Subject Matter Expert Spotlight: Jodie Eiland
When the zoology lab assistant asked me what I was doing, I told him I was drawing a landscape plan. I was supposed to be drawing the internal system of an earthworm. He asked if I liked landscaping better than college. When I replied yes, he asked, “What are you doing here?” This started me on the road to full time employment in the construction business.
Joining the floor covering apprenticeship program, I laid floors for a few years before migrating into framing (framers get to stand up). I then moved into concrete work while bouncing between landscaping, framing, flooring, and concrete work. Roofing, drywall and plumbing were all areas I worked in as I developed an intense interest in the construction business. Moving up to foreman, and then to superintendent, we built both tract houses and apartments, while interspersing some light commercial in the mix.
When a residential building slump occurred, I moved to tilt-ups, tunnels, and other commercial concrete structures, working mostly union jobs as a foreman, and later as a superintendent. I earned my California Contractors License in 1987, alternating between residential and commercial work.
In 1993, we decided to move to Oklahoma, looking for wide open spaces and shorter drive times. In 1995, I substituted for a retiring carpentry instructor in a career tech school, and replaced him the following year. Being one of a few instructors in the state who had a commercial background, I was invited to be on the curriculum revision committee for Oklahoma based Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center, and when NOCTI asked the State Department of Education for industry experts, my name came up. I have participated in five construction-related assessment revisions, and because of my western and central United States connections, have given NOCTI numerous other contacts in other trade areas from the western half of the country. I am able to respond to NOCTI when a technical issue develops in the testing process and I am used quite frequently in that capacity.
Married to the same girl for 30 years, Georgianna and I enjoy traveling, old houses architecture, and history. With one daughter, Jennifer, in New York, the other daughter, Kellie, here in Oklahoma, and family in California and Florida, we have plenty of reasons to travel around the United States. When home, I enjoy our 300 acres of oak forests and wide open spaces.
What's New at the Client Services Center?
NOCTI has updated several features at the Client Services Center:
Forgot my password link
If you forget your login password, you can click on the “Forgot My Password” link on the login page, provide your site code, and your password will be emailed to the designated Site Coordinator within one business day.
Easy navigation with shortcut links for frequently used tasks
The functions with the site are arranged by tabs for the various categories (testing, reporting, resources, contact us). In addition, you will find shortcut links on the homepage to take you directly to those frequently used sections of the Client Services Center. Simply click on the link from the home page to pick up your user codes, manage your user codes, view your score reports, locate resources, and locate passwords (performance administrator and practice test). For specific instructions for using these features, see Section 3 (starting on page 9) of the Online Systems Guide for Site Coordinators.
More detailed information provided for online user codes
User code lists in both the Pick Up and Manage sections now display designation information (i.e., testing scenario, classification, group, sessions, order date, expiration date, etc.).
Export options for score reports
This is where you will notice the most significant changes in what you can do and how it looks. Score reports still provide the same information, but the information is organized a little differently on the report pages.
Once you have selected a score report to view, you may choose one of the following options:
1. Continue to view your report in the view window
a. View your reports one page at a time
b. Adjust the size (percent) of your viewing window to your specifications
2. Export your reports to Acrobat (PDF format)
a. Save your report to any storage media you have available (i.e., hard drive, network drive, flash drive, etc.)
b. Print your report to any available printer (PDF file is print-ready)
3. Export your report to Excel
a. Save your report to any storage media you have available
b. Manipulate your report information as you desire using Excel functions Example: Create graphical charts displaying comparative data for your programs.
For specific instructions, please see the instructions for Reporting (starting on page 18) in the Online Systems Guide for Site Coordinators.
We encourage you to explore the entire Client Services Center site and to try all the features available. If you have any questions or need assistance using the Client Services Center, please contact us at 1-800-278-8506.
Web Seminar Training - For New and “Seasoned” Site Coordinators
Whether you are brand new to your position as NOCTI Site Coordinator, or you have been a Site Coordinator for a while, you are encouraged to participate in one of our web based “Site Coordinator Training” seminars. As the busy, year-end testing season approaches, take time to refresh your knowledge so that you feel better prepared and confident in your responsibilities.
Sessions are offered at a variety of times to match your busy schedule. There is no cost for the training. All you need is access to the Internet, a phone line, and approximately 90 minutes of time. This includes ample time for your individual questions.
To register, call 1-800-334-6283 or email Anne.Gielczyk@nocti.org.
NOCTI SCT Schedule:
Thursday, May 1 - 2 pm
Tuesday, September 9 - 7:30 am
Thursday, October 2 - 10 am
Tuesday, October 14 - 2 pm
Thursday, November 6 - 2 pm
Tuesday, November 18 - 7:30 am
Thursday, December 11 - 10 am |
