Currently I am in the position of a facilitator. The Learning Support Center at the Technical School
where I work recently implemented a Fast Trac Program. This program is designed to assist those
students who failed the entrance exam within 3-5 point margins, in English and
Math respectively. Taking part in Fast
Track could help these students to eliminate having to take remedial
courses. The Fast Trac program begins
with a pre-diagnostic test that will identify the areas of weakness that the
student has displayed. From that, a set
of customized study modules will create a learning path for that student. Within those modules are online lectures, tutorials
and videos.
The program facilitators, me and six other individuals, are
available after the diagnostic test to assist students. We assist students in program registration
and technical adaptations. Depending
upon the subject matter, we are there to answer questions, give examples as
well as assist with computer technical quirks.
As the lead Facilitator, I administer a short orientation to explain the
program to students and allow them to ask questions. I then have them sign documentation
acknowledging that the program has been thoroughly explained and to approve a new
test date (which is within a 3-week period).
Our program has gotten off to a rocky start. Originally we suffered load problems with our
institution not having enough bandwidth to support the various programs that
had been put into effect. At the same time, the contractor was having server
problems because of the numerous programs they rolled out for fall semester and
the number of registrants logging on simultaneously. When we overcame the bandwidth issue, we
realized that the math module (the most prominent of the required subjects) did
not work. Throughout this process, our
facilitators have maintained a straight face and kept students assured that
these were just minor complications that come along with any new program.
I believe most of us are objective about the changes of the
Learning Support Format and will do what is best to assure that the program is successful. A lot of the program success depends on our
attitudes and the assistance and encouragement we give our students. We rolled this program out on September 10 of
this year. I will keep you informed as
the program progresses.
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