REPORTS TO : LACOTA Co-ordinator
LACOTA delivers technology courses to seniors within Logan. Courses range from one-on-one classes in the LACOTA kiosk room through to classroom courses with a maximum of 8 students at any one time (generally 4 to 6). Courses may run on any day of the week depending on nomination by tutors.
Some of the subject areas include : Basic computers for beginners (also intermediate and advanced with various programs, mobile phones, digital cameras, internet-based topics (genealogy, eBay), Maintenance and Security, Photo editing and various other subjects.
LACOTA will run classes only with optimum student numbers, i.e., limit student numbers to ensure sufficient tutor time for each student, but also will not schedule any classes until sufficient student interest has been received. LACOTA can only run classes where tutors are available.
This is an unpaid volunteer position and the incumbent will work within the LACOTA team of tutors to effectively schedule classes, by providing administrative assistance, co-ordinating information gained from tutors and prospective students.
The Class Co-ordinator will need to be able to identify potential for a new course, based on the information received from both tutors and prospective students as well as matching training needs to training availability and vice-versa.
The Class Co-ordinator is the central point of contact for both tutors and prospective students and will need to assist prospective students in identifying their needs.
With the exception of the one-on-one classes, in scheduling courses, the Class Co-ordinator needs to consider the optimum number of students (a) to ensure students receive sufficient tutor time; and (b) that classes are not being run with too few students.
Ascertain from tutors what courses they will run and when they would be available Receive raw information (verbal or written) from prospective students and from various other sources on training needs. Input all information into a spreadsheet or similar program and maintain and keep this up-to-dated (assistance provided so only data input is required) Match prospective student needs to a relevant course Discuss and assist prospective students to identify their training needs, where necessary Schedule courses and students, applying the principle of optimum student numbers in any one course and ensure training rooms are available Advise students of details of classes, fees, dates and any other relevant information Liaise with tutors on class lists Liaise with LACOTA Co-ordinator on class lists for the purposes of fee paying Provide input on class co-ordination at Tutor Meetings
Skills and Knowledge Required : The person MUST: Have high level of organisational and problem-solving skills Have an internet connection at home Be able to use a computer and email (assistance will be available from tutors, but you must understand the basics) Have a basic overview knowledge of computers and the concept of what operating systems and software are (in order to identify a training need from a prospective student who’s not quite sure what they need. Tutors can also assist you in this regard) Be able to input data into a spreadsheet type program on computer (there will be assistance for set up if required) Have good interpersonal skills (to be able to put absolute beginners at ease and to ask the right questions to ascertain their skill level) Have patience and understanding for dealing with people who may not be able to articulate their needs clearly. This may include people with disabilities, from different cultural backgrounds, due to a lack of confidence in their abilities or fear of returning to an educational environment or for any other reason. For those want to have a chat along with booking in for a course. To be able to cope with the varying needs and availabilities in order to develop a sound schedule of classes. Feel comfortable communicating with people either by phone or email. Have a strong confidentiality attitude in relation to the personal details of the students, follow all directions in relation to the National Privacy Principles and LACOTA's Privacy Policy and familiarise themselves in regard to Privacy requirement. Be willing to undergo a Police Check as required by Department of Communities (SUE to cite the exact requirement wording & govt authority) Have the capacity to devote enough time to the role (anticipated 10-15 hrs per week, most of this can be done at home, the nature of the role means the hours can be fitted in throughout a day or week – not necessarily in one block of time) Be willing to follow all safety rules and to familiarise themselves with emergency exits and procedures. It would be nice to have the following, but NOT ESSENTIAL, as there is assistance available: Sound knowledge of various operating systems and software Typing skills Strong knowledge of spreadsheet type programs
You get to talk to many people and to assist them with their needs. Authorised phone calls will be reimbursed (need to get prior approval from LACOTA Co-ordinator first) Several grateful tutors in your debt! Free access to LACOTA training courses A great Christmas lunch provided by LACOTA at the end of the year