Kathleen Gadd (Librarian, Horizon Health Network – Miramichi Area)
Robyn Butcher (Librarian, University of Toronto)
Mobile devices are all around us and can be used for a variety of purposes, often obtaining and disseminating information. Whether we work in a public library, academic library or special library, more and more of our users have mobile devices and want to know how to integrate it into their school work or workflow. As information specialists we can teach our users how to select the right tools and use them efficiently. What are some strategies for teaching skills around using mobile devices for knowledge? We will showcase teaching ideas and tips such as: an effective way to gauge your audience’s experience and aptitude and how to arrange them in suitable groups; use of exercises in small group settings, the appropriate use of a projector for demos, hosting an ‘open mic’ session for users to show and tell their favourite apps; technology petting zoo for users to try new apps and devices; and how to teach users to evaluate apps. We are going to show you how to keep it fast and fun and give them the appropriate technical knowledge without too much jargon.