AtoZ Blogging Challenge – QWERTY Keyboard

Program Name: QWERTY (digital literacy)

What: This could be any number of programs about digital literacy – I was super excited I figured out a “Q” word library program! If you have a small budget and no access to a computer lab, there are ways to create children’s programs on coding without actually using technology at all! You can also provide a lock-in event before or after library hours to use public access computers if that’s a possibility.

Where: This program is some capacity needs some access to technology – whether that’s a computer lab of desktops or a pop-up computer lab with laptops or a program that uses tablets or coding without any technology at all – you’ll need a space for a small group to meet.

When: This program could work at any time of year and can be done as a standalone program or a series depending on what you have access to or what your community needs.

Who: We’ve done basic programming at our library with the staff we have, but you may be able to find a volunteer to help teach basic digital literacy programs using computer programs such as internet browsers, word processing and more.

How: There are a number of tutorials that can be found online for digital literacy programs. The first step is figuring out what type of program you want to offer and how many patrons you’re interested in having in each program. With one instructor, I would say no more than 15 people, allowing for time for one-on-one instruction as necessary. A basic way to get started would be to promote an online resource the library has access to – an easy way to offer digital literacy without needing to be an expert on technology.

Alternatives:

• Coding for kids without technology
• Coding with iPad apps
• Online resource how-to programs
• Microsoft Word 101
• How to use Google Drive
• and so many more!

During the month of April, I’ll be participating in the 2018 Blogging from A to Z Challenge. For this year’s theme, I’ll be offering you a library program plan with everything you to need to re-create it at your own library. Most of these programs we’ve offered in the past, others are programs I’d like to try in the future. I’m always looking for new inspiration and I thought you might be too!