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LVA-Verizon Technology Project
Resource Link #03-1

This issue contains some guidance on computer security, an important component of risk management. It offers some low cost, simple steps to protect your computer from viruses and hackers. Also, there is information about three Internet sites�one for professional development of instructors and two for students. Finally, there are some tips to create an organizational culture that accepts technology.

*** Is Your Computer Secure? ***

Oh, those pesky viruses, worms, and hackers. One day, you�ve finished your newsletter, and it is ready to be printed. The next day, you see nothing on your screen, because a virus has entered your computer.

Let�s take a look at some security issues in this Internet age.

Viruses

We�ve assumed that you�ve installed some virus protection software. If not, you can order software for one or multiple computers through the Discountech store on TechSoup. However, there are some additional steps you can take.

  1. Update your virus definitions at least every month. Your anti-virus software is only as good as the virus definitions it uses to catch them. Most anti-virus software can be configured to automatically update virus definitions.
  2. Regularly scan for viruses. You can set up your anti-virus software to scan your computer on a regular basis. If you've turned off automatic scan features to prevent your computer from running slower, be sure to run a manual scan at least once a week.
  3. Be very careful of e-mail attachments. Many current viruses�including some very destructive ones�are spread this way, often from people you know! Never open an unexpected attachment, especially if the file has an .exe, .vbs, or .shs extension. Check with the sender, and see if it's legitimate.
Patches

Anti-virus software alone will not ensure a safe computer system. Be sure to download and install patches and security fixes for all your software applications. These are free through software manufacturers' Web sites. Patches are small files that you can download to repair newly discovered security problems within software programs. It's a good idea to periodically check the product Web sites for news about product patches. When you see a patch related to security, be sure to download and install it.

Viruses frequently exploit e-mail and Web browser programs. Although you should investigate security patches for all software, be certain that your Internet tools, e-mail program, and Web browser are up-to-date.

Firewalls

Firewalls protect your computer from hackers and can also sniff out e-mail containing viruses. This software is especially important if you have broadband access like DSL or cable, since this means you are always connected to the Internet. Two of the more popular programs are Norton Internet Security and Zone Lab�s Zone Alarm Pro.

Finally, to insure yourself against emergencies, be sure to perform regular backups of your computer to protect its contents.

*** Internet Sites of Interest ***

Professional Development Kit

The Professional Development Kit (PDK) was created by the National Center on Adult Literacy (NCAL) at the University of Pennsylvania. NCAL developed the content after surveying adult education teachers about their professional development interests. Content is appropriate for instructors and trainers who want to learn more about adult education. This is a tool you can use for continuing education of small groups of tutors or teachers.

There are three components to PDK: a Web site, a collection of videos on CD-ROM, and a guide to help individuals use the site effectively. The Web site has several sections:

  1. PDK Community has two parts. In My Portfolio, instructors can create their own professional development plans and save online resources of interest. The second component is discussion boards. There are national discussion boards and groups based on specific topics. Additionally, individuals can create their own bulletin boards. You can use this to continue a discussion about a topic with any group of tutors.
  2. Investigating Practice is another section of the Web site. It contains eight hours of video with discussion questions. Voices from the Field presents short introductions to diverse topics like ABE, ESL, and learning disabilities. Classroom Investigations offers in-depth exploration of instructional practices. Topic Area Investigations has overviews of general topics such as student anxiety or motivation. To see the videos, you will need to order the CD-ROM by e-mailing: [email protected]
  3. The Knowledge Database includes articles, links to sites with lesson plans, and suggestions for using the site as a vehicle for staff development.
To visit the site, go to www.literacy.org/pdk. You will have to register. Please note that if you are an AOL user, the site will not recognize your browser. Sign on to the Internet via AOL, minimize the AOL screen, and then use Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

Read TV News

This is a new site developed by the Sacramento County Office of Education. It contains 50 news stories in a variety of domains such as jobs, family, and public services. These are generic stories, not specific to the Sacramento area. They provide an opportunity for students to develop basic skills by using interesting and relevant materials.

Students can view each story on video, read it in the original text or in a reformatted basic text, and then complete six activities. The activities for each story include crossword puzzles, flash cards, concentration, multiple choice, spelling, and writing.

To use this site, you will need Flash and Real Player, a video player. Visit the site at www.readtvnews.com.

NCLE English Language/Civics Activities for Adults

The ideas presented here can help instructors develop lesson plans that integrate civics-related content with adult English language instruction. Currently, there are two collections. The first looks at ways to use music in teaching English language and civics. The second focuses on topics and themes relevant for African-American History Month celebrations. More collections are planned by the National Center for ESL Literacy Education.

Go to www.cal.org/ncle/civics/.

Changing Your Organizational Culture

Some individuals are just not comfortable with technology. They may be afraid to �break� a computer or may feel technology is not relevant to their jobs. Attitudes may be more of a hindrance to adoption of technology than lack of funds. Here are some tips from leading technical assistance agencies in the United States.
  1. Involve everyone in planning.
  2. Identify early adopters of technology within the organization as leaders.
  3. Identify your model(s) of training. Options include:
    • Use peer mentoring. More skilled help less skilled.
    • Use train the trainer model.
    • Train one power user. Assistance is part of his or her job.
  4. Publicize internally successes that come because of technology.
  5. Use exercises and examples specific to the organization's operations. Make it relevant. Give examples of how technology can make THEIR work better. Be specific.
  6. Allow time for people to play with technology, and see how it will apply to their jobs.
  7. Building training into the work week. Training is part of your job.
  8. Evaluate not only immediately after training, but also down the road.
  9. Top management must send a message that it's okay to spend time developing skills.
  10. Make it fun. Use humor!
  11. Leave them with reference materials and Web sites.

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