Uni-sponsored computer access now in new library
Published on 12 February, 2009
The COIN Academy - a joint CQUniversity and Rockhampton Regional Council venture - has moved from its long-time base in the former Commonwealth Building to become an integral part of the city's new southside library...
COIN was established in 2000 to address the issue of low home computer ownership and internet access in this region. It provides free basic computer skills training and access to anyone in the community.
Under the joint venture, the Council supplies the staff, venue and administration and the University provides IT equipment and infrastructure.
COIN Program Manager Steve Lloyd is also an Honorary Fellow with the University's Faculty of Arts, Business, Informatics and Education.
"Our main goal has been to increase social capital through community engagement by providing IT literacy courses," he said.
"Currently we have 1950 members and have conducted in excess of 80,000 hours of people training.
"As someone who has been with the program since early 2001, I have seen the remarkable and life-changing effect COIN has had on so many lives.
"Many of the people that come through the program and use the facilities have families that have relocated elsewhere.
"By providing the training and building participants' confidence we see them reconnecting with their families and friends through such tools as email, live chat and online social networks.
"In addition to this, due to the relaxed and social aspect of the COIN program, including a cuppa during the break, many participants have made new lifelong friends."
