The Seattle University Example

Literacy on information technology is a must these days. Actually, it is almost already a presumption that everyone has at least the basic knowledge on computers and computer applications. In employment, most companies look for people who are vastly knowledgeable in information technology. In schools also, students are expected to possess intermediate functional literacy related to information technology. This is especially true if a student is planning to study through online education. Having a college course online emphasizes that one must already be adept in a number of computer applications, especially internet application.

However, there are instances wherein students' knowledge on information technology is still not enough for them to survive the rigors of college life. There are times when what students know are already outdated and would not stand anymore in a highly competitive university. These students very well have the other competencies to meet the demands of college education, but some are really lagging behind when it comes to information technology. These students must not be denied of the chance to enter in a prestigious university nor be faulted for what they lack. What should be done is to help them find ways through which they can accelerate and cope accordingly. The renowned Seattle University does just that.

With its vision of being the Northwest's leading independent university, Seattle University gives much emphasis on academic excellence and service to humanity. The university realizes this vision by constantly updating its educational system with the latest trends in teaching and academic management. In its Information Technology program, Seattle University realizes its mission by providing up-to-date training courses on information technology. The training courses being offered are especially intended for the university's students and faculty members who may be in need of an information technology training.

Seattle University's Information Technology Division designs frameworks and implements projects to equip its academic community of the skills they truly need. Through its programs, the students are expected to perform better in learning their lessons. The faculty and the staff, on the other hand, are expected to do better in teaching and running the affairs of the institution. The Information Technology Division achieves this by constantly coming up with innovations on the university telecommunication, desktop services, network infrastructure, administration, web management services, and of course, computer training.

The Information Technology Division offers a number of online computer training courses. The choices vary and covers both basic and advance information technology training needs. For beginners, there is a computer management available. The computer management training course specializes in learning how to use personal computer using different operating systems like Microsoft and Macintosh. For secondary training level, there is a course on how to use the Microsoft Office. To be more responsive to relative training needs, the Information Technology training program offers individual training courses on each of Microsoft Office's program. Individual lessons on Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Micrsosoft PowerPoint are very much available. For more advanced training needs, there are online lessons on the use of Adobe Acrobat and web tools such as Microsoft FrontPage, HTML and Internet, and Macromedia Dreamweaver MX. These training courses are especially intended but not exclusive to Seattle University community. Others can actually avail of these free online training courses provided that they use the materials for learning purposes only. For non-Seattle University parties who are interested to these offerings, you may visit www.seattleu.edu/it/ for the terms of condition that shall apply to you.

These training courses are excellent responses to the most pressing information technology needs among many people. The Microsoft applications are basic computer tools each students must have a competency with. Most of the time, these Microsoft applications are the ones being used for projects, assignments, reports, and other major academic requirements. Also, the training courses on the different web tools are very important. These web tools are the basic elements of deeper, more complex web applications that the academic community will need to use sooner or later. The online manuals are very easy to follow. Hard-to-understand topics, concepts, and ideas are explained in a way that is easily comprehensible to lay people. The training manuals are very effective in making computer applications easier to utilize and appreciate.

This effort of Seattle University deserves high commendation from its academic community and the rest of America's education system. Moves like this set a formidable example for other learning institutions to emulate. Let us hope to see more efforts like this and be a witness to the greater empowerment of the people through information technology education.