Digital literacy is an essential skill in today’s world. Everyday tasks like navigating apps, applying for jobs, or staying connected with loved ones often require computers and smartphones. However, not everyone has had the opportunity to develop the confidence and skills needed for these activities.

At SCC, we offer a range of computer classes to help participants build foundational skills and advance to more complex tools, enabling success at home and in the workplace. Our courses cover everything from basic skills like using a mouse, keyboard, and email to advanced topics such as Microsoft Office and artificial intelligence.

Explore our offerings below to learn about eligibility, available schedules, and upcoming classes.

Computer Basics

This eight-week computer class meets once a week for two hours and is designed for students with little to no prior experience using a computer. The course begins with foundational skills, such as using a mouse and trackpad, practicing typing, and understanding basic computer controls. Students then progress to navigating internet browsers safely, sending professional emails with attachments, and recognizing spam. The class concludes with an introduction to maintaining a personal computer, including organizing files, checking for updates, and basic troubleshooting.

We offer this class Bi-monthly in three different languages, to register and inquire about upcoming classes reach out to our Digital Navigator Nixon Laplante: 781-210-9778, or nlaplante@macir.org, or drop into the SCC offices to speak to us in person.

Microsoft Office Basics

For students who have already mastered the basics, we offer an eight-week Microsoft Office course designed to build confidence in using key software for personal or professional needs. This course meets twice a week for two-hour sessions and covers Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the Windows operating system. Students will learn essential skills, including basic formatting in Word, fundamental functions and navigation in Excel, creating presentations in PowerPoint, and using Outlook effectively. By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently navigate these tools and apply their knowledge to various contexts.

We offer this class bimonthly in two different languages, to register and inquire about upcoming classes reach out to the instructor Cai Cronin at: ccronin@somervillecdc.org, (617) 410-9919, or drop into the SCC office to speak to us in person.

Intermediate Level Workshops

In addition to the above classes, SCC offers occasional workshop style classes on the following topics:

AI Fundamentals: This class will give students a foundation to understand what AI is and how it can help them. We discuss crafting effective prompts, and how we can apply AI in different professional and personal situations such as translation, grammatical editing, and more. We prioritize giving students a complete understanding of AI and how it works, and ensure students understand safety concerns around privacy and the importance of fact-checking AI. We also discuss scenarios where an AI would be an inappropriate tool, and what its current weaknesses are.

Canva for Small Businesses: This class covers the basics of using Canva, as well as basic design principles, and branding concepts. Students work on a small portfolio of a variety of promotional materials such as logo development, flyers, business cards, and more.

To register or inquire about the AI Fundamentals of Canva for Small Businesses Classes, please reach out to the instructor Cai Cronin at: ccronin@somervillecdc.org, (617) 410-9919, or drop into the SCC office to speak to us in person.

Intermediate Excel

Our Intermediate Excel class follows up our Microsoft Office Basics Class and gives students a broad overview of the capabilities of Excel. Students will learn about more advanced math functions, nested functions, string functions, and more. To register or inquire please reach out to the instructor Cai Cronin at: ccronin@somervillecdc.org, (617) 410-9919, or drop into the SCC office to speak to us in person.

Additional Information

Looking for information that’s not present here?

You may be interested in contacting our instructor for questions about classes: Cai Cronin ccronin@somervillecdc.org, (617) 410-9919

Or for other Digital Navigation Services such as device distribution, low-cost internet, and more, reach out to Nixon Laplante: 781-210-9778, or nlaplante@macir.org

Still not seeing what you need? Feel free to drop by the office!