Chrisp’s e-learning expriences

Seems there are a  smorgasbord of different e-learning providers offering varied services online.

Choosing a good course could be challenging.

Following is a passage from one provider that may be of some value.

“ABOUT THE COURSE
The technical competencies essential or desirable for virtual reference librarians to acquire or to improve on are the foundation of virtual reference service provision. Virtual reference service is built on a technical infrastructure. The Internet, the World Wide Web, e-mail, Web chat, Instant Messaging, and all the associated supportive technology and software are the environment in which virtual reference librarians work. In “Virtual Reference Competencies: Acquire and Improve Technical Skills and Knowledge,” participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to acquire and improve the technical competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
·         assess and improve your ability to type on a computer keyboard and make use of other related input devices (mouse, trackball, touchpad, etc.)
·         assess and improve your work with multiple software applications on a computer with multiple windows, to move appropriately between windows/applications, and to move quickly and mindfully between multiple activities chatting, searching print or electronic sources, etc. (minimal multi-tasking)
·         evaluate and add to your detailed functional knowledge of how to access the Internet, use Internet e-mail, connect to Web sites
·         increase your detailed functional knowledge of at least one Web browser
·         cultivate your awareness of the basic technologies that any given virtual reference service user may or may not be using, have access to, or be limited by
·         develop awareness of the chat software specifics for a given system you are going to be using then develop detailed functional knowledge of the specific chat software used by your library or other organization for chat reference
·         cultivate awareness of how to connect to and chat through Web-based chat software, Internet messaging, etc.
·         add to your awareness of the options for document or information delivery”

Trackback URI | Comments RSS