The Accidental Technology Trainer: A Guide for Libraries

by Stephanie Gerding

Book by Stephanie K. Gerding

Genres: Nonfiction, Unfinished, Librarianship

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2007

Reviews

[CTEP]

The Accidental Technology Trainer: A Guide for Libraries is a helpful guide for people who have (somehow) found themselves teaching technology within a library setting, like me. It covers working in computer labs and teaching one-on-one, but its primary focus is on creating and conducting workshops/classes. This book was published in 2007, so it does feature a somewhat dated view of technology. It stresses the importance of teaching technology skills in a library setting, something I doubt we would question today. It reassures new trainers and provides them with the resources needed to become an effective teacher. The book includes real-life examples from librarians and is a great starting point for “accidental” technology trainers.

This book explicitly deals with many of the challenges I face as an “accidental” technology trainer at my site. As someone who does not have experience teaching technology skills, this book reassured me that I was not alone. It provides tons of resources that I can use to learn how to deal with adult learners and develop my curriculum to best meet their needs. It focuses primarily on teaching adults, which is my focus at the library. Most of my teaching experience has been with youth, so it was helpful for me to learn about how adults learn differently. Having worked a few of the open labs and assisting in a couple of classes, I have seen some of the ways teaching adults is different from youth. The author stresses the importance of teaching to different types of learners and making classes more participatory, something I think the library could do better at.

I'm glad I chose to read this book at the beginning of my service. It provides encouragement to those of us who view ourselves as “accidental” or perhaps just a little unprepared to serve as technology trainers. For those in a similar position, it is a great resource and starting point for their service. It is also a crash course in learning theories, curriculum development, and working with adults. For someone without previous training in these areas, it is incredibly helpful. It provides lots of resources and plenty of questions for us to reflect upon as we begin to serve at our sites and develop our own curriculum. I believe this would be a great book to read for any CTEP members serving at library sites.

[Ame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent technology training primer for anyone new to training (or even with a few years of experience!). Sadly, many of the websites/resources are outdated now, which comes with the territory of teaching technology. Still, this is a valuable resource in terms of figuring out your learners, your training style, creating an ideal teaching environment, etc. The book even comes with some checklists so you can prep for your training and look at skills you may be lacking as an authority on professional development.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book informative. It is an excellent guide to both online resources and other material.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourteen years later, this book is a little dated but still has good points on how to train, in person, adult learners on technical subjects.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though a lot of this is a bit dry, and I completely skipped the chapter on adult learning styles, this was a handy book in the fact that it's about being a technology trainer specifically in a library setting.

Some useful tips:

Use analogies! (Technology is like traffic. There are a lot of detours and delays, and sometimes you get lost, but in the end you get where you need to go.)

Keep it fresh by doing something topical or themed. (In the March Intro to Internet class, have them look up a tax form they may need on IRS.gov.)

"Participants will be more committed to the training if they help influence the topics. You can give them a list of six objectives, for instance, and have them pick the four they are most interested in focusing on."

"Don't be a storyteller, but use [personal] anecdotes to support the learning goals for the workshop."

"Be flexible...You must 'read' the participants and adjust the agenda if necessary; you won't always know their skill level in advance."

"Use directional language." (along the top, on the bottom right, etc.)

Gather staff at lunch for a short training session and offer food.

"You acquire the most important training skills through work experience, life experience, study, and training. These include enthusiasm and attitude; social skills; self-confidence; subject knowledge, empathy, patience, and flexibility; respect; communication skills; facilitation and interaction; and planning skills. Remember: Training is all about helping people learn, which librarians often do already as part of their other services."

"Tell participants they must: 1) make mistakes, 2) ask stupid questions, 3) cheat, and 4) have fun. I explain...that it is better for them to make mistakes now than when they go home. I remind them that they won't break the computer. I tell them I encourage stupid questions, because usually someone else is wondering the same thing. I will pause during the workshop and ask if anyone has a stupid question for me [and when someone raising their hand] I thank them for following my rules."

Snowball fight icebreaker - have everyone write a question on a piece of paper, ball it up and throw it. Keep throwing them around for a few minutes, then have everyone pick one up and read the question aloud. Spend a few minutes answering the questions.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerding, Stephanie K. The Accidental Technology Trainer: A Guide for Libraries. Medford, NJ: Information Today, 2007. Kindle.
Summary: This book contains useful source information for both the novice and veteran technology trainer. Gerding goes into detail in describing when describing various learning models and training models. She explains to the reader how to deal with trainees who come to the training with their own agenda, which may be either negative or positive. Hands-on resources are provided in the appendices for both organization and course development. I recommend this book to anyone interested in providing technology training. This book provides information that will prepare trainers for all possible situations.
Ridiculously Simple Synopsis: Learn how to be a great technology trainer.
Reading Level: Adult or high school.
Genre: Non-fiction

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and benefitted from it greatly. I recommend reading it with a notepad close by to jot down techniques that will work for you so you can test them out. The value of this book: not only is the author an accomplished trainer she incorporates techniques and tips from other front-line trainers. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is to encourage a new edition! Must read for library trainers!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am taking a month-long online course with the same title as this book. It is offered through the American Library Association and is taught by the author. The book on its own is very helpful. It is readable and full of practical ideas. I recommend it!

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turned out to be homework. Shared what I learned with my co-workers. Will be using some of this stuff in my training.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative, but dry and a bit out-of-date.