Computer Training Source

As I peruse job postings, in search of a new job, I realize how many computer programs I don’t know. These days, you need to know more than Microsoft Word to get by. Though I use a layout program at work, it is outdated and not the one currently used in many companies. I decided to take a class to learn what I needed to know. My first search was at local community colleges, but those courses can be pricey and take 8 weeks to complete. I don’t have that kind of time. Luckily I found Computer Training Source and what a good find that was.
I went on their website, clicked the program that I needed (Adobe InDesign), and chose the level I wanted. They show you the class schedule for each course. I can’t take a class during the day, and the Saturday course seemed expensive. Luckily, they had a special, which was $ 149 for 3 hours on Tuesday and Thursday in the evening. That worked perfectly with my schedule and the price was good, so I signed up.
You get an e-​mail saying to arrive 15 minutes before class starts but really, you don’t have to. The day before my class, I received an e-​mail informing me that the doors outside of the classroom are locked in the evening so if we can’t get in, we should call the instructor. I did have to do that for both classes, but he was right down the hall so it wasn’t a big deal. There were only about 8 people in my class. There are enough computers for everyone, and even some Macs if you requested one when signing up for the class.
Three hours is a long class, especially after a day of work, but Ed, the instructor, was great. He talked really fast, but will stop if you have a question and explain something if you didn’t get it the first time. The class was really easy to follow, as he showed us how to do everything on the projector screen. By the second and final class, we designed a page of a newsletter. He gave us a bunch of tips on how to simplify things that he had learned through practice and went more in depth than the book did.
Though I learned the basic skills needed for this program, I’m going to take the Intermediate class just to get more in depth knowledge, as I would probably be using this program in future jobs. Also, if you feel you need a refresher on a course, you can take it again for free within six months of the first time you took it. I’m so glad I found CTS. It has been so helpful and I’ve recommended it to several people who realized they should also take come classes in other software.

I took the Excel Intermediate Class and am planning to take the advanced class. My instructor went slow enough for all of us to stay with her, but not too slow where it dragged. She also went fast enough so that we stayed on our toes, but she created an environment where we didn’t feel too shy about asking questions and stopping her for stuff. We got breaks in between and I’m planning to take the Advanced class in the new year. Good pace and I feel more comfortable with some of the functions I’ve been doing on Excel at work.
A Few Tips I’d leave with those taking this class:
1) There are no numbers or labels or signs on any of the doors inside this company. It’s like a maze, so you need to know where you’re going, and remember it. It isn’t too hard, but if you’re directionally challenged, find place markers or a friend who isn’t.
2) Water sources are only in the Kitchen area. So, bring your own water bottle. They only allow covered liquids in the classroom.
3) There is a café on the 2^nd floor that is worth checking out. I hear it’s pretty tasty and prices didn’t look too bad. I didn’t try it this time, but will definitely try it when i go back. There are only a few places that are super close by… and with traffic on 59, eating out might not be worth the risk.
4) The receptionist will tell you to hang your coat in the closet near the front because the space between the computers is small. I didn’t want to — and when I got to the classroom, there was enough room for my coat to hang over my chair, and for me to tuck my purse underneath the desk. Its not super roomy, but you don’t have to say goodbye to your coat and personal belongings if you don’t want to. Just don’t bring a suitecase.

I took the Excel Advanced class in Naperville on 12÷2÷11. The class was great, the instructor Sandy was very knowledgable. The class was hands on and the pace was great. Sandy took the time to answer all my questions and she stayed after class to help me figure things. I learned so much about the program, this class will definitely save me time when I’m working. I highly recommend this class.