SYSTEMS CONSULTANT (COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION) 03760

(Competitive)

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

 

The work involves responsibility for coordinating procedures for effective utilization of computerized education instruction systems by the establishment of intercommunications between the Regional Computer Center and member schools to facilitate the various aspects of computer assisted instruction as a tool for supplementing and complementing the regular instructional program. The incumbent acts in a liaison capacity to provide training in the use of existing services, to investigate and evaluate potential use of application features and to identify and assist in the resolution of problems relating to the use of system data. Several Systems Consultant positions exist within the computer center with specific and different credentials required for each position depending on the systems application area. These areas include: Financial Services, Student Services, Testing and Evaluation and Computer Assisted Instruction. Each consultant position is distinct and the responsibilities of one application area do not overlap the responsibilities of any of the other areas. This position is also distinct from the programming, analytical or technical support classifications in that there is no involvement in the development of the computer system, its language, specifications, operations or design. The major emphasis of the position is in the use and function of the specific data applications of the system and how these can be utilized to meet the current and potential needs of the user. General supervision is received from an administrative superior, with work being reviewed through conferences and consultation on specific problems. Supervision is not a regular responsibility of the position. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

 

Evaluates and reviews the educational instruction needs of the school districts as they apply to computer assisted instruction capabilities and identifies methods of meeting these needs and other district instructional objectives through the use of existing applications, subscription to additional services or by requesting new or expanded services from appropriate computer center technical or support personnel.

Studies user application operations and identifies areas of potential improvement, assists the user in developing objectives for improving utilization and identifies and explains any additional available services which could be utilized in meeting their instructional needs and objectives.

Organizes and provides formal and informal training sessions and workshops for school district personnel and computer support service personnel involved with computer assisted instruction to develop and maintain skills in the utilization of the system applications, to review existing, expanded or modified applications or to introduce new application features.

Reviews customer complaints, concerns and application problems and investigates their causes; identifies problem source and requests remedial action to be taken by operations and programming staff.

Reviews existing application procedures to insure compatibility with stated instructional standards established by the school district.

Initiates requests for new or expanded services to appropriate computer center personnel and coordinates the collection and analysis of detailed specifications to insure that all data and documentation requirements are satisfied.

Assists in the development and review of user documentation, training materials and related forms.

Attends professional and business meetings as a representative of the computer center and local district user.

Assists in the development of work schedules to meet district processing needs and requirements.

 

 

(2) 03760

 

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

 

Good knowledge of the use, function and potential of computer assisted instruction programs and services as they apply to teaching goals and objectives in an educational environment.

Working knowledge of the methods and techniques of computer assisted instruction as they apply to the learning-teaching process.

Working knowledge of the function and operation of operating systems, network systems, and telecommunications.

Ability to communicate the systems service goals and objectives to individuals and groups to stimulate their interest and participation.

Ability to train user personnel in the operation and application of new, modified or expanded procedures of a computer assisted instruction system.

Ability to organize and present thoughts and procedures in a clear, concise and thorough manner.

Ability to gather and analyze information and draw logical conclusions.

Ability to lead discussions and make formal presentations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school district personnel and computer center staff.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a baccalaureate degree and two (2) years of full time paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part time equivalent, as described below:

 

1. Two (2) years of work experience as a teacher in an educational environment which must have included responsibility for the use and function of a computer assisted instruction program as a teaching aid in the classroom; or,

 

2. Two (2) years of work experience in application utilization of computer assisted instruction systems which must have included responsibility for analyzing, evaluating, organizing or planning the use, or potential use, of computer assisted instruction as a method of classroom teaching or in meeting educational goals and objectives; or,

 

B. Six (6) years of full time paraprofessional or professional work experience, or its part time equivalent, as described in (A1) or (A2) above; or,

 

3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

 

NOTE: Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a master's degree in education or a closely related field, may be substituted for up to one year of work experience.

 

 

1/99 Revised