• Room Booking system

The Institute has recently instigated an online room booking system as part of a new intranet format. This is a major change for Institute staff, allowing them direct access to room bookings/cancellations/requesting room facilities/internet access/etc. eMentors were the first to be trained in its use, enabling them to act as immediate local support.

Although training was offered to all staff, the use of the eMentor has not only smoothed over issues related to the introduction of a major system change but also has provided a strong support base for staff.

It was felt by many staff that the use of an eMentor from within their own team broke down some of the frustration often felt when dealing with staff with a more technical approach.

• Standardised Email signatures

It had been evident for some time that staff were using highly original and often artistic email signatures/stationery. Although there were other issues, the main concern was that this was leading to a loss of corporate identity.

eMentors were used to assist staff create a standardised email signature - improving skill levels, whilst explaining the need for change in a manner that would not have been possible with email/memorandum.

The changeover was completed in a very short time span with 100% compliancy. eMentors also were able to identify staff who needed additional Outlook skills and training has been arranged.

• Student Accounts

The Institute has recently changed its policies regarding student internet access and now requires all students to create a personal account – which allocates temporary storage space for their work and allows access to the internet.

eMentors have been involved in the in-servicing of both students and staff in relation to account creation and troubleshooting.

This has been particularly beneficial in areas that utilise a high level of casual teaching staff, who may have concerns related to communication channels. The eMentor is able to provide "on the ground" knowledge long after emails are deleted.

• USB Memory sticks

As an alternative to saving their work on the temporary storage area, students are encouraged to use their own USB memory sticks.

eMentors have been involved in the rollout of instructions as to their use and the in-servicing of staff so that they may support memory stick use within their classes.

 

It must be remembered that at the time of writing, the project has only been underway for 6 weeks. It is anticipated that in the coming months, the role of the ementor will increase, as their skills develop.

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Personal Outcomes

In May I helped quite a few staff alter their email signatures. I've also had requests from staff in the ESSU team on how to set up the multimedia equipment and problems with Hotmail, which I have been able to solve quickly.

After several requests, I am going to conduct training in digital cameras, CD burners and scanners. This equipment is used extensively by students in the Libraries and some staff feel that some extra help would be very useful - we're trying to time it for the school holidays.

In Outreach we have all updated our email signatures and I have circulated all other information provided via emails. I find that our staff tend to be fairly computer literate. My assistance is mostly via telephone as Mallacoota is a long way from the other centres.

Our main concern in Outreach is standardising computer and internet access for EGTAFE students, as some centres don't have a computer for students to use so they incur considerable costs accessing other resources in communities. I am very pleased to say that this is currently under review by ICT Management Committee.