Digital Literacy Programs in Public Libraries

Logan City Council Libraries

Jenny Hall – Young People’s Librarian

• Tech for programs• Coding for kids• Robotic workshops• Other programs

Tech for Programs

What they are – Introduce customers to range of eServices and eResources available.

• Deliver digital literacy skills;

• For participants to discover a range of free online tools that support and

enhance learning.

• Increase confidence in using unfamiliar devices; gain new knowledge and

understanding about technology

• To engage with play based learning to learn technology skills

• Build links between library and home.

The current set of programs :

Tech for Toddlers - my ABCs, Building blocks, Techno Picasso, Shake, Rattle and RollTech for Kids – Read with me; Techno Lego; R U Game; iWrite iTell; iSnap Happy; iMaths; iDrawTech for Teens –iRock and iRoll; Read it!; ArtPad; Finding my career; Digitial Tattoo and Google it!Tech for Adults – Reading; Family history; Heath; Cooking; iPads 101; Astronomy (travel to the stars); iRenovate; …Tech for Boomers – Brain Training; Brain Games; Grey Nomading…

Positives and Challenges – equipment, popularity

Coding for kids

Scratch workshops; Coderdojo

Open source, volunteer led sessions where participants learn problem solving and digital literacy skills in a fun, social environment.

What we are currently running – Coderdojo Logan Hyperdome Library; Scratch at Marsden

Positives and Challenges – age range, volunteers, popularity of sessions, restrictions on what can be loaded on PAMMs

Robotic workshops

LEGO® Robotic workshops – Wedo and EV3

• Provide a model and opportunity for parents/carers to experiment and

explore with their children

• Promote verbal and visual language skills

• Provide an opportunity to develop problem solving skills

• Build knowledge of basic computer programming skills

• Promote library resources and programs to parents/carers and young

people

• Promote group work and communications skills.

Initial instructions for participants• Today when using the kits – each pair is using one kit with

all the pieces you need. Please don’t mix pieces between kits – each kit has the same pieces don’t share between kits – if you don’t have a piece please ask me this is important (as it can get messy)

• Safety – please be careful as we power cords set up in the room today.

Today is a brief introduction quick look at LEGO EV3. To start off today we will 1st part – Build a simple robot called ‘Riley Rover; 2nd part –Program the robot to do some simple tasks3rd part –Rescue (object of your choice) through an obstacle course

• UQ Robogals• Dr Damien Kee - Domabotics• GU• Funding

• Staff training • School holiday sessions• Under 8’s week sessions• Book Week sessions

Positives and challenges: mix of participants; demand is high; great reception by staff; equipment availability; cost vs time =long term good investment; It is coding but linked to the physical!!Learning through discovery, experiment and play!!Really is social!!

Other things we are holding:

LEGO® Storystarter; Minecraft challenges; R U Game; Music recording and mixing workshops.

Other ideas and programs....