This Program has been developed by 3Soft USA as a contribution to the community called the Digital Enrichment Co-operative (DECO). The purpose of this program is to provide access to technology to those who might not otherwise benefit from it, by teaching job skills such as making use of the internet to do research, utilizing email, typing resumes, word processing, and using the Microsoft Office suite. The objective of this program is to boost the confidence and morale of many who are inexperienced with technology. 

    Currently, DECO and the Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board (NVWIB)'s South County Job Source Center are working together to close the Digital Divide in Fairfax County. The main thrust of the DECO program is to initially familiarize students with the use of the computer and the internet. Students are taught how to register for email accounts and how to seek jobs and post resumes on the internet. In order to increase the students' employability, they are also taught the following MS Office skills:

    • create, edit and print attractive resumes
    • create and use spreadsheets
    • create presentations using text, graphics and animation
    • create and use small databases
       

    DECO classes provide basic working knowledge which can get students going with computers. They become familiar with the functions they will encounter in most office situations. They are encouraged to practice on their own, and are provided documentation which can take them through more advanced functions.

    Considering the profile of typical DECO students, the instructors give equal importance to application usage skills and seemingly trivial skills such as moving around in the GUI (Graphic User Interface) environment; all of the potential uses of the mouse; using floppy disks; saving programs and using files and folders; cutting and pasting; connecting to the internet; and accessing internet job search engines. The student also learns about different types of internet service and modem lines, servers, and setting up and using email accounts.