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Manchester and Salford Family Service Unit
June Cole
I began to attend Lightbowe Families Project as a parent for one and a half years attending most of the groups that were on offer. I enjoyed the computer group though we were using word processors to start with until we were donated a PC. After attending this group I had built up confidence on the computer and decided I would like to learn more about using computers, so through the project I began attending a couple of courses at College and later bought my own PC.
I gained my certificates at college and thought I would like to help others to gain confidence on computers and increase their knowledge in basic skills computing. I started to facilitate a group in April 1999 using our word processors, then we received the laptops, scanners and printers from the Adult and Community Learners Fund and everyone enjoyed using them. I produced an assessment form asking what, if anything, group members had done on a computer before. I then produced a Laptop Training Induction sheet, which included everything you would need to know using a laptop for the first time. I also produced a progress sheet so the group members could see whet they had done and it helped them to see what they needed to improve on. After this initial training we moved on to using word processing, Excel, Publisher, the Internet and Email. Some of the group had moved on to college to do CLAIT and IB2. I accessed further training for myself through work to enable me to pass on my knowledge of the Internet and Email to our group members and other staff members. We now use laptops in various groups such as:
 | Saving club where we have used Publisher to produce and design payment cards, we also used spreadsheets and databases to record the savings. |
| Residential holidays where we used the internet to find information on family holidays. |
| Out of School Activities Training where we used the Internet to access information on other voluntary organisations. |
The group really enjoyed using the laptops and are very enthusiastic.
Marie Ettir
When we first started out computer course here at the Lightbowe Families Project, we had very basic computers i.e. monitor and keyboard. We had these donated from the CO-OP when they were updating their systems. We were given 10 week training from one of the CO-OP employees. I learnt very basic keyboard skills, saving, printing, font and text sizes.
When I came back from my maternity leave, we had two new laptops. These laptops were on temporary load from the Adult and Community Learners Fund. I was given allocated time to improve my skills and knowledge from my previous training. I then felt confident in training and supporting beginners within our project. I have developed my own use of many different programmes such as Excel. Working with parents in many areas has been very successful. Parents are very keen to improve their basic skills on the computer courses offered by the project.
I am now currently developing my skills further by accessing training through New Horizons on basic web page production and on-line training. I feel the more training and information offered, I myself am not just improving my own computer skills, but also feel I can take the information back with me to the parents I am working with. I still feel that we all can benefit from further training and to develop my skills on the internet setting up our web page. I feel this to be an ongoing learning process, as information and technology is changing all the time.
Joanne Langdon
I first attended Lightbowe Families Project in Jan 1999. At this time I had no knowledge of computers. Even turning one on was out of the question. I had already obtained keyboard skills in 1987, when I completed an RSA in typing.
I attended a basic computer course at the Lightbowe Families Project in the hopes to learn the necessary skills and get back to work.
As a result of the support I was given, I have gained the necessary skills and knowledge I feel, to go forward in the world of technology. I can work confidently on programmes such as Word, Windows ‘95 and ’97. I can also work on Excel and publisher. I have within the project been able to use my new skills in various tasks, such as offering admin support to the staff here.
Through the above I feel I have played a part in the success of the project. I feel valued by the staff and other parents for my input on the laptops.
As a result of attending the computer course, my confidence has grown, and I feel able to further my skills and knowledge through an accredited course. I enrolled at the learning centre (part of MANCAT) where I have completed a CLAIT course and I hope to be progressing on IB2 next.
Georgina Jones
As a worker at Lightbowe Families Project I came into contact with the laptops as soon as they were allocated to the project. I was initially very wary about using them as I had very little experience on computers and just about had basic keyboard skills.
I have gone on to develop my confidence, skills and knowledge using a variety of programmes including windows ’95 and Excel.
Through the support and patience of other staff with more IT experience I am now able to undertake most word processing tasks.
In addition to this I am also competent in the production of leaflets, reports, documents and timetables. I have also installed software programmes.
I am currently looking forward to expanding my knowledge and learn how to use internet and Email, as I will be attending a training course in February.
Furthermore, I am looking forward to using laptops this year within my outreach group which will make IT even more accessible to a wider number of adults.
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