Know anyone who could benefit from technology coaching? It could be you, your parent, your child, or a neighbor who needs help building digital literacy skills. Your library offers books, eBooks, videos, computer classes, a monthly drop-in assistance lab, scheduled appointments with a Reference Librarian, and some stellar online resources which can be accessed from anywhere. Anytime.
Previously, we posted information about the Goodwill Community Foundation’s site (read it here), and patrons have given us excellent feedback. Now the Public Library Association has put together DigitalLearn.org to support both learners AND trainers in pursuit of better skills. The homepage shares this invitation:
If you are new to computers, haven’t used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, we have the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed.
There’s an array of courses available, in both English and Spanish, starting with “Why Use a Computer?”, including “Intro to Skype” and “Online Scams”, and ending with “Buying a Plane Ticket”. Anyone is able to take a course (and print out a certificate at the conclusion if recordkeeping is an issue), and no login is required. Courses are brief, averaging around 15 minutes, and dispense information in a rich format, including text, video, and audio. Just click on the title of interest and you’ll be taken to a list of related activities.
If, instead, your need is learning how to help others develop digital skills, click on the “Help Learners” link at the top right of the homepage. There you will find a listing of resources for handouts and course materials, learn from other trainers’ experiences, and find links for other potentially useful websites and tools such as webinars.
There’s no need to reinvent the wheel! You can benefit today from the fact that libraries know how to provide technology instruction!
