A program of the:

Purpose The purpose of the Technical Assistance/Training Network is to provide free technology training and support by phone, e- mail and on-site to all Ohio adult basic and literacy education (ABLE) programs and practitioners.

The Ohio Literacy Resource Center (OLRC) coordinates the Network and currently has 20 consultants from around the state who are available for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hour training sessions/workshops, at the program site or alternate location of the program’s choosing. Overview Overview

History The Technical Assistance/Training Network started as a pilot project. It was established at the Ohio Literacy Resource Center, located at Kent State University, in September The project is currently supported with state leadership funds from the Ohio Department of Education.

Beginning of Project Phases

 Program completes and returns program request form to OLRC  Arrangements are made so the Technology Consultant can provide on-site Technical Assistance/Training to the program  Confirmation letters are sent to the contact person at the program as well as the technology consultant  Layout of the training session/workshop is decided by the Technical consultant Procedures

 After the training session, the consultant completes and returns the report and reimbursement form to OLRC  After the training session, the program completes and returns the evaluation form(s) to OLRC  The consultant receives a copy of the evaluation form (s)  Consultants are paid after each workshop/session Procedures

Subjects covered

96/97 Evaluation averages

97/98 Evaluation averages:

98/99 Evaluation averages:

99/00 Evaluation averages:

 Willingness to answer questions-practical advice  Very knowledgeable of the system  Follow up phone support  Very friendly, non-intimidating  Handouts and instructions  Presentation and consultant  Patient and explained everything thoroughly  On-site help, wonderful at both sites  Opportunity to work hands-on  Explanations were easy to understand 97/98 Consultant’s Evaluation: Things I liked best were

 Unfortunately, I was the only staff member  Needed more time  Computers were not upgraded  Problems with fax, printer, & -discovered  Night staff couldn’t participate  Everything was great  Not enough time  No lunch  My own lack of computer knowledge  There was nothing I didn’t like  The glitch which occurred with the software program 97/98 Consultant’s Evaluation: Things I liked least were

 Consultant was easy to work with  Responded to our needs in a very helpful & timely manner  Handouts  Professionalism  Eagerness to assist  Attitude  Desire to help  Worked non-stop  Good explanations  Ideas & knowledge of the presenter  Their patience 98/99 Consultant’s Evaluation: Things I liked best were

 Went through steps quickly  Wasn’t familiar with Macintosh computer  Training on Saturday  Lack of knowledge of Excel  Wasn’t organized  Difficulty explaining certain areas  Too much material covered in time permitted  Information was insufficient  Needed more time for session  Working with the different levels in session 98/99 Consultant’s Evaluation: Things I liked least were

 Getting answers to my questions  Helpfulness and patience  Didn’t make me feel stupid when I made mistakes  Taking time to explain  Giving us plenty of time to finish our activity  Presenter walking around  Convenient location  Teaching style  Hands-on exercises  Taught well-good presenter 99/00 Consultant’s Evaluation: Things I liked best were

 Slow pace  Took too long to get training session scheduled  Lack of time  Limited time only a half day  Seemed disorganized at times  Difficulty explaining certain areas  Couldn’t see screen  Couldn’t hear well  Having training in the afternoon  Too many personal questions that could have been addressed after the session 99/00 Consultant’s Evaluation: Things I liked least were