Use of desktop tools
There’s some concern that when documents are distributed in Word, users must hit “ctrl-click” to follow links. [This is a relatively new “feature” in Word. It corrects the behavior in Word 98 that had inadvertent clicks exiting Word to bring up the browser.]
What’s the feeling on whether “training” is needed for this? After all, Word itself is pretty explicit letting folks know what to do:
This actually opens up a much larger question. How much of “standard desktop training” should the Association provide to its members. Since 2001, I’ve been saying that people need to get basic training in their communities - community colleges, other continuing education centers, bookstores, local training businesses, friends and neighbors, etc. - though I’ll admit, not everyone understood that this was my message. [See 9/25/01 AAUW Online live and search for “shoemaker”. Raleigh branch URL is now http://rwc.aauwnc.org.]
Hi Nancy, I agree vehemently!! with your assertion (above) that “. . . people need to get basic training in their communities - community colleges, other continuing education centers, bookstores, local training businesses, friends and neighbors, etc.”
As to whether ASSN should provide “standard desktop training” my answer is a qualified YES. Meaning: I don’t think ASSN per se should take it on. Instead I think it should sponsor a “mission-related activity” for local branches to undertake.
It may not seem very “sexy” when compared with funding scholarships or sponsoring transition conferences. That’s because results can’t be measured. BUT I believe communication is our No. 1 weapon as activists for the betterment of all women. And what more powerful comm-tool than intelligent/creative use of computers and the internet?
BUT comm is a two-way street. Based on my experience many (if not most) of our members STILL are poorly equipped to transit that street.
I suggest that ASSN require all branches to set up E-Training projects. I’d like ASSN to distribute guidelines for those projects under “life long learning” and make a real campaign of it.
Thank you, Nancy, for your leadership & vision.
As always,
Mary Rack, now of Lakewood, Ohio (Cleveland suburb)
Comment by Mary Rack — September 24, 2006 @ 12:14 pm
Exactamundo, Mary.
Rather than saying “use technology” and giving a few vague (and perhaps irrelevant) tasks (as in the 21st century recognition programs suggestion to use the chat room), we need to come up with a checklist of sorts that’ll allow branches to do a self assessment:
1) Use a CSV delimited (or equivalent) set of name/address data to prepare lists of data in multiple formats(yearbook listing, mailing labels, more compact “phone list).
2) Open files posted on the web in PDF, PPT and DOC formats
3) Receive and send e-mail attachments
etc.
A certification “test” (and incentives for branches to complete it) couldn’t be that hard to prepare. The prep materials wouldn’t, I think, need to teach the skills — just define them well enough and suggest the titles of local classes where the skills can be gained.
I’d recommend pitching this to *branches* (as opposed to individual members) so that it is clear that not everyone needs to know how to do everything, but the branches can identify those in their group who have specific skills and can help out when the Association needs to tap those skills.
I think I’ve been singing this song long enough to be hoarse.
Comment by Nancy — September 24, 2006 @ 1:00 pm
Hi Nancy - I was hoping you’d respond. I’m a new blog manager so I knew you woud probably receive an email of my comment.
Your vision of involving branches is JUST what I’ve come up with in the years I’ve thought about it. Working with the CAOnline book group blog has reinforced it.
Let me know how I can help. My life has changed. I have more time PLUS hi-speed cable modem (vs. 28.4 Kbps dial-up in my old home). When it can take half an hour to get an email onto the internet it’s hard to be consistently productive.
Again - let me know how I can help! I’m on board all the way.
Comment by Mary Rack — September 25, 2006 @ 8:21 am