MHLS Library Programming: Computer Training Resources

Library Programming

MHLS Library Programming: Teaching Technology & Online Resources

Teaching Technology & Online Resources

Tips for Success [MHLS Marketing & Program Advisory Committee]
- Excite people, be enthusiastic about teaching them;
- Don't ask them what they want to learn, ask them what they want to do (example: find magazine article on the computer, learn e-mail);
- Make what is in it for the user a focal point;
- Focus on the user, not the technology;
- Address the "fear factor"
  - "You learn by making mistakes."
  - "You can't break it."
- Make it easier for staff to help patrons:
  - Standardize staff training.
  - Create consistency with a standardized desktop setup, standardized list of Favorites (bookmarks), same version of browser and software at each terminal;
  - Consider using software that will "freeze" your desktop setup;
  - Request Customer Service Training at your library.
- Develop your Information Literacy Skills to best help patrons understand how to recognize valid information on the Internet.
Tools
- Learn How To Teach The Internet [WebJunction]
- Lesson Plans [WebJunction]
- Templates [MHLS]
  - Scripts (MS Word) Coming Soon in 2008
    - Business Information
    - Consumer Health
    - Consumer Research/Product Reviews
  - PowerPoint Presentations
  - Bookmarks & Brochures
- NetLingo
- Library Terms that Users Understand [jkup.net]
- Learning 2.0 Things [Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County (NC)]
- Library 2.0 in 15 minutes a day [Library Instruction Wiki]
- [COMING SOON] Tips for Talking about Databases
Training "on-the-fly" Tips [MHLS Marketing & Program Advisory Committee]
- List the most frequently asked questions you receive and develop a brief (5 minutes or less) trainings to address them, for example:
  - Setting up a free Email Account
    - Gmail
    - Yahoo! Mail
    - Generations Online (for seniors aged 70+) updated June 2007
- Post some relevant FAQs by the computer where patrons can benefit from them;
- Have your public access computers arranged so you can easily see them , and can send help to a patron before they become too frustrated or too lost;
- If patrons need a lot of help at a time when you cannot assist them, set up a specific time for them to come back when you will not be so busy.
Training / Workshop Ideas & Tips:
- Listen to the need. What are patrons asking for?
- What's in it for them? Saving money, communicating with family, planning a trip, health information, recipies...
- Hold a training session for your library trustees;
- Go outside your own building, provide a program for a community group at one of their own meetings: PTA, Rotary Club, Car Club, Fire House, etc.
- Do computer training when the library is closed;
- Separate classes for seniors or those who are new to computers;
- Offer one-on-one training appointments
- Demonstrate what you are doing by using a data projector
- Check the EZ Library Program Database (topic = computer or Internet) for ideas
- OPAC searching - "Learn how to find more books at your library."
- "When you leave this class you will know how to...."|
- Ideal class length: 60-90minutes
Teaching New Users
- Training Tips for Novice Users [WebJunction]
- New User Tutorial
- Keyboard Tutorial
- Computer Comfort
- Helping Patrons Use the Mouse:
  - Tips for Beginners Using the Mouse
  - Mousing Around tutorial
  - Mousercise
  - Mouserobics
  - SeniorNET Mouse Exercises
  - US Geography Game
  - Connect the Dots
  - Practice your mouse skills
  - More mouse tips:
    - Advise them to "plant their wrist" before using the mouse
    - Can use keyboard commands if the mouse is a consistent problem
    - If they have a problem double clicking, a substitute is to click once then hit Enter
Teaching Older Users
- Generations Online updated June 2007
- SeniorNET Online Courses and Tutorials and SeniorNET "How To's"
- Getting CyberSavvy[AARP]
- Basic Web Lessons [AARP]
- Increasing Accessibility of Public Access Computing for Patrons with Disabilities (PDF) [WebJunction]
  - screen enlargement software resources
- Mouse Tips:
  - Making Your Mouse Easier to Use [AbilityNet]
  - Alternative Mice [AbilityNet]
- Top 20 Ways of Serving Older Adults [WebJunction]
  - 25 More Ways of Service Older Adults [WebJunction]
Information Literacy
- Information Literacy Defined [ALA]
- T.I.L.T. Texas Information Literacy Tutorial
- The Nine Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning [ALA]
- Evaluating Internet Sites 101 [University at Albany]
Marketing & Advertising
- Marketing & PR Resources [MHLS]
  - [COMING SOON] Tips for Talking about Databases
- Tips:
  - Talk about what is in it for the user
  - Word-of-Mouth marketing is the most effective
Computer Maintenance