LCTTP Instructor Profile

Joann (Jo) Silsby (silsby@msu.edu)

Education:

AS: Business / Information Word Processing
Lansing Community College: Lansing, MI. Graduated 1990

BA: Community Services
Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI. Graduated 2006

Certified as a Microsoft Office User Specialist Expert (MOUS) in
Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

Work Experience:

1996 to Present
Information Technology Professional
Michigan State University, Administrative Information Services Department: East Lansing, MI

• Design and deliver computer training courses and workshops covering a wide range of software:
  • Word
  • PowerPoint
  • Visio
  • Database Reporting Using Crystal Reports
  • Web Design and Usability Techniques
  • Web Accessibility
  • Creating Flexible Documents
  • Macromedia Breeze Presenter
  • AIS Document Viewer
  • Faculty/Staff/Retiree Address System
  • Also familiar and use MS-Publisher, WordPerfect, Outlook and Eudora.

• Provide technical consultation services for internal and external customers.
• Provide one-on-one training based on the needs of the client. Experience working with the visually impaired which broadens my perspective on persons with disabilities using computers.
• Administer and perform billing for AIS computer courses and workshops.
• Member of the department Outlook Mail Implementation Team involved in testing, documenting, teaching, and support to department staff of 120.

Training Philosophy:

I have a passion for helping others feel comfortable when using a PC from the beginner level on up. My philosophy is not just to educate but help people learn new technology skills in order to be more efficient at their jobs whether it is at the workplace or at home. My role is more of a facilitator rather than a trainer because I love class participation, working together on labs, and encourage students to ask questions. The hands-on classes provide that avenue. Focusing on what it was like when I first learned new technology helps me stay focused on how I portray the material to others at a comfortable, easy to understand, and patient manner. And guess what. . . I'm still learning too!