Kathleen Patton

CDD Class Report Uhuru 11-17-09

                            WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                          Uhuru House /11-17-2009

 OPENING COMMENTS:

Class started at 7PM. 

 ATTENDANCE:

We had 13 students in attendance. Harold Holliday was absent and may have left the facility.

 INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

Erick introduced himself since it was his first time teaching this group of students. The students welcomed Erick.

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

Chris started out by briefly going over the first half of Module 1 as a review. He explained the desktop, Task Bar, icons, etc.

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

Chris then went over the outline and its purposes. He demonstrated a simple outline on the whiteboard by describing the steps to buy milk, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. This helped the students understand what is needed to complete an outline since many students were unsure.

 3^RD TOPIC COVERED:

Erick reviewed the first 6 Discovery Terms and then covered the next 6 Discovery Terms (from the Short Terms listing). To clarify, the terms covered were: keyboard, CPU, RAM, motherboard, mouse, case, hard drive, CD/DVD drive, sound card, cables, video card, and operating system.

The class was actively participating in talking about each term.

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

Chris covered important dates:

Outline due: Nov 24

Discovery Terms test: Dec 1

Presentations start: Dec 8

Graduation: Dec 15

 LAB TIME:

Lab time was spent in Mavis Beacon and/or working on the outlines. Many students needed guidance on the subject of their paper. Others needed help in honing their outlines.

 FINAL NOTES:

Chris replaced the keyboard for Stacey with a new one. Samuel needed (and still needs) help using a mouse – his navigation skills are very limited and double-clicking the mouse is quite difficult. Lynn let Patrice (they share a computer) use the computer first with the premise that she would get to use the computer first (instead of Patrice) on Saturday. So Saturday team please ensure that Lynn uses the computer first. Also, the outlines are due on Tuesday the 24^th making this Saturday their last chance to get help on finishing them up. Thus, there should be some emphasis on completing the outlines.

And thanks to Loryn for creating the seating chart, it helped immensely!

CDD Class Report Uhrur 11-14-09

                         WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                           House of Uhuru / 11/14/09 

Opening Comments:

Class went as planned with no major incidents. Students needed to be reminded that computers are needed to stay off during the lecture portion of the class. Seating arrangements may need to be adjusted to make grouping a bit easier. 
 


Attendance:

All but one of the students attended the class. One student was marked as absent.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

Loryn and I both introduced ourselves and gave a little bit of our background. The students seem to have a good understanding of the rules and expectations, as well as the attendance policy. 
 
 
 
 

1ST TOPIC COVERED:

The first topic was Windows Basics. Most of the students had trouble understanding what DOS is. It was explained to them as an early operating system that did not use a mouse or a graphical interface, and needed to be utilized by typing commands in the command prompt. 
 
 
 
 Covered by Robert.

2ND TOPIC COVERED:

The second topic was Typical Windows Icons. Students were taught about the most commonly used icons, with emphasis on the My Computer, My Documents and Recycle Bin icons. A couple students wanted to know more about the functionality about the Network Neighborhood and Connect to the Internet icons. These icons were explained, but let the students know that they probably wouldn’t be using those too often.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS: 

All of the additional topics were covered by Loryn.
 
 The remaining topics that were covered were The Windows Screen, Using the Taskbar, Accessing Help. The students seemed to grasp these topics as Loryn explained them in a very proficient and in a manner that was very easy to understand. Also, the first six discovery words were reviewed again. 
 

LAB TIME:

The lab was split into two groups. Half of the class was to work on their outline, while the other half went through a computer exercise. The students seemed to be nervous about the outline, although Loryn was able to calm them down and step them through the brainstorming process. They were also let known that the outline is not to be due until Nov. 24th. I created a simple exercise for the students to learn how to save a document, be able to view it in the My Documents folder and how to drag and drop it into the recycling bin. Most students were able to get through the lab smoothly. 
 
 

FINAL NOTES:

 It seems that Samuel has no experience using a computer and has trouble navigating the mouse. Some special attention may be needed for him to get up to speed. The computer with the Microsoft keyboard as mentioned by Chris in the previous report seems to have a keyboard error when booting. This can be remedied by pressing the “help” key that is located where the F1 key normally is.

CDD Class Report Walden 11-10-09

                              WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                     Walden House / 11-10-09 

 Opening Comments:

 There were two people who were not on the attendance list that tried to join in

 Attendance:

 All students showed up that were registered, about half of the students came from another
location and were 10mins late.

 INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

 Both instructors introduced themselves, speaking about volunteering, and computer backgrounds.

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

 Marco led from the introduction, going around the room to ask students what they hope to learn and then with manuals distributed, went over the rules and regulations in a stern and firm manner.

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

 The required paper and presentation were discussed by Soni. The class followed along, reading from the manual.

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

 The first discovery words were covered after break, with Marco showing the class the inside of the computer and parts. The analogy of a car was used repeatedly to further explain the ideas. The class was asked to come up with an example of RAM and they used the example of a cup of water from a jug of water.

 LAB TIME:

 Students turned on the monitor and computer. There was one computer for each student, with only one group of two. The mouse was then explained, with left button being the primary button and right button, being the secondary. Students then practiced click and drag, using the icons on the desktop.

 FINAL NOTES:

 While lab time was brief for this week, students were already showing excitement, not wanting class to be over. The wrap us was given by Soni, sharing the graduation ceremony news, reminding student to please not miss more than two classes.

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 11-10-09

                                          WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                             Cri-Help / 11.10.09

Opening Comments:

Smriti and Tyson introduced themselves to the class and spent a few minutes getting to know the class and assess their skill level.

  Attendance:

An employee from crihelp informed Tyson that there was 1 student that had opted out of the class. There was also a student who decided to leave the class within 5 minutes, her name was Laticia.

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

We covered the class rules and went over all of the class assignments. Answered all questions related to those topics

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

The first 6 discovery terms were discussed. Use of the mouse was also discussed. Answered all questions related to those topics

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS COVERED

Assigned groups

LAB TIME:

Spent time with each student individually during lab time to help them with navigated basic computer applications with the mouse. Most students spent time on mavis beacon

FINAL NOTES:

3 students have very little computer skills. The rest of the students have a decent grasp on basic computer usage. Class was well behaved.

CDD Special Presentation

CDD SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION

We are pleased to announce the publishing of CDD’s Book of Photos and Bios called “One Bright Light”; Profiles in Success. The book is due to be published in the Spring of 2010. In advance of the publishing we will be conducting a series of promotional events that will include published articles in local magazines, gallery showings of photos, book signings and radio spots.

The first part in the series will be a slideshow presentation about the book. This show will include photos taken by photographer Mark Hanauer of some of CDD’s Success Stories and the Bios written by Jeff Nicosia. The photos are exceptional in quality and the stories are well written and inspirational. But it is the lives of the CDD Alumni that make this book so special.

We are taking the presentation into homes and halls for the next few months. Along with the slideshow there will be an Intro by a CDD Member and a talk by one of the students featured in the book. It’s a special opportunity to see the photos up close and meet CDD members in your own home or office shared with guests selected by you the host.

Presentations are available to be shown to your group of 10 people or more booking now through February 2010. Reserve your night soon as the dates are filling up quickly. Contact us with your questions or to book your show at info@cddnp.org. Place “CDD Presentation” in the subject line. There is no cost to you. CDD provides all of the materials for free while you sit back and enjoy the show.

A link to an abbreviated version of the presentation has been posted in the CDD You Tube Channel here http://www.youtube.com/kathpatt#p/u

CDD Graduation Ceremony 10-20-09

                         Graduation Event Wrap Up

 Session Beginning Date: September 15, 2009

 Graduation Date: October 20, 2009

 Location:  2200 Virginia Ave Santa Monica, CA 90404

 Time: 7:00 to 9:00pm

 Emcee:  Chris Liu

 Guest Speakers: Katy Porter

 Names of Instructors:

 Cri-Help:  Smriti, Tyson, Robert, Francis

 Walden House:  Joanne, Jonathan, Dawn, Derin

 House of Uhuru: Chris, Dan, Kaoru, Paul 

 The Ceremony began with the Emcee; Chris Liu’s, welcoming the graduates and guests.  Chris congratulated the graduates and then detailed the night’s events.  Chris, who has been teaching the CDD classes for the past two sessions, expressed how much he enjoyed teaching and meeting the students and wished them all future success.  Following Chris’ introduction, Katy Porter, our Guest Speaker took the stage.  Katy’s motivational speech inspired everyone in the audience. Her speech concentrated on having a focus on goals and taking positive steps to accomplish them. Kathy used a story about a boy with a goal to be an astronaut, in the story the boy does anything necessary to achieve his goal, during his quest to become an astronaut he becomes an eye Doctor and discovers he’s a decent Doctor. Kathy’s story concentrated on achieving your goals and discovering new things along the way. 

 Our first Student Speaker was from House of Uhuru, followed by Walden House and Cri-Help center. Each of the three student speakers read their 500-word papers in front of the audience. Their experiences were touching and expressive, acknowledging CDD’s positive role in their lives.  Uhuru had a very dedicated speaker, one who through his speech, showed he was ready to get back what he has lost. The Speaker from Walden House was very lively and inspiring. Cri-Help’s representative had the most heart-warm story out of the three; she spoke about her family and marriage. Throughout the ceremony, Mark Hanauer the CDD Event’s Photographer, walked about capturing the moment of each of the Speakers; Audience and Guests.  To Conclude the Ceremony, CDD Staff and two personnel from each of the centers stood inline on stage as each of the students were called to receive their certificates.

 At the end of the ceremony, The Students and their guest along with the CDD Instructors and facility personnel from each of the centers enjoyed refreshments, took pictures and socialized among themselves.  The ceremony over all was smooth and well organized, the Guest enjoyed themselves and the Speakers had a relax environment.  The Graduating Students and their guest seem proud and had many smiling faces.

CDD Course Report Cri-Help 10-20-09

                                     Instructor End of Course Report

  Center Name:  CRI-HELP

 Beginning Date:  09/15/09

 Graduation Date: 10/20/09

 Names of the four Instructors: Smriti, Tyson, Robert,  Francis

 The course spanned six weeks with classes twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. At the beginning of the course the instructors were given a handout outlining the lesson plan for each of the classes during the six weeks. In addition, after each class the instructors had to email an attendance sheet and a report for that class to the entire team. Since there was a different set of instructors for the Tuesday and Saturday classes the handout and reports were very helpful as they helped keep the entire team on the same page with regard to the progression of the course.

 The course started with teaching students the absolute basics in computers (eg: computer parts, common terms associated with computers, using a keyboard, using the mouse, etc.) and then showing them how to access the internet and type in Microsoft Word, and ended with the students having to complete and present a 500 page paper (preferably typed in Microsoft Word) about their future plans once they have completed their rehabilitation program.

Students in the class came from different backgrounds with different levels of experience with computers. While some had never touched a computer in their lives, others had experience typing reports and memos and even fixing computers and setting up computer networks in offices. Trying to get the entire class on the same level while making sure that everyone found it interesting and gained something from the course, was, in my opinion, the biggest challenge the instructors faced. Some students felt that the course was a waste of their time and they could attend other group meetings that help them overcome their addiction. However, on speaking with Kathleen it was found that many of the students were in the course because they had never completed anything after starting, in their lives. This was something new, at least for me, as I had never come across such a situation before in my life.

Another challenge that the instructors (especially the Tuesday team) faced was getting the students to be obedient and respectful of the teachers and each other. Cri-Help has students from Cri-Help and Socorro, and it was the tendency of the students to stick together based on their rehab center. This problem was overcome by dividing them into two groups with each group containing students from both centers. This forced them to work with each other and get to know students from the other rehab center. In addition, the instructors had to be strict with them and had to reinforce the idea that if class rules were not followed and they were not obedient, they shall not be allowed to graduate.

Working with these students was an interesting experience. Many of us read about people with addiction problems but actually knowing such people and interacting with them is a different experience. Seeing them and their families on graduation day and how appreciative the students were of CDD, their instructors, and their rehabilitation centers, was very enlightening. I hope to come back and be a part of the program for the next session.

CDD Course Report Uhuru 10-20-09

                             Instructor End of Course Report

 Center Name:  House of Uhuru           

 Beginning Date: 9/15/2009

 Graduation Date:  10/20/2009

 Names of the four Instructors: Kaoru,  Paul, Daniel, Chris

 The session started out with 14 students with a few of them having had experience using computers and the rest being completely new to the computer. One student in particular (Annette) was very intimidated by the computer.

The session started off well, with instructors Dan and Chris teaching the Computer Discovery terms to some very enthusiastic students. The students were happy to learn the difference between memory (RAM) and hard drive, as well as seeing a motherboard for the first time. Paul joined us as an instructor a couple of classes into the session but was able to pick up easily and helped Kaoru teach the rest of the session. Throughout the course, students were able to learn the mouse, cutting and pasting, copying and dragging, MS Windows, the ins and outs of MS Word, and the Internet. By the end of the course, students were ready to jump onto the Internet to search for various items to help their journey – jobs, apartments, schools.

James was inspired to apply at LA Trade Tech to learn computer repair. Demetrus, who already knew a lot about computers, was disruptive towards the beginning of the session but calmed down enough to help a couple of students type their papers. He ended up presenting his own paper at graduation to thunderous applause.

Annette, who initially struggled, worked very hard to complete her paper and happily graduated with her colleagues. She plans to use the computer to track expenses in her future fabric store business. Other students did similarly well, building on their existing knowledge of computers. Tameka intends to use her newfound skills to promote her hairdressing talent. Tony, Allen, and Raymond developed their mouse using capabilities (a difficult thing for someone who has never used a mouse before). Allen even learned how to change his mouse settings so that he can use his mouse with his preferred hand (left). Most students also improved their typing skills, utilizing the class to practice on the Mavis Beacon typing software. Osbaldo had a tougher time than most because English is his second language. He persevered though and was able to graduate and receive his certificate.

All in all 9 students graduated, each with new skills developed in the class. Even though a couple of students left the facility and other students could not complete the class for personal reasons, we were very proud of the students who did stay and ‘stick it out’ for the 6 weeks. Both the staff at House of Uhuru and the CDD instructors (Kaoru, Paul, Dan, and Chris) gave them huge congratulations at graduation.

CDD Class Report Uhrur 10-17-09

                              WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                          House of Uhuru/10-17-2009

 OPENING COMMENTS:

Class started at 11am.

 ATTENDANCE:

 We had 7 students in attendance. Richard and Patricia have left Uhuru House. James and Tameka were absent. Twyla attended the class even though she was absent 3 times already.

 INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

We started with presentations that were not completed on Tuesday. Twyla started first, then Osbaldo, and then Annette.

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

After the presentation, we tried to collect all papers from the students. Since network was not working, we decided to collect papers as printed hard copy. Paul carried around the printer next to students’ pc one by one to print out typed papers. Demetrus helped carrying the printer around. Demetrus also helped finding extra blank papers when we got out of papers in the printer. Among all students (except Richard), Annette and Osbaldo are only students who could not finish typing.

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

 We started to review all the materials they have learned in this class. Kaoru asked students what they have learned, and many students could quickly answer many topics we have covered. Paul asked some specific questions to see if they really understand the material. (e.g. What is the difference between application and program, what is the difference between WWW and the Internet, etc.) In addition, Paul emphasized the importance of using Cut, Copy, and Paste, as well as saving documents to make sure they know how to operate.

 LAB TIME:

After break, we started to lecture Email Vocabulary. Kaoru explained basics and Paul explained in detail. (e.g. Paul wrote his email address on the white board and explained how each email address consists of,  he wrote sample email format on the board and explained which topics go which. (Address, Subject, body, Signature), also he asked students what are good user name/password, and what are bad ones. etc) We’ve covered all 15 vocabulary. Although they could not get to use actual email system, many students seemed to understand these vocabularies quite well.

 After that, we announced the class that Demetrus will be the presenter at graduation, and Raymond is alternate.  We congratulate all the graduates and told them dress nicely on the event.

 FINAL NOTES:

Before class is over, Paul explained about CDD Alumni book project, and asked students if they are interested in the project. Demetrus, Raymond, Allen, and Osbaldo signed in.  In addition, Paul took Twyla aside and talked with her about her absence. At that moment, we as an instructor agreed to ask Kathleen for making exception to graduate Twyla. As for Richard, who has left the UH already but completed all the assignments except to turn in his paper, we talked to Counselor to tell him to bring his paper on graduation day.

CDD Class Report Walden House 10-17-09

                                WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                  Walden House /10-17-2009

 Opening Comments:

The final class started on time. Dawn is “illing” so I covered the class solo.

Attendance:

 We had 7 students in attendance.  Jimmy and James were unable to attend.

 INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

I took roll and laid out the agenda for the day.

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

We reviewed the prescribed 15 words in the Email vocabulary

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

I had all attending students present their papers.

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

N/A

 LAB TIME:

Lab time was spent having the students who hadn’t finish their papers work on that. We have 6 typed up papers which are attached with this report.

FINAL NOTES:

 The class went very well. The students are excited about the upcoming graduation. David Chase was marked off as having completed his paper on Tuesday. He unfortunately misplaced the paper so he did not turn in a paper today.

 After listening to the presentations, I concur with the Tuesday team’s assertion that Eric B. is the ideal presenter for the class. I would also like to recommend Shawn S. as the alternate.