Reflection Question
Think of a time when you had to learn a new technology through individual or group instruction.
» What worked well? » What did not work well?
Tech Instruction Challenges
» Interpersonal communication » Teaching techniques » Learner attitude & engagement » Reaction to learner NOT as much about the tech as we think!
5. Take it slow
4. Stay focused
3. Give up control
2. Assess the need
6. Communicate clearly
1. Be welcoming
6 Essential Skills for One-on-One Tech Instruction
How-to: Assess the need
» Ask lots of questions
» Clarify the question/problem
» Identify their goals
» Don’t jump to conclusions
» Learn their interests
2
» Let them “drive”
» Allow hands-on practice
» Let them lead
» Collaborate with them
How-to: Give up control 3
4. Stay focused
4
Photo credit: KeepCalm-‐o-‐maGc, Raquel, h6p://www.keepcalm-‐o-‐maGc.co.uk/p/keep-‐calm-‐and-‐focus-‐your-‐a6enGon/
How-to: Stay focused
» Listen closely
» React thoughtfully
» Improvise: Be flexible & creative
» Admit your own limits
» Learn with them
4
How-to: Go slow
» Break it down into steps
» Select teaching points with care
» Don’t assume knowledge
» Be patient
5
How-to: Communicate clearly » Simplify ideas & concepts
» Give relevant examples
» Avoid jargon
» Check in with learners
» Allow for Q&A
6
5. Take it slow
4. Stay focused
3. Give up control
2. Assess the need
6. Communicate clearly
1. Be welcoming
6 Essential Skills for One-on-One Tech Instruction
5. Take it slow
4. Stay focused
3. Give up control
2. Assess the need
6. Communicate clearly
1. Be welcoming
6 Essential Skills for One-on-One Tech Instruction
BONUS TIP: HAVE FUN!!!
Resources
Competencies » Technology Trainer Competencies
(Colorado State Library) http://coloradovirtuallibrary.org/create/technology-trainer-competencies
» Competency Index for the Library Field (WebJunction) http://webjunction.org/documents/webjunction/Competency_Index_for_the_Library_Field.html
Learning Technology » DigitalLearn.org
http://digitallearn.org/ » GCF Learn Free
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ » CommonCraft
http://www.commoncraft.com/ » OnGuard Online
http://www.commoncraft.com/