Both of these courses present content and hands-on exercises in the following areas:

• Computer Fundamentals, which introduces students to computer hardware, software and operating systems.

• Key Applications, which lets teens go "hands-on" with computer applications.  They learn how word processors and spreadsheets work, and how to use all the tricks that most people don't know.

• Living Online, which launches teens into cyberspace.  While many students surf the Internet and send e-mails like pros, this module shows teens the structure of the Web and how to take advantage of its full potential.



Q. What is the language like in CMG Tech Teen?
A.    CMG Tech Teen blends "teenspeak," the language of the teenager, with key information about computer basics. "Teenspeak" pumps teen interest and motivation levels by translating lessons that might otherwise seem dull into lessons that are accessible and fun. It deactivates teens' "tune-out" mode.

CMG Tech Teen also hits high notes with its sense of humor, which permeates each module.  Fun, colorful characters reappear in lessons and Brain Games (short check-up questions to measure understanding) to help teens understand and apply concepts. There are also lots of pop culture references to music, sports, and other areas that teen radar picks up.



Q.    Who can participate in CMG Tech Teen?
A.     CMG Tech Teen welcomes any and every teen interested in giving computer literacy a shot.  The door is always open.



Q.    How long does CMG Tech Teen take to complete?
A.    Let's face it:  Young people are champions of unpredictability when it comes to learning, whether it's blitzing through something that piques their interest or wading through dense material. CMG Tech Teen recognizes this and gives teens the chance to complete the modules at their own pace. Generally, each lesson within a module can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to complete, and there are a number of lessons in each module.



Q.     How is each student's progress tracked?
A.      Teens keep a handle on their progress through several of CMG Tech Teen's built-in features.  First up are Brain Games, the funny, mini-quiz questions that cap off every topic area. But Brain Games are more than just multiple choice questions with attitude - they're designed to help users apply what they've learned, and they're packaged in a way that encourages student involvement.

In addition to the Brain Games, CMG Tech Teen participants also take a quiz at the end of each module and an end-of-course quiz.  These aren't garden variety, "beat-your-head-against-the-wall" tests that some teens experience at school. 

Since CMG Tech Teen's emphasis is on accomplishment, if a student's post-test suggests that he or she needs to backtrack and get reacquainted with a section, it's easy to link back to that section.



Q.    Do students get hands-on experience with computer hardware?
A.    CMG Tech Teen's founder, Computer Mentors Group, recommends it. Ideally, every student who completes the basic computer literacy course will have an opportunity to work side by side with an instructor to build a computer before he or she leaves the program.  This exploration process gives teens an "inside" peek into the workings of computers and helps make the educational process tangible. Plus, it's just plain fun.

In the Computer Mentors Group program, teens actually install hardware, software, memory, sound cards and modems into a computer and then follow through to ensure the machine works well.

If you're putting together a CMG Tech Teen program, providing a computer for students to work on may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Keeping one or two older demos on-hand that students can work on is all that's needed.



Q.      What skills and competency level will students have after completing CMG Tech Teen?
A.      CMG Tech Teen graduates will be ready to take on the world...of computers, that is. Armed with experience in Word and Excel, they'll be able to perform all basic functions of these programs. They'll also have a secret stockpile of cool, lesser-known computer tricks. Teens will also understand the components of a computer and easily tick off the fundamentals of hardware and software. And because of all this newfound know-how, program graduates will make great consultants for family and friends eager to invest in a new or used computer.

For students who want to take it to the next level, CMG Tech Teen offers an advanced training course, which focuses on preparing students to take the IC3 certification exam, which can launch them into professional technical careers.
 


Q.    Is there an internship or employment component to the program?
A.    CMG Tech Teen recommends that teens and program sponsors network in the community to establish partnerships for jobs and internships.  Teens eager to work and hone their skills can be guided to volunteer in computer camps, programs and classes.  Many nonprofits or small businesses are eager for interns or hard working employees.  CMG Tech Teen graduates have the skills to perform well in those types of jobs.



Q.      How can I bring programs like CMG Tech Teen and Computer Mentors Group to my area?
A.      Bring in the best mentors in town! Contact Computer Mentors Group at 813-236-1191.  Or visit us online at http://www.computermentors.org/.