Category Archives: Continuing Education
Digital Literacy Training
Much more information has been posted about this:
- Overview of the 3 major points from FCC Commission Genachowski
- More information on the digital literacy corps (and how libraries fit in)
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Part of the National Broadband Plan was not only the increase in broadband adoption rates, but the creation of the Digital Literacy Corps. Libraries – in particular, public libraries – have been serving in this role for over a decade. The Federal Communications Commission, however, has now formalized it as part of the “Connect to Compete” project.
This is a non-profit initiative that includes both the public and private sectors. Companies like Best Buy and Microsoft are partners, as are libraries.
Chairman Genachowski’s proposal would enable thousands of more libraries to host in-person,
basic digital literacy training programs.
At least some of the resources to help libraries fulfill this vision will be from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, so keep watch!
Stanford’s Free Computer Classes
Stanford University is providing three of its courses to anyone at no charge. Not just any courses, but three of the most popular courses:
Classes start October 10th, so there is still time to sign up.
- What’s required of you as a student? Readings, assignments, quizzes, an exam and at least 12 hours per week devoted to the course.
- What is different between you and the Stanford student who paid tuition? You will not get “one-on-one interaction with the professor, the full content of the lectures – or a Stanford degree.”
“Technology Training in Libraries”
Sarah Houghton-Jan – known as the Librarian in Black — has penned what looks like a very helpful book — Technology Training in Libraries. From her blog:
Technology Training in Libraries covers technology training for libraries…with an approach that works for both staff and customers. I cover different types of tech training: how to create a basic technology training program, technology petting zoos, peer training, lunchtime brown bags, online learning, and face-to-face learning. I talk about documentation, class websites, marketing, and success measures. I cover tips for trainers too: organizing courses, creating class materials, pacing classes, engaging difficult learners, and working with library management and unions. I also include a humongous list of recommended resources on anything and everything related to tech training — from tutorials to sample lesson plans, from how-to videos to sample library tech competencies lists.
Sounds like a very practical book and well worth purchasing! $55 from Neal-Schuman.
Video: Secure Websites in Plain English
Common Craft has done it again — explaining a technical topic in a simple, non-threatening way. If you have patrons that don’t understand how to know when they should enter their credit card information and when it is a scam, have them watch this 3-minute video.
If you are interested in how these videos are made, TechSoup held an online webinar in November 2009 with Lee LeFever who, with his wife Sachi, develop and create these videos. It’s very interesting to watch and to see how long it actually takes to create something that seems so “simple.” The recording is freely available, as are the videos — for library use.
Webinars from MaintainIT Cookbooks
If you haven’t yet seen the two cookbooks put out by MaintainIT, you should take a look. In addition to these resources, they have started a series of free, monthly, 30-minute webinars on topics pulled from the cookbooks.
The first was today, April 16th — Notes from a Laptop Circulation Program. It is archived, so you can see it anytime. The next is May 21st and its on Wireless Acceptable Use Policies.
Your Own O’Reilly Book Cover
I have subscribed to the Generator Blog. It’s posts have become the ones I most enjoy — including this one. Create your own O’Reilly Book Cover!
Internet Librarian 2007
If you haven’t found it yet, most of the presentations from the 2007 Internet Librarian conference are now available. There were a number of presenters from Texas:
- Karen Coombs, University of Houston Libraries — co-presented AJAX for Libraries & Screencasting & E-Learning on a Shoestring
- Michelle Boule, University of Houston Libraries — co-presented Academic Library 2.0 & Screencasting & E-Learning on a Shoestring
- Bennett Ponsford and Christina Hoffman Gola, Texas A&M University Libraries — co-presented Inspiration for Your Library Redesign
- Bruce Krajewski, Texas Woman’s University — co-presented Strategic Approaches to the New Academic Library
- Mary Ann Bell, Sam Houston State University –Here Today . . . Here To Stay? The Future of Blogs
If I missed someone, my apologies — let me know!
Don’t stop with just these – there were a number of great presentations this year. Take a few minutes to check them out!
Technology Competencies and Training
The latest issue of Library Technology Reports 43:2 (March/April 2007) was written by Sarah Houghton-Jan, the LibrarianInBlack. Titled Technology Competencies and Training for Libraries:
“This work,” summarizes Houghton-Jan, “is an attempt to fill the gap in knowledge about documenting technology competencies with overall guiding principles, examples of successful projects, and project-management guidelines for those embarking upon such a project in their libraries.”
I haven’t yet seen it, but it sounds like it is definitely worth a look!
Ten Tips for Technology Training
Rachel Singer Gordon and Michael Stephens wrote an article for the May 2006 issue of Computers in Libraries called “Ten Tips for Technology Training.” (Sorry — there is a fee for this one.) For those of you who have been doing this for some time, there are no surprises here — just good reminders:
- Carry multiple version of your training documents
- Use real-world examples
- Create an online community around your training
- Use A/V and hands-on tools
- Create with PowerPoint
- Promote classes using Flickr
- Keep up to date
- Rehearse, but be flexible in the class
- Play with and use Web 2.0 tools, e.g., IM, blogs, wikis, feeds
- Enjoy it
Good ideas that support the theories of adult education. Interaction . . . make it practical . . . interaction . . . give me materials I can use after the course . . . interaction . . . keep up with new tools . . . interaction . . . have fun!
TSLAC Library Technology Consultant
After a number of years, the Library Technology Consultant position at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been filled. Eduardo Loera, lately from Portland, Oregon, but previously from Texas has been hired.
