Give ‘em a playground and they’ll learn: Challenge-based technology training in Libraries
1. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Give ‘em a playground and
they’ll learn
Challenge-based technology training
Gillian Byrne, QEII Library
Memorial University of
Newfoundland
2. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Introduction
Proposed pilot program at MUN that
involves participants solving one basic
technology-related task a week, with the
prizes awarded at the end
Motivations
Characteristics
Pilot Structure
Task Development
3. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Genesis
All good things happen over drinks
Kissin’ cousins:
Learning 2.0 Program (Public Library of
Charlotte & Mecklenburg County)
Google development time program
E-skills passport (UK)
4. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Motivations
1. Instill confidence in staff & librarians in
their technology skills
2. Ensure all librarians and staff have the
same basic computer skills
3. Encourage staff to take ownership of
their computers
4. Create a culture of “play” when it
comes to learning technology
5. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Characteristics
Self directed
Volunteer
Practical
Incentive based
Incorporated into current work
Fun!
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Pilot Program
Population & Structure
Population
Open to all staff who wish to participate
Supervisors must be able to ensure participants
are given the time to do the pilot
Structure
One task per week for four months
Tasks get progressively harder
10 “hints” available to each participant
7. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Pilot Program
Tasks
Characteristics:
“Tasks”: Doable, achievable items
Take no more than one hour to research and
complete
Universal: applicable to all staff (software &
platforms)
Learning opportunity: ideally completing a
task provides some insight into how
computers work
8. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Pilot Program
Infrastructure
Email: Initial task announcement &
reminders (shared calendar feature of
Outlook)
Shared Drive: workspace
Blog: resource & communication centre
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Pilot Program
Answers & Learning Opportunities
At the end of each task period a pre written
answer will be made available detailing the
answer, how it was obtained and hints for
further development
Personalized responses will be sent out as
necessary
10. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Pilot Program
Example
Task
Create a folder with your name on it in the R:
drive. Take a screen capture of the r: window
and save the image to your folder.
Hint:
Check out the first hit in this Google search
11. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Pilot Program
Example
Answer:
1. To open the r: drive, click on my computer, then select
r:. See this step
2. To create a folder, right click on the r: window and
select New…Folder OR File in the menu bar, then
New…Folder. See this step
3. To take a screen capture of the window, click
ALT+PrtSc. Open Microsoft Paint (Start…Programs…
Accessories…Paint) and select File…Paste (or
CTRL+V).
4. To save your screen capture to the R: drive, select
File…Save as…. Select R: and click OK. See this step
12. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Pilot Program
Rewards
All participants who successfully
complete all tasks are entered in a draw
for gift certificates to the campus
bookstore & computer centre
13. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Pilot Program
Assessment
An qualitative assessment scheme will
be implemented with the pilot - a short
survey will be sent out at the completion
of each task.
Quantitative analysis will also be
undertaken at the end of the pilot
14. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Challenges
Buy in from administration
Buy in from staff
Task development
Scale
15. Getting to Library 2.0 May 23rd 2007
Future Plans
Fix?!?
Expand
Automate
Teamwork
Notas do Editor
While formal training on specific applications is important to staff development, the speed with which technology progresses and integration of computer applications also require the development of less tangible abilities. Problem solving and troubleshooting skills are crucial to reducing technostress and allowing staff to adapt quickly to technological change. This program will take a holistic, yet modular approach to computer literacy training, providing manageable tasks to complete on all aspects of technology.
Practical: skills useful to personal life – i.e., email