Help is Available for Statistics Generation

BY JENNIFER EWEN

Program reform requirements have increased the quantity and quality of data that must be collected by literacy programs. Literacy programs are using a variety of paper and software based systems to manage this information. Many people are dissatisfied with their current information management methods, but are unsure where to turn for help. The Simcoe County Literacy Network is pleased to announce the launch of the

Information Management Software Resource Centre at http://www.nald.ca/imsrc. Our mission is to provide easily accessible resources on information management software to allow literacy programs to make an informed choices.

This project was launched in September of 1999. In the autumn of last year, literacy programs in Ontario were surveyed about their information management practices. We asked what data was collected, what computer hardware (if any) was used for program administration, and what specific brands of software were used to manage learner data.

We had an excellent response to our survey, with a 35% response rate. The responses were widely distributed, with representation from all geographic areas of the province and all three delivery sectors (community based, school board, and college).

We found that 86% of programs use computers to assist in the generation of statistics. These programs overwhelmingly favoured Intel/ Windows computers over Apple brands.

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Online Workshop on Recruiting and Maintaining Volunteers

Community Literacy of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs are presenting an electronic workshop for people working with literacy volunteers. The workshop is accessible through the AlphaPlus Centre's discussion groups (AlphaCom) and runs until the end of May.

Participants will be provided with information that will help make volunteer management easier, including links to resources on the Internet. The information is being delivered in a series of six modules, a new module each week. To register go to http://alphacom.alphaplus.ca/home. The workshop is free of charge.