MCOT’s ICDL Computer Training Program is an excellent opportunity and major benefit for everyone who uses a computer.  It requires a real investment of your personal and professional time to get the most out of it, but it is worth every minute of it. I find that it has made me more productive at work and any time I need to use the computer. I have recommended the training to everyone that works for and around me. I just wish more people had taken advantage of the opportunity. It’s not often that you get this level of training and instruction for free. My instructor, Evelyn Massey, was exceptional. She was the consummate professional, always positive, knowledgeable, prepared everyday, organized, and always willing to go the extra mile; just an excellent teacher in every way.

Karla Hill
Human Resources Manager
Fleet Management
City of Philadelphia

          Dr. Carl Sagan once stated, "Without supporting the acquisition of knowledge for its own sake our options become dangerously limited." This statement has never been more relevant than it is in today's ever changing world. It is a credit to Mayor John F. Street and his staff for recognizing this need for and providing ICDL training for Philadelphia residents and employees. What was once considered optional training is now mandatory for doing business in the digital world. I am currently enrolled in the ICDL (Instructor led) program along with several of my co-workers. Over these past few weeks we have all grown individually and collectively. The information we have received from being in the ICDL Program has provided us the opportunity to bridge the gap between the analog and digital worlds.

             Though I had a basic knowledge of computers, the additional knowledge that I have acquired has helped me become more productive and efficient on the job. The instruction given by Ms. Evelyn Massey has been great. She has given us the tools necessary to not only assimilate the information but to apply it. Ms. Massey has reminded us that knowledge is power and that learning can and should be fun. I feel privileged to have been apart of this program.

              Mayor John F. Street and his staff have given many of us the opportunity for self-improvement and enrichment. It is my hope that many more Philadelphians will receive the same opportunity. There are only positives that can be gained by being in this program. Whatever costs may be incurred is offset by it's many benefits. As the many advances in technology make our world smaller and smaller, we as Philadelphians must be prepared to invest our resources and to make the sacrifices that are necessary today to improve our ability to compete in the future.

            The bar for the overall knowledge base of Philadelphia will continue to rise as more of its citizens become computer literate. This city and its citizens can only benefit from this program. Computer literacy will connect Philadelphians with one another and the rest of the world, for it is the new universal language. As President of AFSCME District Council 33 Local 1927 I highly recommend this program to all of our members and their families. The benefits gained by being apart of the ICDL Program have been invaluable.

Aaron L. Holliday
President Local 1927
AFSCME District Council 33
3001 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19104

I am writing this note to thank the MCOT for allowing me the opportunity to sign up for the ICDL program.  I have completed the first 3 modules so far. This summer I plan to finish the remaining modules. ICDL has given me the chance to learn more about the computer and other programs that are commonly used. I have found the program to be clear and very useful.  The people who interviewed me were very positive and encouraging from the beginning. I think that this helped me to join up so readily.  I appreciate the grant that I received from MCOT and I plan to use my new learnings to help other students become proficient with the computer.
 
 
Gratefully,
 
Pat Madden, SSJ
Sisters of Saint Joseph
Welcome Center

 
Before I signed up with MCOT, I was insufficient, lost and confused about PC and software applications. I was the type of person that would avoid taking on extra assignments or even going that extra mile in some cases because of my limited abilities.

Since I attended these classes at MCOT, I feel I have become a strong minded, self-efficient and have gained self confidence in the computer world. MCOT has brightened my future and has made me more of a qualified professional in helping me to understand the different functions of the system such as, managing files, Word Processing, and creating e-mails, Internet Explorer and so much more. I am looking forward to continuing my education, and achieving a full certificate through  the MCOT program, so I can fill a hole in the job force.

Thanks MCOT for building my self-esteem, "Where would I be without you?"
 
Patricia Brown

Pursuant to your request, my opinion of the ICDLUS program is that it is 1 st rate!
 
Everything that you see advertised in the newspapers or at job placement centers, requiring proficiency with any of the applications used in most current office situations, I’ve had the privilege of being instructed in. Every thing is explained clearly, intelligently and to the point. It’s amazing the universe that has opened up to me. I’ve always thought, back in the 70’s that the computer was smarter than me, and now I have the proof! The only thing I haven’t received instruction in is The Desktop Publisher, which I hope will come in the future.
 
Having the Course Tutor instruct us in the Kings English was also helpful in maintaining focus.
 
Again, Sam I thank you for making this training available to me. I got what I wanted
 
 
Sincerely.
John Farabella

To: Mayor Commission on Technology
Subject: Computer Certification Training Course

I like to thank this program for their help in enhancing my computer skills within my working environment. It’s so rewarding to me that, as much as I use computers at my place of employment, the skills I acquired really was helpful.

The instructions are very easy to follow and you could work at your own pace. My instructor, Ivan Hurt was very knowledgeable in all areas during my training period. He knew what each person was struggling with and supplied homework and if asked, he was able to give you examples to apply in our daily jobs. Ivan kept me on my toes.

This program made the work I do more exciting, I appreciated the opportunity.

I really want to get my certification, it’s worth it. Looking forward to more!

Thanks
Darlene Booker-Jones
4/13/06

The ICDLUS certification program has help me keep my computer skills updated and will give me an edge. The program has saved me a lot of time and money. The classes were small and the instructor gave students one on one attention in class and could be reached by Email for computer related questions.

The online teaching was excellent and the CD was good. The program has helped me. I have recommended the classes to others.

Sincerely,
Michael Cromley

Mr. Smith,

I would like to thank you and the Mayor’s Office on Technology for the opportunity to train for the ICDL Program.  I would like to also thank you for the incentive to complete my job readiness certification before Christmas.  I truly appreciate the computer.

I began the training in September 2005 at the Rivera Center, located at North 5th Street.  My instructor, Ms. Evelyn Massey and her assistant Chang, have been of immense help to my success.  Ms. Massey is very knowledgeable of all seven modules and I truly consider her to be a great asset to the ICDL program.

I have found this program to be very valuable to my overall development in all seven modules.  The only snag to the program was the e-Learning CD-ROM that all participates are required to purchase.  I found the CD to be very frustrating because of so many glitches in the actual teaching segments, as well as, the test assessments. Had it not been for Ms. Massey’s weekly lessons to backup the CD, I would have not been as successful.  Overall, I found the program to be of great value to me.

Again, thank you for the opportunity and I highly recommend this program to anyone who would like to enhance his or her computer and software application skills.

Continued success,
Vanessa Flacks-Brown