Mary Ann decided to enter the Computer Age by purchasing a new PC. It came out of the box with a maze of wires and equipment that needed to be hooked up, and had a manual that looked like it was written in a foreign language. Mary Ann didn’t know where to start. Her computer dealer offered a free class on the computer’s operating system so she decided to go. Some help was on its way, or so she thought.

Unfortunately the free class didn’t turn out to be very helpful. It was an all day class with about 30 students; many of them already experienced using computers. The instructor moved quickly to cover a lot of material, and Mary Ann felt that her questions were holding up the class. "It was horrid", said Mary Ann. "I didn’t understand a thing." "I couldn’t see or hear the instructor, and I didn’t get any individual help."

After attending this class, Mary Ann found out about and took BOPAT’s computer training sequence for beginners: Beginning Computers, Windows and MS Works. BOPAT customizes its training to beginners by offering a series of two-hour sessions geared to the current skill level of the student. By limiting session length to two hours, beginners are able to digest and retain information more effectively. Since the sessions are one-on-one, the instructors are able to give their students the individual attention needed to progress at their own individual pace.

In describing the classes, Mary Ann said, "I really felt like I was learning a lot. It was just ideal." Mary Ann said she learned a lot of shortcuts and the best way to do things - tricks that are just not in the manual. "I learned the basics so now I can figure things out," said Mary Ann. "I had nothing but success." "Now I’m able to use programs and do things, and I’m comfortable using the computer." "My whole success was because of the personalized instruction and the personal attention I got at BOPAT." "I’d be so far back if I’d tried to learn the computer on my own." As a graduate, Mary Ann still calls into BOPAT whenever she has a question or problem and relies on them for continuing computer support. BOPAT has a policy of providing continuing support to its graduates.

Now Mary Ann uses her computer daily to find information on the Internet, send e-mail to friends and family, and to track financial information. As she says, "My [e-mail] In Box is always full now, I send and receive so many messages." In fact, after she mastered her desktop unit, she got a laptop so even when she travels; she is never without her computer.

For other beginning computer users, she recommends, "Come to a place like BOPAT where you can get individual attention." "The cost of the training is small relative to the cost of a computer and well worth the money." "My success with computers is because I found a place like BOPAT."