After being selected in September 2007 as the winners to receive the $1500 mini-grant offered by the Office of Staff Development from the New York Public Library and WebJunction, next was the selection of the dates for our two 4 session series of classes at New Dorp branch library.
We chose the months of November and December, to give us enough time to gather all the supplies needed as well as distribute flyers and spread the word about our program.
We posted flyers in our branch, distributed some to the local shops (Laundromats, Mexican delis), distributed to ESOL students at the New Dorp Branch and brought some to Open School Night at P.S. 41.
People were really interested and our first class got filled quickly. We started signing up for the session in December. We limited the classes to 10 adults, to be able to use the laptops available at the branch and also be capable of handling and giving attention to the students. There was a limit of 20 children aged 4 to 12 years old.
Materials were purchased for craft activities for children and the classes for adults. We also contacted a local Mexican restaurant to cater for our parties.
For each adult class, we made and distributed folders with dividers for each section (Computer basics, basic word, searching the web, e-mail, how to use computers at NYPL). They also received the documents Su Tarjeta de la Biblioteca (your Library Card), Directorio de las bibliotecas (Library Locations) and Esta es su biblioteca (This is your library) which were already published by the New York Public Library. Participants were also provided with a notepad, pen and a USB flash drive. Each student had use of a laptop to practice hands-on what they were learning.
Classes were held during the branch late night days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and were from 6 PM to 8 PM.
The November sessions were as follow:
November 15th: Computer Basics & Basic Word.
During the first session, participants were welcomed and library cards were distributed to the people that didnt have one (children and adults). We had a variety a people: mostly from Mexico; a few from Colombia and Bolivia -- fathers, mothers, even a grandfather who provided care for his grandchildren.
Patty Kettles took the children to the Childrens Room while Adriana Blancarte-Hayward stayed with the adults in the Community Room.
Adriana explained how the course was going to be. It needed continuity because to be able to advance to the next session, people would need to know what was taught the class before. The session started with a lecture about computers, making it interactive by asking questions so people could participate. A power point presentation was used to help visualize concepts. Since participants were also given a USB flash drive, they were taught how to use it. The second part of this session was focused on students learning to use the mouse.
Patty started making a Sponge Bob Squarepants Piñata with the kids. They also read stories and colored pictures.
November 20th: cont. Basic Word & Internet Explorer.
During our second class and all through the following sessions a projector was used as a visual to help the students comprehend better. Students were able to save documents in their flash drives. They also learned how to create, modify and manipulate a Word document. They learned how to navigate the Internet, particularly using Internet explorer.
Patty and the children worked some more on their piñata, read books, played games and made a craft.
November 27th: Searching on the Web & E-mail.
Students learned how to search for information on the web, and an e-mail account in Gmail was created for each one of them. They practiced sending some e-mails to each other and to Adriana.
The children and Patty finished their piñata, made a craft, colored pictures, read stories and played board games.
November 29th: How to use the computers at NYPL & Party.
Children and adults were shown how to sign up for computer reservations. We also explained the NYPL policies for using computers and printing. After that we had our party. Participants received a Certificate of Completion, children broke the piñata they created (which was filled with goodies), and we had a nice celebration with food, games and music.
The December courses were similar to the November ones, outlined as follow:
December 11th: Computer Basics & Basic Word.
During the first session, participants were welcomed and library cards were distributed to the people that didnt have one (children and adults). We had a variety a people: Again mostly from Mexico, and a few from Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala, with a varying range of ages.
Patty Kettles took the children to the Childrens Room while Adriana Blancarte-Hayward stayed with the adults in the Community Room.
Adriana explained how the course was going to be. It required continuity because to be able to advance to the next session people would need to know what was explained in the previous class. It started with a lecture about computers, making it interactive by asking questions so people could participate. A power point presentation was used to help visualize concepts. Since participants were also given a USB flash drive, they were taught how to use it. The second part of this session was focused on students learning to use the mouse.
For this session, the children worked on several holiday related crafts, which they used to gift their parents/caregivers as presents. They also read books and colored pictures.
December 18th: cont. Basic Word & Internet Explorer.
During our second class and all through the following sessions a projector was used to show what was happening on Adrianas computer to help the students comprehend better and as a guide for when they followed instructions on their own computers. Students were able to save documents in their flash drives and learned how to create a Word document and how to modify it and manipulate it. They also learned about the Internet and particularly about Internet explorer.
Patty and the children worked on a different craft, read some stories and played some board games.
December 20th: Searching on the Web & E-mail.
Students learned how to search for information on the web. We asked them for their input and suggestions regarding what they would like to find on the Internet, participants got engaged and interested in learning to conduct their own searches. An e-mail account was created for each one of them in Gmail. They practiced sending some e-mails to each other and to Adriana.
The children and Patty colored some pictures, read books, played board games, and made a new craft.
December 27th: How to use the computers at NYPL & Party.
Children and adults were shown how to sign up for computer reservations. We also explained the NYPL policies for using computers and printing. After that we had our party. Participants received a Certificate of Completion, children broke a piñata (which was filled with goodies), and we had a nice celebration with food, games and music.
About 15 adults completed all four classes in one of the series. Many more people took 1, 2 or 3 of the classes. Classes had an average of 10-12 children aged 4 to 12. We did not use all of the money we were given, and sent back a portion of it. This could easily be accomplished with $300 for a group of 10 people. If we did not have money for catering the students would have been happy to bring potluck dishes.
People were really grateful for having the chance to take this course. They have told other people and we have had many requests from more patrons asking for more classes. Some of the people who already took the course wanted to take it again, as a refresher. Other participants wanted more advanced classes. Several of the families are now regular NDR library users. They now know how things work and know their way around. They are also not afraid to come to the library and ask for help.
For us, it was a great experience. It gave us a chance to interact in a closer basis with these members of the community. Hopefully there will be a way to offer more of this service since is so needed and requested.
Attached please find some pictures.
Thank you.
