Computer/Web Technology Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes

Conference Call Minutes
October 20, 2000

Participating: Patti Fantaske (chair), Pat Freiler (Bucks), Phil Hoy (UP), Joyce Morrison (Delaware), Michael Rennie (Leader, Lehigh), Rachael Rennie (Teen Leader, Lehigh)


1. Discussion of available computer/web curriculum - no known materials available currently.

2. Review of new 4-H CCS "Computer Mysteries" curriculum.

• Materials viewed to be fairly good
• Concerns over projected frequency of updates due to rapidly changing computer advances
• Level of writing advanced - would need modifications for younger 4-H'ers
• Page background images make reading somewhat difficult
• Project's graphic character perceived to be childish by older youth
• Helper's Guide doesn't give a good overview (not in-depth), in-servicing should help
• Difficulties getting into project web site - Patti in contact with developer to get suggestions, provide feedback
• Possibility of some counties purchasing to try
• Concern over how soon the CD for level 1 will be available

Recommendations:

a) Purchase curriculum for the state (with in-servicing)[when committee members have had the opportunity to view the site and/or the CD]
b) Canvass counties for projected numbers - Patti
c) Submit proposal - Patti
d) Should provide supplement for each county providing list of county resources (county developed)
e) Should look for related CD resources to supplement curriculum
f) Think about home school market

3. Discussion of need for training for web site development (need expressed by agents and leaders)

• Possibility of training sessions at state-wide in-services, at regional meetings (for both agents and leaders), and at state leader forum (Patti to include needs query with county e-mail)
• Possibility of adding web site contest to State Days

4. Committee to set next meeting after receiving the results of request to purchase