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QEP
Professional Development Meeting Minutes January 14, 2005
English/Reading
PLATO Software Presentation
Present:
English Instructors – Brandy Mitchell, Pam Sherrer, Nathan
Brackeen (Division Chair for Liberal Arts, Math, and Science),
Janie Hornsby, and Laura Brown (Division Chair for Transitional
Education); English and Reading Tutors – Jo Kenny and David
Story; Administrators – Susan Salatto (President), Bert Sims
(Adult Education Director), Amelia Pearson (Dean of
Instruction), Linda McGuirt (Dean of Students), Jim Thompson
(Director of Student Support Services); Counselor Wanda Harkins;
Computer Specialists Wesley Storey, Curtis Smith, Dorie Bowden;
Division Chairs – Rick Wilmarth (Division of Liberal Arts,
Health, and Physical Education and Director of Distance
Education), Jimmy Nix (Division of Business, Math, and Science),
Mike Mann (Division of Technology), and Ralph Cline (Division of
Business, Computer Science, and Technology); Accreditation
Liaison/Speech Instructor Barbara Anne Spears
Pam Cicirello, Instructional Program Designer, and Ruth
Boyd-Culver, Account Manager, presented information from PLATO
LEARNING, Inc. for consideration for the reading and English
classes and labs for transitional education.
Cicirello gave an overview of the features of the PLATO
software. Students can pre-test with Fast Track, which allows
them to skip learning segments if they test high enough on the
pre-test. This allows maximum efficiency for students. PLATO can
show grade-level gain and create customized learning paths. The
software has onboard worksheets and can link to other websites.
A distance education learning center can be established. PLATO
software aligns to TABE, WorkKeys, and the GED 2000. PLATO can
also be used for ACT and COMPASS remediation. It can also be
used for remediation/preparation for the Alabama High School
Exit Exam and is currently being used for this purpose by Linda
Hooton in the Jefferson State Success Center. Jeff State sells
time on PLATO for ACT and Exit Exam prep to recoup its initial
investment. Jeff State also develops a resource manual for its
students and sells that manual in the Bookstore.
PLATO can also be used to meet pre-requisites for Allied Health.
Current users of PLATO in the Alabama College System include
Bessemer State, Drake State, Faulkner State, Jefferson Davis,
Jefferson State, Shelton State, and Wallace State.
The College can allow home access for students. Web access can
be client-hosted (hosted by the College) or PLATO-hosted. PLATO
prefers that web access be client-hosted.
Cicirello reviewed processes being implemented by Janice Filer
at Shelton State and recommended Ms. Filer as a resource for the
College.
PLATO can be used for a stand-alone class or as a hybrid with
some traditional instruction and some PLATO. Outcomes and
curriculum are standardized. Course competencies can be aligned
to the courseware.
Cicirello then demonstrated several lessons in the reading
courseware. At the 9-12 grade levels, courseware focuses on
curricular reading (reading in the content area). The lowest
levels require audio; highest levels have audio assist. Onboard
notebook encourages notetaking skills. There is also an onboard
dictionary.
Cohort groups can be developed with integrated reading and
English. Mastery test can be used as a pre-test.
Cost is $1,000 per license.
Vicki Kelly of Heinz Community College is another good resource.
The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m. Several instructors visited
with presenters to ask questions following the meeting.
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