The NACTEL Program: Its Impact on Students’ Lives Dr. Barbara Farrell Dr. David Sachs October 26, 2000

Computer Applications Course Intro to Terminology, Windows and Explorer Word - Basics through Mail Merge Excel - Basics through charting and what-if analysis Access - Tables, Reports, Queries and Joins PowerPoint - Presentations with graphics and sound Internet - Searches and evaluation of searches Final Project - Presentation using Internet Search Results

The Survey of Students to all students in Spring and Summer 2000 classes Approximately 30 responses All students were taught by Barbara Farrell

The Survey Questions Has the NACTEL program changed your work life? Has the NACTEL program given you career opportunities that would not have been available otherwise? How has the Computer Applications course affected your work life? Has learning Microsoft Office helped open doors that would not have been available? Have you gotten any promotions because of this program?

Sample Student Responses I received Employee of the Month for an Access Data Base I created. I did not get a promotion; but I did get a raise in pay. Every day I use stuff that I learned from the Office 97 course. It is clearly the most valuable course that I have ever taken.

Sample Student Responses (continued) Since I have been enrolled in the NACTEL program, I have been approached by the Supervisor of the Network Administration group and asked if I would like to work under him. Even though it is not a promotion, it would involve no weekend work and better hours, which is sometimes better than more money or a fancy title.

Sample Student Responses (continued) My major hope with the NACTEL program is that it will eventually become a B.S. degree. Man, that would be awesome to earn a B.S. from a reputable university, all online, at my schedule. Yes. I went from being an Administrative Assistant to being an Analyst, due to pursuing my degree program.

Sample Student Responses (continued) Since I work on the frame, the NACTEL program has not changed my work life. It hasn’t opened doors here, but I like the fact that I can put it on a resume. No new career opportunities are presenting themselves at this time.

Sample Student Responses (continued) I am able to implement the techniques learned with the NACTEL program into my everyday work life. I’ve not received any promotions as of yet. But I’m hopeful that once completed, my AS Degree will be a big help.

Sample Student Responses (continued) The degree is something that I want to achieve, for my own satisfaction, but will not do anything for me at work. I use the tools I learned from you in Computer Applications daily. My boss brings all kinds of projects to me now. On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t thank you. (ha ha)

Sample Student Responses (continued) The Computer Applications course has helped me tremendously. Not only am I more productive at work with the databases and spreadsheets, but I have been recommended for a management position. So, yes it was worth it to take the course. There may be others in my office who are interested. Do I get a finder’s fee?

Sample Student Responses (continued) The biggest benefit of taking these courses for me has been my own sense of accomplishment and the example I am setting for my kids. I have a very good job – but I always felt almost guilty because I didn’t have a degree. I know I will feel like I have more job security with a degree, even though it probably isn’t necessary.

Sample Student Responses (continued) I have fine tuned my Microsoft skills and taught me a few tricks I did not know. The whole reason why I enrolled was to set myself into a career opportunity as a network technician.

Sample Student Responses (continued) I know you have a pretty good idea of how NACTEL has changed my life. Of course there is the new job. I am sure that I wouldn’t have obtained this position had it not been for NACTEL. As the H.R. rep said, “this is a big step” (construction to central office). I have the job that I have always wanted. I hope your presentation to the Board goes well. I really want this program to continue.

Sample Student Responses (continued) Unfortunately, I am not a good spokesperson for NACTEL just yet. While I do use Office 97 on a regular basis, and class did help, I haven’t been able to get the most out of the software yet. This is more because of the type of work I do with it, rather than the level or quality of instruction I had in the class.

Sample Student Responses (continued) No promotions, but a good salary hike recently (this is confidential!!) So, I would definitely say the NACTEL program has been a good move for me. I don’t think I would have returned to school otherwise.

Sample Student Responses (continued) I can’t say yet if this course has changed my work life, but I do feel that it helped in my recent promotion. When I mentioned it during my interview, the hiring managers seemed pleased that I was enrolled, and had asked me some questions about the program.

Sample Student Responses (continued) The NACTEL program is wonderful and did change my work life. This is because I learned to balance multiple projects and my workload more effectively and efficiently. I became more productive and consequently won a monetary award for a project I was assigned.

Sample Student Responses (continued) The two courses I completed had an immediate impact on my job performance. I also showed a colleague how using Access would save him about 40 hours of manual effort each week. I demonstrated a simple query and his work was done in seconds. I learned a great deal about the mechanics of writing and consequently write much better essays and papers.

Sample Student Responses (continued) I am glad to tell you that I was just recently promoted to a coach manager. The NACTEL program has helped me a great deal. I can say that it helped with my promotion. With the classes I am taking right now, I am on the right track.

Sample Student Responses (continued) The NACTEL program has changed my life in two ways. First, I am capable on my computer and am able to do presos, Excel manipulations and even enhanced my already strong capabilities in Word and Access. Physics and Math have sharpened my brain so that I feel that nothing is insurmountable. It has sharpened my edge.

Sample Student Responses (continued) My new capabilities in Office ’97 were instrumental to acquiring a new position in the Wholesale Markets division here at Verizon. I was specifically queried on my capabilities in Access, Excel, Word and PowerPoint as a precursor to my interview. I now have a new position which should increase my income $10,000 per year.

Sample Student Responses (continued) My manager is big on education. I have an interview tomorrow for a management position. I am now second in command when it comes to computer applications (my manager is first). My job title is field tech/cable splicer. My knowledge in Office ’97 is a definite plus. My manager offered me an Administrative Foreman position. I know that the NACTEL program helped with that.

Sample Student Responses (continued) I’m already on a list of “high potential” candidates for promotion, although no position has opened up. I’m working towards getting a degree in case I want to go higher than first level management. Knowing everything I can do with Office ’97 has made life easier at work.