BSCTC WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS HOSTS GIZMOS AND GADGETS COURSE

Theresa Scott works as a family consumer sciences agent with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Her job is to serve consumers of all ages throughout Floyd County.

Scott, who works closely with the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA), learned that many members were struggling with the evolution of technology and the role it plays in their lives.

None of us were born to know this, Scott said, smiling, as her and members of the KEHA participated in a Gizmos and Gadgets class on Friday, January 30 offered by the Workforce Solutions team at Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC).

The class, facilitated by BSCTC Information Technology Specialist Casey Music, highlighted issues in navigating and connecting devices. The group plans to meet monthly over the next four or five months.

Technology is all around us, and it is becoming increasingly essential in our day-to-day activities, said Music. Most of us take technology for granted because we have evolved with it over time either through school or through our jobs. Theres a population of people who were not brought up in the technology age, but seek to learn the basic skills to navigate the Internet and work particular devices.

Scott said the class was beneficial because it helps promote the mission of life-long learning through the KEHA.

With technology, you can still be close to your family and friends a world away, she said. This class brings a practical and personalized approach to technology. Were learning and growing at a pace that is acceptable, and our hope is that we can take home what we learn after each meeting and apply it to our lives.

The first class focused on issues such as terminology, safety and security, tablets and smartphones, social media, online shopping and different platforms and operating systems.

Kelli Hall, director of Workforce Solutions at BSCTC, said the college plans to offer a variety of Gizmo and Gadgets courses across the service area.

Learning is a life-long process, and we want to encourage those who are interested in technology to contact us and allow us to help them navigate the waters of technology, she said. What weve learned is that an increased knowledge of computers, smartphones and tablets truly enhance the quality of life of senior citizens.

To learn more about the Gizmos and Gadgets course, contact Sally Porter at (606) 788-2944 or email sporter0044@kctcs.edu.