Using DigitalLearn in Your Library

Community members enter public libraries every day, hoping to complete life tasks many of us take for granted, but lacking the basic computer skills to accomplish them. DigitalLearn.org can complement the classes and one-on-one training your library staff are already providing. DigitalLearn.org is a collection of video-based tutorials to help inexperienced and low-level learners with computers and the internet. This free on-demand overview of PLA’s digital literacy tool for libraries includes specific information on how your library can start the process of creating its own DigitalLearn site. Custom sites enable libraries to access the growing collection of DigitalLearn courses, track and demonstrate impact through learner analytics, customize course and page content specific to your community, develop courses on local content, and co-brand the site to become a service of your library. Information is shared on how to create your own site using open source files, how to work through PLA to arrange basic customization and hosting, and more. Also covers features available, benefits to your library, costs, and timelines.

Originally presented June 7, 2017.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will:

  • Understand how to integrate DigitalLearn.org into the library’s digital literacy training efforts;
  • Be able to spread information among library staff about a simple tool they can recommend to patrons seeking computer help; and
  • Recognize multiple benefits to using DigitalLearn.org as a library service, including reducing burdens on staff, capturing learner data, and promoting local resources.

Additional Resources

Who Should Attend

Public library staff working in multiple capacities should consider participating. Adult services staff and those currently responsible for digital literacy training will see value in using DigitalLearn.org to reduce the time needed for one-on-one instruction and to make the library’s technology training more accessible outside library walls. Technology and digital services staff will learn about how a library-specific DigitalLearn site can be created, hosted, and administered; and what functionality it offers; and how it might integrate into existing library technology. Library directors will appreciate how co-branding a DigitalLearn site with PLA can provide the library with access to impact data and become a tool to engage community partners like education systems, employment groups, and others.

Panelists

Scott G. AllenScott G. Allen is a deputy director at PLA, where he is responsible for DigitalLearn.org as well as programs on family engagement, equity and diversity, fundraising, and more.

 

Jen MartinezJen Martinez is a product coordinator at Anneal/Commerce Kitchen, where she’s lead the development team to successfully launch many custom DigitalLearn.org sites for libraries, among other projects.

 

 

Marian D. ChristmonMarian D. Christmon leads Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library's digital inclusion team and its initiatives to help close the digital divide in the city of Nashville.

 

 

Kevin KingKevin King is the head of Branch and IT Services at Kalamazoo (Mich.) Public Library, where he has oversight of IT, four branches, circulation, and security, and formerly oversaw ILS, adult programming, and audio visual.

 

Registration

Cost

This on-demand webinar is free and available 24/7 for your viewing convenience.

How to Register

No registration is required.

Tech Requirements

To playback this archived webinar you should have either the latest version of Flash running on your computer, or use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Internet Explorer. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Credits or CEUs

PLA does not award credit hours, or CEUs, for its on-demand webinars and cannot verify participation.

Contact

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752). If you are interested in creating your library’s own DigitalLearn site, contact Scott Allen at PLA via email or phone at 312-280-5858.