CDD Graduation Report 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 Graduates 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 Guests enjoyed themselves in a relaxed environment.  The Graduating Students and their Guests made the night shine with pride as seen from the many smiling faces.

 

 

 

CDD Course Report Cri-Help 10-20-09

 

Instructor Course Report 

 

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 EOC 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 Weekly Class Report Uhuru 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.

CDD Class Report Uhuru 10-13-09

                             WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                         Uhuru House /10-13-2009

OPENING COMMENTS:

The class started on time with most students intent on working on their papers.

ATTENDANCE:

We had 9 students in attendance. Donna Guidry, Patricia Hall, Twyla Rucker, and Sedrict Shyn were absent. This absence will be Patricia Hall’s second absence so if she is absent on Saturday, she will not graduate. The other students mentioned will not graduate due to too many absences.

INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

Roll was taken and the students were given 15 minutes to work on their papers. Both Daniel and Chris went around helping students either with the papers or with typing up the papers.

1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

After 15 minutes of working on papers, Daniel went over using the Internet. He went over the Back, Forward, Refresh, Stop, and Home buttons in Internet Explorer and the functions of each button. He discussed what a browser is and that there are different ‘brands’ of browsers (Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer). He also talked about search engines and the use of identifying good key words to use in a search. He discussed links and using the address bar.

2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

The students then presented their papers (if they were finished). Annette McCorver, James Phason, and Osbaldo Oceguedo did not present as they were still finishing up their papers. Osbaldo’s paper is finished but in Spanish. James’s paper was also finished but he was putting the finishing touches on it. Annette said that she wanted to rewrite it to make it neater.

ADDITIONAL TOPICS

None.

LAB TIME:

During lab time, students that finished their papers started typing them into Word. Other students continued working on their papers. Students also took this time to ask specific computer questions, mostly about different functions in Word or about the Internet.

FINAL NOTES:

In order of best, Daniel and Chris think these students’ papers were good enough to be presented at graduation: Demetrus Bruton, Raymond Noel, and Tameka Latimore. The students seemed to feel very accomplished to be so close to graduating .Chris will bring some floppy disks to the teacher meeting on Thursday to give to the Saturday team so that they can save electronic copies of the typed papers on the disks.

CDD Class Report Uhuru 10-6-09

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

 Uhuru House /10-06-2009

 OPENING COMMENTS:

Class started at 7PM.  Students were anxious about the quiz on Computer Discovery Terms.

 ATTENDANCE:

We had 12 students in attendance. Jamie Alexander has left Uhuru House. Sedrict Shyn was absent.

 INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

The students were asked if they wanted to take the quiz at the beginning of class or after the break. It was decided to take the quiz at the beginning so that the students could get it over with and also to avoid any distractions of students trying to study for the quiz during class.

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

After the quiz, Chris went over the second half of Module 2. He went over Cut, Copy, and Paste, and had students try cutting and copying/pasting words and phrases in Word. He also showed students how to cut and copy/paste a folder in My Documents. During this time, Daniel graded the quizzes.

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

Daniel then went over MS Word. He talked about headers/footers, fonts, page layouts, and page views. We went row by row among the tables and had students change their fonts and page views. We also took this opportunity to have the students demonstrate their skills at cutting and copying/pasting.

 3^RD TOPIC COVERED:

We also went over dialog boxes and had students change their page layout into various formats – landscape/portrait, letter/legal size, and different margins.

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

None

 LAB TIME:

Besides lecture and the quiz, most of the class time was spend doing hands-on exercises on the computer, mostly in MS Word. Students practiced cutting and pasting and changing their fonts (style, size, and color).

 FINAL NOTES:

Demetrus was spoken to about listening to music during class. He said that he will stop. Internet access was unavailable. He also spent most of the class time typing his paper since he is already knowledgeable about the topics that were covered. The “Internet” light on the modem does not light up which could possibly mean that there is no Internet – last week when the Internet was working, that light was green. The device was rebooted and both jacks on the DSL line were tried. None of the computers were able to access the Internet. Perhaps the tech savvy Saturday team could take a look.

                                       WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                   Walden House /10-10-2009

 Opening Comments:

The 4th Saturday class started on time. All attending students were in class on time.

Attendance:

 We had 9 students in attendance. Javier Herrera has dropped out of the class

 INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

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

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

We went over public speaking and presentations. We covered off on the Do’s and Don’ts of a good presentation.

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

Dawn reviewed the Internet materials

 LAB TIME:

We skipped break and continued right into lab time. Most of the students have finished handwriting their papers and are now typing them. We spent lab time helping them out with their papers.

 FINAL NOTES:

The class went very well. Still very drama-free!

CDD Class Report Walden House 10-3-09

                                        WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                      Walden House /10-03-2009

  Opening Comments:

The3rd Saturday class started on time. All attending students were in class on time.

Attendance:

 We had 9 students in attendance.  Joe Gates had a pass and was unable to attend

 INTRODUCTIONS OR OVERVIEW:

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

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

We reviewed the last 5 computer discovery terms.

 2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

Dawn reviewed the 2^nd half of module two starting covering the menu and dialog box topics

 ADDITIONAL TOPICS:

We covered the first 4 pages of the MS Word demonstration document discussing word processing, in general and MS word specifically.

 LAB TIME:

Lab time was spent going over the suggested practice exercises. We had the student create word documents; create personal folders in “my documents” and save their documents. We also showed them how to access their saved documents.

FINAL NOTES:

The class went very well. The students were a bit nervous about the upcoming quiz but we were able to reassure them that nothing would be outside of the scope of what had been covered in class so far. The class is coming along nicely. One thing to note though, Steve Protillo might have some literacy issues as he struggled with spelling common words.

CDD Class Report Cri-Help 10-3-09

WEEKLY CLASS REPORT

                                       Cri-Help/Oct.03, 2009

Attendance:

There were thirteen  students in total.

 1^ST TOPIC COVERED:

Robert  reviewed model 2 , Terms in Computer Discovery, Topics in the workbook up through page 34 putting more Emphasis on Dialog Boxes, working with the mouse ,keyboard and used examples from Ms-Word..

2^ND TOPIC COVERED:

Francis briefly went through MS-Word with he students a long in the work book up to page 4. and explained that muc of it will be carried out during Lab Time

ADDITIONAL TOPICS COVERED

There was  no additional topics covered.

LAB TIME:

The students where divided into two groups where  by  each group had Aprox. 20min for hands on training on Computer , (eg.  Typing using   Ms-word Program) it was taken care of by Francis, then 20min completing their paper and presentation assignments was  discussed by -Robert.

FINAL NOTES:

Two students handled in their outline paper that is Devin Parker and Susan Holzborn , then two where discharged from the center (Gabriel Gonzalez and Kingsey Campbell