Thursday, September 30, 2010

CDD Class Report Uhuru 9-18-09

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
House of Uhuru/9-18-10


Opening Comments:
Hunter and I had an excellent time working with the students on Saturday. We explained to the students that because of the issues that occurred in the last class, the groups would be split into male and female separate by the front and back of the classroom. We are not sure if this change is what resulted in an excellent class or if the students just brought a new attitude with them; every single student was well behaved and everyone seemed very eager to learn. Hunter and I had a great time working with the students and teaching them today.

Attendance:
13 students attended the class. One student was sick and could not attend.


INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Hunter and I introduced ourselves by telling them about our work experience and also explaining why we were volunteering with CDD. We made it a point to tell the students that without computer knowledge, they would have a very hard time finding a good job and that these skills would definitely help them in the future. I think the students appreciated our different perspectives of how we used computers in our work. We also went around the room and had each student introduce themselves and why they were taking the class. The students had a variety of answers and many of them had very specific goals in mind after they completed the class.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
We reviewed the first six Discovery Terms by playing a matching game on the board and having the students come up and match the words with their definition. We also mentioned that they should copy down the words and definitions because there would be a quiz in a couple of weeks.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Hunter reviewed the first half of Module 1, which focused computer basics and understanding the desktop. Everyone was taking notes throughout the class and many students had questions about the material being covered that Hunter was able to answer very thoroughly.

LAB TIME:
During lab time, many of the students played with the computer to visually experience what they had just learned. Many of the students also started working on their outlines for their paper. Hunter and I walked around the class room to help students organize their thoughts and write them down in an outline format. Some of the more advanced students typed up their outlines, but most wrote them by hand.

The middle computer in the last row did not work and the first computer in the second row did not have a mouse, which made it extremely hard for that student to follow the class. We showed him some shortcuts so he could follow along, but I think it is extremely important for that computer to have a mouse so the student can follow along better in the next class.

FINAL NOTES:

Before class started, an old student stopped by to say hello, and I believe this was the student that gave the speech at the last session’s graduation. She mentioned how giving that speech really helped her increase her confidence.
The students in the class today were really great. Everyone was very open when they had questions or didn’t understand the material. In the beginning some students were chatty, but immediately stopped when we told them to pay attention to us. Although there were a couple of students who were more advanced than others, they did not disrupt the class and worked independently on their outlines. During lab time we both had a great chance to speak with many of the students and learn more about their goals after they graduated from class and got out of their program. Overall it was a very productive class and the students seemed to get a lot of it.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

CDD Class Report Walden 9-15-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Walden House, Tuesday, 9/15/10

Opening Comments:
Chairs were set up in a semi-circle with a white board for lecture. Ralph Mendoza, Center Vocational Manager, gave a brief introduction to the students.

Attendance:
Attendance was taken and the notebooks handed out. The room was full, with 14 students in attendance.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Both Joe and Soni took turns reviewing their backgrounds and introducing themselves to the class. Soni also gave an overview of CDD and the course.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
The students shared their familiarity and experiences with computers. The class, overall, had a very low level of exposure with computers, with only three having worked with them before. An overview of the format of the course was explained, reviewing the student paper and presentation. The rules and regulations were read aloud, with course requirements shared with the class.


2ND TOPIC COVERED:
The computer discovery terms were covered, also using the workbooks to follow along. The case of a non-working computer was opened by Joe, and displayed at the front of the room. The first six discovery terms were introduced, with each part displayed and defined. Having the terms written on the white board helped students to follow along and were used to wrap-up and review, with short definitions for every term.


LAB TIME:
A brief introduction to the keyboard and mouse was covered. Students then broke into groups and turned on the computers. Each station set up their user names on Mavis Beacon, then practiced typing,


FINAL NOTES:
To conclude, all books were returned and students were reminded of Saturday class from 11 to 1. Overall, the class was excited and eager to learn more, many not wanting the class to end. Several students mentioned they would be practicing their typing when they get a chance.

Friday, September 17, 2010

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 9-15-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Cri-Help/ 9-15-10


Opening Comments:
Our class went very well and all students were cooperative and involved in the learning process.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Ryan had everyone take their seat and took roll. Both he and Beverly introduced themselves and told why they volunteered. He led student introductions and the assignment of Student Manuals. Two groups were created for lab time.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
An overview of the course was begun by Ryan. Beverly joined in the discussion of today’s topics, which included and introduction to the requirements of the 500-word paper. Both Beverly and Ryan went over the general class outline, reviewed class rules and gave an explanation of the required assignments and tests.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Both Beverly and Ryan led an explanation and discussion on the written paper and presentation assignment. We explained the paper and included some group brainstorming on general and individual goals. We discussed the benefits of working in teams and giving oral presentations.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS:
-- Beverly led the discussion of the first 6 terms while Ryan provided actual visuals when appropriate followed by a brief review of using the mouse. Followed by lab time for all students.

LAB TIME:
Most students were new technology users. The class was divided into two groups to allow each student use of a computer. Beverly worked with the group that took time to work in pairs to explore ideas for their papers. Ryan worked with others at the computer. Most students worked on Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing.


FINAL NOTES:
Since this is a relatively small class, we were able to provide extra attention to all students in need of it. At the end of the class we had a Q&A period and collected all workbooks.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

CDD Course Report Uhuru 8-10-10

Instructor End of Course Report


Center Name: House of Uhuru

Beginning Date: July 6, 2010

Graduation Date: August 10, 2010

Names of the four Instructors: Peter, Hunter, Juliane


The session consisted of 10 classes, with classes held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at the House of Uhuru. The teacher's team only consisted of 3 instructors, Peter, Hunter and Juliane. Peter taught on Tuesday's evenings. Juliane started in class 4 and also taught with Peter on Tuesdays. Hunter joined in class 6 and completed the team. Peter and Hunter already are experienced instructors and and knew how to lead through the class. They were a good support for Juliane, as she never taught before. But at the end of the session the three instructors turned out to be a very good and balanced team.

Though there were several technical difficulties in the beginning, at the end the computers worked pretty good and all the students got their opportunity to work on a computer to internalize the applications just learned in class. Out of 10 students in the beginning, we have 7 students graduating. They all are proud that they accomplished the outline, the computer discovery terms test, and the paper with the presentation. All of them seem to have gained confidence and knowledge working on a PC and they enjoyed the class.

Gregory was one of the students with no or little computer experience. Step by step he got more understanding of how to use the computer and at the end he was very confident in working by himself, he was even able to search the internet for schools he wants to contact to enroll after he gets discharged. Rickey as well did not have any or only little computer experience. He was a very quiet student but always very thankful for help and assistance.

Michele, Kyle and Victor already had some experience and were very confident in using the computer. But as they didn't use the computer in quite a while, they appreciated this course as a refresher and to be up to date with Windows 98 and later Windows XP. They understood everything they were taught right away and absorbed new information gratefully. These 3 students also were the nominees for the student presentation at the graduation ceremony.

Deanna and Shanae both liked working for themselves, but whenever they had questions they asked for help and appreciated it. Shanea sat next to Rickey and also tried to help him, whenever she could. She was very thoroughly working on her paper and cover page and was even concerned she might not graduate as she missed half of the 9th class. Deanna turned in her paper in the 10th class as before she had some medical issues and didn't finish the paper. She was very proud of her plan for success and couldn't wait to present it to the class.
The working, as well as the learning atmosphere was great and as a result of this atmosphere it was a very successful session for the students, but also for the instructors.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 8-3-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Cri-Help / 8-3-2010


Opening Comments:
Jordana and I both arrived about 20 minutes early to class. We put the agenda on the board as usual, and Jordana put the Santa Monica graduation information on the board as well.

Attendance:
Ryan took attendance. The entire Socorro class was a few minutes late because they encountered traffic on their way to the Cri-Help facility. But all the students arrived in class by 7:10 PM. Only Araceli did not show up.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
We told the class what the agenda was for tonight. Some people were nervous about the presentations and had questions. A few were very excited to present.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Ryan reviewed the 1st half of the Internet. Jordana continued with the 2nd half of the Internet. Some students had some questions afterwards, but most seemed focused on the paper presentations.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
During the paper presentations, several people were excited to read, and Ibra was the 1st to go up in front of the class. Everyone was very respectful and cheered each other on. The students encouraged each other to go in front of the class; even if they were nervous or felt that their paper wasn’t good enough. One of the students that had a very good paper was Ray Campos. His paper was several pages long, and it was well written. It stuck to the computer topic very well and was cohesive. One student’s paper that surprised me was Robert Atkinson’s. Before class started, Robert told me that he couldn’t read. When he wrote his paper, he dictated it to someone and someone wrote what he said. He asked for help and if I could read his paper to the class, so I did. When I read his paper, it talked about his hardships and how being illiterate shaped him. Everyone was very moved afterwards and several people came up and hugged him. I think I also noticed that he started to cry (or at least had a tear in his eye) after I finished reading his paper to the class.

In all, 12 students who finished their papers presented. Another 4 students were almost done but wanted to add more. They still wanted to present, so we allowed them to present in class. However, I informed them that they still needed to complete their papers and re-present again on Saturday to get full credit. Those 4 students were Kevin, Anna, Eddie, and Magarita. Two other students did not present tonight, Danny C and Chris.

LAB TIME:
There was only 15 minutes left for the lab after the presentations. A few students were able to complete their blogs during this time. The students who were not done with their papers continued to work on them during this time.

FINAL NOTES:

We told the class the information about the Santa Monica graduation ceremony and that they could bring friends and family to the event. We collected the papers of the 12 students that presented. The other 6 students still have their papers with them and need to present on Saturday. Because I will be working remotely and not in the office on Wednesday, Jordana volunteered to scan the papers since she has access to a scanner. She will also bring the papers to the Thursday meeting to give to Micah and Renee, so that they can bring it to the Saturday class.

Overall, everyone did a great job in the presentations. Several students shook our hands at the end of the night.

The top students we nominate for Cri-Help (in order of preference):
1. Ray Campos
2. Robert Atkinson
3. Matthew Humphries
4. Ibra Taylor

Sunday, August 29, 2010

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 7-31-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
Cri-Help / 7-31-2010


Opening Comments:
I arrived at 10:30 to try installing the GoodSearch toolbar and to test the Internet. A few computers were not connected to Ethernet cabling. I resolved that problem; all but 1 were connected and working. The last one, I got connected during the break. Renee arrived on time.

Attendance:
Renee took attendance. Robert came in nearly 15 minutes late. He decided to leave class since we told him he wouldn’t receive attendance credit. Matthew Humphries showed up in class today. Araceli did not.


INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
We answered a few quick questions about the timing of presentations and due dates for the final essay. Everybody was excited to be introduced to the Internet today. We specified that their browsing would be limited to the websites from the list Soni sent out.

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
I covered public speaking, some tips they should use when presenting their papers to the class, and if they’re selected, when presenting to the group as a whole. I talked how important a skill it was, and that speaking slowly, clearly, and loudly enough was very important.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Renee covered the Internet lecture. Some of the terminology in the material itself confused the students; we took extra time to explain what an Application was, and what a Search Engine did. We also touched momentarily on the basic structure of the Internet, which seemed to make those unfamiliar with the Internet less intimidated by it. We also explained E-mail by comparing it to snail mail.

LAB TIME:
At lab time, I focused on reading through and providing feedback for everybody who had a draft of their essay. As a general theme, people needed to focus more on specifics they learned at CDD and in particular, how computers were going to help them achieve their goal. I was pleasantly surprised to find that most students really were focused on their future plans; only a handful focused extensively on their history. Alex, one of the students whose outlines I had taken with me, was particularly focused on his past because he didn’t have the guidance of an outline. I selected a few parts of his past that he could include in his final piece and helped him to flesh out his outline (which I returned) so he could re-write it before Tuesday. I think that Molly’s is going to be particularly impactful if she can just pick a draft and stick to it. Ibra’s is coming along very well, but he needs more concrete information from his tech side. Chris’ outline is excellent and he has a lot to say. Ray had left his draft in his sponsor’s car but said he’s confident of it. I wish I could read it; I think it’ll be great. Jesse’s has a very solid body and conclusion but he needs to introduce himself and his essay better. Those are about all the specifics I could think of; everybody else’s was mostly general feedback. Anna never came to my side of the classroom; I haven’t read her essay. She seemed to be on the computers the whole time, but Renee and I didn’t notice until class was over.

[From Renee]
Lab time started rough for group 1. The Internet, which was working perfectly all morning, wasn't working when group 1 started to use it. So I had them go back into mavis beacon. The Internet was repaired and then the students started working on the internet. I showed them how to type a site into the address bar, how to use the search function, I had them navigate to monster.com and search for jobs in Los Angeles. I sent them to the CDD website, some entered in posts for the blog, they were very uneasy, some were not wanting to use their real names and were making up stories, we then ran out of time.I did the same things listed above with group 2. Regarding the blog posts, some were able to post a blog, some were not, and the CAPTCHA was a big hold up. This Lab session was very hectic. The students were very excited about using the Internet. I learned from this session that in Lab they should have a print out in front of them, a check list of things to do and they should check them off after they have done them, then at random, I go over and ask them to perform a task they have checked off. If anyone is not doing something from the checklist, they are made to get off the computer and work on their paper or leave class. It was very hard to make them stay on track with the lessons when all they wanted to do was surf the Internet. Since the class is so big, it's hard watching everyone. Also, there is a real problem with the more advanced students, being able to do these lessons easily and then doing something else and negatively influencing the other students (with less skill).

FINAL NOTES:
Overall Renee and I concluded after class that it went well. It’s a larger class but we’re working very hard to impose good structure on the students’ time. It seems to be working very nicely.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

CDD Class Report Uhuru 7-28-10

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT
House of Uhuru, 7-20-2010

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:
Six of eight students were present at the start of class. Prince and Shanae came in late and were marked absent. Michelle left halfway through the class, as she was not feeling well, and was also marked absent. Six of eight students turned in completed papers. Prince’s paper is nearly complete; he still needs to add a conclusion. Deanna has only finished about half of her paper, and said that she would complete it by Saturday. All papers were collected at the end of the class, except for the incomplete ones. The students were reminded about graduation on Tuesday (transportation will be provided and to please dress conservatively).

1ST TOPIC COVERED:
Peter reviewed several Internet topics, including the browser buttons and the concept of a web browser. He then explained how to set a home page, and how to print web content.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:
Chase, Rickey and Gregory performed their presentations. All students were critiqued by the class and by the instructors for their delivery and content.

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

LAB TIME:
Kyle, Victor and Shanae gave their presentations, and were critiqued. The class was very supportive of all students giving presentations. After the presentations, the students practiced typing and used the Internet.

FINAL NOTES:
The notebooks were removed from the classroom, and Peter will bring them to the meeting on Thursday. Deanna and Prince were reminded that if they do not complete their papers by Saturday, then they will not graduate.