PC CHAMPS: PC Coaching and Help Aimed at Mature-age PersonS
When you consider the role computers and their technology play in a University’s academic system, it’s clear that unfamiliarity with them is a disadvantage. From getting notes to submitting assignments computers are an essential tool, which makes it important that an adequate understanding of them is developed. That’s why Curtin Volunteers are offering a program called ‘PC CHAMPS’ aimed specifically at helping mature age students improve their PC skills. Working in a oneon-one environment, the mentors can help with word processing skills and formatting, Internet searching, email, accessing library resources; whatever you need help with. Working at your own pace, the program is designed to enhance your confidence, as well as your knowledge and skills in order to help you make more of your University experience. THE PROGRAM; This PC CHAMPS initiative will be facilitated like a mentoring scheme, with matureage students receiving one-to-one assistance with basic computer skills including word processing, e-mail & Internet use and spreadsheets such as Excel. The Mentors will have a proven knowledge of computer skills and a willingness and ability to work one-to-one or in small groups with mature age students. The Mentors are either undergraduate or postgraduate students, and in this case are all Curtin Volunteers. The Mentor leader for 2003 is Ryan Burwood a Nanotechnology student and John Curtin Undergrad Scholar (and all round nice guy). This program will also provide these students and mentors a great opportunity to share ideas and experiences, whilst at the same time supporting the transition of mature-age students to the technology at Curtin. HOW THE PROGRAM WILL WORK; Firstly the program will be promoted via the Guild’s Mature-Age Student Association, advertisements in GROK, Guild website, CCL website etc. A contact phone number will be given for the interested students to call. The student (mentee) will then be matched with a mentor, preferably someone in the same Division as them, but this isn’t necessary. The student will then be asked to list the computer skills they do have using a standard evaluation form. The mentor will then make a ‘contract’ with the student on how many times they wish to meet, discover what the student specifically wants to know and swap contact phone numbers if necessary. It is suggested that the mentor and mentee agree to meet a minimum of two times and a maximum of 10 times and it is preferable the meetings
happen weekly for consistency and to maintain skills and rapport. If the mature-age student feels like they require more than 10 sessions a new contract will be decided upon with input from the program leader. Once the mature-age student feels they have required the skills they will be asked to fill out another section of their evaluation form, listing their new skills so a comparative study can be done on the effectiveness of the program. Competent mature-age students will then be asked to become mentors themselves, to pass on their newfound skills.
THE RULES Under no circumstances are students contact phone numbers to be used for any other purpose other than to contact each other about the mentor program, unless mutually agreed otherwise. Any misuse of contact numbers will be treated as a harassment issue. Curtin’s policy on the use of it’s technology and it’s facilities will be strictly adhered too at all times. Action will be taken against any person misusing the technology in any way. At all times the mentor and mentee will display mutual respect and trust for one another.
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PROGRAM? Contact; Jaimee Motion at Curtin Volunteers! On 9266 3954 or Amy Dawson, First Year Experience, on 9266 4761