Catering to teens with advanced knowledge of computers, Riverland Community College’s Tech Net ’99 offered a variety of seminars to educate even the more computer savvy high schoolers.

Saturday, November 20, 1999

Catering to teens with advanced knowledge of computers, Riverland Community College’s Tech Net ’99 offered a variety of seminars to educate even the more computer savvy high schoolers.

The seminars are geared towards teens who are considering further education and a career in the computer field.

&uot;These are young people who are a cut above, really interested in computers and new technology,&uot; said Jan Waller, dean of academic affairs. &uot;They’re unbelievably bright and creative.&uot;

Linda Carey, coordinator of the event, said it gives students a variety of opportunities. The 230 teens who attended the conference got the chance to speak with individuals employed in the field. They learned of the careers available, tasks involved and the education that may be required.

&uot;The also get a sampling of classes available to them,&uot; Carey said.

The seminars, almost half of which were hands-on, give students a chance to see what a class with similar topics may be like. Students can take a brief seminar before committing to take a semester long class.

It also lets the teachers know what kind of programs and equipment is available, allowing them to determine what kinds of classes they want to offer to their high school students.

Carey and Waller said the seminars offer the best technology and even include brand new programs.

With the grant from US West that funded the conference, Riverland was able to purchase Dreamweaver, a web page design program.