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Software Training Center - 2610

The information within these pages are for Fall, Winter and Spring Terms.

The Software Training Center (STC) is a unique learning environment. Students control the pace and level of assistance needed while learning the latest version of computer software in their choice of word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and other special applications. The STC, located in Room 2610 on the main Mt. Hood Community College campus presently offers more than 12 of the most popular software, including Windows XP, , Internet, Word, , Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Flexibility is the key to the Software Training Center. The center is open days, evenings, and Saturday, in order for students to set their own schedule to meet course requirements. We are proud of the work that we do in the Center. We see increasing numbers of students from the world of work, regular full-time students and senior citizens utilizing this unique center to learn the latest software on personal computers.

Our computer software courses are to be completed in a 5-week period. There are two beginning points starting at Week 1 and Week 6 each term. Software Training Center guidelines and syllabi are discussed and handed out during a mandatory 45-minute orientation*. The orientation schedule is printed in the term schedule under the Business Technology section.

*Note - Students sometimes report that they cannot attend the "first week" orientation for their specific course during the day, so we offer an "all course" makeup orientation on Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. Students who are unable to attend an orientation offered during the first week of their course may be dropped.

The Center offers some unique advantages over traditional or weekend courses:

STUDENT CENTERED - Students generally spend four to five hours per week in the Software Training Center or on their personal computer to complete course requirements. They may choose any time during our open hours - days, evenings, or Saturdays. The "TBA" in the schedule means the hours necessary to complete the course are "to be arranged" by the student. Students may vary their hours each week or come in at a set time, but these times do not have to be scheduled with the instructor. Students choose their grading option at the time of registration. The options generally include graded, pass/no pass, or audit.
STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT - The Software Training Center is well equipped with state of the art computers.
COURSE MATERIALS - Students can utilize the same text for beginning through advanced courses saving the expense of buying numerous texts. The procedures and materials have all been designed to assist students working through materials in a lab environment where they are learning through "hands-on" experience.
ASSISTANCE - Instructors in the Software Training Center assist students and answer questions regarding grading, policies, or other courses. The center is also staffed with a full time program assistant and well-versed lab assistants. Students receive individual assistance as needed while proceeding at their own pace. The courses are entirely "hands-on" and students report to us that they have learned a great deal.
OTHER COMPUTER COURSES - Students may take BT prefix or CIS prefix courses to complete computer software requirements. Check with your faculty advisor about this option.

Please come and visit us at the Software Training Center (Room 2610) or feel free to contact Julie Donaldson, Program Assistant, (491-7595) or instructors Robin Brush (491-7174) or Pam Shields (491-7458) with your questions.

SOFTWARE TRAINING CENTER COMMENTS FROM A STUDENT SURVEY

What do you like about the Software Training Center?

Friendly atmosphere, helpful lab monitors
Atmosphere
Easy access computers always open when needed
Quiet
People are nice, knowledgable, I can work when I have a day off!!
Great people, great equipment
Peaceful here (not real stressful)
You can just come in and work
It is a comfortable and relaxed place to work on computers
Being able to come when it is convenient for me
The people who work here are courteous, helpful, friendly, fun and some of the nicest instructors on campus