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 7-17-10

Walden House

 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.