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NetMaster Program

What is it?
Current Openings
Why Join?
How do I Become A NetMaster?
Observe a Demonstration Class
Resources for Computer Training

What Is It?

The NetMaster Volunteer Training Program provides you with the opportunity to teach others how to use personal computers and the Internet. Our volunteer training will show you how to teach others how to harness the impressive powers of personal computers and how to unlock the doors to the vast store of information on the Internet, as well as give you the necessary information to meet the responsibility of representing the King County Library System.Many people in our community are still confused and intimidated by computers and the Internet. Share your skills with teachers, parents, students, seniors, and others who want to discover how to make computers work successfully for them.

Current Openings

Last updated: September 25, 2006.
Many of the libraries in South King County are seeking teachers who can teach computer classes in Spanish. Spanish-language manuals are available for some of our classes.

Currently the following libraries are seeking NetMaster volunteers for classes in English (some of these libraries have very specific needs in terms of days and times when they need teachers and specific classes that they need):

Vashon Island:

Des Moines:
Internet all levels (weekday morning or evening, and Saturday morning)
Word and Excel all levels (weekday morning and evening)
Publisher and PowerPoint (weekday evening or Saturday morning)
Basic Skills (weekday morning)

Kent Regional:
Needs teachers for weekday evening Basic Skills, Word, and Excel classes.

Maple Valley:
Needs volunteer available weekdays, mornings to early afternoon

Federal Way 320th:
Needs weekday morning teachers

Federal Way Regional

Shoreline/Richmond Beach Cluster

Skyway:
Volunteer needed to start in fall

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Why Join?

The NetMaster Volunteer Training Program will provide you with the training and materials you'll need to teach classes to the public at a branch of the King County Library System. You will also receive certification as a NetMaster and may communicate and learn from other NetMasters. Active NetMasters will be notified of training updates. In return for the free training, you'll be expected to teach four 1 to 2 hour computer classes at a branch of the King County Library System (KCLS) using our training materials.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

Your enthusiasm to become a NetMaster is the most important thing! Useful skills also include familiarity with the World Wide Web and use of search engines, or knowledge of common business application programs such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. You will also have to have the time, after completing the course, to teach at least four classes at our libraries in a six-month period.

How Much Time Do I Need To Contribute?

The program is designed to be flexible and convenient for people with busy schedules.
The initial training takes about three hours, spread over one or two sessions, usually at a library near you. You can find much of the training materials on the following web pages:
Training Manual
Training Exercises

After that your basic commitment is to teach a minimum of four classes over the course of a year. Classes usually run about 1.5 hours.

Can I Arrange a Convenient Teaching Schedule?

Classes are offered at libraries throughout King County Library System, and most libraries’ schedules include classes during weekdays, evenings, and weekends. Your schedule will depend on where you volunteer and the current needs at that library.

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How Do I Become a NetMaster?

The first step is to fill out the Online Application form. The next step is to apply for an open position, as listed at the top of this web page.

Observe a Demonstration Class

Then you observe a demonstration of a typical class. (It doesn’t have to be the same exact class that you will be teaching.) Stephen Kahn, the NetMaster Coordinator will communicate with you about available demonstration classes, or will set one up for you.

NetMaster Orientation

After observing a class, you participate in an orientation. The orientation takes about one to two hours and takes place at a convenient library. You can cover much of the orientation material by reading the Volunteer Manual. The orientation provides you with class outlines and curriculum materials, acquaints you with library policies and personnel, and introduces you to the libraries' computers and how they

For more information about the NetMaster Volunteer Training Program, and/or Orientation Sessions, contact:
Stephen Kahn
NetMaster Volunteer Coordinator
425-369-3444
e-mail: skahn@kcls.org 

To find out more information or register for service, call: 425-369-3456 or toll free 1-877-905-2008

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Last Updated: August 6, 2007