Be In the Know!

Everyone has heard of Goodwill, right?  You may have dropped off some clothing or furniture that you no longer needed at a local Goodwill store.  But, if you’re like me, you might not have heard of the free online learning offered by Goodwill Community Foundation.

Recently, I happened to see a TV commercial about their online learning program.  My first thought was, “What…?  Goodwill has online training?” It turns out that this program has been in effect for more than a decade and has served over two million learners around the world.  And, it’s all free!  How great is that?

The GCFLearnFree website offers “quality, innovative online learning opportunities to anyone who wants to improve the technology, literacy, and math skills necessary for them to be successful in both work and life.” Their list of classes is extensive and includes:

• Computer basics…even explaining what all the buttons do!
• Internet basics such as email and how to “surf” the web for information
• How to apply and/or interview for a job
• Math skills…from brushing up on fractions to counting change
• Reading skills for people who would like to enhance their literacy

They also have a broad range of “Everyday Life” classes, such as:

• Using an ATM
• Reading a bus map
• Depositing money
• Reading a food label
• Making a grocery list
• Using a microwave
• Paying bills

…and many more!

All together, GCFLearnFree offers more than 750 free classes.  Many of them are also offered in Spanish on their sister site: GCFLatino.

On the website, I read dozens of wonderful testimonials so it’s clear that the classes are having an impact.  Here are what just a few people had to say:

“I just tried out the Everyday Life section of the GCFLearnFree.org website and it’s my new favorite! What a great way to teach life skills! It’s fun, interactive, and practical. “

“I just heard about your website and I love it!  I’m a teacher and it will be great to use with my ABE and ESL students.  Thank you! ”

“These courses will enable me to get a better job and be computer literate with up-to-date skills for today’s computer world.”

“Wonderful class and great boost to my confidence. As an older student, I find your classes easy to understand and use. Thank you!”

“I learned some things in this class that I probably should have learned a long time ago in school but I just didn’t get.”

Here at In the Know, I shared the GCF link with all my employees and the response has been nothing but positive.  For example, one employee wants to learn more about Excel.  Another just upgraded to Office 2010 and needs to learn the “bells and whistles”.

So, please take a few minutes to look over GCF’s list of classes.  Like me, I bet you’ll think of a number of ways you might utilize them with both employees and clients!

Happy Teaching!

Linda