Welcome to CIS Computer Education!

Please continue to go to training.brown.edu to register and see the descriptions for our classes. This site will give you an insight into the training offerings provided by CIS and how we can help you.

Give me a quick overview of what CIS Computer Education offers.

Computer Education provides classes and consultations to staff, faculty, and students on a variety of software and technology topics. Staff and faculty classes are coordinated through Computer Education directly while student classes are done through the PASS (Professional and Academic Skills for Students) program, which also features classes from the Writing Center and the Library.

We're also pleased to offer online training so that folks that want to get a taste of what training is like can experience it without attending a class. Each training screencast/online video is about 2-10 minutes long and focuses on one task, like doing a mail merge or creating a PDF.

What kind of topics do you cover?

We cover a number of different topics and software applications. Some of the most common classes we teach include the following:

  • Adobe Creative Suite
    • Dreamweaver Introduction - Making Web Pages
    • Photoshop Introduction - Beginning Image/Graphics Editing
  • FileMaker Introduction - Making Databases
  • HTML Introduction - Coding Web Pages
  • Microsoft Office
    • Entourage Introduction - Mail and Introduction
    • Excel Introduction - Making Spreadsheets
    • Outlook Introduction - Mail and Calendaring

However, we do teach more than just those classes. For an up to date listing of offerings, see training.brown.edu. To inquire about topics that are not listed, please fill out the training request form.

Why should I take a training class?

Even if you're not in IT or a technology-related field or industry, computer skills are increasingly becoming a requirement for non-technical jobs. In many cases, having advanced ability in certain software applications or with technology in general can mean securing the job offer/internship or getting to the interview stage.

If you're looking to increase your skill past what we offer (as well as gain official recognition of your skill), numerous companies offer technical certifications that can (as long as the person reviewing your resume knows about certifications) be an excellent resume builder. Microsoft, for example, has certification in many things including Microsoft Office applications, Apple has certifications on their operating system as well as their applications (like Final Cut Studio, for example), and CompTIA has certifications for hardware, software, and even for trainers. Depending on your department's situation, your department may even pay for your learning materials, training, and/or exam fees.

Feel free to contact us (Computer_Education@brown.edu) if you'd like more information about why you should take training, or how to take your training to the next level with a certification.

How do I sign up for classes?

As long as you have a Brown username, you can sign up for classes online at training.brown.edu. If you're having any trouble, contact us at Computer_Education@brown.edu.

What if I don't see training I need on training.brown.edu?

We're always developing new classes to meet the needs of the university and the schedule of training means that, for example, even if there are no Excel classes up right now, there will be soon. If you need training and don't see it listed on training.brown.edu, please contact us directly (Computer_Education@brown.edu) or through the training request form at training.brown.edu and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Where do you train people?

Our main training room is located on the second floor of the CIT (115 Waterman Street, located right by the Sciences Library), in room 269. We have other training facilities in the CIT as well, but we're more than happy to go to your department for consultations or classes.

I have a question that isn't covered here. How do I contact you?

We're happy to answer any questions you may have, just email us at Computer_Education@brown.edu.