Report 2: things slowly beginning to pick up

I'm still doing a lot of the same stuff I wrote about in my last report: looking up software, meeting with program heads, installing ram, etc. But I'm starting to get a better idea of how crazy things are soon going to be. There's a lot of new software the HSTF has never used before that I think I'll be introducing (such as software for video, music, and digital portfolios). The task of choosing the right software - stuff that'll be versatile and accessible - is pretty daunting. They've had me looking into databases which has also been a serious challenge since I don't have much expertise there beyond working as a data entry grunt at Citizen Schools this past summer. I think I'll have more to write about when the after school programs start.

Hey Wes. Great seeing you yesterday at the Mass Area meet-up.

What kind of software are you looking at so far for media production? Is there digital portfolio software out there?

Good luck on starting the after-school programs. Last year I remember having this weird tension just before starting my after-school program that there was more planning and organizing I should be doing, but having no idea what specifically it was I should be preparing for.

I'm starting to look into video production software which is totally daunting because it seems there are countless choices I could make. The other thing I'm not sure about is whether the programs want something simple like iMovie or something they can use to make serious professional looking videos. I have some background in music production, so choosing software for that won't be as difficult. I actually found a really useful guide to digital portfolios - if you're at all interested:

http://www.essentialschools.org/pub/ces_docs/resources/dp/getstart.html

This I think explains pretty well what one should look for in digital portfolio software and even suggests possibilities for making web-based ones. It lists different softwares at the bottom.

Wesley Kaplan's Recent Field Reports

Report 4: Various projects happening

I'm finally starting to get into the nitty gritty with the different youth teams at HSTF. …read more

Report 3: Starting to feel more comfortable

I'm beginning to feel like more of an actual part of HSTF, rather than just a guy who shows up and works for them (as opposed to with them). I've become more friendly with my coworkers and I'm starting to see how I think I'm going to fit in. …read more

Report 2: things slowly beginning to pick up

I'm still doing a lot of the same stuff I wrote about in my last report: looking up software, meeting with program heads, installing ram, etc. But I'm starting to get a better idea of how crazy things are soon going to be. There's a lot of new software the HSTF has never used before that I think I'll be introducing (such as software for video, music, and digital portfolios). …read more

First real report

So far I've mainly been meeting with everyone who runs the various programs at the Hyde Square Task Force and assessing their technology/software needs. I've already starting researching stuff we can get to improve the programs (such as educational software for the after school programs). …read more