[Publib] RE: Computer instruction/classes

[Insley, Diane]

We are a library of about 145,000 items with 40,000 active patrons.  We
have offered computer classes in several different ways, but we have
been doing it the current way for over a year and we have been happy
with it.

We have 14 computers that are booked for class use.  We offer classes
every Wednesday at 10am and again at 5:30pm.  All classes are free and
self-paced.  At each class session we have from 4 to 8 volunteers show
up - the AM teachers are mainly retired folks and the PM class is mainly
college and high school students that have some sort of volunteer hour
component to their degree.  Since the class is self-paced we teach all
classes at the same time, so that some are working on beginning
computing, others on Word or Excel.  

The beginner's class is the most intensive as far as help goes and
people use an online mouse tutorial, then they get an email account and
practice emailing, and then they learn Internet searching.  Most of this
is 1 on 1 or if not enough teachers 2 on 1.

In Word and Excel, we use a project oriented textbook and the students
work along at their own pace and keep track of where they are.  If it
appears that the person can't type, then we suggest that they do the
Mavis Beacon teaches typing already loaded on our machines in order to
improve their keyboarding.    

Once a student starts they can come to the morning session or the
afternoon session or both if they want.  The volunteer teachers move
around answering questions and helping people as needed.  They will also
help with a specific project if they can.  

Since it is self-paced, students can easily miss a week or two and then
come back. 

This is pretty much a drop-in program, however with our December and
January PR, we ask people to sign up for a class.  This is because so
many people make resolutions to learn how to use a computer in the New
Year and so we do not have enough computers or teachers to meet all of
the New Year demand.   For the rest of the year, we advertise and deal
with however many show up.  Every once in a while there is more than the
14 computers in this room, but often people come with a friend and don't
mind sharing for the basics.  

Mostly people over the age of 40 come to this class.

Diane Insley
San Marcos (TX) Public Library






-----Original Message-----
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:
> publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
> On Behalf Of Alison Moss
> Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 7:04 PM
> To: publib at webjunction.org; incolsa at incolsa.net
> Subject: [Publib] Computer instruction/classes
>
> We are evaluating our computer class offerings at this library, and 
> would like to consider some other libraries' practices.
>
> Does your library offer computer instruction to customers?  If so, 
> classes, or one-on-one?  Internet and or word processing?  If you have

> a procedural document you could share, that would be very helpful.
>
> Or, does your library simply provide access to computers.  If so, do 
> you have an instruction source to which you can refer patrons without 
> computer skills?
>
> Any observations in general on the subject would also be welcome.
>
> Thanks!
>
> --
> Alison R. Moss
> Head Reference Librarian
> Tippecanoe County Public Library
> 627 South Street
> Lafayette, IN  47901-0150
> email:  amoss at tcpl.lib.in.us
> telephone:  765-429-0176
> FAX:  765-429-0150