Volunteer

Description

Thank­­ you for considering volunteering as a tutor with the Getting Started Programme at Age Action. The requirements are that you have fluent English, a good knowledge of computers and Tablets/Smart Phones/ iPads/iPhones. The programme is designed to provide basic computer/Internet skills to the over 55s and all our tutors are volunteers.

In Galway we run classes in three venues:

Galway City Library                Monday 10:00 - 12:00

3 Francis Street, Galway       Tues/Wed/Thurs: 10:30 - 12:30 (Age Action office/training room)

ILAS centre of NUIG             Friday 10:30 – 12:30

These are the only times classes are held – we don’t run evening or weekend classes. Each course lasts for 5 weeks (once a week for 2 hours). As the tutoring is 1:1 it's important to carefully consider the commitment required for this volunteer role.

Our classes are small and volunteer tutors generally work one-to-one with students. We run mixed ability classes for both Beginners and Follow On students and the teaching process is student led. For beginners the basic objective is to make students comfortable with email and the internet. For Follow On students they may be interested in using Skype or transferring photos from their camera to a computer or getting up to speed with an iPad, tablet or smartphone.

Volunteers receive training before they start tutoring and this training takes approximately one hour. Our website has a link to our course material if you would like to have a look:

Our Beginners material and our Improvers materials 

There is also a short video about the programme on YouTube.

If you are interested in pursuing this as a volunteer, please apply below! 

Is training provided?: Yes

Please note that Garda Vetting is required for this position.

Tasks that the volunteer(s) will be expected to undertake:

Tutor 1:1 or 1:2 (if required) older learners in computer/Internet fundamentals.

You will be assigned a learner at the beginning of the course and you will be paired with that student for the duration of the course, to ensure maximum learner satisfaction and learning outcomes. Some flexibility is required as you may be asked to take a second student if there is a tutor shortage on a given day.

When volunteers sign up for a course they are committing themselves to completing the full set of classes in that course. We expect volunteers to do their very best to meet their commitment and only miss a class in exceptional/unavoidable circumstances.

Skills required for this role:

Good knowledge of PCs/laptops/Tablets/Smartphones/iPad/iPhones

Fluent English – it is important that an older person does not have to strain to understand what you are saying.

An interest in working with older people.

Patience. Iit might be the first time someone has used a computer and it will take some time for them to get used to it.

Sense of humour and Creativity

Flexibility. While most of our classes run smoothly, you may have to deal with the unexpected from time to time such are other tutors missing class without notice - you may have to rearrange and work with a second student or your student may not be able to attend due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

Details of time commitment needed for role:
The course runs for 5 consecutive weeks (unless there is a public holiday/Bank Holiday in-between) Once a week for 2 hours This is the minimum that is required - i.e. 10 hours over 5 weeks.

Minimum time commitment per week:
2 hour p/week

Additional screening required for this role:
Application Form Garda Vetting