All
sorts of people come to the Open Centre - for all sorts of reasons.
Paulette
explains, "People drop in to do research, look for jobs online,
check their email and find out about events in Sheffield.
"They
also come in with web addresses that they've got from TV or the
radio, and follow them up.
"And
people love to come in to listen to music!"
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"People
are surprised that it's free" - Paulette |
When
people come in for their first visit, they are
often
surprised at how much is on offer.
"People
are surprised that it's free," Paulette explains. "They
appreciate that someone helpful is on hand to offer help and advice."
"They
love the special events, and they like the nice environment!"
If
you'd like to learn a new skill, then you can learn at your own
speed. There's no commitment, and you can go as slowly or as quickly
as you like.
Joe
says, "It's not at all like school. It's about as far from
that as you can get.
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"It's
not at all like school" - Joe |
"You're
not trapped into a course. You can drop in when it suits you and
pick up where you left off."
So
what do the cyberguides think of the Open Centre?
Paulette
says, "I
think it's brilliant that people are learning a new skill without
worrying about the cost.
"They
can embrace new technology in a comfortable, supportive environment.
They can even get a cup of coffee if they like!
"People
often come in scared of computers, but they go out confident. They're
always thrilled by how much information is out there.
Paulette
and Joe find their jobs very rewarding, too.
Joe
tells us, "It's lovely to come in and see someone who didn't
know how to use a mouse surfing the Internet and sending emails.
|
Learn
about computers with the 大象传媒! |
"Each
time they come in, they take on a new challenge."
The
cyberguides have helped people to book holidays - and even buy houses
- using the power of the Internet.
But
one of the cyberguides' favourite aspects is the social one.
Visitors
often make friends with each other, and cyberguides Joe and Lauren
were recently invited to a regular visitor's wedding!
So
come in, learn with the 大象传媒 - and you might leave with more than
an email account!
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