WEST COVINA — The East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center partnered with Little Tokyo Service Center in 2009 to create a new computer lab (DISKovery Center West Covina) that provides computer literacy courses to seniors and adults.
Topics range from email basics and digital cameras to mastering the Microsoft Office Suite. Many seniors have been able to utilize the skills they learned through the ESGVJCC DISKovery Center to email friends, create flyers, type letters, create a family budget, manage medication, and communicate with family members.
Tom Kawakami, an 88-year-old DISKovery student, began taking computer classes when the ESGVJCC first began offering courses. Prior to taking these classes, he had never used a computer. After taking a few classes, Kawakami became comfortable using Microsoft Windows and has since purchased a new laptop.
Kawakami learned how to use the Internet and is now able to email his friends and family members. He is even able to Skype on a weekly basis with his children and grandchildren who live in Northern California. Additionally, he uses the Internet to pay bills, read news, make travel arrangements, and play online games.
In addition to computer basics and Internet, classes have been offered in digital photography, using Google’s free features, mastering the iPad, how to use a smart phone, basic video editing, Adobe creative suite, and more.
For additional information about the ESGVJCC DISKovery Center, contact the ESGVJCC at (626) 960-2566.
Fees
One week- 2 sessions
$25 for ESGVJCC members
$40 for non-members
2 weeks- 4 sessions
$35 for ESGVJCC members
$50 for non-members
Workshops- 2 hours
$15 for ESGVJCC members
$25 for non-members
Private Lessons
$20/hour for ESGVJCC members
$30/hour for non-members
Upcoming Classes
Courses
Intro to Computers
Jan, 14-23, Tues and Thurs, 10 am-12 pm
Intro to Microsoft Word
March 10-20, Mon and Thurs, 10 am-12 pm
Intro to Microsoft Excel
April 14-24, Mon and Thurs, 10 am-12 pm
Workshops
Google: Gmail, Calendar, and Docs
Jan. 9, Thursday, 10 am-12 pm
iPad
Jan. 13, Monday, 10 am-12 pm
Budgets
Jan. 27, Monday, 10 am-12 pm
iPad (Taught in Japanese)
Jan. 30, Thursday, 10 am-12 pm
Advanced Meter Program
Feb. 3, Monday, 10 am-12 pm
iPad
Feb. 13, Thursday, 10 am-12 pm
Email Attachments
Feb. 24, Monday, 10 am-12 pm
Facebook
March 3, Monday, 10 am-12 pm
Google Transit
March 27, Thursday, 10 am-12 pm
Mail Merge
April 7, Monday, 10 am-12 pm