1. Computer Classes for Beginners Salem-South Lyon District
Library 9800 Pontiac Trial South Lyon, MI 48178 (248) 437-6431
www.ssldl.info Holly Hibner Reference Librarian [email_address]
Mary Kelly Reference Librarian [email_address]
2. Why teach computers to beginners?
Extension of reference philosophy
What is a reference question?
Computer-driven reference questions
E-filing, unemployment, job applications, eBay, e-mail
The High Maintenance Smelly Lady
3. In the Beginning
1 hub for wired Internet access
No mice touch pads on laptops
Big screen with LCD projector
4. Mistakes We Made: Hardware
Laptops were too small keyboard and screen
Touch pads too difficult for new users
5. Mistakes We Made: Instruction
Too many concepts at once
Assumed too much: skipped the basics
6. What We Noticed About Beginners
Intimidated by technology changes
Afraid to break something
Overwhelmed by todays technology
Appreciate learning with their peers
7. Changes We Made
Get their hands on the equipment
8. More Changes We Made
Limited number of concepts
Teach one way to do tasks
Start with absolute basics
9. Classes and Handouts
Handouts are topic sheets
Excel, Web Design, Computer Security, Social Networking,
Digital Photography
Handouts available at http://ssldl.info
10. Latest Updates
11. Updated E-mail Class
Created Hotmail and Yahoo dummy accounts
Hand-outs for Hotmail, Yahoo, and Gmail
12. More Recent Updates
Beginner class focus changed to parts/terminology, internet,
and e-mail
Windows functions like open, save, making folders, etc. moved
to second level class
Added more classes on downloadable audio, digital photography
solutions, and Internet searching skills
13. The results are in!
Outlet for those needing basic computer help
Improved relationships with patrons
More respect for library service (and librarians!)
Great marketing for the library
14. Holly Hibner [email_address] Mary Kelly [email_address]
Slides and handouts available at www.slideshare.net/hhibner
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