OPEN HOUSE TO BE HELD AT PITT'S DOWNTOWN COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 4 -- The public can get a first-hand look at the University of Pittsburgh's newly-expanded Computer Learning Center at a free Open House Saturday, January 9 from 9:30 a.m. till noon. The Center is in Suite 1105 of the Kossman Building, 100 Forbes Ave., downtown.

Three half-hour sessions are planned -- at 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15 a.m.

The public is requested to call in advance at 412-281-7488 to reserve a space.

Responding to the growing need for hands-on instruction in computer technology, the center recently more than doubled its number of workstations, and now accommodates 80 adult students in comprehensive computer training programs in four state-of-the-art classrooms.

"Today's organizations depend on their employees to be ready to access and process information via computers," said Center director Carla Depperman. "Our Center allows workers to keep abreast of current software and use of the Internet." More than 550 area companies used the Center in the 1997-98 academic year alone as their source of employee training for personal computer software, whether it be a spreadsheet program, graphics, or project management. A new WebMaster Certificate Program provides information on designing effective Web sites, planning a corporate intranet, or implementing "firewalls" for security purposes.

Pitt's Computer Learning Center is a non-credit program of Pitt's College of General Studies. Established in 1984, the Center serves approximately 6000 people a year from the business, academic and greater Pittsburgh population.

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