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Cuesta College Community Programs
(Bldg 4700, San Luis Obispo Cuesta College Campus on Hwy 1)
PO Box 8106, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8106
Phone: (805) 546-3132; Fax: (805) 546-3107

Ed2Go Online Courses

Personal Enrichment

Cuesta Community Programs has online classes that help you update skills, discover new talents or map out a new profession...all at your fingertips in the comfort and convenience of your own home, office or while traveling. Classes begin at $94 and offer a wide range of topics that begin every month, run for six weeks for approximately 24 hours of instruction. Our instructors are famous for their ability to create warm and supportive environments while facilitating their courses with interactive quizzes, assignments and tutorials. Students are able to read class information and ask their instructor questions at times most convenient to them...
24 hours a day/7 days a week. Our online classes are not-for-credit but do have "Letters of Completion" available upon request.

Basic Requirements:
Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
See individual classes for additional requirements.

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Achieving Success with Difficult People
Do you know people whose behavior makes completing even the simplest tasks difficult? Would you like to learn how to have more successful relationships with difficult bosses, co-workers, students, neighbors or family members? Join this class and get helpful information for understanding yourself, solving people problems, and improving your relationships and personal and professional productivity.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Judy Snyder;

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Genealogy Basics
Tracing your family's history is a fascinating journey. Who will you discover? Genealogy Basics will help you understand the genealogy research process and the way we interpret the information we find. This course guides you through the search process for family names using several subscription-based Web sites, which you can access while you're enrolled in the class. Along the way, you'll learn through hands-on examples that help you dig deeper into your family's past. You'll develop a strategy to accomplish your objectives, evaluate the results, and share that information with others. You'll discover, in simple terms, where to look, who to contact, and how to make your family history come alive. Was it truth or goof? Where’s the proof? Find out why close counts not only in horseshoes, but also in hunting your heritage. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Bob Moyer;

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Get Assertive!
Are you tired of being intimidated and treated badly by others? Discover how you lose power when you talk and how to gain it back. Find out the secrets to defusing anger and avoiding criticism. Gain the skills to be assertive with family members, friends, bosses, co-workers, professionals and clerks. It's your turn to speak out!
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Vivian Harte;

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Get Funny!
The ability to create humor is a skill many people don't have, yet wish they did. If you're interested in learning how to come up with jokes or witticisms on the fly, punch up dull material for an audience, or make a living as a comedy writer, this course will get you going. Your instructor, an experienced comedy writer and working actress, will guide you through a wide range of comedic sources. You'll learn how to write a one-liner, use physical humor, target your audience, find the humor in everyday events and much, much more. Once you've learned some of the methods of creating humor, you'll be ready to apply it to all aspects of your life. Punch up speeches and presentations so that the audience is instantly on your side. Mix laughter with learning in the classroom, and watch your students' attention spans grow. Add some humor to your web page and watch the hits explode as word gets out. Use your newfound sense of humor to entertain your friends, meet interesting people, and even make new friends! For the aspiring comedy writer, there are invaluable techniques for finding the methods that work consistently and without the worries of whims, moods or blocks. There is even a section on marketing your humor, giving you the inside information you'll need to find your niche. Learning should be fun, and this course is no exception. Filled with opportunities to laugh as you learn, "Get Funny" promises an entertaining and informative six weeks.  REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Joanna Sandsmark;

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Get Paid to Travel
If you love to travel and enjoy working with individuals, tour directing, tour guiding, and cruise hosting may be the career for you! As a professional tour director or tour guide, you're hired by tour operators, destination management companies, and incentive houses to escort groups on local programs, domestic tours, international tours, and cruises. You may be on an African safari one week and cruising the Seven Seas the next, earning as much as $1900 per week. If you prefer local work, there’s plenty of opportunity with local tour operators, destination management companies, and receptive services. You’ll find it challenging, exciting, rewarding, and never, ever dull! The course covers the how-to for part-time and full-time careers. You’ll learn everything you need to be successful and how to acquire a position as a professional tour director, tour guide, and cruise host. This includes procedures for international and domestic airports, hotel and motor coach procedures, attractions, tour briefings, narration, and documentation. Other topics include how to deal with tour members, tour safety, and how to handle emergencies effectively. In addition, you’ll learn about career opportunities and how to gain experience and employers for local, domestic, and international travel careers. Tourism is the fastest growing industry in the world. Learn how to be part of it today!
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser. The career is open to all ages. In fact, maturity is often an asset. The main requirement for the business is being able to perform the duties of a tour director, which are taught in this class. The tour director should have energy, good health and have the patience to assist the general public.

Instructor: Cherie Anderson;

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Goodbye to SHY
Want to learn how to overcome shyness? Now you can—from someone who has been there! The ability to connect with others affects everything we do, from advancing in our careers to attracting a mate. If your shyness keeps you from having the life you want, here's your chance to learn the secrets to overcoming it. You'll find out how to appreciate your positive qualities while changing the negative behaviors you want to alter. By the time you finish this course, you'll be able to increase your self-confidence while reducing physical symptoms of anxiety. You'll feel more comfortable initiating both casual and deep conversations, and you'll know how to relate effectively in romantic situations. In addition, you'll learn techniques for effective public speaking, which consistently tops the lists of people's greatest fears! You'll have opportunities to practice assertiveness and conflict resolution techniques, and you'll be able to create your own action plan for achieving the level of sociability that you desire. Full of encouragement and practical strategies, this course will be your guide to achieving the confidence you need to fulfill your personal and professional goals! REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, and the Microsoft  Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Kimberly Floyd;

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Healing through Hypnosis
A fun, informative, and entertaining look at the history, methods, and application of hypnotic suggestion in today's society. You will learn how to determine what types of people are susceptible to hypnotic suggestion, how and why hypnosis works, how to induce trance, and how to script and deliver an appropriate suggestion during hypnosis. You will discover methods of using hypnosis for dramatic life changes, including weight control, overcoming addictions and anxieties, correcting sleep disorders, ending unwanted behaviors, improving your memory, removing writer's block, maintaining your peak performance, and managing pain. You'll also learn about regression, false memories, and how to recognize situations when the use of hypnosis is not appropriate. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.

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Interpersonal Communication
Communicating successfully depends on effective use of communication strategies and behaviors. Words, facial and body movements, tone of voice, even clothing and situation, all form an intricate symbol system that must be quickly translated by those who want to communicate. It has been said that there is no communication unless a mutual sharing of meaning takes place. It has also been said that one cannot NOT communicate. These two ideas seem to oppose one another, but they are two sides of the same coin. A smile can have many meanings. And so can silence. This course will show you how to manage the conscious and unconscious codes of meaning we send to each other and to respond with appropriate codes in turn. This course explains and explores concepts of verbal and nonverbal expression including personal style, listening, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, conflict management, and cultural and gender communication differences. Examples, graphics, and theoretical models help clarify communication topics and simplify the process for effective communication in family, personal, and professional situations. Communicating is necessary. Knowing how to do it well is personally satisfying and professionally wise. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Laurel Bragstad;

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Keys to Effective Communication
If you often find yourself at a loss for words or lack confidence in your communication abilities, you'll appreciate this course. With the help of a patient instructor and a supportive community of your fellow students, you'll work step by step through the process of becoming a great conversationalist. You'll learn to use communication to build rapport and create environments of trust, warmth, and respect. Become more confident, create a great first impression, get along well with others, and create more and better personal and professional relationships.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Dawn Lianna;

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Leadership
Leadership skills can help you gain the respect and admiration of others, while also allowing you to enjoy success in your career and more control over your destiny. Contrary to popular belief, leadership skills can be learned and developed. Even if you don't hold a leadership position, this course will teach you how to use the principles of great leaders to achieve success in almost every aspect of your daily life. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Lynne Morton;

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Listen to Your Heart and Success Will Follow
Intelligently facilitated and fast-paced, Listen to Your Heart, and Success Will Follow will help you enjoy the rewards that come from doing what really makes you happy! Your instructor and a caring community of students will help you begin designing a life that really works for you. With a complete understanding of your own interests, values, needs and abilities, you'll learn how you can use work to express yourself and share your interests and talents. Your every day will be filled with joy and inspiration, and a greater depth of meaning will be added to everything you do. This course program is skillfully crafted to weave experiential learning with the conceptual presentation, giving you time to experience, understand, and implement each new strategy as it is introduced. REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, E-mail, Microsoft  Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Instructor: Cynthia Christianson;

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Making Age an Asset in Your Job Search
Are you over 50 and considering a new career? This course, based on research and programs developed by AARP, is a guide for people over 50 looking to make a career change, find employment opportunities, or learn strategies that give them the best chance of getting hired. You'll find out how to plan your job search, build your résumés, get ready for interviews, and take maximum advantage of job openings and offers. We'll begin by taking a realistic look at today's job market to help you identify where your skills and experience will fit. Then you'll focus on yourself—assessing your skills and interests to see how you could use them most effectively as you zero in on job opportunities. You'll use the AARP Foundation's exciting new interest and skills-assessment WorkSearch tool to guide your self-assessment and highlight your best job matches. Then we'll switch gears and start working on your résumés—the critical tool that gets you in the door for an interview. We'll cover all the ins and outs of interviewing, including what questions to expect and what questions you should ask. By the end of the course, you'll know how your work and life skills can meet the needs of employers who are hiring today. You'll be fully prepared to begin your winning job search! REQUIREMENTS:  Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

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Skills for Making Great Decisions
Learn how to make excellent everyday decisions from an experienced counselor and life coach. In this six-week online course, you'll learn about some wonderful abilities we're born with for figuring things out and making good decisions. You'll also see why our instincts and intuition sometimes deceive us and how self-knowledge can help us guard against becoming overly confident. You'll discover the steps necessary to achieve your goals, as well as the power that ordinary, everyday decisions can have over the quality of your life. You'll learn how to deal effectively with crisis, how to use your emotions as decision-making tools, and how to work with others to make good decisions. You'll develop some important guidelines for when to take risks, when to trust your luck, and what to do if you make a mistake. The goal of this course is to give you the power to live the best life you can and make the very most of every opportunity.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Instructor: Donna Brown;

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Speed Reading by Merrill Ream
Are you struggling to keep up with a flood of email, articles, reports, books, and other printed matter? Save yourself oodles of time by learning to read faster and with better comprehension from acclaimed speed reading expert Dr. Merrill Ream. This course is a complete speed-reading experience. Topics are presented in a logical progression with plenty of time to help you master the skills and techniques you'll need for lasting proficiency as a speed-reader.
REQUIREMENTS: Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search
Get the job you want quickly and easily and in any economy. In this course, a world-renowned author and career advisor will help you identify the job that is best for your needs. You'll then be given complete step-by-step instructions on how to get that job, regardless of your level of expertise or state of the economy. You will learn how to build rapport with any interviewer, both verbally and non-verbally, while mastering the six phases of a successful job interview. This motivational course will increase your confidence, help you feel great about yourself, and provide you with the foundation you need to get the job you want. REQUIREMENTS:  Internet access, e-mail, and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

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Contact Karen Linn with your questions/comments/suggestions