Instructional Design in Libraries Working Smarter, Not Harder! Presented by Austin Stroud

Overview Introduction Getting to know your audience Deciding instructional programming and documentation Finding resources to save you time Ideas for further promoting digital literacy in your library

Work Background Name: Austin Stroud Current Positions: Instructional Designer at the Monroe County Public Library and Adjunct Faculty in Ivy Tech Community College’s Library Technical Assistant program Past Work: Mitchell Community Public Library, Bedford Public Library, Brownsburg Public Library, Indiana University Main Library, WebLink International, Harrison College, Ivy Tech Community College PepeBiggieLily

Education Background Education: Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies Master of Science in Education (Instructional Systems Technology) Master of Library Science – Indiana University

Audience Information In the public library environment, I see a wider variety of patron needs – in the academic environment, however, I do see many non-traditional learners that present challenges from the norm Patrons taking more advanced computer classes generally have a better understanding of how to use a computer Patrons in the basic computer classes (computer basics, , Microsoft Word, etc.) generally need more one-on-one attention For staff members, each department has its own unique training needs and desires Adapt to your audience – always have handouts and tip sheets on hand as take home job aids, but if only a couple of people show up: find out what they want to learn and go from there

Characteristics for Success Kindness Approachability Patience Versatility Ability to think quick on your feet Desire to continually learn Sense of humor

Needs Assessment Survey staff and patrons to identify specific needs Some class topics are a given for having an interest, such as Microsoft Word – basic computer classes are always needed Some things to consider when building a class/training: –How long should the training be? –What time of day and day of week should the training be offered? –Where should the training be held (think of equipment needs)? –Who is the target audience for the training (what skills are necessary)? –What instructional methods should be used (video, lecture, books, PowerPoint, handouts, etc.)? –Should the training be online only, face-to-face, or both? –Should the topic be broken up into multiple sessions? These questions and more can ALL be answered through surveying the staff and patrons you are serving Different branches have different training needs – survey each separately

Needs Assessment Introduce what you are hoping to accomplish Provide prompts when soliciting feedback to avoid general answers like “anything” or “everything” Don’t ask two questions at once Multiple choice response options need to be balanced – Examples: Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor, Very Poor OR Very satisfied, satisfied, Undecided, Unsatisfied, Very unsatisfied

Try New Things - Experiment Some classes you try will not work If registration is low, there probably is not much need for that class (or the timing is off) Be open to trying new things and experimenting to find what works best in instructing a given topic Use a variety of instructional methods, as not everyone learns the same way Be mindful of staff and patrons with disabilities – create classes that anyone could take If you show it in the class, have it in a handout for the staff or patrons to take with them (or a link to a resource at the very least) Have a backup plan in case the technology fails – don’t put all of your eggs in one basket

Course Offerings Past/Present/Future Offerings: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Publisher, Organizing/Editing Photos (Gimp), Taking Pictures (Staff Cameras), Computer Basics, Internet Basics, Gmail, Open Source Software, Typing/Keyboarding, Online Job Searching, Budgeting with Microsoft Excel, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Web Design, Open Lab Technology Question & Answer, Video Editing (Windows Movie Maker), GIS

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel Where possible, utilize some free training materials available on the Internet (be mindful of copyright) Find out what other libraries are doing – ask to use what they already have created Seek some volunteer or intern assistance Play off of staff strengths – you could have a subject matter expert on a given topic already on staff

Network for Ideas and Help ALA Think Tank: LibraryAware Lab: LinkedIn Groups: –American Library Association –WebJunction –Training&Development

Free Training Resources Northstar Digital Literacy Project Engaging assessments for learners on: computer basics, the Internet, Microsoft Word, , Windows 7, and Mac OS X Assessment standards can be found here:

Free Training Resources Goodwill Community Foundation Engaging videos and tutorials for learners on: computer basics, the Internet, Microsoft Office, social media, operating systems, etc. (as well as math/reading resources) All of the technology course offerings can be found here:

Free Training Resources CustomGuide Helpful tip sheets for learners on: computer basics, mobile devices, Microsoft Office, operating systems, etc. Quick reference guides are free, just fill out the contact form to sign up:

Free Training Resources Microsoft Office Free tip sheets and self-paced courses on all parts of Microsoft Office (any version) Just do a search for what you are looking for!

Ideas for Promoting Digital Literacy Blog about technology – keep it short (writing or screencasts) Don’t implement any new service or piece of equipment without properly training a variety of staff members Offer one-on-one sessions – MCPL has a series of staff members that rotate in monthly rotations to offer these Offer open labs where those you are servicing can come ask anything or bring in a tablet/e-reader for help Don’t forget the needs assessment – the patrons you are serving have a voice, too

Ideas for Promoting Digital Literacy A vision of students today (looking to the future):

My Contact Information Austin Stroud 303 East Kirkwood Avenue Bloomington, IN ext

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Questions/Comments? Thank you!