Engagement Activity 1.2

My experience as an educator is limited so my blog will reflect on my experiences as a learner as well as a trainer, ranging through from school, TAFE through to University education with particular focus on Library and Information studies.

When I say my experience is limited I mean that my training experiences have mostly been of an informal nature and are usually one-on-one situations. I have worked in a public library for several years and helping clients with both computer and information literacy is part of the job and one that I enjoy. The challenge is that you can be asked anything on any subject at any time! There is no set curriculum or lesson.  The desired outcome is that the client obtains whatever particular knowledge or information they need but hopefully during the exchange we have imparted some skills that will enable them to apply this knowledge to other situations - a value added-on.  Our clients’ ages, backgrounds and learning levels are across a wide range which presents its own set of challenges.

Recently I was one of a number selected to run one-on-one sessions in teaching clients to access the library's e-resources.  As the library's clients have a wide range of technological devices, it was a case of train the trainer first. Due to the wide variety of technology available today many libraries (and I assume other places as well) have what they call a ‘technology pet zoo’ whereas the library purchases devices enabling staff to keep up with the latest without having to personally buy the gadgets. I was able to familiarise myself with different devices including IPAD, Kindle, and Sony E-reader before the lessons. In teaching these lessons we first determine the client’s requirements, what software they have installed, then we give hands on training (they usually bring their own devices). Through demonstration and interaction with the client we impart the necessary knowledge to successfully use their devices to access the e-resources. Hopefully they will also be able to apply this knowledge to other situations. I consider the ability to inspire confidence a sought after trait, and believe that trainers need to be constantly evaluating their own work looking for opportunities to improve.

In my primary school years we learnt what the teacher taught us mostly by by absorbing and remembering, but at one stage we were given books that allowed us to learn at our own pace. I believe this whetted my appetite for distance and online education. At TAFE and University level learning becomes more independent and some outcomes apart from subject knowledge for me personally include being organised, time management skills, teamwork, problem solving, technology use, ability to critically evaluate, and ethical practice.

Our early learning years build the foundation for future learning by teaching us the basic knowledge and skills needed. Interaction with others and team work is developed through playtime and sports activities as well as classroom activities. Most attributes such as communication, teamwork, leadership skills, problem solving etc become more pronounced as we progress through to higher education although some institutions seem to place more emphasis on particular attributes than others. An example of this would be how leadership skills are encouraged in the latter years of high school.