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TimeTable (Master Schedule) Assistant Application - Frequently Asked QuestionsPete Self - peteself@nesterenkosoftware.com |
TimeTable (Master Schedule) Assistant Application - Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the application so helpful?
Timetabling is such a 'visual' process. This application displays the entrire school Master Schedule on one single piece of paper (For schools up to approx 1000 students. Larger schools would take 2 pages.) Since the report can be refreshed in 1/2 minute, the timetabler is able to continually get an updated 'visual' of the current timetable as it is being built. CourseCode, Section, Size is displayed. Also, courses that are Full † or OverFull ‡ are highlighted. Even courses that are very small are highlighted •. The application will save you a great deal of time, keep you completely organized, allow you to do a much better job, and reduce the stress of the timetabling process.
How do I get it?
Contact me and I will send you a fully-functional, no-obligation version of the application for you to try. Try it free for a couple of weeks (or we can discuss time-frame). And I will call you, get you started and lead you through the various functions of the application.
Do I have to enter any data?
No. There is no data entry required from the user.
Where does the data come from?
The application displays the data extracted from the Master Schedule by Course Section Report. The process of extracting this data and importing into the application takes less than 1/2 minute.
What type of program is it?
The application is an MS Access® application file which requires no installation. No other IT support is needed to run the app. For those unfamiliar with MS Access®, think of the application as a fancy spreadsheet file. MS Access® is a component of MS Office®.
Will it work with any School Management System?
The application is currently for schools using Trillium®. But if you use another SMS and are interested, contact me and we can determine if it can be configured for your SMS.
When I timetable, I seem to always be creating little mini-grids of various courses etc. Can this display selected data?
Yes. For instance, suppose you only wanted to display Science courses. The app can select only 'S' courses and then display the Master Schedule, Teacher Linear and Room Linear for only 'S' courses.
Or suppose you wanted to see placement of your University U and M courses. The app can select only 'UM' for instance, and display only those courses. These quick 'visuals' are essential when timetabling.
When I timetable, can it display Simulated Load values?
Yes. The application is also able to import the Class Load data when the Timetabler is doing 'Simulated Loads'. It displays Course Code, Section, Simulated Load Class Size, and Number of Requests for the Course eg. CDC1D1-03 24/126.
What is a user's typical reaction?
Most potential users who have taken the time to look at the application and try it out love it. And when they realize the cost for a year is only $250, the decision to order is an easy one. But you can try it out for free.
How does it help throughout the year in Guidance?
The Master Schedule Report is a tremendous tool for Guidance. Especially during peak counselling periods Sept, Feb etc. Guidance staff refresh the report, print it and use the report continually. The special flags highlighting Full courses are extremely helpful when counselling. And all on one piece of paper!
Show me some Sample Reports.
The following reports will help the Timetabling and Guidance Counselling process - these are just a few reports available - there are many others:
Master Schedule Report (Notice the highlighting on 'At Max' or 'Over Max' courses.)
Master Schedule - Courses At Maximum or Over Maximum
Master Schedule - Courses With Low Enrolment
and specifically for Timetabling:
Master Schedule - Showing Load Totals and Section Counts
and ability to display 'Simulated Load' values:
Master Schedule - Simulated Load Values and Number of Requests
Other Information, Sample Reports and Demonstration Video can be found at: Timetable (Master Schedule) Assistant.