UA Mobile Computer Lab Provides Corporate Training

The University of Arkansas Center for Continuing Education’s wireless mobile computer lab has trained employees throughout the state. The lab has 40 laptop PCs that are networked and can be set up in any meeting room. Training programs can cover everything from computer operations to specific programs. Lab director Rick Stroud says the center can customize the training sessions to fit the needs of clients.

“Everyone is touched by computers, some way, somehow,” says Stroud. “We kept looking at our clients and what their needs were, and we have a very proactive director who saw this as an opportunity to provide business learning for our clients.” The center opened its first lab in late 1996 and a second lab last summer.

Companies who have taken advantage of this training service include McKee Foods, Superior Industries, Campbell Soup Inc., Riceland Foods, ConAir and several others. The center also has an agreement with the Arkansas Bankers Association to train its member banks.

Although the lab is PC-based, the lab staff can also do training for Macintosh computers if the clients provide the equipment. The lab has a staff of three trainers who can also design applications for client use. The center plans to expand its offering to Missouri and possibly Kansas, says Stroud. n