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 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