Ho, etc.

So, I'm finished with this week's PSA. I crafted every little piece of it, down to the soundtrack. I couldn't find the jingle bell sound in GrageBand, so I had to paste in a clip over and over... What a pain! It's worth it. Here's a screenshot from FCP.
Here's the Link

1.0 Patrons II

Here is an interesting link. The idea of charging a small, refundable sign up fee, in this case $5 to get people to show up to free classes.

Web 1.0 Patrons

Here is the response I gave to a colleague who wanted to know how I handle Patrons who are completely new to the computer.

Yup, it's definitely a slippery slope. Do you sit down and devote 30 minutes to one person when there are 5 more standing waiting for help?
I say:
"Well, I can get you started..."

When people come up and want to find something specific, like a phone number, I help them reserve a computer and then I stand behind them and verbally direct them,
"Double click the blue "E" on the desk top, Click, click, quickly....no, not on the word "Explorer" but on the big blue "E"
"Click in the address window using the mouse"
"Now type in people.yahoo.com, use the mouse to click in the search window and enter the names, you can use the "Tab" button to navigate between entry fields."
"Every blue underlined word is a link that can be followed to a new site full of more information."
tedious, but it's all I can do, I work in a public computing center with 25 terminals and 2 printers. There is ALWAYS someone who needs help.

We also have brochures that are pretty good at directing through the steps of getting a gmail account or filing an unemployment voucher.

If they can't manage to grasp the functionality of a mouse and keyboard combo, I send them to Reader's Services for the class schedule.

I am quick to point out that when it comes to specific websites, I'm clueless to the details because there are thousands of websites. I can't know it All.

I also allow myself to say "I've reached the limits of my knowledge, I can't help you because I just don't know anymore than what I've already shown you."

By this time there are usually a bunch of people standing around waiting for my help and I can scurry off.

Is this a cultural issue?
Is this an age issue?
Is it a class issue?
In the Computer Center it's usually a Class/Economic issue, people who have fallen through the cracks in the educational system are being asked to be computer literate.
I can give them the tools, give them a few starter tips and then they are on their own because I don't have the time to individually tutor each and every person that comes through the door. I'm as helpful as I can be.
I hope this helps and I hope you understand that I'm not trying to be callous to people who need help, I'm protecting myself from burning out and being useless to the other people who need help.

thumbtest2

thumb test

Gloria, up close.

Gloria, up close.
Originally uploaded by Kay Graphic

Former FCC Commissioner, Gloria Tristani gives a rousing Keynote Speech at the luncheon.

Me at IOLUG

Me at IOLUG
Originally uploaded by Kay Graphic

I went to "Reaching Digital Natives and Immigrants: Library 2.0" held November 2, 2007, at the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library to present to the Indiana On Line User's Group with Sean. It went really well, everyone was quite attentive and it was wonderful to see so many people.

Checklist for tomorrow

OK, Gotta get my act together. Poster session for the IOLUG session tomorrow:
Buy today

1. Black Duct Tape
2. Push Pins
3. Hanging card thing
4. Spray Tack
5. Energy bar

List for tomorrow
1. Laptop
2. Cameras
3. Cords
4. printed materials, cards, licenses, outline sheets
5. Poster