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====="There is More to it Than Meets the Eye"=====
:When supporting computer systems the overseer(whether for business or volunteering purposes) becomes responsible for its protection and the its efficient operation. In this case, the volunteer becomes the "caretaker" of this system, and deals with a lot of issues that are usually "hidden" or "ignored" by the users of the system. This is not to point the blame on at the user, but to emphasize the human nature of '''"out of sight, out of mind"'''.
:IT volunteers deal with many "behind the scenes" issues such as '''computer server backup''', '''running benchmarks''', '''Internet Security''', '''application installation''', and '''user documentation'''. Therefore, when users or instructors do not properly remove completed files from the computer system, it becomes yet another task that the computer administrator has to "deal with". In fact, the problem becomes compounded when the administrator is not certain whether or not the files are permitted to be removed, and may have to track-down the instructor to get permission to remove the file.
:Therefore there is a tremendous need for operational mechanisms such as '''policies and procedures''' in the church's technical areas. In a sense, these guidelines become the '''"glue"''' that holds the church's "system" together. Without policies and procedures there would be ''duplication'', ''miscommunication'', ''inefficiencies'', ''hurt-feelings'', and general ''chaos''.
===Policies / Strategies to Ensure a Smooth-Running Computer Lab===
:The following table displays a comprehensive "system" incorporating a series of computer lab automation and configuration combined with education and reinforcement (combined with policies and procedures) to help "distribute the load" among computer lab administration and computer instructors/end-users: :<table border="1" cellpadding="2">
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<td>'''Strategy'''</td>
<td>An online resource has been created for the Westminster congregation and the Orangeville community to provide comprehensive training on how to use the computer lab. '''All instructors are required to take an initial AVIT training session that, in addition to other topics, direct the user to this resource in order to follow proper computer usage.''' It is important to understand that while this lab develops, and <u>training resources are limited</u>, users will need to use this resources to become a self-directed learner - in other words - "learn how to learn"...<br /><br />'''Here is a link to this online resource:''' [http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/westminster/computerGuide_training.html http://matrix.senecac.on.ca/~murray.saul/westminster/computerGuide_training.html]<br /><br />Online users can use this resource to "book an initial training session" with AVIT from the comfort of their own home...<br /><br /></td>
</tr>
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<td>'''Automation<br />(Customized Programs)'''</td>
<td>Whenever possible, customized programs (called "Bash Shell Scripts") can be written to relieve the burden of rucurring and repetive tasks for both the administrator and instructor/user.<br /><br/>Here are a couple of examples of programs already written for the Westminster Computer Lab:<ul><li>'''Acceptable Use Policy Dialog Box''' upon user account login</li><li>'''Grab Work from workstation accounts'''</li></ul><br />'''NOTE: Failure for instructors / users to follow the <u>correct procedures</u> can result in the incorrect operation of these automated programs'''. For example, if students over-ride the default directories where their documents are saved, then those applications (Like Grab Work) will not work correctly, and make more work the for administrate to "clean-up".</td>
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<td>'''Positive Training<br />Feedback Loop'''</td>
<td>'''A mechanism now exists (in a proactive way) to guide the student towards existing training tutorials (including YouTube Vidoes) to help reinforce correct procedures''' and understand some of the consequences of not following correct lab procedures.<br /><br />In time, '''automation (discusses above) can be incorporated to detect non-adherance, allowing AVIT to contact instructors for proactive self-directed training follow-up'''.</td>
</tr>
</table>
