Meeting Minutes – ‘eBusiness’ and ‘Cyber

Security and Web Development’ Classes

Call to order
A meeting of VTOS QQI Level 5 Communications was held at Room 26, VTOS Building, Railway Street
Navan on 24/10/23.

Name of Note Taker

Oksana Lysa

Attendees
Attendees included Jennifer Whelan, Ian Core, Youssouf Nzirorera, Ariadna Rusu, Oksana Lysa,
Maria Savalova, Anastasija Zito.

Members not in attendance

Members not in attendance included Alex Roche, Declan Tier, Paschal Reilly, Sylvanus Cole.

Meeting Purpose
To discuss and pick teams for an upcoming debate entitled ‘Is it ethical to treat animals in ways
which cause suffering – even if it is to our benefit.'

Time Slot 1: (2:35 – 2:45pm)

Paul Carey called the roll, set up the computer and projector and gave a brief outline of the
morning’s class. He pointed out that this meeting formed the basis for five different assignments,
the agenda, notice of a meeting, memorandum, and minutes of a meeting as well as the
forthcoming debate. The tutor showed the marking scheme for the debate and how marks were
to be allotted for participation, intelligent of argument, body language etc.

Time Slot 2: (2:45 - 3:10pm)

The tutor, Paul Carey showed the class four short videos that outlined the case, for and against
animal experimentation. These included.
Time Slot 3: (3:10 - 3:20am)
After the videos had been shown Paul asked the class for some feedback on the videos. Some
students said that the video for animal testing were better presented and argued as they had
professional medical researchers as proponents offering their opinion on the issue. Others said
that they felt that the “against animal testing” campaign seemed to have an amateur appearance
as some were in cartoon format, suggesting the group discussing animal testing had more of a
budget to make the video clips. Shane Kennedy said that more effort and time seemed to go into
making the pro animal testing clips. Oksana Lysa said that the anti-testing videos were more
emotive and to work on the feelings of viewers.

Time Slot 4: (3:20 - 3:30pm)

The class was then allowed to go on the Communications Teams Channel to look at the sites
suggested and do further reading.

Time Slot 5: (3:30 – 3:40pm)

In this ten-minute segment, the tutor picked teams for the short debate on Animal
Experimentation. Paul Carey had the names of the students already typed out and the names
were separated on single sheets. The tutor asked the attending students to draw out the names
from the box. The student’s names were picked out at random. The students on the two teams
are as follows.

For Animal Testing Against Animal Testing

Alex Roche Ariadna Rusu

Jennifer Whelan (Spokesperson) Oksana Lysa (Spokesperson)

Shane Kennedy Maria Savalova

Declan Tier Anastasija Zito

Ian Core Sylvanus Cole

Youssouf Nzirorera

The tutor asked for volunteers to act as spokespeople for the two teams. Jennifer Whelan and
Oksana Lysa offered to act as speakers for their respective teams. All students will take part in
the debate on animal experimentation. Paul emphasised that students should do research on
each topic and time will be given in class for this.

Time Slot 6: (3:40 - 3:45pm)

After the teams for the debate were chosen, the tutor showed class the Aims and Objectives of
the Discussion as well as the Outcome of the Discussion.

Aims and Objectives of the Discussion:

• The discussion will aid group cooperation and teamwork skills.
• The assignment will also aid learners research and study skills.
• The discussion will support learner’s confidence in public speaking and presentation.

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Outcome:
• The discussion will be recorded on video and will be submitted in our folder in the Skills
Demonstration section which is worth 10% of the course.

Time Slot 7: (3:45 – 3:55pm)

Paul Carey read out handout to the students about the rules and guidelines of the forthcoming
debate and discussion. He said he would post these on Microsoft Teams. Some of the important
points he made were:

 One person will speak at a time.

 Do not interrupt or shout over another speaker – keep it civil and courteous at all times. If
you want to talk, respond to a point made, or make a rebuttal, put your hand up. Failure
to do so will cause a 5 minute penalty, where you are exempt from the discussion. This
could, and will, affect your mark.
 Listen actively and attentively.
 Critique ideas, not people.
 Try to keep your points relevant and concise ( 2mins max), do not take over the
discussion.

Time Slot 7: (3:55 – 4:00pm)

In the last five minutes of class, the tutor reminded students on work outstanding particularly
the Letter of Complaint and the Personal Essay which were near the due date.

Any other business

[None]

Conclusion and Action

The 22nd of November was chosen by general consensus by the students to have the debate, as
Jennifer Whelan is on holidays the week before. Students will be given time in class to prepare
for the debate.

Secretary Date of approval

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