Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

RE: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2009-08-06T17:34:31Z

Just make sure you open the CD drawer and loudly say "This is NOT a cup-holder!"

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-07-14T19:56:32Z

Kathy,
Our library recently had an adult computer class and a retired business teacher from our local high school taught the class without charging our library.
You may be able to find someone in your area willing to do this.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-07-13T19:51:46Z

Carolyn:
You are correct -- doing demonstration training classes using an LCD projector can be very effective. We have done these types of classes for many years at PPL in addition to our hands on classes and often have 20 or more attend. In fact, for certain topics, demo classes can work better. Just make sure you have detailed handouts to accompany your slide show and online demo. Oh, I have even given out exercises the end of demos and give small prizes to the first 3 to return to the library with the exercise completed.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-07-13T19:24:34Z

Hi Kathy (and everyone!),
Reading through the questions and replies, I thought a possible answer to the problem of too few computers and staff might be the use of a computer overhead projector (I don't know the official term). An evening workshop involving the instruction could be done as a group. Patrons and staff could practice what they learned upon returning home or at their next library visit. I know these are costly, but possibly the hardware could be loaned through the library system. Good luck! Carolyn in New York, North Country Library System

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-06-28T20:29:48Z

The library I work in quite small and we only have 5 computers available to the public. So it would be difficult to offer classes to large groups of people. The 4H group that uses our meeting room every week is now offering one-on-one computer classes to any of our patrons who are interested.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-06-09T18:31:03Z

Wow! Good thinking, good partnership!
Linda Gens

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-06-01T17:58:55Z

I enjoyed teaching one on one. I showed her different things for the first three days and after that I told her I was done teaching and she was on her own to explore. I was there if she had questions, etc. But she took off and was surfing like an expert!!!

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-30T23:17:59Z

We partnered with our local phone company/Internet provider. They were more than happy to chip in part of the cost of materials when we let them put their logo and contact info on the course manuals.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-30T19:51:20Z

Every once in awhile, we have only one student show up for a class, so I get to give a one-on-one session. That is actually my favorite way to teach. It gives me the opportunity to tailor the instruction to what that student really needs.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-30T19:19:40Z

That's still good!
Way to go!

~ Cassandra

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-30T18:48:07Z

I finished my week of "patron computer classes". I just had one student but she really enjoyed the class!!! As a matter of fact she is here now using the computer.

Thanks for all of the advice and help, I appreciate it.

Amy

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-17T02:59:57Z

This is great, Amy. Way to go!

~ Cassandra

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-17T02:58:09Z

Great idea to combine staff and patron training. Let us know how it goes. Thanks for sharing.

~ Cassandra

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-17T02:55:37Z

You're quite welcome, Brenda.

~ Cassandra

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-16T17:47:33Z

Congrats Amy on getting your first session completed and doing another one today. You have taken the first steps to running a successful program.

One of the things that I have done at my library to save time and effort is to combine staff and patron classes whenever possible. Our staff members are encouraged to attend classes alongside the public. The public enjoys being in class with our staff and it makes for great dynamic for all involved.

For instance, I am going to be teaching Powering Up to PowerPoint class in about 15 minutes. I have 8 people signed up -- 3 staff and 5 patrons. Oh, and my class outline and handout was created largely using resources I found here at WJ! :-)

Must run and set up the lab.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-16T16:09:48Z

I have started our computer classes this week. I've had two people that have signed up. One came yesterday and really enjoyed learning!!! Hopefully the patron that comes today will enjoy it also.

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-04T16:57:55Z

Cassandra,
I checked out some of your resources and found numerous things that could be quite beneficial in staff and patron training. Thank you.

Brenda Hickman
Gassaway Public Library

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-05-02T02:45:03Z

Mary Ellen,
There are lots of wonderful lesson plans, handouts, and resources on patron computer classes on WJ. Check out http://www.webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=535 to find all sorts of resources based on the type of classes you'll be teaching (managing PACs, using the Internet, applications, and basic computing).

Also, there is a wonderful Creating a Training Program guide that helps you to plan computer training for patrons and staff - http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=10396.

The Hibbing Public LIbrary created a great series of of patron computer trainings and have shared their handouts and powerpoint presentations - http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=1243.

Anyway, like I said, there are tons of ideas on WJ. Please share with us what you guys plan and how the classes turn out.

~ Cassandra

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-04-28T17:44:20Z

We are planning some computer classes (basic) for the public. The classes will be limited to 7or 8 students at a time. We are in the process of putting the classes together. After the basic classes we are planning more specialized classes. We are always open for other ideas.

Mary Ellen Weekley
Philippi Public Library

Re: Patron and Staff Computer Training

2006-04-26T15:31:01Z

Kathy,

I'm sure you could find lots of online tutorials that might be of help or at least give you more background and/or ideas. Academic libraries are really good in that regard. The PRIMO database (http://www.ala.org/CFApps/Primo/public/search.cfm) from the Emerging Technologies committee of the Instruction Section of ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries) has an abundance of wonderful online tutorials. They are peer-reviewed before being "allowed" in the database. When I worked at the Univ. of NM, I served on this committee. It was (and I'm sure still is) tough and competitive. What you see there is good stuff.

Hope this helps.

~ Cassandra