Philanthropist Ms. Kathleen Patton is not only one of the Cofounders of Crossing the Digital Divide, she is also the organization’s CEO and Executive Director. With a solid background in business, having started her first NPO in her early twenties, Kathleen Patton was more than prepared to take on the challenge of opening a computer training facility. This facility has been on the cutting edge of “Reentry Programs”. City officials are heralding RP’s as being vital to the cities success as they offer support to some of the most at-risk adults who are recovering from drug abuse and other challenges. Kathleen Patton’s organization, which was formed in January 2004, gives recovering addicts the opportunity to change their lives by learning how to use today’s technology to earn a living. Crossing the Digital Divide, which is located in Los Angeles, California, has three locations to better serve the community of high-risk adults in recovery.

Kathleen Patton utilizes her business smarts to manage and oversee the operations at Crossing the Digital Divide. Because of Kathleen Patton’s efforts, the Crossing the Digital Divide staff, and the numerous volunteers, Crossing the Digital Divide is an award-winning organization that has received recognition from the local government, including the mayor of the city of Los Angeles.

In addition to her work with CDD, Ms. Kathleen Patton also enjoys a close family, friends and colleagues. Kathleen Patton relaxes by participating in swimming, volleyball, hiking, music and film.

Kathleen Patton finds special meaning in the quote, “The great gift of human beings is that we have the power of empathy.” Ms. Kathleen Patton also finds inspiration and deep meaning in a quote credited to one of her favorite writers, world-renowned author and poet Maya Angelou: "All great achievements require time."

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!