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Technology Committee Meeting

September 18, 2002

Purpose of meeting          Discuss teacher training = skills for using the computer

Attendees    Anna Bennett, Janet Brinkop, Carolynn Chase, Al Coleman, Marty McMahon, Marian Miller, Judy Romines, Jim Skeen,  Carolyn Wittman.

Meeting Summary

1.    Lab Updates.  The new computers have been ordered for Lab 3.  We expect them to be delivered within the next few weeks.  The new keyboarding program (available in English and in Spanish) is installed on the Lab 25 computers.  Quicken and MS Frontpage will soon be installed there.  Please note that the identical software set will be installed on the Lab 25 and Lab 3 computers (excepting the GED software, which goes only in Lab 3).  This is so that teachers and students can avail themselves of whichever computer is most convenient to use.

      Janet took an action item to write up the first draft of a policy for temporary use of Lab 25 during regularly scheduled classes that also use the lab computers.

2.  Training teachers with computer skills.    We agreed that we need training for teachers who are novices with computers, teachers who have intermediate skills, and teachers who wish to deepen their advanced skills.  Novices need training in use of the mouse, basic desktop operations, web browsing, and setting up an email account.  We need a document that lists for teachers where such training is available.  Possibilities include:

1. Voc-Ed classes, such as those already offered at Sequoia Adult School.

2. Hands-on tutor training, offered by experienced Sequoia computer teachers.

3. Other specially arranged training.

      Janet will write a short document that shows the specific classes available over the next few months, including Voc-Ed and hands-on tutoring.   We'll send this to all the Sequoia teachers.

3.  Email accounts for teachers.  Most Sequoia teachers already have an email account, although it is unknown how many of these are active.  We wish to set up a distribution list for the Sequoia Tech Committee.  Jim Skeen took an action item to work on this.  He'll also work with Carolyn Wittman to write a letter to teachers discussing privacy and security issues related to email.

4.  Action Items.

• Carolynn Chase:  order CD-RW's for the Lab 25 computers

• Carolynn Chase:  Talk with Sharon about possibility of waiving fee for Sequoia teachers who take Sequoia computer classes.

• Janet Brinkop:  write draft of policy for temporary use of Lab 25 during regularly scheduled classes, per the brief discussion we had at the meeting.

• Janet Brinkop:  Write a short document that advises teachers re training classes and tutoring available.

• Jim Skeen:  Write a draft letter that Carolyn can send around to teachers, re email privacy and security.

• Jim Skeen:  Explore and set up a mechanism for teachers to communicate using an email distribution list.

• Jim Skeen:  correspond with teachers re prioritized needs of the school, and our goals/objectives.

5.  Next Meeting

Date TBD.  Topic:  Prioritized needs of school, with goals/objectives.