Training the Public in Internet Use Learn how to provide effective Internet training at your nonprofit, community technology center, or public library Elliot Harmon and Sarah Washburn - April 12, 2012 Learn from seasoned trainers how to teach your constituents to use the Internet, be it in classes or in side-by-side sessions. At a public library or computer lab, getting users in the door is relatively easy. The hard part is teaching them how to find the information they need. Some organizations rely primarily on a classroom format, while others focus more on side-by-side mentoring. Many factors go into finding the right mix to serve a lab's clientele most effectively.Guiding new Internet users can be a daunting challenge. Fortunately, there are a lot of useful resources online, ranging from tips and encouragement from fellow guides to full-fledged classroom curriculum.TechSoup recently completed a study of Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grantees. In talking with public libraries and community technology centers and learning their stories, we've assembled a list of resources for training Internet users and teaching technology skills.Learn from BTOP Grantees A BTOP Digital Literacy Program in St. Paul Steal These Tech Trainer Competencies BTOP Projects At Work: Informing Innovative Training Methods BTOP Projects At Work: Developing an Engaging Curriculum BTOP Projects At Work: Reaching Remote Areas BTOP Projects At Work: Fast Forward New Mexico's Small Business Success Training BTOP Projects At Work: Increased Access in the Community and at HomeResources Webinar:Better Together: Tech Trainers Sharing Expertise Webinar:Mobile Technology Training: Tech-a-la-Carte Webinar:E-readers for Everyone: Teaching Tips from Trainers Webinar:Tech-Savvy Staff: Better Service for Library Users Webinar:Delivering Tech Workshops The Accidental Trainer blog series Fabulous Free Public Technology Training Materials Learning About Technology OnlineCurriculum Resources for Trainers One Community (a nonprofit BTOP grantee) has created Creative-Commons licensed curriculum to support its training programs. Get Connected contains information on Internet speed, online services, browsers and everything you need to know to get properly connected and access the Internet. CETF (a nonprofit BTOP grantee) created easy-to-use resources focused on guiding new broadband adopters through the process, from understanding technology to signing up for service. While some of the resources are California-based, most are applicable to those living outside the state. Review of Technology Training Resources from TechSoup for Libraries looks at a variety of tools and materials. CTN has collected resources from around the web and technology world. Find resources to help with every aspect of managing a computer center, including providing coursework for patrons, organizing the space, acquiring equipment, teaching classes, and managing volunteers. Common Craft offers three-minute videos to explain a variety of technology concepts in a format that's simple and easy for any audience to understand. LearningExpress Library offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want — at school, at work, or in life. Lynda.com Whether you're into digital photography, web design and development, motion graphics, or just need to brush up on Excel, you can learn all the software skills you need to gain a competitive edge with Lynda.com online tutorials. WebDevelopersNotes.com offers free web programming tutorials and tips on HTML, JavaScript, Flash, SQL, web graphics, web hosting, web promotion, email programs, web master resources, web development articles, Internet basics and much more! Library Tech Trainers Sharing Resources and Expertise is a list of trainer resources from TechSoup for Libraries.TechSoup Products for TrainersOnline conferencing: GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar from LogMeInAudio and web conferencing: ReadyTalkThe Learning Institute certificate coursework: SNPOTechSoup Products for Student UseKeyboard typing instruction: Bytes of LearningQuicken bundles for instructional use: Intuit Client Education and Support Program This work is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License.
