NotesDec2008

=TSN Instructor Dialogue=

December 11, 2008
Location: IBA-ETC, 100 W. Dedham St.

Monthly meetings will continue. The next meeting in January will be held at IBA-ETC again, specific date and time to be determined and announced later. Please send requested topics of discussion/questions to szteiter@yahoo.com
 * Next Dialogue Meeting:**

Dialogue Meeting Organization: those attending discussed the possibility of balancing the time between open discussion and specific issues; some time might be designated for discussion of topics that require more time and attention, and other time will be left for open discussion, sharing, and getting help from others; Jeremy will continue to help organize agenda, collect feedback, and take notes; some work will be needed to figure out best ways to share electronic resources via TSN web site

- helping beginning learners not to be scared of computers - age gaps are affecting classes and getting new participants - existing pre-assessment forms can be intimidating for beginners
 * Current Challenges:**

- instructors might be willing and able to share basic worksheets and handouts as well as ideas for making classes fun - create a “virtual museum” across TSN centers – projects/creations from classes can be photographed and then made into an online collection that shows off the work of students (physical projects, artwork, samples of written work) - teaching classes in online research for students - classes in online safety – where do we need to go? - teaching classes in creating resumes (needed across all age groups, even youth) - teaching classes about emailing photos - teaching classes about setting up a webcam - teaching students to learn about genealogy using ancestry.com (some features are free) - schools have increasing community service requirements for students – this is an area where TSN centers might be able to find help/assistants
 * Emerging Issues and Areas for Further Exploration and Development:**

- using games such as dominoes to teach computers to seniors based on their real-life activities - project for students: create a recipe book
 * Great Ideas to Share:**

- web site: www.gcflearnfree.org for educational resources/learning modules/tutorials on many topics (computer skills, managing money, life/home skills) - use of istudy program to help teach reading
 * Resources to Share:**

- future meetings can have a balance of open discussion and attention to specific issues – these include: assessment/class evaluation, promotion/publicity, sharing classroom activity ideas, getting and managing volunteers, and others - how to include others who cannot attend these monthly dialogues?
 * Topics to Be Discussed in Future TSN Instructor Dialogues:**

- Susan O’Connor is in contact with a potential volunteer instructor who might be able to teach intermediate/advanced Microsoft classes and is considering options about how this might be useful to centers. Possible ideas include offering classes for TSN instructors/staff or offering open classes (including Excel, Access)
 * Specific Requests to the Group:**