first conclusions

I am trying to develop an instruction program for the branch at which I work.  After a two year hiatus, I taught my first class/workshop last evening.

Let me set the scene for you:

• There is no instruction lab (i.e., there is not a room set aside with computers specifically for training/instruction, nor is there hi-tech instructor podium/computer console.)
• There is, however, a Community Room with a roll away projector with plug-in speakers, as well as screen mounted to the wall.
• My experience in the classroom, as well as with leadership workshops, has primarily been with the traditional aged college student.  The age of people attending my first class were all above the age of 40.

In order to get around the “no computer lab” situation, I turned the Community Room into a makeshift computer room.  Participants were invited to bring in their laptops and use the library’s Wi-Fi.  Those participants that did have laptops were more than willing to share with participants who were “laptopless.”

I used a library laptop to plug into the roll-away projector, so I could project my PowerPoint, as well as demonstrate points via sites on the Web.  I set up rows of tables with chairs.  I had to angle the tables just so, so participants could get the best view of the projection screen.  This was probably the most awkward element of the room’s set up, because I was plugged into the roll-away cart, and I could only be so much out of the participants line of sight.

The biggest challenges were that 1) participants’ laptops were working with a variety of operating systems, and 2) the level of computer navigation skills ran the spectrum from super computer savvy to just learning the ropes.

As always, with any class I’ve taught, I can only reflect on what I did, take in the participant’s feedback, and apply changes to subsequent sessions.  For the first time back in the classroom — especially discussing a topic I hadn’t covered before (ListenNJ via OverDrive: Digital Library Reserve), I was happy with the outcome.

And I’ve got about three consultations already set up from that session, so at least they know where to go for help, right??