FAQ on training
New Staff Checklist - Instructor's Checklist
If you are a staff member in the Libraries who needs training, hopefully the first column of this FAQ can provide answers to your questions. If you are teaching a class for staff development and training, the second column gives information regarding designing, developing, teaching and evaluating classes.
Training... what's it all about???
The Purdue University Libraries' strategic plan acknowledges the need for staff training:
- An ongoing staff development program provides opportunities for Libraries faculty and staff to enhance their knowledge, skills, and personal effectiveness to better contribute to the strategic directions and goals.
- Approachable, knowledgeable, and technically skillful library staff act as partners in defining and procuring needed information, as they balance responding to specific information needs with educating users to find, select, and evaluate information resources for themselves.
Who can take Libraries training classes?
Courses scheduled in the Libraries are aimed at providing specific needs for Libraries staff. The course descriptions indicate the audience (e.g., ref staff vs. web developers) for whom there are designed, as well as prerequisites needed to take the class and the learning objectives that will be covered. In some cases, classes may be opened up for outside attendance (for more information contact Rebecca Richardson, Technology Training Specialist, 4-9250).
What if I'm new to the Libraries?
You and your supervisor should review the Checklist for Training for New Staff Members!
How can I sign up for them?
Libraries staff are required to fill in a training plan, have it signed by a supervisor, and send via campus mail to get registered for a class.
What is a training plan?
The training plan is a part of the Libraries performance management system, and serves two purposes. First, it ensures that the employee and supervisor have a discussion regarding needs for training. Second, it ensures that the supervisor is approving the time away from the workplace for learning.
What is the LPMS???
The Libraries Performance Management System is a comprehensive approach for employee performance review which includes two way discussion of workflow and related issues, setting expectations, identifying needs (e.g., training), and ranking performance for yearly merit increases.
I don't see what I need here... now what?
There are several alternatives for other training...
- Some introductory technology courses are taught by other units on campus, like the Teaching and Learning Technologies division of ITaP
- The Libraries has access to videos, books, and other tutorials... contact Rebecca Richardson (4-29250) for more info
- If the need is a priority, perhaps the Libraries should look into creating a new class... talk to Rebecca about it
Can you help me remember what classes I took?
You are in luck! A dynamic web form allows you to retreive that information based on attendance taken in classes. Enter your email address and a password, and create your report
What kind of classes are we talking about?
The Libraries often focuses on training needed to use online technology, either directly on the desktop, over the network or via the Internet. It is recongnized that knowledge for teaching various applications often lies with experts, such as the Voyager Team or subject specialists. Thus, others in the Libraries may be asked to help with, develop or teach courses. These courses may take a variety of formats (e.g., regular 1-3 hour classes in the LEC with hands-on practice; demo sessions in the Bookstall introducing new technologies; discovery sessions which allow for open discussions about trends or upcoming technologies).
What's required of me?
When you teach, you are asked to provide 1) a title and description, 2) learning objectives, 3) an evaluation (as appropriate), 4) materials (handouts), and to 5) schedule the class. The training team will work with to ensure courses are comprehensive and effective, and the process goes smoothly. Here is a checklist for you to use.
Why do I need objectives?
Learning objectives are essential to provide learners with enough information to determine whether they need the class (i.e., covers pertinent content), and if it is applicable (i.e., at the right level). Whereas a description may be eye catching or fun, objectives are usually straightforward, concrete and concise (e.g., new staff will be able to locate a shared folder on a networked server).
Why do I need an evaluation?
The Libraries uses three types of assessment to measure success in training: an objectives-based self-evaluation, in-class exercises which demonstrate skill proficiency, and on-the-job transfer which demonstates workplace application. The evaluation is a web-based form which allows learners to identify how well they feel they can accomplish the objectives, and must be created prior to the class.
What kind of materials should I use?
Foremost, it is recommended that you provide some kind of materials to support learning. While learners may demonstrate they can work through and exercise, or rate themselves highly right after a class, they may need a memory the next week or month when they try to apply the learning. Handouts are meant to provide learners with prompts, and should stand on their own after the class (i.e., more than just a PowerPoint overview, specific steps should be listed). In addition to handouts with step-by-step instructions, you may want to provide screen shots, definitions of terms used, a bibliography or webliography, and perhaps even a manual or workbook.
What about exercises?
In a word, yes! Training sessions often include exercise of skills in three ways. You can be creative in how you include them!
- During a demo, learners practice individual steps of a process (e.g., select menu option, resize window, etc.)
- During class, learners should practice the process, usually as part of a problem-based experience
- For on-the-job application, learners must practice the skill at their workstation, often through "homework"
Who does the scheduling?
Usually, the person doing the training identifies the date and time that will accomodate her or his schedule, and contacts the appropriate person (see below). As far as registration and attendance goes, that is handled by a separate registration process. However, the class calendar is updated to keep an accurate count of how many people have signed up for the class, and an attendance list is sent to the instructor who is doing the training to track who/how many attended. If this is a "regular" class involving hands-on computer practice, you can check the LEC G959 calendar for availability (under Public Folders in Outlook) and contact John Riley to confirm. If you are doing a demo in Bookstall, please contact John Riley; if you need to use a STEW room, please contact Rebecca; if you want to use HSSE conference room, contact Pam Debonte.
Who do I contact about teaching a class?
Rebecca Richardson, Technology Training Specialist (49250). In addition, Chris McCullough, Multimedia Instructional Designer (43714) is available to help with instructional design applications.