Computer training for blind deaf and disabled people in their own home

Tutor Seminar - 03/12/2003

Tutor Seminar held on 12/03/2003 12:31:39 at 16 Porchester Terrace

Present:
Anthony Wigram (AW), Sally Wigram (SW), Avril Hanning (AH), Cliff Docherty (CD), Maria Tremarco (MT), Lisa Oram (LO), Chris Frederick (CF), Patricia Webb (PW), Shahab Reza (SR), Simon Smith (SS), Tracey Fawthrop (TF), Debbie Brixey (DB), Evelyn White (EW)

Apologies:
Tracy Pernice, Gabriella Gatward, Aldo Zeolla

Minutes:
1. Minutes of last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were read

SS made a point that safe emailing still needs to be implemented. AH/CD to contact SS to find a solution.

2. Administration

AH asked if there were any queries with the new invoicing system.

KP said he was not comfortable completing the form in front of his students as they could see how much he earned. It was suggested that a code is inserted instead of a figure.

DG asked about a complete set of forms needed. All forms are now on the website and can be easily downloaded. There are two versions of the forms (one without text boxes).

3. Webcam for Deaf Students

SR said that many deaf students preferred using British Sign Language via webcam to typing. He also said that sometimes their English is not as good, which also presents a problem when typing. If using broadband there is no time delay and people can communicate in real time. He asked if anyone could think of any down/up sides to using this method.

SR said that many deaf students preferred using British Sign Language via webcam to typing. He also said that sometimes their English is not as good, which also presents a problem when typing. If using broadband there is no time delay and people can communicate in real time. He asked if anyone could think of any down/up sides to using this method.

SA mentioned that if two people are using a webcam do they both need to have broadband? It was suggested that even if one person didn’t have it, they could send a videomail and read it later.

TF said that she used MSN Messenger to speak to her brother, but the only problem was you need Windows XP.

It was generally thought that using webcam was a good idea for the future and perhaps we could make students aware that this facility exists.

4. Development notes for Students

CD has produced some samples notes and passed them around the meeting. PW has also been working on some notes.

DB said that the notes are too technical and need to be more basic as most of her students would not understand the terminology. DG mentioned that many different ISP’s use different rules. AW suggested a different set of notes for each different ISP. It was also suggested that a different set of notes be made for different disabilities.

JP, DB, NU, DG, TF and SR volunteered to take CD’s notes to review and make further suggestions/amendments. The office will collate their comments and re-issue the notes.

5. Further Learning for Jaws Students – David Somerset

DS was not able to attend the meeting although the subject was briefly discussed.

PW knew of a great website (www.acbradio.org - American Council of the Blind) in which Blind and Visually Impaired students can listen to tutorials. They also have a 2 hour technology show which reviews the latest technology. Another interesting website is www.jfwlite.com which also gives Jaws tutorials.

6. Student Recruitment & Development – Cliff Docherty

CD has been in contact with Aspire (Spinal Injuries), Connect (people with communication problems), National Deaf Children’s Society and local MS/ME and Headway offices. Articles have been placed in Paddington People and Hearing Concern magazines. Also an interview with SR for British Deaf News is being prepared.

CD said that the main focus at the moment is recruiting students for the Learning & Skills Councils and Connexions. He said it is proving difficult to find students for the Connexions project (children aged between 13-19 years old).

We are also looking for 7 students in the Camden area for the Camden Training Network. An advert has been placed in the Camden New Journal. CD said he had found a Community Centre with an Internet Café and one possibility is to hold tutorials there instead of students homes. DG offered to distribute information in that area. CD will arrange this.

AW said there was no regular flow of referrals from organisations who distribute our leaflets. We receive more referrals by word of mouth, ex students etc. SS asked if the scheme, which paid tutors for referring students, is still in place. AW said it had not been formally stopped but had not been used recently. AW said it was worth considering and he will speak to the committee.

CD said he had a meeting with Westminster Youth Service who have been keen to use our syllabus to develop AQA award units in basic internet skills. AQA is the Assessment and Qualification Alliance, one of three unitary examining bodies in England responsible for, amongst other things, GCSE courses. CD is working with Westminster to develop the units, each of which will provide the student with a certificate of merit which is recognised by employers and educational institutions. At present it is a pilot project and CD will do the first. AW said this would not be compulsory and would be gradually introduced.

CF raised the point of “progression” – what happens to students after the course has finished. He said that many funders ask this question as part of the application process as they want to make sure the skills they have learned are retained.

He suggested compiling a student information pack to give to the students when the course finishes, this would include opportunities for further education/employment etc. PW said this is very difficult, especially for VI students, as there are no facilities which provide adequate equipment.

DG suggested putting students in touch with Learn Direct whose services are free. This could also form part of the info pack. DS suggested IAG London (Information, Advice and Guidance) who give advice to adults about learning and work opportunities. He will find out more.

7. Web Site

CD said the message board is much improved and back on line.

Forms are ready to be downloaded.

AW suggested a section on the web site “What Happens Next” and also the info pack.

CD will take into consideration the various comments made above.

8. Funding Update – Chris Frederick

CF said that a recent 5,000 letter mailout was slowly producing results.

Applications are being made to all five Learning and Skills Councils.

CF said he will be re-shooting the video which will be part of a presentation to funders and organisations at the House of Commons and will be hosted by Michael Portillo.

He mentioned that he received a call from Mrs Eldridge from Gilchrist Educational Trust who can, on application, offer a donation of £1,000 for equipment for students and asked for suggestions.

PW suggested Braille manuals.

NU suggested a CD burner, which could be used to produce CD’s with info pack, student notes etc. to give to students on completion of course.

9. Tutor Training

PW said that training for both Jaws 4.5 and Supanova will take place on 29th March 2003 and encouraged tutors with previous Jaws knowledge to attend as Jaws 4.5 uses different key commands, although it is easier to use than earlier versions.

Tutors will be paid £40 for attending.

10. Any Other Business

PW asked if it was in any way possible to dissuade VI students from using AOL as it is not compatible with the programmes they use.

AH said that most students already had their computers set up and running. AW asked if they could remove AOL and install another ISP? This is possible, another suggestion was the students could use more than one ISP as some are very cheap.

End of minutes

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