Alan Ofsevit

Alan Ofsevit is the proprietor of his own network-software consulting firm, Lanwise, Inc. His firm is based in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore City, an adjacent area to South Baltimore. For the past several years, he has donated a large amount of time as a consultant to the South Baltimore Learning Center. His work includes the installation of a computer network system for the creation of the organization's new 15-station computer lab.

Ofsevit's work with the organization has allowed the student computer lab to be an effective instructional tool. GED preparatory programs have been installed on the computers and programs designed for beginning readers are now available to the Center's students. Computer-based education is an emphasis at the South Baltimore Learning Center (SBLC), but more importantly, in the present-day workforce. A great need exists for their adult learners to become familiar and comfortable with technology. By improving learners' computer skills, SBLC is contributing to their marketable skills.

Instructors have now incorporated computer work into their weekly curriculum and numerous tutor pairs meet regularly in the computer lab for one-to-one instruction. In addition, a computer class on Friday morning has been established to teach the basics of Microsoft Office.

One of the greater contributions given by Ofsevit is his ongoing help in educating the staff on the new programs and the equipment. He has trained SBLC employees in using the software, and has equipped them with his pager number so they can reach him at any time. Ofsevit has also made possible the introduction of computer-based learning to the low-income students. An overwhelming majority of the student population had no exposure to computers before entering the program at the South Baltimore Learning Center. He has helped to advance SBLC students in academia and in the workplace.