Yes, those are Google Docs!
Register for either class online. This is not a hands-on class (we'll have those available later) but you will see the power of using this new technology.

September Class Schedule

The September class schedule has been corrected (some of the dates and classes were wrong) so please check again before doing an online registration that the classes you want are still available.

Adelante Con Educación (A.C.E.)

Waubonsee launched a community outreach program, Adelante Con Educación (A.C.E.), to reach out to its district’s growing Latino population on March 24, 2010. This program is a part of Waubonsee’s Brighter Futures Initiative, and it aims to improve Latino student success in higher education. The A.C.E. program encourages, nurtures, and provides resources with the intent of promoting educational achievement.

The primary goal of the A.C.E. outreach program is to provide underserved community members with information about educational opportunities. The program is coordinated by the Office of Governmental and Multicultural Affairs.
Mission
A.C.E. helps parents and their children navigate the education system to provide them with the tools they need to achieve academic success and personal growth.
The following principles provide the foundation of A.C.E.

• Is a community-based effort to improve Latino/a success in higher education
• Aligns and leverages existing Waubonsee Community College programs
• Collaborates with community members and organizations to create a network of informed individuals
• Strengthens Waubonsee Community College’s existing efforts
• Serves as Waubonsee Community College’s outreach to the Latino/a community

Contact Information:

•   Coordinator Director: Lourdes Blacksmith 
•   Automated Spanish Telephone Line 630-466-6810
•   Email address inscripcion@waubonsee.edu

Meetings:

Monthly 6-7:30 p.m.:    ACTC, 501 College Avenue, Aurora, Il 60505 
Next meeting: Monday, Aug 24, 6-7:30 PM, ACTC Suite 100

 Members meet in the evening on a monthly basis to hear educational and informational presentations and to:

• Get to know each other in depth and begin to build trust amongst members to become each other's valuable resources
• Share their learning concerns and receive feedback from other members
• Are encouraged to infuse energy and enthusiasm with other members
• Have time to reflect on personal ongoing achievements

A.C.E. membership is composed of:

• Parents and children who are interested in education
• People who want to gain knowledge and new experiences in an environment of mutual support and friendship
• People who are willing to provide support to others with mutual interests
• People who want to discover new directions to impact their personal and educational growth

New WCC PLANO Campus Information

The new Waubonsee Community College Plano Campus, 100 Waubonsee Drive, Plano IL (off Rte 34) and serving the northeast section of our district will  be starting classes in January, 2011. Here are the highlights:

• Full AA/AS credit degrees available from this site
• Will include credit classes as well as Adult Education (GED and ESL) Community Education and Workforce Development programming
• All classes media equipped with state of the art equipment
• General classrooms, 2 science labs, 2 computer labs, a CNA lab and a conference room
• Full connectivity  to Sugar Grove campus
• Wireless access throughout the building
• Nine acre campus with an outdoor patio overlooking Lake Plano
• Kiosk in library connected to Sugar Grove Campus librarians for assistance with reference
• Opening Schedule:
• November 1: Open to community for all registration services
• November 12, 2010: Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening, 2-4 PM
• November 13, 2010: Community Open House: All invited
• January 3, 2011: Registrations open after winter break
• January 18, 2011: First day of classes for spring semester
FYI: The new Aurora Campus Building (downtown Aurora, west of the current campus) currently under construction will open in the fall of 2011. Until then, classes will continue at the 5 E Galena Blvd. location. 

Judith's Corner: Cloud Computing: The Newest 'Kid' on the Block

A lot of students realize that understanding technology and the tech tools, such as Office 2007, the Internet or Email, are essential for getting prepared for a new job. I often get asked about what else is beyond Office. Well, the answer is in the clouds, or more specifically, a new direction in computing called 'Cloud Computing'. That was the topic of the last T3 Group, and is definitely something you should know.

Cloud computing takes Office programs and 'kicks them up a notch' by making them shareable from the Web, in real time. So if you are creating an Excel document from your office in Aurora, but want your co-worker in St. Charles to be able to see and EDIT that document at the same time you are writing it, clouds can make that happen. We use Google Docs here in the ACTC to share information between students and instructors with my office at Waubonsee. Do you know that when you register online, I can immediately see your registration, and more importantly, can access it from Sugar Grove or the Aurora Campus, or the ACTC, or even from my iPhone as soon as you hit Submit? 
 If the class instructors are at the ACTC, I can add your name to the class roster from my office and they will see it immediately. They can even ask me a text question if we are online at the same time. Almost any document can be uploaded to Google Docs and shared.  And if you know Office already, Google Docs will be an easy transition for you.

So the ACTC will be moving forward with some classes geared towards cloud computing so that you can be up to date with the newest trends in technology. There's a two part Google Docs class on Monday, August 30 from 9-11 and 11-1 which will also highlight other Cloud tools such as the MS Office SkyDrive. I'll be teaching that class, and some of the ACTC instructors may pop in too. That class is filling up, so if you are interested, jump on the cloud and register online soon.  There are two classes, 9-11 and 11-1.
See you there!

Judith

September Classes

Some of the September class schedule is now online.  There may be some additional classes offered. If you don't see a convenient time for taking the class you want, check back later to see if the class you want has been added. However, you can now use the online registration form for registering for September classes.

News to Note

There's a new small business hiring tax credit. Small businesses with 50 or fewer employees are eligible for a $2,500 tax credit for each new full-time employee hired between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.  Eligible businesses can apply online at JobsTaxCredit.illinois.gov 

While you may not be the employer, you should be aware that employers do have tax credit available to them if you are hired full-time.

Online Registration Form Timesaver

When filling out the online registration form, it is only necessary to put in your complete data information once. On subsequent class registrations, you only need to fill in your name and phone number, and then the classes you want. That should save you some time!

ACTC Student Comments

• What a great resource!
• Wow-I have new power!
• I love the classes.
• It was not as difficult as I thought.
• The teacher was excellent at explaining how to do Word Documents. She made it easy and fun to do...
• I am glad that these technology classes are offered. It is important to keep you skills sharp. Our instructor is very patient and that is important.
• Thanks for taking the time to teach these refresher classes. I appreciate it.
• La clase es magnifica y agradesco lo mucho que nos enseñan. Thank you very much.
• Thank You very much. la clase es estupenda y me ayuda mucho.
• EVERY CLASS I LEARN SOMETHING NEW
• I like this class and the instructor also. Thhis class helps me to recall what I learned about the basic knowledge of computer and the instructor is very nice, very knowledgeable, and very helpful to help us to know what we need to know about the computer so we can learn a lot more abou the computer. Thank you ACTC, the instructor and everyone.
• I felt I learned more, thanks.
• I am really happy I am learning more every time I come here.
• "I am amazed with what I am learning through your classes"
• I am amazed how much i have learned through your program. Thank-you for caring.
• Teacher was well prepared for the class. I learned to set up my new email and use it. Thank you.
• Teacher explained things great. very easy to understand!
  
  "These are comments from students about ACTC classes. The teachers are caring and the classes informative. You could be on your way to a better understanding of technology very soon. Sign up today!

Classes are filling up!

Be sure to check the online schedule to see if the class you want is still available. Filled classes will have a strikethrough, (eg: abc ) and will not be available this time. However, the class will be scheduled at a later date, so you will still be able to take the classes you want. The best method is to sign up online. Simply click on to the ONLINE REGISTRATION at the top of this page and fill in the blanks. Once you hit submit, unless the class has been canceled, you are registered for the class. Please be sure to come on time so that you do not inconvenience your fellow students.

And don't forget to ask for your free FastCARD (for Microsoft Office classes only) after you complete the highest level of that class. So if you've taken Excel 101 and 102, you will receive a FastCARD after you finish 102.  These cards are helpful reminders of the basic information in using Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Office 2007. You will receive only one card per course, and the offer is only good while supplies last.

Scholarship to Help Unemployed

Sugar Grove – The Waubonsee Community College Foundation is currently offering “Brighter Futures” scholarships, which provide up to $500 to unemployed district residents who enroll in Workforce Development courses at the college. These short, focused courses are intended to provide students with relevant skills they can utilize right away in a variety of industries such as computers, health care, manufacturing and small business.

This scholarship program is part of the college’s larger “Brighter Futures” initiative, which provides resources and strategies for thriving in a challenging economy.
The “Brighter Futures” scholarship application form is available at www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures
 . For more information call (630) 466-7900, ext. 2316.

Reminder: T 3 is coming !! Tuesday July 27, 9 AM

Do you need to know more about technology? Would you like to be an 'in the know' about the newest tech buzzwords and tools? Join T3 for some conversation and hands on with technolog. Each month we will have a discussion group on what's new and get you up to date with things such as clouds, social networks, apps, Google etc. Add a little coffee and sweets. Sign up and I'll see you then. Technology CAN be fun!

Higher Education Information Website

http://www.collegeatlas.org/

The above website (College Atlas) has some good information on higher education options and opportunities that can be used by yourself, or for your children. It gives useful information on types of schools, where to find loans, jump starting college planning etc. There are tabs for four year institutions, community colleges, international schools and even a listing of colleges by major. This is an excellent tool to help you through the sometimes confusing maze of information. Click on the address above to access the site.

ACTC Opens on Monday, July 19th!

If you haven't signed up for classes yet, check out the new schedule and sign-up online. Classes start Monday. Students who finish a series (eg: Excel 101 and 102) of Microsoft OFFICE classes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office Overview and Outlook) will receive a free 6 panel card (FAST CARD) with a review of the material taught in class. You will only receive one card even if you take the class multiple times, and only after you successfully complete the last level of the class. These cards are useful reminders of what you studied in class. While quantities last. Cards are only for those who complete the Office 2007 classes this year.

ACTC: What's New?

The ACTC is always looking for new courses to help you navigate through the ever-changing world of technology. The phrase "We Don't Know What We Don't Know' exemplifies the challenges we face today. Unless you have resources for finding out the newest technologies, you might just get left behind.
The new Tech group at the ACTC is called T3: Tech Tools and Techniques. Once a month we will meet to discuss the newest technologies, and how they can apply to your everyday life. Sometimes we'll discuss big picture ideas like Web 2.0 or Cloud Computing. We'll also throw in ideas like Collaborative Computing (such as Google Docs) and how that can revolutionize how you share information with colleagues. It's meant to be a fun way to find out the 411 on tech issues. There's a sign up form at: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEJsMmk0b0tsWHJyUlRBRU9MeUdLZHc6MQ
 Join us!

New Campus Updates

For those of you out west, the new PLANO Campus will open for classes January 2011. This is a full service facility allowing you to take all levels of classes close to home.
Work on the new AURORA Campus is also continuing. That building will open for classes August 2011.
Of course you can always take classes at Sugar Grove, Aurora or Copley Campuses prior to these new buildings opening.

WCC Brighter Futures Initiative

Resources & strategies to thrive in a challenging economy

Whether you are out of work, having trouble paying bills, on the verge of losing your home or just confused about the future, Waubonsee can help you navigate today’s tumultuous economy and chart a brighter future.

You can access this information at: http://www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures/
 
WCC is committed to helping you find success. See the above site for free workshops, scholarship opportunities and other services. If you are unemployed, the college is offering another year of $500. scholarships for Workforce Development courses to give you a base to work from to find a job. Check out the site above for information.

Schedule repair

There was an issue with accessing the schedule, which I believe is now repaired. If you have additional issues with access, please let me know, at jsotir@waubonsee.edu. Thanks and enjoy the holiday weekend!

New ACTC Classes

Registration for classes July 19-Sept 30 is now OPEN.  See the schedule and fill out the online registration form at the top of this page.

New for FY 11: 

• T3 Group: a technology group to discuss the latest and greatest technologies. Join us one Tuesday per month to see what's in your future. (see schedule for dates and fill out this form to register): http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEJsMmk0b0tsWHJyUlRBRU9MeUdLZHc6MQ
• Google Docs for Spreadsheets: You've mastered Excel, now learn how you can share your spreadsheets (and word documents) in REAL TIME. Learn how technology has jumped to a new level.
• Computer Literacy for ESL: a class designed to help ESL students master the skills needed to understand computers and their function.
• Computer Vocabulary: don't understand what a link is? confused about terms like blogging and wikis? do you just want to feel with it? This is the class for you.
• MS Office 2007: An overview of what features you can find in Office 2007, see what you need to know.
• VISTA: find out about computer operating systems and how they can help you get the information that you need.

The Year that Was

As we wind down one year and gear up for the next, I thought I'd share some highlights with you.

• The ACTC gave out 1782 Elevate America vouchers (from IL and Microsoft) at the beginning of the year, Many of the recipients came back to the ACTC to take additional classes.
• 1122 individual students took classes this year, doubling the previous year.
• New classes were added in the fall, including Accounting 101 (to help prepare for Quick Books classes) and Absolutely Basics! for those who are need a foundation level class to alleviate the fear of using computers.
• In January, Waubonsee Community College donated 15 computers to the ACTC, replacing the outdated computers and allowing us to upgrade to Office 2007.
• This blog has had over 3500 visitors since it started!
• In early April, a new ONLINE Registration component was added, allowing another format for registering for classes. To date, 204 of you have used this fast and easy means of registering. We hope more of you will use this in the future.
• In April, new classes were added, including: Google Doc Spreadsheets, the newest way to share documents with other users (your online registration and class schedules utilize this tool). Also added were Blogs and Wikis, and Animoto Photography.

Thank you for a great year, and we hope to see you back in July...we're developing some new courses (Vista, MS Office Overview, ESL Vocabulary, Digital Literacy for ESL and others). Come back and see what's new for FY11. As always, let us know what you'd like to see at the ACTC...this is YOUR center!

Cheers~

Judith Sotir
ACTC Manager

Online Class Cancellation Form

Please note that a new Online Class Cancellation form has been added. It is located next to the Online Registration form, at the top of this page. If you have an emergency and cannot attend a scheduled class, please let us know so that we can fill the space with another student. There is also a space on the form for rescheduling the same class at a later time/date. We really appreciate your consideration.

FY 11 Class Schedule: July-Sept, NOW AVAILABLE

The schedule of classes from July 19-Sept. 30 is now available. Please access it from the left column, and register for classes via our online registration form. If you have questions, call us at 630-906-4248. Additional months will be added in the next few weeks, after teaching assignments are completed.
The colors refer to instructors assigned to teach each class. Please note that if there are a series of classes (such as Excel 1 and 2, or Quickbooks 1-4), they will be coded as Excel 101 and 102, or Quickbooks 301-304. Beginning classes with no pre-requisites will be coded with a 00, as in Absolutely Basic 001 and 002. Quickbooks requires starting from 301 and completing through 304, and you should register for Accounting 101 before taking QB classes if you have no previous experience with accounting.
Classes that are on the schedule but have a strike through (eg. Accounting 101) means that the class is filled. While October -December are posted, I've put a strike-through on all classes because this schedule is not confirmed. As soon as it is, I will remove the strike-throughs and open the classes for registration.  As always, if a class is filled, you will be given additional classes to register.
Please keep fellow students in mind, and if you cannot make a scheduled class, let us know in advance so that we can offer that spot to someone else.

Tech Tools and Techniques: T3 Group

Do you know what a CLOUD is? Are Wikis Wicked? Animoto can do WHAT to my digital photos? You want to GOOGLE my DOCS?!?

 If you have desire to learn about technology from an insider, sign up for our TECH TOOLS and TECHNIQUES Group, also known as T3, which will meet monthly to get the lowdown...skim the skinny...net the news...and basically give you a place to see the newest and most interesting technologies we can find. Sign up and come visit with us. You'll learn something new every time! The first group will meet at 11 am on Tuesday, July 20.  Sign up in the T3 Group site in the left hand column.

Judith

Bringing YOU the Newest Technologies

It's summertime (finally) and time to take things slow and easy. It's also a time to start thinking about what you can do to promote your career and better your life. Technology has taken over, sometimes for the better and sometimes, well, it's just darned frustrating!

We're going to take a little breather to regroup for the year ahead, so the ACTC will be closed from July 1-July 19th,  When we come back, we'll have even more ideas to help you through the technology maze. As you know, we switched to Office 2007 this spring, and will continue to offer the core Office programs: Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Excel, by the way, is our most popular offering. The second most popular class is our Quick Books series, which is four classes on using Quick Books in your small business or office. We added a pre-class this year called Accounting Basics, so that you have a firm foundation in accounting terms and vocabulary. Another popular class added this year is Absolutely Basics!, for those who have little or no experience with computers, and want to start out with a clear understanding of what computers can (and can't) do. It's meant to dispel the fear of what can happen when you turn the computer on, and breaks down the 'fear factor' that keeps many people from using them.

Specialty classes in things like Blogs and Wikis, and Google Docs were also added. These are Web 2.0 technologies, which simply means interactive capabilities for using and sharing information. If you think of Web 1.0 (the original) as a one-way street, 2.0 is a two-way street, with the readers being able to take an active role in the application. There's also a lot to be learned by understanding clouds, not the puffy white ones in the sky but a resource and storage site for information that you want to share with a particular group. The term 'cloud' is simply a metaphor for the Internet. There are public clouds, community clouds, business clouds and private clouds. Digital Photography and Animoto Video can show you how to use technology in all aspects of your life. To help you understand all these strange new trends, we'll set up a monthly date to share information about the newest tech applications (Tech Tools and Techniques), so you too can feel a part of the revolution that is Web 2.0. I'll also try to throw in a few posts on the newest applications. We want you to be comfortable with all aspects of technology. Come join us, learn with us and share in the fun.

Finally, after an amazingly fast first year (for me), we have experience with what works and what doesn't and we'll do what we can to streamline things like registering for classes. The online registration option (now conveniently located at the top of the blog, just under the title) is the best. It's available 24/7 and when you add your email address to the form, we can confirm your classes by email. Obviously, some people still prefer to call in, which is an option we'll continue to offer. Classes are going to be coded in a traditional college fashion: 001 will indicate beginning level or no experience needed. 100 level will indicate the core programs (such as Office) and we'll use 101 to indicate the first class and 102 or higher to indicate subsequent classes. Advanced or specialty classes will be coded as 300 or 400 level classes. You'll know at a glance what type of class is being offered. The schedule itself will get an overhaul, and will offer the core classes on a more regular basis.

So come back and see what we have to offer. If you would like to learn something we don't yet teach, let me know. This blog is one of those two-way Web 2.0 technologies.  I hope the new format makes it easier to use. You can comment on any of these posts by using the 'comment' feature below each post. Click on the word and a comment box will appear. Please be sure to type in your name so I know who you are and can respond back to you. Remember, this is YOUR technology center!

Warmly,

Judith Sotir, ACTC Manager

PS: Here's a useful tip: to know when this blog is updated, just look in the left side column for the 'Followers' post. Click on it and add your email address. When this blog changes, it will 'ping' (notify) your email. How cool is that??

Math Review Tool Kit

Things just aren't ADDING up? Are your concerns MULTIPLYING? Are you ready to DIVIDE and conquer? Need an easy way to brush up on some rusty skills so you can SUBTRACT your fears and turn some NEGATIVES into POSITIVES? It will take only a FRACTION of your time.

Tuesday, June 29th from 2-4 is the date and time for our MATH REVIEW class. Sign up today. The ODDS are good that you will find success.

Good News!

I am very pleased to report that the ACTC received funding for the next year, starting July 1. Our current classes go through June 30. I will be working on the schedule for the next semester, and will have it available before the start of classes July 19th. We are looking forward to developing new classes, and hope to see YOU there too.  Until then, enjoy the warm days of summer, and remember that we will be here to keep you up to date in technology.

Cheers!
Judith

Cool Tip: Online Registration

Don't forget to add an email address to your online registration. We'll send out a confirmation email to remind you when your classes are scheduled.

Looking for classes? Not sure which classes to take?

Here's a tip: Go to the section titled 'Class Descriptions' (left hand column, under Class Schedules), and you will get a synopsis of the courses to see if they fit your needs. Then hit 'Online Registration' and sign up. It's as easy as that!

Classes ARE Available

New classes are now available, and you can join them by registering online. We have classes in all the Office programs (Word, PowerPoint and Excel), and added classes in the newest methods of using shared information, including Google Docs (the newest 'thing' in the world of tech), blogs, wikis and social networking. We are also working on adding another Quick Books series class. Check out the new schedule for June and come on down to the ACTC this summer. We are the purveyors of 'How to Succeed in Business WITH Trying'. Summer is not the only HOT thing!
Remember: we will be CLOSED on Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day...but our online registration is available 24/7.  You can access it directly from this blog (left hand column).

NEW!!! Classes added in June

Additional classes have been added on Mondays from 6-8 PM, with instructor Norma Warwick. These classes are highlighted in aqua on the ACTC schedule, and include classes in Email, Internet and Outlook. There are also openings in the Job Search classes for June. We will also try to add a Quick Books class, so watch the schedule (and this blog) for any new classes. Post a comment on the blog if there are any classes you would like to see in June.

Help a Good Program get the Funding it Needs!

Vote everyday until the end of May. Every VOTE counts! Just click on the VOTE bar under the message. You'll need to register the first time, and after just remember to click on VOTE daily. Let's make something good happen for our community.

Judith

New ACTC Classes

Check the schedule for new classes, highlighted in GREEN

These include:

• Animoto Digital Display App (for creating videos from slides)
• Creating and Using Blogs for Business
• Creating and Using Wikis for Business
• Using Blogs for Business Communication
• Power Point Tips and Techniques (Advanced skills)
• Google Docs: Creating Shared Spreadsheets and Forms
• Google Docs: for Business Communication
• Social Networks: Tips and Techniques for Social and Business
• Techie Insider Tips and FAQs

A summary of the classes is available on the Class Content site.

Job Fair

Friday, April 23, 2010
1:00-3:30 PM

Location: 
workNet DuPage
2525 Cabot Drive, 3rd floor
Lisle Illinois 60532

Job seekers wishing to attend MUST register by completing a Service Card application, which can be obtained from the career center or from the workNet DuPage website (http://www.worknetdupage.org/). 
call 630-955-2030 for additional information

*** NEW*** Online Registration Option

In order to provide you with the most efficient registration process, we have instituted a new ONLINE REGISTRATION. To use, simply go to the left column of this page and click on the underlined 'Online Registration". The information from this form will go immediately into a database for staff to process. Fill out the form completely to assure that we can process it correctly. There is space for two class registrations, but you can fill out the form again with only your last name, first name and phone number to add additional classes. We can get the other information from your first registration. Staff will call if the class is filled, and we will send you a confirmation in the mail (if there is sufficient time before your class).
Please let us know if this method is an effective alternative to registering by phone. Thanks!

Funding Cuts

 David Adams, a long-time instructor at the ACTC has taken a new position, and his instructional hours need to be changed. In addition, the state budget crisis has cut funding for education at all levels, and staffing from WCC has been affected. I personally apologize for any mishaps this may have caused, and I am working on getting the phones staffed again and the new schedule put online as soon as possible.

The ACTC grant is fully funded and no cuts in ACTC classes will be made. However, the additional staffing from WCC is affected by the state budget crisis, so there are some administrative issues that need to be resolved. The same classes will be offered to students, but the time the classes are offered will need to change (those would be the 'TBA' classes listed on the schedule). All other classes will remain as they are currently posted. There will be phone coverage again starting on Wed. April 8, although it will be on a shortened schedule of hours.
I know that many of you have taken classes with David, and his talent will be missed.
Please be patient with us during this transitional period.  Thank you.

Judith Sotir
Manager, ACTC/AELC
Waubonsee Community College

Spring class schedule and registrations

The new schedule for mid-April through June will be out shortly. If there are classes you would like to see added, call 630-906-4248 and leave a message with that information.  There may be a delay in registering next week, but you can call and leave a message at 630-906-4248 with your name (spell it, please), phone number and class(es) you wish to join. Unless there is a strikethrough on the schedule, the classes should be open. If you can't get through by phone, you can register at the time of the class. A new, online registering option is in the works as well.

New Computers have Landed!

The new computers are installed at the ACTC, and they have both Office 2003 and 2007 installed. Instructors will be teaching using 2007 after spring break, but we will continue to have 2003 available.
Please note that the schedule for April -June is being revised. The classes listed as TBA will be added this week. Check this blog for the most current schedule, and note that it is always subject to changes. Contact Tyesha at 630-906-4248 with any questions, or to sign up for classes.

Waubonsee College Brighter Futures Initiative FREE Workshops*

* www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures
 contact for more information

Community Career Event

 Thursday, March 25, 4-8 PM

New England Congregational Church
406 West Galena Blvd.
Aurora, IL

•  How to start a business
• Financial survival
• Finding the right career
• Maximizing your job search
• and much more...

I Share: Sharpening your Skills for Success

 (Offered in partnership with Quad County Urban League)

 Monday March 22
 6-8PM
 Quad County Urban League
 1685 Farnsworth Avenue
 Aurora, IL

Entry Level Careers in Health Care
 (Offered in partnership with Provena Medical Center)
 Tuesday March 23
 1-2:30 PM
 Provena Mercy Medical Center
 1325 N Highland Ave
 Aurora, IL

Waubonsee: Adelante Con Educacion (A.C.E.)

 Wednesday, March 24

 6-7:30 PM (session in Spanish)
 5 E Galena Blvd.
 WCC Aurora Campus Room 134

Spring Job/Internship Fair

Thursday, April 8
8:30 AM-1:00 PM
Academic and Professional Center (APC Blg)
WCC Sugar Grove Campus, Rte 47 and Waubonsee Drive

Mesa Redonda : Necesita trabajo? Esta usted listo?

 Wednesday, April 28

  6-7:30 PM (session in Spanish)
  5 E Galena Blvd
  WCC Aurora Campus Room 134

  All of the programs listed are FREE and are a great opportunity for you to network, sharpen your skills and help you with your concerns. Of course, you can continue with classes at the ACTC to increase your computer and job search skills. Waubonsee is working hard to provide a variety of tools to help you find (or keep) a job.

Closed Classes

If a class you are interested in is lined out in the schedule, it means the class is full. Most classes are repeated each month, so check the next month's schedule and call us. You can sign up as far in advance as you wish. Popular classes fill quickly, so call us as soon as possible to get your choice of classes.

Also, TBA classes are classed that are currently under revision. Please check this blog for the most current schedule of classes as they become available.

New Computers will be Installed this Week

The ACTC is getting new computers installed this week, so we will have a full complement of working computers to better serve our clients. With the new computer installation, we will also have enough memory to install MS Office 2007. We will switch instruction from Office 2003 to Office 2007 during spring break (the week of March 15-19), and after that time will use Office 2007 for instruction. If you need classes in 2003, please sign up before March 12. If you prefer using MS 2007, sign up for classes AFTER March 19.

Brighter Futures hits Aurora!

Waubonsee will once again help our district residents find a brighter future with a series of free workshops and events this spring.
A highlight will be the Community Career Event on March 25 in Aurora. This event will be similar to the Kick-Off event held last June in the APC and the event held at Timber Creek in Sandwich this past October.

 

Community Career Event

 

Find resources and strategies to help you thrive in a challenging economy at this FREE event. Attend as many or as few sessions as you wish. Featuring a community resource fair, one-on-one resume/cover letter assistance, and educational sessions on:

 

• How to start a business
• Financial survival
• Maximizing your job search
• Finding the right career.. and more..

 

Thursday, March 25 4 - 8 p.m.
New England Congregational Church
406 West Galena Blvd.
Aurora, IL 60506

 

There will be other programs offered in Aurora including a seminar on Entry Level Careers in Health Care offered in partnership with Provena Mercy Medical Center on Tuesday, March 23. We will also hold two different workshops in Spanish at the Aurora campus.

 

You can also find details on Brighter Futures events at www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfutures

Waubonsee College Brighter Futures Initiative

Waubonsee Community College continues to help our district residents find a brighter future with a series of free events this spring - all designed to help the unemployed/underemployed find the resources and strategies they need to succeed in today's tough job market and economy. Information on the more than 20 Brighter Futures programs offered this spring can be found at: www.waubonsee.edu/brighterfuture
or by calling Community Education at 630-466-7900 extension 2360.

Severe Weather

The ACTC follows the guidelines of Waubonsee Community College (http://waubonsee.edu/) regarding severe weather closings. Please check the Waubonsee site for any closing information. That information will also be available on television and radio stations. If your class is cancelled due to weather, we will call you to re-schedule.

NEW!!! Hotlists for Students

Several clients have asked for academic Websites that they can access. I've just added a new area called 'Hotlists for Students' to the now infamous left column of this blog. Hotlists let you choose a general topic ares, such as 'Math Hotlist for Basic, Algebra and Geometry'. When you click on the topic, it will open a page that has hot links to Websites. You don't need to type in a URL, simply click on the link and it will open that page in your browser. I'll be adding to these links when I find additional sites, so check back often. If there is a topic area you think you would like to see addressed, let me know (jsotir@waubonsee.edu). Remember, the ACTC is YOUR community technology center, and we are always looking for additional tools to help you become better skilled in all aspects of technology.

Change from Office 2003 to 2007

The center has received new computers, and will be able to switch to Office 2007 during spring break (March 15-19). If you require training on Office 2003, please take those classes before we make the switch.

Online Microsoft Elevate America Success Stories Survey.

If you were a recipient of the Microsoft Elevate America vouchers, please check your email and fill out the Online Survey. This was a huge program for the state, and your feedback will be much appreciated.

Check it Out! Consumer Information Catalog

http://pueblo.gsa.gov/  The government will send you a catalog of free and low-cost information regarding a variety of topics. Examples include:
Consumer Focus: Cold, seasonal flu, H1N1
Your Pharmacy Benefit: Make It Work for You!
Online Tips and Guides:
Electronic Banking
Home Equity Line Freeze or Reduction
Is Your Private Information Open to the Public?. Outlines eight practical steps you can take to stay safe online and avoid becoming a victim of fraud, identity theft, or cyber crime. 6 pp. (2007. DHS) 327T. $1.50.
Stop. Think. Click.. Learn how to be OnGuard Online™ by following these important tips to protect your information, your computer, even yourself. 11 pp. (2007. FTC) 324V. $1.50. A pdf version is available
Minimizing the Effects of Malware on Your Computer - Malware is short for - malicious software. It includes viruses - programs that copy themselves without your permission - and spyware, programs installed without your consent to monitor or control your computer activity. Criminals are hard at work thinking up creative ways to get malware on your computer. (PDF file)

These are either less than $2.00 or available free online in a PDF format. It's a wealth of information, and easily accessible. Check it out!

Texts for purchase

A link to the publisher site for the texts we use in class is located on this blog, left hand column under 'Texts for Students'. If you feel you would like a copy of your own, you may order directly from this site.

Judith

Welcome Back! Spring 2010

Classes for the spring 2010 semester start tomorrow. Check out the schedule in the right hand column of this blog, and see what we have to offer. Note that there is a new class, Basic Accounting, which will be offered as a precursor to the Quick Books classes as a base of vocabulary and terms to help you more easily understand the QB classes.

Self-Publishing Seminar

Are you thinking about self-publishing? Get the facts. Check out this new seminar from Community Education featuring local authors.
The Journey to Self-Publishing

Panel presentation with local authors

Have you ever considered self-publishing? In this unique panel presentation local, first-time authors will share their experiences with self-publishing. You'll learn about the perils and promise of self-publishing and benefit from insights gained from personal experience.

Panelists include Barbara Armbruster, teacher, poet, and author of Selling the Farm and The Journey East; Jorge Partida, psychologist and author of The Promise of the Fifth Sun; Dawn Staszak, senior administrative assistant in a fortune 500 company and author of A Guru in the Office; and Nancy Wall, author of Pulled by the Heart.

Join the authors for light refreshments at the meet and greet reception following the panel presentation

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Academic and Professional Center , Room 110D, WCC Sugar Grove Campus

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

$19 per ticket

Purchase tickets online at www.waubonsetickets.com
Service fee applies to all tickets sold, whether purchased online, by phone or in-person

Free Presentation

Unlocking the Mystery of Life

Film and Panel Discussion
As a follow up to the presentation of A Flock of Dodo's: The Evolution- Intelligent Design Circus in the Fall of 2008, Community Education will present Unlocking the Mystery of Life a compelling documentary which tells the story of contemporary scientists who make a case for intelligent design. Following the film, panelists representing diverse viewpoints will react to the issues presented in the film and respond to audience questions and comments.

Thursday, February 18

7 p.m.

Sugar Grove Campus Auditorium

FREE
Panelists include:

Dr. Paul A. Nelson - currently a Fellow of the Discovery Institute and adjunct professor in the Master of Arts Program in Science and Religion at Biola University.

Dr. Andrew J. Petto - member of the board of Directors of the National Center for Science Education and a senior lecturer in anatomy and physiology at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

This event is free, but RSVPs are requested. Call (630) 466-2360.

Registration for spring classes is now open!

Happy New Year! It's cooold outside but we are running some hot classes. The ACTC re-opens for the spring semester on January 19, so check out the schedule and give us a call at 630-906-4248 to register for the classes you want. Classes are limited to 12 students, so call early. Course content and schedules are a click away on this blog, so check us out and give us a call.