IN OUR FAMILY, it’s the younger generation we turn to when we’re lost in the world of technology. My mother asks my 13-year-old son to find out why her mobile phone does not ring (it was on vibrate mode). My brother-in-law asks his kids why his cellphone keeps ringing (it had a virus). And my father turns to his 17-year-old apo to download kundimans into the iPod my sister gave him.

It turns out that a lot of us aged more than 20 years old are clueless about technology. I have a batchmate who knows how to check her e-mail but cannot figure out the ins and outs of our yahoogroup. Another friend confessed to not knowing how to attach photos onto her e-mail, so we’ll just have to wait for her husband to do so before I can view our pictures. And I hear about executives who are so clueless with the computer that they are dependent on their secretaries for PowerPoint presentations and reports made on Excel.

Well, the non-techie among us should decrease in number soon. That’s because Microsoft Philippines and Netopia recently partnered to offer free e-learning programs at Netopia Internet cafes (just pay for the use of the PC). Need help in figuring out Office 2007 and Microsoft Vista? No problem. Want to know how to maximize the use of the Internet? Help is here. Want to do awesome PowerPoint presentations and be an expert in using Excel files? Yes, finally, you can do them yourself.

Dubbed “Angat Ka! sa Microsoft at Netopia,” the program aims to help improve technology skills among the youth and professionals. What’s even better is that participants will be pronounced “certified” by Microsoft upon completion of the modules and passing of the online exams.

There are 16 short courses: Computer Basics, The Internet and World Wide Web, Productivity Programs, Computer Security and Privacy, Digital Lifestyle, and courses in Windows XP, Windows Vista, Office Word 2007, Office PowerPoint, and Office Outlook. Participants can do all the courses in less than 12 hours, or at their own pace. All they need to do is go to a Netopia outlet, log on to http://icafe.microsoftelearning.com. A Windows Live account is necessary.

“With technology, people can achieve their full potential, both in their personal and professional goals. Expertise and knowledge in Microsoft technology gives individuals a competitive edge in the work place, and that’s why we are providing accessible and affordable training on our products,” said Rafael Rollan, managing director of Microsoft Philippines. Rollan further said the company partnered with Netopia to bring technology training closer to Filipinos.

George Tan, president of Digital Paradise Inc. (Netopia) is happy with the tie-up as it can be greatly helpful to young people as they look for jobs. Indeed, having a Microsoft certificate is an added credential that can help one advance in his/her career.

And that will also boost office productivity without spending a lot on training programs. Small and medium-sized businesses can take advantage of this free e-learning program to hone their staff’s skills. And hopefully, that will lessen our dependence on the younger set.