BIT 120614

Build Instructor Training 6/14/12

In attendance

Steven, Sean, Jason Owen, Max, Gerardo, Gordon, Sam, Blaine, Keith, Allan, Estela, Daisy, Kevin, Kurt, Nate, Brett

Facilitating: Amelia

Scribing: Liliana

Place: Free Geek Meeting Room

Instructors newly trained since February: Kevin & Sam. Welcome to the team guys!

http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/BIT_120215 Build Category, see "Build Instructor Trainings"

Showed instructors where minutes are located on the wiki
Reviewed Laptop QC Sign-Off process and common cosmetic issues with systems sent to the store
Disbursement Procedures (please be conscientious about classes in session when sourcing take-home gizmos from the classroom)

Amelia's Commit/Project follow-ups

Wiki page for instructional modules has been created, located here: http://wiki.freegeek.org/index.php/Category:Build_Program_Education_Modules
Tech Support Warranty flier is being completed and when it's finished, should be included w/ disbursement materials.
Documentation projects: Kurt created a module on Linux installs, Amelia will follow up with Mary on visual appendix and with Jeffrey on UI customization

Typically at Free Geek: Interns have a clearly defined start and end date and work more closely with their supervisor.
Build hasn't worked that way, but will be moving towards that. Internships will have a set time and will do applications online, and interview with Amelia (or someone else). Any current volunteer who has been working with us in this less structured format will be "grandfathered" in and won't have to worry about re-applying. Just remember to give us a heads up when you decide to leave.
Interns need to sign a confidentiality form for setting expectations re: data security as well as basic behavioral guidelines (Forms sent around the room)
Q&A session:
- What about TARDIS? This will be a separate process. TARDIS is not included in this contract because not every instructor has a T-Key.
- Will there be a minimum time limit? Yes. Minimum 3 months.
- Will there be a chance for volunteers to shadow before starting? Perhaps. We want to make sure people are okay in the position before signing away the next 3 months and minimize their risk of committing to a position that won't be a good fit for them.

Clearing Out Expired Builds-in-progress

Hold in-progress Labels are now color-coded (Thanks Jake!) and the colors-by-month are listed on the wiki at the "Hold In-Progress Color Code Guide"

page on the wiki. (The Hold labels are on Dead Trees)

At the beginning of each month, please go through the stored system to remove computers labeled with the color for the month BEFORE last. (EX:

on Nov. 1, pull all systems marked with Sept's color)

Impending Checklist Updates

CD-RW burn instructions will include the note to, where possible, un-check "fast blank." This eliminates many of the disc mounting issues we often see.
Instruction about checking for duplicate ports needs to be clarified.
Note to disable Quick Boot will be changed to disable Silent Boot.
Basiccheck could include note in sound section to repeat test for all sound ports.

Introduced Plans for Spec Upgrade/Distro Switchover

The new Linux distribution will come out in the next 3 months at the latest. The distro hasn't been picked yet. If you're curious about how the distro project is progressing, search the wiki under "Category:Distro"
Incorporating the new distro into our procedures will require many updates to our processes and documentation. Staff will likely ask Build Instructors to help with this process via proofreading and user testing.
New specs: We're re-evaluating the process for evaluating incoming systems to account for more factors, and will be raising Freekbox specs in the process. We're aiming to jump to 64-bit OS and possibly giving out dual core systems as FreekBoxen at some point in the next few months.

Announcements

Ben Koenig will be teaching a class called Linux Playground, at Free Geek on Thursday June 28, 3-4:30pm.
Ubuntu Bug Squashing Party, Saturday, June 16, 10am-6pm 4th Ave Building, Room FAB86-01 (Basement)
Free Geek Volunteer Appreciation BBQ! Saturday, June 21 3pm-7pm. We're gonna have a jug band!
OSCON (Open Source Convention) is happening July 16-20, Free Geek will be tabling July 17-19 and we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to table with us. Contact Amelia to sign up for a shift!

Amelia will instate checklist updates
Standing offer to give instructors wiki accounts and train on wiki editing if anyone wants to share their knowledge on a Build-related educational topic. Contact Amelia to set this up.