Back to MIT Committee Homepage

Looking for the 2004 Municipal E-Government Conference? CLICK HERE!

MUNICIPAL E-GOVERNMENT MINI-CONFERENCE

Friday, May 24, 2002

Johnson State College
Howard Dean Education Center,  Springfield
University of Vermont, Burlington

Sponsored jointly by:

UVM Center for Rural Studies
UVM Extension Service
Vermont League of Cities and Towns

Computers and information technologies will have a growing role in local government operations, and yet local governments are faced with tight budgets and limited resources.  This conference was designed to give local officials an opportunity to develop their hands-on skills with computers, as well as learn about the opportunities and issues involved with the use of information technology in local government. 

The conference was unique in its combination of hands-on learning opportunities, Vermont Interactive TV sessions in a computer lab and lecture sessions.  All of this was accomplished at three locations around the state.

AGENDA AND MEETING NOTES

Plenary Session led by Deborah Markowitz, Vermont Secretary of State over Vermont -Interactive Television (VIT)
 

Computer Lab Sessions:

Managing Your Computer -HANDOUT
This workshop will present the basics of the Microsoft Windows operating system.  Participants will learn about the desktop, starting and shutting down the computer, the start and program menu, changing the date and time, creating and organizing desktop shortcuts, wallpaper, screen savers, file management, and working with windows.  Participants will also learn to manage folders in email and work with attachments and file downloads.

Intro to Excel -  HANDOUT
This workshop will teach Microsoft Excel basics such as entering data and formulas, moving, copying, and pasting data, using auto fill, using multiple worksheets in a workbook, formatting pages, and formatting worksheets.

Excel and Budgets -  HANDOUT
This workshop will offer a hands-on experience in how to use Excel by creating a sample budget workbook and by creating charts to display the data.
 

Lecture Sessions:

Budgeting for IT: The Do’s and Don’ts HANDOUT
This workshop will take you through the steps needed to maintain an ongoing technology budget.  The discussion will center around planning, upgrade and replacement schedules, cost/benefit analysis, and selling your projects to the board.

PC Security Issues and Questions
This workshop will give an overview of the security issues associated with operating a computer, especially those connected to the Internet or an internal network.  Students will understand how to protect themselves from potential data loss and unauthorized information access.
 

Vermont Interactive Television Sessions:

Electronic Land Records—A New Animal
This workshop will present practical options regarding the electronic storage of municipal records.  We will discuss software and hardware options, estimated costs, and issues to consider when selecting a vendor and developing a conversion process.

Vermont Municipalities on the Web
This workshop will take a look at how Vermont municipalities are designing their websites.  We will compare the various methods they use to present similar types of information and also examine some creative web pages.
 

About the Sponsors
UVM Center for Rural Studies
The Center for Rural Studies (CRS) is a nonprofit, fee-for-service research organization that addresses social, economic, and resource-based problems of rural people and communities. Based in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Vermont (UVM), the Center provides consulting and research services in Vermont, the United States, and abroad.
Phone 802-656-3021
Fax 802-656-4975
crs@uvm.edu

UVM Extension Service
Our mission is to improve the quality of life of Vermonters by bringing the benefits of research and technology to them, and to provide educational programs and practical information concerning Vermont communities, families and homes, farms, businesses, and the natural environment.
Phone 802-656-2990
Fax 802-656-8642

Vermont League of Cities and Towns
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns is owned by the cities and towns of Vermont and was created in 1967.  It provides services to 245 of Vermont’s 246 cities and towns as well as to over 130 associate member villages, counties, regional planning agencies and housing authorities.  The League is very proud to  be working on behalf of the cities and towns of Vermont as it fulfills its mission to serve and strengthen Vermont local government.
Phone 802-229-9111
Fax 802-229-2211
info@vlct.org
 
 
  Back to MIT Committee Homepage

Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed on 08/16/02

Visitors since 06/20/02