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About Our Classes 

Since its inception in 1994, The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) has been providing outstanding computer technology training customized to the K-12 education environment.  Operating as the National Educational Technology Institute (NETI), AMF continues to bring you the highest quality computer technology training in the United States at the most reasonable price. 

The AMF, a non-profit organization, receives a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of Florida's Challenger/Columbia license plates.  This funding makes it possible to offer these courses to Florida educators at discounted rates.  Educators who work outside of the state of Florida are also eligible to attend these courses at an additional fee of $100 per course.

All of the courses include a combination of lecture and hands-on activities taught in a classroom setting. A comprehensive manual and the use of an individual computer station are provided to each participant. The course material is continuously updated to meet the current needs of the educational community in the K-12 setting. The instructors, all former teachers, are knowledgeable and experienced with proven track records in their field of expertise. Classes are conducted from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm each day in the Center for Space Education.

Participants have rated these courses the best of their kind in all areas including delivery, content and price.

• "Excellent teachers and materials.  I will be back."

• "Instructors were both knowledgeable and helpful.  I was very comfortable asking questions."

• "Great training -- very well planned."

• "Well informed instructors -- great reference manual."

• "Well worth the time and money."

Classes are taught at the Kennedy Space Center, the site of every manned U.S. space flight, and an environment rich in technology or at your district site.

Class Descriptions

Wireless Security    

Program Duration:  2 days

Audience:  Any educator who has implemented or is in the process of implementing a wireless network.

Program History:  Developed in 2005, by requests from educators to secure wireless technologies being implemented into schools and districts.  Wireless networks are very easy to set-up, but not as easy to secure.

Program Description:  As an integrated part of a wired network, wireless technologies have a cost advantage, an accessibility advantage, and ease of use advantage over a closed wired network. This course is designed for those who have implemented or are in the process of implementing a wireless network. Educators will learn how to secure wireless technologies using a hands-on approach. Timely, relevant, and understandable curriculum will help participants successfully implement a secured wireless network. Course fee includes a comprehensive manual.

Program Contents:

• Planning for a Wireless Network
• Surveying your Sight
• Hardware Recommendations
• Network Security Versus Wireless Security
• Secured Versus Unsecured Wireless Networks
• Wireless Standards
• Password Altering
• Wireless Computer Set-up
• Locating Access Points
• Disabling DHCP on Access Points
• WEP - Encryption
• WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access
• MAC Address Filtering
• SSID - Service Set Identifier Changing/Disabling
• Combining Security Methods
• Wireless Integration into an Existing Wired Network

Available for on-site training

 Photoshop Elements               

Program Duration:  3 days

Audience:  Any educator interested in using or instructing teachers and/or students in editing enhancing, organizing, and displaying digital photos in education.  First time photo editors as well as those with a working knowledge of photo editing will benefit from this program.

Program History:  Introduced in 2006, as requested by educators, digital photography now exceeds the use of analog photography. This program was established to aid educators in keeping up with changing technologies utilizing the latest software for editing and organizing digital photos. This program utilizes Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0.

Program Description:  This program is designed for any educator who wants to learn or improve their skills in enhancing, organizing, and displaying digital photos.  Hands-on activities, collaborative learning and lecture are combined to provide participants a well-rounded project based program. Participants will be supplied with digital cameras, and all needed computer equipment to design, create, edit and take home completed digital photo projects.  Photoshop Elements 4.0, the inexpensive yet powerful digital photo editing and digital photo organizing software, is used during this course. Many skills learned can be applied to Adobe Photoshop and other professional photo editing software. A comprehensive manual is included with this course.

Program Contents:

• Photoshop Elements workspace
  • Organizer
  • Editor
• Acquiring and organizing photos
  • Files, CD’s, DVD’s, and Videos
• Automatic corrections
• Batch processing
  • Changing name
  • Changing size
  • Changing file type
  • Auto quick fix
• Using Layers
• Selecting parts of an image
• Color adjustments
• Cropping and resizing images
• Retouching images
  • Red eye, imperfections, etc.
• Using filters and effects
• Adding Text
• Creating a panorama
• Optimizing photos for the web, email, and sharing
• Printing photos
• Creating an HTML photo gallery
• Creating slide shows

Course Fee: $385

Available for on-site training                                     

AMF Presents Video Adventures at the Zoo!

The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) is pleased to announce an opportunity to learn how to produce, develop and implement digital video in a truly unique setting.  We will be conducting our Digital Video elements class on May 5, 6, 7, 2008 at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida.  You can expect the same high quality materials and instruction provided by AMF with a twist…the opportunity to film an amazing cast of animals in their natural environment at the zoo.  Participants will be supplied with video cameras, microphones and all necessary computer equipment to use during this 3 day class.  Each participant will go home with a comprehensive manual and a completed digital video project.  Tuition for this 3 day class is $400.  Come join us for a learning experience that promises to be both informative and enjoyable.

If you have any questions or would like to register for this class, you can contact us by email at amfreg@amfcse.org or by phoning 321-452-2887, Ext. 13.

You may register for this class on line by clicking the following link: On-line Registration.

Class dates are May 5, 6, 7, 2008. Course Fee: $400

 We look forward to seeing you at the zoo!
 Location and directions to Lowry Park Zoo, Tampa, Fl

NEW Version  Digital Video Elements 3.0      

Program Duration: 3 days

Audience: Any educator interested in using or instructing teachers and/or students in producing, developing, and implementing digital video in education. First time video editors as well as those with a working knowledge of video editing will benefit from this program.

Program History: Initially introduced in 2005, this program was established to teach educators about digital video technologies. This version of the program uses Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0 to create and manipulate videos.

Program Description: This program is designed for any educator who wants to learn or enhance their skills in digital video editing. Collaborative learning, hands-on activities, and lecture are combined to provide participants a well-rounded project based program. Participants will be supplied with video cameras, microphones and all needed computer equipment to design, create, edit and take home a completed digital video project. Adobe Premiere Elements 3.0, the inexpensive yet powerful digital editing software, is used during this course. Skills learned can be applied to any video editing software. A comprehensive manual is included with this course.

Program Contents:

• Digital Video in Education: Background Information

• Filming Techniques

• Video Cameras

• Audio Enhancement

• Premiere Elements 3.0: The Basics

• New Features of Premiere Elements 3.0

• Premiere Elements 3.0 The Basics

• Creating a Video Using Story Boarding and Sequencing

• Creating and Adding Titles

• Effects: Chroma Key

• Effects: Motion

• Transitions

• Edit Clips

• Export a Frame as a Still Image

• Add and Manipulate Audio: Effects and Properties

•  Add and Manipulate Audio: Add Narration

• Add and Manipulate Audio: Adding Royalty Free Music

• Design and Burn to DVD

• Export to Various Formats

• Capture Video and Audio

• Project Archiver

• Take Home a Completed Digital Video Movie

 Available for on-site training                        

REVISED!  Technology Specialist         

Program Duration:  3 days

Audience:  Any educator (Teacher, Media Specialist, Technology Specialist, etc.) who is in charge of some type of technology support at his/her school or district site.

Program History:  Developed in 1994 as the first statewide program in Florida to address technology issues related to educators who provide technology support for their environment. Course material is continuously updated to keep-up with new technologies.

Program Description:  This comprehensive entry-level course provides the knowledge and skills needed to keep school computer systems operating smoothly. Lectures, discussions and hands-on activities focus on hardware, troubleshooting, computer maintenance, wired and wireless networking, building a computer, and much more. Free programs for multimedia presentations, collaboration, video communication, and locking down computers are part of hands-on activities that will help you stay up-to-date. Course fee includes a comprehensive manual.

Program Contents:

• Understanding Computer Hardware
• Troubleshooting in the School Environment (Hands-on Activity)
• Keeping the Technology Running Smoothly – Computer Maintenance
• Troubleshooting and Documentation
• Creating Unforgettable Multimedia Presentations
• Photo Story 3 for Windows (Hands-on Activity)
• Share Documents and Screen Views: Microsoft SharedView
• Manipulating SharedView (Hands-on Activity)
• Video Connection: Windows Live Messenger
• Manipulating Windows Live Messenger (Hands-on Activity)
• Networking in the School Environment
• Building a Network Cable (Hands-on Activity)
• Wireless Networks
• Setting-up and Manipulating a Wireless Network (Hands-on Activity)
• Building a Computer
• Building and Troubleshooting a Computer (Hands-on Activity)
• Locking Down Computers: Windows SteadyState
• Creating, Restricting, and Testing User Accounts: Windows SteadyState (Hands-on Activity)
• Effectively Using a Writing Tablet
• Effectively Using a Writing Tablet (Hands-on Activity)

Course Fee: $385

Available for on-site training      
                                
 

NEW! Windows Vista        

Program Duration:  3 days

Audience:  This program is designed for any educator who wants to learn about the new Windows Vista operating system.

Program History:  Introduced in 2007, this class will allow users to get the most out of their Windows Vista computers. As new computers are introduced into schools across the United Sates, Windows Vista will continue to gain market share and become integrated into school networks.

Program Description: This program is geared towards improving the Windows Vista experience for users in the school environment. Hands-on activities, collaborative learning and lecture sessions will be used to present the course material. Participants will learn about and manipulate the product in five broad categories including: Vista Fundamentals, Networking, Security, Graphics and Multimedia, Maintenance and Troubleshooting. Course fee includes a comprehensive manual.

Program Contents:

• Vista Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Windows Vista
  • Evaluating, Installing, Licensing, and Activating Vista Editions
  • The Vista Environment
  • Customizing Vista
  • Working with Vista
• Networking with Vista
  • Viewing Network Resources
  • Network Configuration
  • Sharing Printers and Folders
  • Wireless Networking
  • Internet Access
  • Windows Meeting Space
• Vista Security
  • Adding/Deleting Users and Groups
  • Assigning File and Folder Permissions
  • Using Profiles Effectively
  • Locking Down Your Workstation Using Group Policies
  • Adding and Removing Software
• Graphics and Multimedia
  • Organizing, Manipulating and Printing Images
  • Windows Media Player, Movie Maker, and Photo Gallery
  • Snipping Tool
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting
  • Administrative Tools
  • Creating a Complete Backup and Restore Image
  • Reliability and Performance Monitor
  • Memory Diagnostics Tool
  • Scheduling Maintenance Tasks
  • Keeping Vista Updated

Course Fee: $385

Windows Server 2003               

Program Duration:  3 days

Audience:  Any educator who is considering or is in the process of implementing Windows Server 2003 in their school or district environment.

Program History:  Developed  in 2004 as the first statewide program in Florida to address the issues of how to implement Windows Server 2003 in an education environment.  This program addresses the natural progression of the Microsoft NOS and is updated frequently to keep pace with changing technologies.

Program Description:  This course is designed for any educator who has implemented or is in the process of implementing a Windows Server 2003.  Windows Server 2003 is the latest NOS offering from Microsoft and adds or improves the functionality of the Active Directory, Group Policy, and the Volume Shadow Copy Restore service.  Participants will learn how to install, set-up, manipulate, and manage a Windows Server 2003.  This program is conducted in AMF's ETL Lab, where every participant is assigned an individual Server.  Class size is limited to 20 participants.

Program Contents:

• Installing Windows 2003 Server
• Setting-up Domain Controllers and Member Servers
• Upgrading a Server to a Domain Controller
• Setting up Domain Name Systems (DNS)
• Setting up Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
• On-line Downloads of New Server Features
• Implementing Shadow Copy
• Exploring the New Features of Active Directory including Drag and Drop
• Active Directory Users and Computers, Sites and Services, Domains and Trusts
• Creating and Managing Users, Groups, Organizational Units (OU) and Computers
•  Delegating Administration of Organizational Units (OU)
• Migrating Machines Between Domains
• Establishing Trust Relationships
• Using Site to Combat Replication and Network Delays
• Locking Down Files and Folders with Permissions
• Distributed File System in Windows Server 2003
• Connecting Client Stations to a Windows Server 2003

Course Fee: $385

Windows Security Tools        

Program Duration:  3 days

Audience:  Any educator who is considering or is in the process of implementing a security system using Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP client workstations.

Program History:  As requested by educators, this program was developed in 2005 to help educators deal with the challenges of securing a Windows based network.

Program Description:  This course is designed for those who have implemented or in the process of implementing a Windows Server 2003 in the education environment. Windows systems have built-in security features and centralized administration that if used correctly, will prevent hackers and inexperienced users from destroying computer or network resources. Utilizing built-in security features such as Active Directory, Group Policies, and Mandatory Profiles can reduce time and money spent on troubleshooting and restoring corrupted computers. This program is conducted in AMF’s ETL Lab, where participants will use a Server 2003 and XP client workstations. Class size is limited to 24 participants.
Note: Most policies and procedures discussed and implemented in this class can be applied to Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional Workstations.

Program Contents:

• Securing a Windows Network Without Buying Third-party Software
• Windows Server 2003 Network Operating System installation
• Adding Windows XP Administrative Templates to a Windows Server 2003
• Active Directory Installation
• Active Directory Benefits and Pitfalls
• Using Active Directory
• Introduction to Group Policies
• Group Policy Structure
• Using Microsoft Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) for Managing Group Policy-related Tasks
• Applying and Administering Group Policies
• Creating and Implementing Mandatory Profiles for Maximum Security
• All Windows Server 2003 Security Procedures will be Tested on Windows XP Client Workstations

Course Fee: $385

Educators Resource Center:
As an educator, you are invited to visit NASA's Educators Resource Center, also located in The Center for Space Education. You will receive a packet of NASA printed material and have the opportunity to copy a variety of videotapes, slides, and software onto your own blank tapes, film, and disks.

The Astronauts Memorial Foundation:
If you have any questions about our classes, contact us by phone at 321-452-2887 extension 5152 , or via e-mail at amfreg@amfcse.org

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