Story provided by Stillwater Public Library

Meridian Technology Center is partnering with the Stillwater Public Library to provide free and fee-based classes for residents to improve their skills using computers and smartphones.

According to Kim Strom, coordinator of Computer Training Services at Meridian, while more and more people have computers and smartphones, using these devices can be challenging.

“We see many people who are intimidated by technology or who struggle to find assistance that helps them to be successful on their own,” Strom said. “We empower our participants to use their technology with confidence. Whether that means they can now text a family member, take a great photo with their phone, send an email or print a document, our classes are designed to enable each participant to achieve success.”

Beginners will find the classes especially helpful.

“We have found that focusing on very basic computer and mobile phone skills in two-hour increments provides an effective framework for those new to technology,” Strom said. “We focus on only a few things in each session so as not to overwhelm the participants.”

The instructors’ emphasis on a positive learning environment makes the classes even more helpful.

“We have patient instructors who have a genuine desire to teach others how to be more productive. The sessions are slower-paced with hands-on activities,” said Strom. “Most of all, we laugh, have fun and learn from each other.”

Meridian will offer classes on computer basics, iPhone use and more in-depth sessions for Microsoft Word and Excel. All students who pay for courses will receive a lesson book that will be used for all of the “Computer Basics” classes.

Instructors encourage attendees to bring their own Windows 10 laptops. The library does have a limited number available to use on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The full schedule of classes includes:

iPhone Classes—Free—Fridays, 1-3 p.m.

·         Feb. 14: First Steps Using Your iPhone

·         Feb. 21: Using the Camera on Your iPhone

Computer Basics—$19 per class— Fridays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.            

·         Jan. 17: Windows 10 

·         Jan. 31: Using the Photo App

·         Feb. 14: Using Email 

·         Feb. 28: Using the Internet    

·         March 6: Videos, TV & Music          

·         March 27: Video Calls with Skype    

·         April 3: Using File Explorer   

·         April 24: Avoiding Viruses & Scams

Computer Basics—2-Day Classes—$39—5:30-7:30 p.m.

·         Microsoft Word: Feb. 11 & 18

·         Microsoft Excel: April 21 & 28

Registration is required and space is limited. Visit https://tinyurl.com/MeridianSPLClasses or call 405-377-3333 to sign-up or to get additional information.

The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. (the corner of Duck and12th Ave.). Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.