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The
staff began to slowly surf the web and learn about
the internet. They were asked, "How many
articles do you think you could download on population
activities in Jamaica?" There were strong
audible responses when Glenn pulled up 243 articles
from the Johns Hopkins University database alone.
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Training
Before
arriving at the NFPB in Jamaica, the LearnLink core team
and instructors met in Washington, D.C., to develop an
overall training strategy. LearnLink staff distributed
a pre-registration survey to NFPB several weeks before
the training was scheduled to begin. Based on responses
to the survey, it was apparent that the majority of the
staff had little or no experience with computers. A training
plan was designed to provide all students with basic,
comprehensive skills in several software applications,
including Microsoft Office ’97 (Word, Excel, Outlook,
PowerPoint, and Access), Windows ’95, and Netscape
Navigator. The team also planned to offer brief introductory
courses for SPSS, MS Project, PageMaker, and PhotoShop.
Based
on the computer experience and knowledge described in
the pre-registration surveys, different levels of training
sessions were required. NFPB staff were divided into
10 groups of four to six students, and each staff member
received two hours of training per day. Of special note
was the participants’ enthusiastic attitude. Initially
the majority were somewhat anxious about their lack
of knowledge and expressed some fears. However, they
were willing and eager to attend the classes despite
their concerns and busy schedules.
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Sustainability
and Ownership
All
computer networks require mainte-nance. The challenge
for Glenn and his staff was to design a network system
that would not burden the NFPB with unanticipated costs.
Every piece of equipment was chosen with the intention
of ensuring the network system’s long-term viability.
At the same time, cost constraints are a reality, so
every effort was made to achieve a balance between the
ever-present pressure to buy afford-able equipment while
maintaining high quality standards.
Tied
into the concept of financial sustainability is the
importance of ownership. When individuals share equal
responsibility for a system, in this case a computer
network system, they share accountability and ownership.
Thus, they ensure its continued evolution and sustainability.
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