Have you ever helped someone with a technology issue? Does your library offer computer tutoring by appointment? One-on-one tech instruction happens every day in libraries, and every technology question presents an opportunity to teach new skills. Luckily, you don’t need to be a tech expert to provide effective tech instruction. Learn six practical training skills that will help boost your ability to help library patrons with technology questions. For inquiries and bookings, email info@kixal.com

1. 6Six Essential Skills for
One on One Tech Instruction

2. Agenda
» Introductions
» Reflection
» Challenges
» Skills
» Q&A

3. 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?

4. Tech Instruction Challenges
» Interpersonal communication
» Teaching techniques
» Learner attitude & engagement
» Reaction to learner
NOT as much about the tech as we think!

5. Tech Instruction Methods
RecordedGroup
VirtualOne-on-One

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

7. 1. Be welcoming
1
Photo
Credit:
Flickr,
Lars
Hammar
h6ps://flic.kr/p/4jTRQc

8. How-to: Be welcoming
» Friendly smile
» Meet them where they are
» Get to know the learner
1

9. 2. Assess the need
2

10. 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

11. 3. Give up control
3
Photo
credit:
Flickr,
Dale
Lane
h6ps://flic.kr/p/9PS7DF

12. » Let them “drive”
» Allow hands-on practice
» Let them lead
» Collaborate with them
How-to: Give up control
3

13. 4. Stay focused
4
Photo
credit:
KeepCalm-­‐o-­‐maGc,
Raquel,
h6p://www.keepcalm-­‐o-­‐maGc.co.uk/p/keep-­‐calm-­‐and-­‐focus-­‐your-­‐a6enGon/

14. How-to: Stay focused
» Listen closely
» React thoughtfully
» Improvise: Be flexible & creative
» Admit your own limits
» Learn with them
4

15. 5. Go slow
5
Photo
credit:
Flickr,
dotpolka
h6ps://flic.kr/p/fT5yf

16. How-to: Go slow
» Break it down into steps
» Select teaching points with care
» Don’t assume knowledge
» Be patient
5

17. 6. Communicate clearly
6

18. How-to:
Communicate clearly
» Simplify ideas & concepts
» Give relevant examples
» Avoid jargon
» Check in with learners
» Allow for Q&A
6

19. 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

20. BONUS
TIP

21. HAVE FUN!!!
Photo
credit:
Flickr,
Link
Humans
h6ps://flic.kr/p/dFZcpr

22. HAVE FUN!!!
» Tell jokes
» Use puns
» Show silly images
» Practice with fun websites

23. 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!!!

24. Thank
you!
www.kixal.com
info@kixal.com
@kixalkixal

25. 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/