Library Technology Instruction: Deciding What to Teach

I have to be a technology teacher?

HELP!!!

Hope Harms Johnson County Library

Mid-America Library Alliance November 2014

Deciding What to Teach

Formal or Informal Training

Scheduled or On Demand

Listening to Patrons

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Formal or Informal Training

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Formal Training

What?

- Guided by instructor

- Structured format

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Formal Training

Pros?

- Subject expert

- Sequenced learning

- Defined commitment

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Formal Training

Cons?

- Planning time

- Go through the motions

- “Snapshot” view

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Informal Training

What?

- Discovery and play

- Unstructured format

- “On the job” training

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Informal Training

Pros?

- “In the wild” experience

- Broader context

- Ongoing discovery

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Informal Training

Cons?

- No expert guidance

- Gaps in knowledge

- Undefined commitment

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Scheduled or On Demand

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Scheduled Training

What?

- Time

- Topic

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Scheduled Training

Pros?

- Easier to prepare

- Set time for instruction

- Works for large group

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Scheduled Training

Cons?

- Patron time conflicts

- Demand for variety

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

On DemandTraining

What?

- Time

- Topic

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

On Demand Training

Pros?

- Convenient for patrons

- Meets patron needs

- Remote assistance

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

On Demand Training

Cons?

- Staff availability

- Prepare for anything

- Class size limits

Listening to Patrons

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Listening to Patrons

How?

- Solicited

- Unsolicited

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Listening to Patrons

Solicit feedback

- Surveys

- Reminders

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

Listening to Patrons

Unsolicited feedback

- Track requests

- Observation

- Usage stats

Final Tips

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!

- Track participation

- Review comments

- Revise and do it again!

Hope Harms

[email protected]

Questions?

I have to be a technology teacher? Help!!!