By Bruce Register, Program Chairman, Tampa PC Users Group
bregist3@tampabay.rr.com

President Kevan Sheridan opened the meeting at 6:30 PM, May 8, 2002 AD, at the Art Pepin Hospitality Room with the usual discussion session. William LaMartin told of his problem with Win Me that was solved by searching “Google Groups”. His History file was corrupted. He followed the directions found in the Google/Group message to solve the problem. Wade Herman reported a problem with Road Runner and Outlook Express. He had to reset his Road Runner mail server settings.

Program Chairman Bruce Register reported that the FBI presenter had to cancel at the last minute. Steve Singer will present information about the new hardware at our next meeting. Membership Chairperson Jenny Leitzke presented “Walking you through Learning at Gateway.” She made a very interesting presentation. This was obvious by the many questions that she fielded very well. Jenny’s job involves problem solutions and search. People who purchased a Gateway computer can receive a “free” enrollment KEY which permits a one year access to the Learning Gateway application. Otherwise, one must purchase the KEY.

The Learn at Gateway website, http://www.learnatgateway.com/, is a great place to find all kinds of information. The “Enrollment Key” is $99 unless otherwise provided by Gateway. Gateway does not let you try a demo before buying. She walked through some of her purchased courses for her presentations so that we might see the actual courses rather than just reading them in some promotional brochure. There are home work assignments with each “Learning”. You can take as many of the courses as you like in a year for $99 or by otherwise having been given the “Enrollment Key” from Gateway. You may take a test and receive a certificate for each successful course completion. You take practice tests also. The program recommends specific areas for further study if you missed those related questions. We watched PowerPoint Tutorial (Learning Gateway). New Horizon and Gateway use essentially the same presentation. Gateway’s costs less.

The tutorial acquaints the student with the correct terminology so as to make easier understanding in the tech world. One can also get college credits for courses through Element K Course Books that are available for purchase. A student forum opens for group discussions. In fact, you can make a direct connection to the teacher. One may go to Element K website and preview resource books contents. Element K books are in the Learn at Gateway Resource Center. Continuing Education courses with 10 hours are equal to 1 CEU (Continuing Education Unit). Some CEUs are recognized by the American (something or other, my hearing aid did not pick this up) that issues recognition of accomplishments.

As you progress with each sub unit, you are assessed (tested) for each unit and then assessed for all of the units somewhat like a final exam. One may let others use their sign on to access these courses to a limited degree. (I think that may mean others in the office as long as two are not “signed on” at the same time for the same application.) Jenny presented the subject matter very well. u