Region 9 Computer Rally

[Pahaska]

Starts Feb 29 at North Texas Airstream Community (NTAC). See the Region 9 website at http://www.wbregion9.org/ for details.

Probably not needed for anyone reading this, but if you know an older WBCCI member who is struggling to become computer-aware, this is a great way to do it.

[Pahaska]

The 36 slots for the computer rally have all been subscribed. Most are couples sharing a computer, but there are a few loners. That leaves us 4 hookups for instructor laptops.

All connections should have internet access this year. A local internet provider is to give a short seminar and set up wireless access for the group for the week.

I pull out Saturday morning to help set up for the beginners class on Sunday. We will have 8 students in the beginners class. Silver Suz, from this group, has enrolled for the week.

[Pahaska]

Just got home from NTAC after a great week of teaching computers. Both the instructors and the students voted this the best Region 9 computer rally to date.

Last year, we had wireless internet (courtesy of the local isp) for the first time at a WBCCI computer rally. This year, we topped that by having both the wireless and broadband wired internet at each of the 40 work stations. With the exception of two very ancient computers, all students were able to attach to one or both of the broadband connections.

We had a full day of Windows, a full day of Word, a full day of security and maintenance, a full day of digital photography, a half day of web browsing, and a half day of Powerpoint/Excel, plus evening practice/help sessions.

Included were 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches at neighboring Hill College, plus a Friday evening "Graduation dinner".

Our crew of instructors have put the computer rally on for 3 years straight now and we are all stepping aside and passing the baton with the hopes that someone will pick it up and put on the 2006 rally.

[GStephens]

I'd like to applaud you for working with the computer ralley the past few years. You are to be commended. I'm certain it has helped a lot of people.
GStephens

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by GStephens

I'd like to applaud you for working with the computer ralley the past few years. You are to be commended. I'm certain it has helped a lot of people.
GStephens

The major credit should go to Fred Hazen who was chairman of the rally for 3 straight years and Ben Covington who set up the wireless and wired broadband.

I just taught four sessions (Basic and Intermediate Word, Photoshop Elements, and Net Browsing). Fred taught Digital Photography. Dave Fischio, an IBM employee, was the fourth instructor; he taught Windows and PowerPoint. Ben taught computer security and maintenance. All of us were inviolved in helping the students during the lectures and evening practice sessions.