The Scoop

There are a number of good suggestions in the NICAR conference evaluations (which available to any IRE member who requests them). Here are a few from this year’s event:

* Provide computer resources, especially [for] newer reporters. Maybe the ability to log into an ASP for CAR practice or work. Maybe a subscriber-subscription service where work is saved/stored?

* Design one advanced focused curriculum each year that specializes in one area. One year could be mapping. The next could be SQL and database building, etc.

* I wish someone would aggregate the info on tip sheets into one place. Right now there’s a bazillion tip sheets on using Excel, Access. It would be helpful to aggregate into one place.

* I’d like to see more of an emphasis not only on learning at the conference… but on “take it home with you” advice. If instructors can not only pass out written tipsheets, but also some “homework” and sample data I can keep practicing on when I leave, it may be easier to learn new concepts.

I especially like the ones about setting up a “practice area” on ire.org and aggregating tip sheet info. We get a lot of repeat requests on the listserv, so having an area on ire.org that members can contribute to and refine would be a great start.