Customized On-Site Computer Training

Qualifications

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS

• Microsoft® Certified Application Specialist (Office 2007), Microsoft® Corporation
• Microsoft® Office Specialist Certification (Office 2003), Microsoft® Corporation
• Teaching Degree from Queen's University, Kingston, ON
• Computer Specialist Diploma from St. Lawrence College, Kingston, ON

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Chamber of Commerce Nominee for 2007 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

EXPERIENCE

• Two decades of applied computer software knowledge
• Taught software programs to adult learners using lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises
• Developed curriculum and prepared teaching materials
• Provided individualized tutorial instruction
• Courses taught: Microsoft ® Office 9x - 2007: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook; Internet Explorer; Windows 9x - Vista; Netscape 4.x - Navigator, Messenger, Calendar, Conference, Composer
• Adapted to various learning styles and levels of ability

TRAINING HISTORY:
In the mid 90's, these courses were taught to staff at the Royal Military College and Queen's University, and to students at St. Lawrence College. More recently, these courses were taught to staff/councillors at township offices in the Kingston area as well as other organizations in the public and private sectors. Software support was provided as a Help Desk Support Specialist at RMC and Queen's University.

Lorrie believes that it is important to be able to relate to real world frustrations that computers can create in the workplace...

Testimonials

"It was a pleasure working with Lorrie Watts and her company Software Simplified as they always focussed on our needs as the customer. We are a large organization and our staff had varied levels of skill and training requirements, so the standard training programs offered by many companies did not meet our needs. Despite these challenges, Lorrie was able to customize the training and instructional materials to suit the needs of our entire organization. We were so pleased with the group training sessions, that we are having Lorrie back to conduct some individualized training."
Lisa Holmes, Co-ordinator, Community Network of Specialized Care Eastern Region, Ongwanada

"You took my long list of tasks that I thought I needed to immediately master, and through consultation created a realistic, manageable module of training that addressed my most pressing needs. I appreciated your encouraging style of teaching and the way in which you carefully listened to my concerns and questions before directing me through a task that would address that need. Rather than telling me how to do something, you actually had me complete the process, giving me confidence that I had learned the process thoroughly. Your customized training manual is a wonderful reference for tasks that I perform less frequently. I would recommend you to anyone looking for software training for learners of all levels that is delivered with patience and understanding, thus making the learning process enjoyable and effective."
Catherine Bell, AICI CIP, President, PRIME Impressions

"You answered questions in a "Laymans" way of understanding - which I appreciated!"
Susan Dunfield, Manager of Community and Leisure Services, Township of Rideau Lakes

"[I found the courses] very helpful, and you made them interesting... not losing your cool or anything."
Paul Smith, Councillor, Township of Rideau Lakes

"Staff found the training very helpful for two main reasons. Firstly, because it is on site and they are more familiar with their own computers. With different levels of skill and knowledge of the staff, the one to one teaching was wonderful. Secondly, the teaching was a good overview of Word and Excel. Most important of all, for a small organization, the office can continue functioning with no loss of staff time. I highly recommend the training to anyone."
Frances Tan, Financial Manager, Town Homes Kingston

"In less than an hour, you helped me to deal with a problem that I have been fighting with for a year. I liked that you asked questions in advance and came prepared with a strategy to work on the specific areas that I needed to improve. I would recommend you to anyone who is looking for an efficient way to improve their skills. It was worth the time and then some."
Dave Neely, Professional Trainer, D.K. Neely and Associates

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