Thursday, July 29, 2010

CDD Class Report Walden 7-17-10

Walden House
Tuesday, 7/17/10


Opening Comments:
Chairs were set up with a white board for lecture.

Attendance:
Attendance was taken and the notebooks handed out. The room was full, with 14 students in attendance. I was informed by a staff member that Kirklan Stevenson would no longer be attending class. My teaching partner Delaram did not show up to class so I covered both topics.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
I gave an overview of what we would be covering class and reminded them that their outlines would be due on Tuesday

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
During the first part of the lecture the second set of 6 computer discovery terms were reviewed including video card, sound card, modem etc... The students seemed to understand them pretty well. They also, seemed to grasp the difference between computer hardware and software. The first half of module 1 and any questions that the students had were answered. One student brought up a question about Apple computers I explained that it was a different type of computer with different software and that type of computer was not covered in this class.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
The second half of module one was then covered the help index tab and it was explained that there was a slight difference in the look of Windows 98 and XP. They also learned about the help search function and how to print something from the index. In addition the concept of working with different windows was explained and the students learned about maximizing and minimizing windows and how to close them and shutdown the computer.

LAB TIME:
At the beginning of lab time the topics in module 2 were covered in a more hands on approach. The students opened up the help menu and maximized and minimized Windows. The students were then divided up and some worked on their outline while others used Mavis Beacon and then switched off. During this time I went around and answered any questions that students had both about their outlines and the computer use. One student was having trouble writing his outline because he felt uncomfortable with his inability to spell. I explained that he should still write it even though it would have spelling errors.

FINAL NOTES:
To conclude, students were reminded that they needed to finish their outlines All books were returned. Aaron Robinson was still concerned about the fact he was marked absent last week although he did come to class late, I reminded him again of the class rules. When passing out the notebooks at the beginning of the class I believe it was folder 60 came apart. Many of the holes in the hole punched papers are broken and the order of the pages was jumbled. So I was unable to give it out to the student.

Monday, July 26, 2010

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 7-17-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Cri-Help/July 17, 2010


Opening Comments:

Renee and Micah arrived on time and began class. Everybody was already seated and prepared. Micah did a quick introduction.

Attendance:

Renee took attendance. All students were present at the beginning of class on time with the exception of Eddie Aguilar. Some students were a few minutes slow in returning from break, and Micah explained to students during Lab that timeliness is critical.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Renee began with a quick review of the class expectations and a short discussion of the Outline. We reminded everybody of the paper's title and that the outline is due Tuesday.




1ST TOPIC COVERED:

Renee started off material in the class with a review of the Computer Discovery Terms 7 – 12. After asking the class, we decided it would make sense to assign analogies to each of the terms. Once we did that, we had the entire class engaged in understanding the terms. They all remembered the clever analogies used for the first few terms and were comfortable with the format.

Video card = eyes
Sound card = ears
CD/DVD Drive = sketchbook/flipbook
Power supply = heart
Monitor = TV (difference: resolution (dots on the screen))
Modem = telephone

2ND TOPIC COVERED:

Micah continued with the rest of Module 1. We did a quick check for understanding of the material presented Tuesday; students were comfortable with that material. To review the 2nd half of the material, we used the board to draw examples. The students really seemed to like learning and expressing the functions of the various parts of the diagram in unison.

Micah drew a Desktop with a start button, taskbar, and My Computer/Mavis Beacon icons. He pointed to each item and asked the class to name each one. Then he drew a window of My Computer, and asked students to name each part of that screen (IE, titlebar, minimize button, maximize/restore button, close button). He made a picture of what the screen would look like after each button was pushed. At the end the class was able to reliably say the name of the function together of each component on the screen. (IE, point to minimize button ( _ ) and everybodfy would say “minimize – put it to the taskbar”).

ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

We covered the basics of how resolution works to help students understand the differences between TV's and computer monitors.

LAB TIME:

We split the students into the groups and group A went on the computers first, and group B worked on their outlines, then they switched at the halfway point. Renee spent time with the students on the computers while Micah did the outlines.

On the computers, students demonstrated their understanding of what the buttons did (minimize, maximize, restore) by using each function under Renee's supervision. Students also practiced deleting and emptying the trash can. Advanced students went on to Mavis-Beacon.

The other group continued with working on the outlines. Many students had already completed an outline; some hadn't started. We reinforced with each student that the outlines would be due Tuesday. One student, (Ibra, I believe) needed more individual help with his outline. I told him to work on what we went over in class and that somebody would help him individually on Tuesday. He did have the outline started and made some progress during class.

FINAL NOTES:

Micah is working on contacting Cri-Help to request a work order to get the Internet fixed. Micah also requested a clock be installed in the room so we can keep track of time without pulling out our cell phones during class.

Group B started on the computers this time and I feel that both groups got roughly equal time. We had to start late by about 5 minutes for the 2nd half of the class because many students had not returned. We were very specific in notifying students during Lab that tardiness returning from break would not be tolerated in the future.

The group seems to be dedicated and interested in the material. Matt is definitely the most computer-literate in the group, but his typing skills are nonexistent; we believe that during lab time he should usually be allowed to go straight into Mavis Beacon to get the most from Lab time.

Friday, July 23, 2010

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
House of Uhuru, 7-13-2010

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Nine students were present at the start of the class. Peter introduced himself to the class, and explained his background. Midway through the class, Wayne informed us that he would only be enrolled in the class for the next two weeks, as he is leaving UH afterwards. The students also said that Michael Alcantera has dropped the course. The main issue encountered was that the computers are not completely setup and need some additional work. None of the computers have Mavis Beacon or Microsoft Office installed. Three computers do not boot up, and one (first row, far right) does not have Windows XP installed. There are seven usable computers total, for the nine students.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Jeff started by reviewing some of the topics in module one, including cutting/pasting and minimizing/maximizing. He then explained that outlines are due in a week, and went over the concepts and purposes of an outline. He reviewed the sample structure of the outline in the workbook, and gave some examples of how it could be filled in. The students seemed to comprehend this topic, and many began working on their outlines during the lab.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Peter quickly reviewed the first six computer discovery terms. He then explained terms 7-12, providing analogies for each computer part. Example: Video card is like artist painting a picture, in that it is responsible for the display of all colors/graphics. The students seemed to understand the functions of the parts, and had good follow-up questions about each part.

BREAK
Break went as planned, for 10 minutes. All students arrived back from break on time.

LAB TIME:
Since Mavis Beacon was not accessible, the students worked on typing their outlines using Wordpad, or wrote them on paper. Jeff and Peter went around the room and assisted the students with creating their outlines, and with several Wordpad formatting issues. A few of the students completed their outlines, and started typing their papers. The features of Wordpad are basic, and did not offer many of the features that the students normally have (double-spacing, centering, etc).

FINAL NOTES:
No disciplinary issues were encountered. Other than the issues with the lab, it was a successful class.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

CDD Class Report Walden 7-10-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Walden House, Tuesday, 7/10/10

Opening Comments:
Steve one of the staff members at Walden explained that there was such a low turn out for the class because it had not been announced the previous week that the class was starting on Tuesday. Since, we had so few people Steve asked if we would be able to allowed to add anyone else. Delaram spoke to Kathleen and another student Greg Moobley was added to the class.

Attendance:
Because, of the confusion on Tuesday an announcement was made over the WH speaker today to notify the students the class was starting in the computer lab. Two of the students listed on the roster Calvin Booker and Victor Lopez came in and said they did not sign up for the class. Another student Ray Davenport came in to say he was dropping the class. Jose Padilla was not aware that class had started last week he came in but had to leave at 12. He was marked absent. Greg Moobley requested to add the class during the break. He only attended the lab time and was marked absent as well. We had a total of 10 students in attendance.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
The instructors (Maria & Delaram) introduced themselves to the class, and explained their backgrounds and why they were volunteering to teach the course.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Maria reminded the students about the paper and that they should beging thinking about their topic. She went on to review the First 6 Computer terms using one of the old computers to point out the parts to them again. The students seemed to understand all the terms and found the analogies Micah had provided last week very helpful. Some of the students who had very little experience with computers were much more confident after learning some of the terminology.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Delaram covered the 1st 13 pages of Module 1. She had them read from the workbooks and explained some of the basic concepts in using Windows. She explained about the desktop and taskbar. She also, explained multitasking and how to maximize, minimize and close a window. They seemed to understand the explanations well.

LAB TIME:

All of the computers booted up with no issues. The students turned on the computers they all worked on their typing skills with Mavis Beacon. There were not enough computers for each student in the lab and a few the students that were more experienced with computers paired up with other less experienced ones which was very helpful. Delaram and Maria walked around to make sure that all students had any questions or were having trouble using the computer

FINAL NOTES: No disciplinary issues were encountered There is still one computer that is not working. It has a sign that says no power supply

Sunday, July 18, 2010

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 7-10-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Cri-Help/July 10, 2010



Opening Comments:

Marlaina and I met up at 10:15am and we set up the class. Unfortunately, neither one of brought the lesson plan, and the internet wasn’t up and running, so we were not able to follow the lesson plan exactly as we should have.

Despite the minor setback at the beginning, we were able to run the class fairly smoothly and over all it went very well. The students were very kind and appreciative and really want to learn.

Attendance:
Juliette Hayes did not show up again and a student mentioned she thought Juliette may have dropped the program all together. Adolpho Ortega did not return from break.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
I did an intro and Marlaina did an intro and we went around the room and had the students introduce themselves one at a time.


1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Explain who covered this topic and any issues with the students on the topic.

We reviewed the computer discovery terms. Marlaina then went over Module 1 and demonstrated the techniques from the workbook by using a computer, the students seemed to enjoy that.

Unfortunately, since we didn’t have a lesson plan on hand, we didn’t know how far along we were supposed to go in Module 1. Instead of going through to page 13, we ended up stopping at page 8.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:

I went over the rules and regulations again with the students and inquired about how the essays were coming along. Most indicated they were coming along a few stated they hadn’t yet started theirs but have been thinking about it. The students asked about the possibility of seeing examples of essays and we said that we would see what could be done about that.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

Students asked about the mentoring program and about jobs and internships. One asked about volunteering for CDD when class is over. We told them that we would make sure that information would be available to them soon; hopefully at the next class on Tuesday.

LAB TIME:

We split the students into the groups and group A went on the computers first. The students opened and closed programs, I taught them about multi-tasking, how to switch between windows, they seemed to be relieved that it was such an easy concept. They all picked it up very well. They opened Mavis Beacon back up and continued where they left off. I noticed some have very good typing skills already, while others had a harder time grasping the concept of typing, i.e. hitting the keys too hard, holding the keys down too long etc…

While I focused on the students on the computers, during that time Marlaina primarily focused on the students that weren’t on a computer. She went around the room and spoke to each student about their plan for success. She also pointed out that they will be responsible for making an outline for their paper and that it will be due in a couple of weeks. Some of the students started working on their outlines right away while others started the brainstorming process.

FINAL NOTES:

Other than the fact that we didn’t finish Module I on the right page, there were not any major issues. The students really enjoyed the lab time the most.

Just a couple of things to keep in mind:

Kevin and Jessie tend to ask a lot of off topic questions.

Adolpho Ortega did not return from break and left a folder of personal paperwork in the class. I turned it into the front desk.

The computer closest to the front of the class against the wall on the entry side of the lab was acting up when Mavis Beacon was opened, but worked well using any other program.

Friday, July 16, 2010

CDD Class Report Uhuru 7-6-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
House Uhuru/7-6-2010


Opening Comments:
No unusual or concerning incidents happened. The students seemed to be engaged and respectful.

Attendance:
We had 9 students attend class this evening. Kim was told by one of the counselors that there might be as many as 13 students, but this was all that were in class today. All of the students were timely, both at the beginning and after the break.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Jeff did the overview of the class, and since the class size was small we had time to do short intros from all the students as well. Both Jeff and Kim provided brief introductions and backgrounds of themselves.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Jeff covered Rules and Expectations and Paper/Presentation and making an outline.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Kim covered Computer Discovery and using the mouse.

LAB TIME:
We used this time to cover more questions the students had about our background, and also address more in depth what we expect to cover in class and more specific questions about computers.

FINAL NOTES:
In gauging the computer experience with the students, it seems that a lot of them have had at least a little computer experience, with some actually owning newer computers but not necessarily knowing how to use them well.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

CDD Class Report Walden House 7-6-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Walden House, Tuesday, 7/6/10

Opening Comments:
The students were excited to start learning, and were enthusiastic about the material.

Attendance:
Because it was the first class, an announcement was made over the WH speaker system to notify of the class being held in the computer lab. We had a classroom of 7 students to start the first session from the student roster of 16. Attendance was taken and the notebooks handed out.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
The instructors (Soni and Micah) introduced themselves to the class, and explained their backgrounds and why they were volunteering to teach the course.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Soni explained the purpose of the class, gave an overview of the format of the course, and explained the student paper and presentation. Students reviewed the eight rules that the class must follow and the basic expectations regarding class attendance and punctuality.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Soni explained some of the differences between computer hardware and software. Micah covered the first six discovery terms (case, motherboard, processor, memory, hard drive, and cables). The students followed along with a computer used to demonstrate in the front of the class. The case was opened and each part was displayed and defined. Micah was able to give some useful additional analogies for each part.

LAB TIME:
Soni gave an explanation of how to use the mouse and keyboard. We covered the difference between left-clicking and right-clicking, how to double-click, etc. All of the computers booted up with no issues. The students turned on the computers and opened Mavis Beacon. There were enough computers for each student in the lab. A few of the students had issues getting to the first lesson (couldn’t double-click the program icon, or had problems getting through the new user wizard) but were given addition help to get to the practice section. Micah and Soni walked around the room to make sure that all students had the correct position on the keyboard. Most students were diligent about sticking to the home row position when typing.

FINAL NOTES:
No disciplinary issues were encountered. Student, Arthur Huff, has a hearing aid, so things did need repeated a few times. However, his interruptions to the lecture got a little distracting to the other students, so recommend repeating to hold questions until the end of each section. Also, to note, one student is in a wheelchair for room set up. An additional student, Aaron Robinson, was “supposed to be on my roster” and will be speaking to WH staff to ensure that he is enrolled in the class. Lastly, after class, Soni and Micah stayed for a half hour organizing the stations, there are now four and four on each side of the room (rather that 3 and 5). Also, there is one computer station not working, which is indicated by the power source sitting atop the case.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 7-6-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Cri-Help/7-6-10


Opening Comments:
Please offer notes here about unusual or concerning incidents that took place in our class. Take extra space as needed for all sections.

I thought the first class went very well. The students seemed genuinely excited to be there.

Attendance:
Point out any issues with attendance or new/dropped students.

No issues this week.


INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Speicify who did the overview and any new Intros for either Instructors or Students

Ryan and I shared the introductions of ourselves then gave the students a chance to do their own intros. He did most of the initial class overview.



1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Explain who covered this topic and any issues with the students on the topic.

We discussed the class essays (mostly covered by Ryan). Students asked a lot of questions and seemed a little nervous about the idea of writing an essay, but seemed to like the idea of learning to express themselves better.




2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Explain who covered this topic and any issues with the students on the topic.

Ryan and I shared going over initial vocabulary terms. Some students had some trouble with the technical aspects of the computer components, while others were familiar with basic concepts and were asking advanced questions.


ADDITIONAL TOPICS:




LAB TIME:
What was covered in lab time the general status of the students’ capabilities.

In lab time students practiced opening and closing windows and started working on Mavis Beacon. The ones I observed had very beginner level typing skills, and some asked if they were allowed to practice typing between classes.

Non-computer students seemed to be having a little trouble getting started brainstorming about their papers. Some were still stressed about the vocabulary words and were talking about that more.

FINAL NOTES:
Offer any additional issues you would like to point out to the next team.

No major issues, the group seemed great and eager to learn!

Monday, July 5, 2010

CDD Graduation Ceremony 6-1-10

Graduation Event Wrap Up




Session Beginning Date: April 27th 2010

Graduation Date: June 1st 2010

Location: Santa Monica Recreation Center

Time: 7:00pm

Emcee: Wendell Bennett

Guest Speaker: Kathy Porter

Keynote Speaker: David Schumm

Names of Instructors:

Cri-Help- Smriti Raghunathan, Ryan Bailon, Wendell Bennett, Robert Sandoval

Walden House- Peter Downey, Soni Nagatani, Derin Oyekan, Agreja Sharman

House of Uhuru- Chris Liu, Micah Roth, Jeffery Charlot, Victor Acevedo








We quietly took our seats in among an audience of a hundred or more. It was the first of the month, a warm June month and by the looks of the audience, they were enjoying the weather outside. Another quick six weeks had gone by, and we had, seating in the front rows a new graduating class with stories to tell.

As the audience began to arrive the evening’s Emcee, 1st time Instructor Wendell Bennett, announced that the event would soon be starting and asked that everyone please find a seat. Wendell then commenced the ceremony with an introduction by congratulating all of the Graduates. He then offered some thoughts on what he enjoyed about teaching and the importance of the graduates continuing on with their success.

He then introduced the first speaker, longtime supporter and CDD Board Member, Katy Porter. Katy shared her passion for CDD with the audience and how inspired she is with their hard work toward a brighter future. Ms. Porter then offered some background about the night’s Keynote Speaker. Katy explained that David Schumm was a good friend and colleague. That she and David both were established members of Toastmasters and that David was also a supporter of CDD. Katy then introduced David Schumm to the audience.

Mr. Schumm’s began by congratulating the Graduates. David then began sharing important words of advice. He started first by referring to Maximus Decimus Meredius, the fictional Roman General from the movie, “Gladiator”. He quoted the General’s famous statement; “What we do in Life echoes in eternity”. The point being of the importance of making careful choices at this time in the their lives. The Speaker discussed the non-fictional historical figure of Abraham Lincoln.

David displayed the words of the Gettysburg Address on a screen in front of the audience so that everyone could read along as David discussed the speech as a way to motivate the Graduating class.

Mr. Schumm’s speech was well received by the audience. After a round of applause, the MC introduced our first Student Speaker, Arsen Altounian from Cri-Help. Arsen’s story was dramatic and a great example on how positive change can take place when one dedicates him or herself to improving the future. After listening to details of Mr. Altounian’s prison life and how he overcame ‘Lifer’ Status, we learned of his plans to start a company, of his family and eventually how he plans to give back to the community. We were all moved by his story. The following two speakers, Lariza Lara from House of Uhuru and Rodney Jackson, had similar stories reflecting their positive change that included CDD as an important positive step.
The evening wrapped up with all the Graduates being called out by name to receive their Certificates, event photographer, Mark Hanauer snapping photos as the students strode proudly to the stage. The ceremony closed with graduates, their families and CDD Members, enjoying refreshments and the joy of another successful session ending and celebratory ceremony