"Zero to e-mail:" Travis' library making a difference

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Wendy Weidenhamer
  • 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Silence can sometimes be very deceptive.

To many walking into the Mitchell Memorial Library, it may seem as though little is happening, but the silence subtly hides the many opportunities the library offers.

One of these opportunities is a computer class called "zero to e-mail," a basic computer class that began last spring and was the inspiration of Ms. Debra LuMaye, a library technician.

"Since we started the class last year, we've had retirees, their children and grandchildren attend the classes, and it has given them a chance to keep in touch with family members who are deployed," Ms. LuMaye said, smiling as she looked over her maroon reading glasses pushed halfway down her nose.

The class teaches students, primarily retirees, basic computer skills, helping them gradually climb what may seem like a technological mountain to reach their goal of sending and receiving e-mail.

Along with learning e-mail, the class has included familiarization with Microsoft Word and Publisher as well as lessons on how to navigate the internet.

But Ms. LuMaye remains flexible in deciding course content in order to meet the needs of the students.

During one of her classes, some students expressed an interest in learning instant messaging and now those students are talking in "real time" to their family members.

Taking on the computer at an older age can be a challenge, so Ms. LuMaye attempts to make the learning experience a positive one.

Most of the students have a computer at home and Ms. LuMaye will send them activities through e-mail to give them a opportunity to practice what they learned in class. If a student's home computer is broken, she periodically contacts them to check on the status of the computer and to encourage them to attend the next class.

Retirement can open a whole new world of opportunities or it can be a time when just living from day-to-day can be challenging, Ms. LuMaye said. "That's the beauty of this class. The students get a chance to learn something new, meet new people and even make new friends, which can make them come alive."

For one student, a petite lady with silver hair cropped short named Mrs. Frances Gentry, the class has been a welcome respite.

"It's a non-threatening environment," Mrs. Gentry said. "Debra makes it fun and it's something I look forward to because in class I'm learning all the time."

Currently, Ms. LuMaye is the only teacher for this computer class, but she welcomes all volunteers who would like to help with the class.

She also invites volunteers who are familiar with a particular software program to teach a class in that program.

The class is open to all who has access to the base library. There is no cost and no previous computer knowledge is required. Classes are held at the base library every Thursday from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

For more information, call 424-3479 or visit www.60thservices.com.