[gmracket]

Just received the July-Dec catalog for new courses at the Learning College. I do not like the new format whereby they do not put in the dates and times. You need to go to the web site to find out and even though most people use a computer regularly, there are people that aren't as computer savvy and therefore will not bother. It is going to make more work for the volunteers because more people will be coming in about courses because they cant or do not want to do the computer.

It is not a very good concept.

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by gmracket

Just received the July-Dec catalog for new courses at the Learning College. I do not like the new format whereby they do not put in the dates and times. You need to go to the web site to find out and even though most people use a computer regularly, there are people that aren't as computer savvy and therefore will not bother. It is going to make more work for the volunteers because more people will be coming in about courses because they cant or do not want to do the computer.

It is not a very good concept.

Noticed that, too, and thought it strange. There must be a good reason...perhaps someone in the know will clue us in.

[jojo]

I agree. You can find it online but it is not convenient. The irony is that they now have registration online,.

[Doro22]

I saw that also & thought it was not too good of an idea. I had to read it over several times to be sure I wasn't missing something. Like most of us here, I need to know when something takes place before I can decide to take part. Huge mistake on their part.

[Madelaine Amee]

The web site layout is excellent, but only if you are really computer literate. I think someone thought this would alleviate phone calls and walk ins, but I rather think they are going to be overwhelmed with phone calls. In fact one of my instructors is urging her students to call the school to find times and days for her courses! Would not be surprised to find a new catalog coming out soon showing the old format.

[JC and John]

Agree did not like the new format. Talked to one of the ladies who does the updates online and as I understand it is a budget thing. There are two things going on. First, they are transitioning from a paper based format to an electronic format which costs big bucks. Two, because of the growing number of classes, they simply do not have the budget to print all the info for every class. So they cut down the amount of info in the catalog so fewer pages would be printed. You can still call and ask about classes you are interested in and/or sign-up on the phone. I had no problem signing-up online. However, the system does not allow you to sign-up let say husband and wife at the same time. Only if you call them can you sign-up more than one person. Oh well, since it is new, let's give it a chance to work out the kinks. I am sure there will be updates to the system as we go forward.

[mixsonci]

What's the website URL?

[Buckeyephan]

When I called, I was told that lack of times and dates was intentional because they want only online registration. It forces people to go to the website which will encourage people to register then. I told the woman that I understand the reason but I felt it was a waste of my time to click on multiple topics on the chance a class is available at a time I can use. I would browse the catalogue and circle classes that interested me and fit my schedule. She insisted that the new format was so much better for users. I don't buy what she was selling!

[jojo]

Originally Posted by mixsonci

What's the website URL?

The website is:
The Villages Lifelong Learning College enrichment classes for adults.

The new system is time consuming and anything but user friendly. Ugh!!!

[sunnyatlast]

Just tried out the website which I used many times before.

If they are trying to decrease enrollment, they're doing a good job.

I pity the people taking the phone calls from people who want to enroll. The website is a mess for even a seasoned veteran computer/internet user.

[Jaggy]

yep... just tried to register for a class.. I found it in the online catalog, then it took me another try to find the registration form but by that time the window showing the class info was closed...Ok, so I consider myself somewhat computer savy , but this was a mess.. online catalog should have option to click on the class and then it brings up registration form with info on class prefilled.. I guess I will be another caller tomorrow.. since I gave up on the online site.

[Jim 9922]

Originally Posted by Doro22

I saw that also & thought it was not too good of an idea. I had to read it over several times to be sure I wasn't missing something. Like most of us here, I need to know when something takes place before I can decide to take part. Huge mistake on their part.

I just wasted 75 minutes of time online having to look up scheduled dates and times for the 17 courses we were interested in. There is plenty of white space open in each course description to have printed the dates and times. In fact that's where I hand wrote the information down.
Some reject from the Sales or P.R. departments must have been assigned to put the catalog together.
Way back when, I learned that when selling something, customer ease and service should be a priority.