Inside ITS - Page 5

Inside ITSMarch 1998Page 5

Spotlight on Staff
-continued from page 1

networking, remote access, internet connectivity, hardware and software applications, as well as the student and faculty computing needs.

Yet, she needed a change. "I had a desire to work with a group of professionals rather than being the lone star." Now in her fourth year at Brooklyn College, Selena has witnessed and been responsible for much change. The labs are open over eighty hours a week and are in constant use during the fall, spring, and summer semesters and intercessions. The computers are loaded with current software applications such as MS Office Suite, are equipped with CD-ROM’s, connected to the Internet, and are accessible for students with disabilities.

Selena created "Tip Sheets" for frequently-asked questions regarding industry standard software. She is also the primary person responsible for video conferencing technology. A few short years ago the labs had a completely different face. "The college had mostly IBM 286’s, no Internet connection, MACs were for graphics only, and the only application with a mouse was Paintbrush."

Selena is firm on the responsibilities and duties of her Lab Staff. "My staff’s here to maintain the computers and fix glitches. There’s just not enough time for one-on-one consultation." Selena encourages students to allow enough time to complete their papers. "It breaks my heart to see a student who stayed up all night typing a paper, rush into the lab seconds before the assignment is due, only to find that we do not use or support that application in the lab. Often, hours are needed to convert the document, edit it and finally print."

Another important area for Selena is video conferencing and the CUNY Media Distribution Systems (see article page 4). "The new systems have much to offer. You can present your lecture straight, or have access to the Web, use of CD-ROM, laser-disc, videotape clips, and satellite inputs. This is a hugh leap for BC." One lesson learned from last Fall’s successful German Conversation class is that instructors have to re-think the mode of their presentations. "The class needs to be scripted-out more and back-up plans need to be in place in case of technical problems. All in all, we have a lot to be excited about." I put together my own computer from the components I sold. It was a 286 and I still have it.

In her personal life Selena is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta and on the Board of Directors of the Junior Tennis League. Her primary obsession during the past six years has been to compile and document her family’s history. "For me genealogy is difficult for two reasons: one, because some older folks are tight-lipped about their hardships and the difficult decisions that had to be made; and two, African-American historical records do not exist before the late 1900’s. It’s quite a challenge piecing together life stories -- I wish it were as easy as putting together a computer. Still, knowing where you came from is necessary because it has made you who you are." She’s fond of the quote, "Grandfather wants to forget what grandson wants to remember." All in all, the research into her heritage has helped to bring her family closer. Selena’s mother calls her a "professional student" and her father says, "If it doesn’t offer a challenge, she’s not interested"; From such a student we may learn a lot.

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