Participant: Martha Roman
Project: On-line Advising
Institution: BNC Colombo Americano; Armenia, Colombia
Since the very moment the Professional Advising Leadership Program was first announced, I found it a very good way of continuing my professional growth as an overseas educational advisor. When thinking about what research topic to propose, I first thought of ESL Programs because many of our inquires are basically about ESL Programs. However, the problem with visa issuance for these programs prevented me from proposing such a project. My application included a research project on the Impact of Homeland Security Measures. At the last NAFSA Conference in Salt Lake City, I received the great news of having been selected for this pioneer program. Surprisingly, my research project had been changed, Online Advising. Fortunately, it turned to be a very good decision since our center had been awarded the ETS Advising for the Future Award, and was therefore responsible for developing the Online Advising Program for Colombia.
After coming from NAFSA, Ms. Janine Farhat started sending us e-mails regarding arrangements for the program. She provided me with a lot of support so that I could select the right program for me. Finally, I took a workshop on e-learning given by Vignettes for Learning in New York City. There were 5 participants including myself. This workshop gave us the steps that should be considered before choosing the option of e-learning. It included a definition of e-learning, its elements and applications, its stages of development along with management systems, standards and coding. It oversaw marketing of e-programs and its implementation. Furthermore, we had some practice based on our own projects and were given the option of continuing with the program on line. In New York City, I also visited IIE. There, I learned about the programs they administer and found some material very useful for my office which Mr. Daniel Obst, Senior Program Manager kindly gave to me.
The training session that I found quite practical for my project was the courses that I received in Washington D.C. at TJP&A. The two seminars were Internet Publishing Survival Kit and Web Site Design. Three of my PAL fellows took these two courses with me as well. These training sessions were really what I was looking for. It gave me a clear view on how the Internet works and the steps to be followed when planning to develop a website and an online advising program. These courses included so many viewpoints that I have never thought of. We discussed the aspects to be considered for a successful website, from how to put a website online quickly, easily and economically to understanding and using the basic coding for such purpose. We also discussed planning and organization of content along with anticipation of problems.
On the other hand, the seminar on leadership was an outstanding part of the program. Through the many activities provided, we got to know each other's projects as well as the outcomes from them. We now have a person to contact to get more detailed information on graduate admissions, financial aid for undergraduates, admissions essay writing, credential evaluations among others. We were given the opportunity to take the Meyers Test which was a way of understanding ourselves and find out the potential we all have as leaders. This workshop was very dynamic and was successfully conducted by Debbie Henderon. The seminar included discussions, group activities and talks that made us aware of the role of leaders we have played and will be playing after the program.
As a result of this training program, I am currently working with my Supervisor in the design and Implementation of the Web Site and the On-line Advising Program, applying all the lessons learned during the seminars. We are planning to officially launch the program in April 2004. I am also assisting and encouraging some of my colleagues from Colombia to apply to the program so that our leadership group grows for the benefit of our advisees and our job. I will conduct a seminar on leadership for the English Teachers of the Center in January 2004, and will give a presentation in the coming In-country workshop.Outcomes:
I traveled to New York City on September 29. On the train, I met Ms.Wanda E. Townsend from National Cable and Telecommunication Association in Washington D.C. when I told her I was from Colombia; she was really interested in knowing about it. I gave her the best information I could about my country. When we arrived in New York, She explained to me that we had to take a taxi outside and wait in line until we got our turn. She just told me to follow her. When we got out of the train station, there were two long lines. She said: "Let's stand here". I was surprised to see so many people in line and was hopeless to see we had to wait a long time to get the taxi. We were just there when a lady started shouting at us. She said: "What are you doing here? " we just replied."We are waiting for the taxi". The woman angrily answered: "This is not the line for cabs; this is the line for the homeless."Curiosities:
Acknowledgements:
I do want to thank Mr. Lawrence Corwin, CAO American Embassy Bogota for his support in submitting my application. Mrs. Rosemarie Arens, South American REAC for the support and encouragement she gave me during the PAL application process Thank you so much for trusting me. In general I want to thank the U.S. Department of State for making it possible for me to improve professionally. Dorothy Mora, Mary Ashley, and Phillip Ives, thank you for your interest and support to our projects and for your welcome at the U.S. Department of State. Thank you Jean Frisbie for your continuous support and for your hospitality as well as for the excellent books you donated to my office.
I also want to especially thank The College Board, Janine Farhat who made such an excellent work in putting together a very well planned and organized program. Needless to say how enriching it was. Thank you Theresa, especially for your making us feel home in D.C. and for the wonderful dinner at your house. Debbie Hefferon, thank you for helping us identify our leadership potential and for providing such a dynamic and wonderful experience. You were just excellent.
Last but not least, I want to express my sincere thanks to all PAL participants. I did learn lots from you all and from your projects. I hope this becomes a never ending professional relationship so that our job improves every day.