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Online tutor

JobScout program teaches Internet skills in a fun way

By Kevin Smith

Staff Writer

Posted: 06/18/2012 07:19:01 PM PDT

In today's economy one thing is certain - more and more people are competing for the same jobs.

In order to remain competitive, job seekers need to research the companies they are applying to and make

certain their resumes are impressive, professional and up to date.

But many face a virtual roadblock when it comes to computer literacy.

That's where JobScout comes in.

JobScout is an integrated web and mobile platform that's designed to get Californians back to work by

teaching job seekers the Internet skills they need to find employment.

"One in five Californians don't know how to use the Internet," JobScout CEO Christina Gagnier said. "Most job

resources today have moved online with websites like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com. So if you can't

use the Internet you're sort of cornered out of the market because you can't apply online."

John Montes can vouch for that.

Last month Montes attended a job fair at Industry Hills Expo Center, where he voiced his frustration with the

situation.

"I've been out of work eight months," the West Covina resident said. "I've been putting in applications online,

but sometimes they tell you to put your whole resume in this little box. And if you're not up on computer

technology ... that can put a stop to it."

JobScout uses social gaming web standards to create a safe and accessible entry

point for users to engage in learning Internet skills.

Each user assumes the role of a "scout" on a digital

discovery "trail," searching for Internet skills and

employment.

The program is designed to be consistent with

California's Basic Digital Literacy Skills Framework,

and it allows users to earn badges for completing

interactive lessons on everything from Internet

browsers to how to create social networking

profiles.

"It's designed to get you to finish the lessons, but

the system is very supportive because it gives you

a sense of fulfillment," Gagnier said. "The lessons

are self-paced. A lesson note will suggest the time

frame, but you can take as long as you want."

Robin McCarthy, executive director of Women at

Work, a Pasadena career and job resource center, said her facility offers about 10 classes per month related

to the Internet and technical skills.

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"It's definitely something that some people need help with," she said. "And unfortunately, there's a bit of age

discrimination there because younger people tend to be more tech savvy."

McCarthy figures about a third of the clients her center sees are lacking in sufficient computer skills.

"Employers are asking for a lot more skills when it comes to things like Microsoft Excel," she said. "The ability

to cruise the Internet and be familiar with social media is a definite part of the job search process today."

Connie Barrington, librarian for the Imperial County Free Library system, said her facilities are set up for

customers to use JobScout.

"We're just integrating it," she said. "We're very short staffed, and so many people come into our libraries that

haven't had much exposure to the Internet. They probably haven't played with any of the social media or they

haven't even set up an e-mail account before. This is a blessing because we only need to walk them through

the first portion of it and then they can do it on their own."

For more information, visit MyJobScout.org.

kevin.smith@sgvn.com

626-962-8811, Ext. 2701

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