July 10, 2012- ALBANY, GA- Albany Technical College recently received two grants to help with the GED testing changes and medical program equipment purchases. One is from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation in the amount of $10,000 and the other is a USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant in the amount of $54,000.
This academic year, GED® testing in Georgia will transition to a computer-based test format. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant will provide computer literacy skills to students that are enrolled in Albany Tech's Adult Education programs, which will enable a successful completion of the new requirements for the computer-based GED® test.
"These funds will assist students to gain computer skills to be successful with the new computer-based GED® Test," said Linda Coston, Associate Vice President of Adult Education at Albany Technical College.
"The new test will require students to type the essay, as well as use basic functions such as drop and drag, point and click. Tests are timed and students must have the ability to type at a rate of speed when completing the essay to complete the test. The assistance from this grant will help students gain basic computer knowledge," added Coston.
The USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant will allow Albany Tech to purchase equipment that will train students in the acute care medical scenarios utilizing Human Patient Simulators in the Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, and other Allied Health programs.
Since the healthcare field is evolving and requiring higher critical thinking skills, Albany Tech is staying abreast of the changes by increasing its technology-savvy experience for nursing students. The USDA Grant will allow the program to purchase a computerized life-like METIMan mannequin for its upcoming simulation lab. The mannequin will be able to mimic body functions such as bleeding, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as corresponding patient responses.
With these mannequins, the students are able to make mistakes and learn from them, as well as practice procedures multiple times so they can review their decisions and techniques. Students will have the ability to train for situations and health conditions that may not present themselves during a clinical learning situation.
"Simulation technology has enabled nursing instructors to create new and better methods of teaching and reinforcing evidence-based practices for nursing students," said Schvon Bussey, Nursing instructor at Albany Technical College.
"We are happy to provide our students with the opportunity to use a high-tech mannequin for real world experiences," Bussey added.
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