MISSOURIAN OFFERS BEGINNING INTERNET CLASSES

The Southeast Missourian Web staff will offer beginning Internet training in November and December.

The class is designed for beginners who want to learn more about the Internet and World Wide Web. Practical surfing tips will be offered along with a number of informational handouts.

Instruction is limited to a single session. However, individuals are welcome to repeat the class. Each class is limited to 38 people.

Evening classes from 7 to 9 are available Nov. 10 and Dec. 1. Afternoon classes from 1 to 3 are available Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.

The Missourian web crew has taught more than 1,000 people since first offering Internet training in spring 1997.

"Our classes are unique because students get their own computer with high-speed Internet access," said Joni Adams, managing editor. "This makes a big difference in the learning process. All our classes fill up quickly, and we typically have a waiting list."

The program is fortunate to use one of the high-tech labs in the Dempster Hall on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, said Adams. The university is a co-sponsor of the community training.

"Another difference of our classes is that we have a number of people on hand -- usually four or five -- to assist with the training," said Adams. "This provides more direct assistance to beginners."

Adams said this is a perfect time of year to get trained, especially if a computer is on Christmas gift lists.

The classes typically draw from a large region. Attendees have traveled from Benton, Sikeston, Marble Hill, Wyatt, Farmington, Ste. Genevieve, and Miller City and McClure in Illinois. Individuals trained have ranged from 8 to 94.

To reserve a spot, call Adams or Peggy Scott at 335-6611 to register. Payment of $10 must be made before the class starts. Payment may be mailed or brought to the newspaper office at 301 Broadway.