Ozarks Profile: Jazy Mihalik

Tell us about The Edge.

The Edge is a special project of the Springfield-Greene County Library. It was initially funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Vocational and Adult Education, the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Jeannette Musgrave Foundation. We are located on the lower level on the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library where we have a 12-computer training room and a four-computer tutorial room for computer-based tutorials.

The Edge offers free hands-on computer and Internet training for adults, plus after-school technology programs for middle and high school students in a comfortable and non-intimidating environment. The Edge opened during the spring of 2002, and attendance recently surpassed 6,000. Our instructor-led computer classes range from "Meet the Computer" for the absolute beginner through "Digital Images and Scanning" and introductory classes for the Microsoft Office products.

What's the demographic of the people served by The Edge?

Almost 75 percent of our participants are adults and the rest are teens and youth. Of the adults that have attended classes at The Edge, over 90 percent are over the age of 35 and 40 percent are over the age of 60. We've helped about 60 people over the age of 80. Over 25 percent of our adults reported they had never used a computer before they came to The Edge. Nearly 35 percent of our adults are retired, and 18 percent reported they were unemployed.

Is the need for computer knowledge increasing?

You bet it is! This is a technology-driven world. The national definition of 21st century literacy has now expanded beyond reading, writing and math to include technology skills. Technology impacts every area of life. Whether in the library, in school, at work or in the family, technology is becoming a requirement, not an option.

Among which groups do you see an increasing need for computer knowledge?

I see different needs among different groups.

Most people in their 20s had early exposure to computers and some computer instruction in school, but may need additional training in more advanced skills to be competitive in today's technology-intensive workplace.

Adults ages 30-65

Most adults between the age of 30 and 65 did not have access to, or training on, computers in school. Many of this group were introduced to computers in the workplace, but probably received only limited training on job-specific software. Some may have purchased a computer to help meet their children's educational needs, but never really learned to use it. This group needs additional computer and software skills in order to advance or be more productive in the workplace, or to be more involved in their child's educational process. They also need additional Internet skills in order to find information, e-mail friends and family, pay bills or make purchases online, etc.

Adults over age 65

The needs for adults over 65 are a little different. Many have no computer skills because they quit the work force before computers became a necessity and their children were grown before computers became an educational requirement. They are now realizing that they are being left behind in today's technology-driven society and are also missing out on so much interesting and fun stuff on the Internet. Believe it or not, many teens need additional computer skills. Most grew up with technology and know the basic software skills learned in school. Most know how to get on the Internet to find general information and play games, send e-mail and chat. But tomorrow's workplace will require technology skills beyond the basics, and college will require advanced searching and Web site evaluation skills.

What are your biggest challenges, and how do you deal with them?

One big challenge is to get new users over their fear of computers and their embarrassment for not already knowing how to use one. Another big challenge is to effectively teach new skills and concepts to a group of 12 learners of various ages, skill levels, learning styles and abilities in a hands-on situation.

To meet these challenges, we have developed a focused curriculum that breaks skills down into manageable and logical segments. We offer seniors classes for those that are more comfortable in a group their own age, and we partner with University of Missouri Extension to offer bilingual technology workshops every Wednesday evening. We have a great selection of computer-based tutorials for reinforcement and more advanced skills.

Tell us about your family and spare-time interests.

I live with my husband, Mark, and youngest son, Cory, in our home just south of Rogersville. Cory is a freshman at OTC, wanting to major in chemistry. My older son, Dustin, caught my love for computers early on and just recently graduated from University of Missouri-Rolla with a degree in computer science. He is currently a programmer for a technology-based company in Austin, Texas.