Captions: Chu Vang stands beside Miranda Peterson, age 16, a resident of the new Harbor Highlands neighborhood. Miranda is playing a game named, “Age of Mythology.” Nick Sutcliffe and Matthew Benson. (Photo by Naomi Yaeger-Bischoff)
This summer when Chu Vang arrived at work at the Copeland Computer Learning Center, 1112 N. Lake Ave., several kids anxiously awaited the opening of the computer lab. “We’ve been very busy this summer,” Vang, the Copeland Computer Center Coordinator, said. One hundred seventy-one children and adults are registered to use the room. This fall the computer lab will be open for adults only from 10:00 a.m to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. children will be allowed to use the computers.
There are eight computers at the Copeland Computer Learning Center. All are connected to the Internet. Children like to use the Internet to play games and visit websites like Barbie.com and the Cartoon Network. Vang said that there are also programs for math, reading and typing for young children. Juniors and seniors in high school like to use a program that helps them practice for the ACT and SAT, college prep tests. Some adults use the resume program.
A rotor detects any illegal sites and certain words are blocked from the Internet at Copeland. Vang is always in the office to give oversight.
This summer children from the Harbor Highlands, next door, walked over to the Copeland Community Center. A ban also brought children in from West Duluth, East Duluth and the Procter area. Some parents dropped their children off as well.
Besides using the open lab, the public can take free personalized computer courses with Vang. “There are no set times for these courses.” Vang works with your individual schedule. He teaches Computers 101, History of Computers, Microsoft Office Suite and Website Design. Vang said two women recently told him they learn more from his classes than from courses they paid to take.
Individuals can also receive assistance building a personal computer.
HOPE VI clients are eligible for more services such as leasing a computer while they are looking for a job or setting up a home business. HOPE VI clients can also receive free Internet access in their home for six months. Free diagnosis of computer problems is another service for HOPE VI clients.
The computer lab takes donations of old computers.
Computer Learning Center Hours
Fall, starting Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. adults only; 3:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. children’s programs. For transportation please phone 218-279-2543 Ext. 101. To speak to the computer coordinator phone 218-279-2555.
http://www.copelandcc.org/
