What I've been up to

I've been in California for a month and a half now and I love it! I found a place to live in Alameda which is just outside of Oakland where I work. Alameda is really nice and safe. I love my job and the people I work with are really cool!

I have been busy with a few projects at work. I developed an addition to their 3 hour Take Home Computer Class (THCP). This class provides Oakland students in grades 6-12 with basic computer training along with training on the Open Source software (OpenOffice, The Gimp, Audacity, typing tutors, anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc.) that we install on each computer. Once the students take the class, then they receive a free refurbished computer with free life time tech support.

I made an OpenOffice Impress presentation (software similar and compatible to PowerPoint) that explains Dial-up, DSL, and Cable Internet service (Wireless discussion will be added soon). I developed this addition because I noticed that the instructors would always get a lot of questions about these types of Internet services. Students didn't know the differences between them or how they worked, etc. I actually teach this portion of the class and explain in more detail about these technologies as I show them my presentation. My addition to the class is a success. The students and parents have a better understanding about how these technologies work.

I've also been working on the new OTX-West website (www.otxwest.org) using Dreamweaver. That's a lot of fun. I've never used Dreamweaver before so I am getting some hands on experience.

Finally, I've been working with the director of curriculum on this summers digital storytelling workshop. We are in the process of revamping the curriculum and adding a web development part to it as well. I'm planing on going to The Center for Digital Story Telling in Berkeley, CA to see how they do their workshops and to get more information on how we can improve our workshop. There is a CTC VISTA working there already so I'll be getting in touch with her soon. I also have been learning the Open Source software that we use to create the digital stories (The Gimp, Audacity, Audiograbber, OpenOffice, Nvu).

Anyway, that's it for now. I attached an OpenOffice Impress copy and PowerPoint compatible copy of my slide show. The PowerPoint copy may alter the formatting and animations that were used in the OpenOffice Impress version but you can get the jist of it.

Until next time....

Naomi

Comment from Jessica McCoy on March 9, 2007 - 8:58pm

Hey Naomi,

I've been meaning to call you so we can find a time to get together. I'm thinking that next week I'll finally have the free time for a meeting. Let's talk on Monday and figure something out!

--Jess

(VISTA at Center for Digital Storytelling)

Comment from Ben Sheldon on March 10, 2007 - 2:57am

Naomi--Thanks for bringing it to my attention that we don't have the upload file types allowed for ODF documents.

Now you should be able to upload extensions with .odt, .ods, .odp, and .odg. I'm happy to hear you're using them.

Also, for anyone on a Mac, NeoOffice is a great port of OpenOffice.org.

Also, my favorite open source drawing app is Inkscape, a vector drawing program somewhat similar to illustrator, but easier to use.

Comment from Naomi Jimenez on March 12, 2007 - 6:07pm

Thanks Ben! I just uploaded the OpenOffice copy of my slide show.

I forgot to mention Inkscape in my blog. My organization also uses it in their digital storytelling workshops and I have been learing it as well.

Later,

Naomi