Problems of Practice Resolution
Overview
One of my roles is to help prepare staff to teach the public, online and in-person, on a variety of tools and technology.
As dependency on technology increases, so does the need for computer instruction including computer basics, Microsoft Office products, the internet, and much more.
In order to improve our public technology training program, I performed a critical analysis of the existing program. This research highlighted deficient areas and allowed for science-based recommendations.
Performing in-depth analysis paves the way for improvement and ultimately, success
"All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.”
– Calvin Coolidge
Importance
Public libraries are “free to all” and support open access to resources. For many individuals, it is their only access to technological resources and training.
Assessing the technology training program for patrons meant improving the quality of learning. It also meant expanding it across the system, allowing access in previously under-served communities.
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Taxpayers expect a level of service from local government agencies. This work demonstrated the need for changes to the program leading to a collaborative effort between me and the program manager.
Achievements
As a result, a mission statement is being created, course alignment with the idea of creating a pathway for learning is underway, and improved learner assessment and data analytics have been implemented.
The program is in the process of standardizing the coursework expectations across the entire system so a learner can attend a basic computer course at one location and attend an intermediate course at another location without feeling they are left behind.
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Improved methods for data collection are being examined to allow for data driven updates and revisions to the program.
Strengths
Systems Thinker: Demonstrates strategic awareness. Looks for patterns and makes connections. Sees how parts relate to the whole
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Professional Expertise: Contribute to the design of learning
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Advocacy: Actions to influence decisions to support change for a cause
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Leadership and Vision: Respond to societal and institutional change
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Culturally Responsive: Aware of the dynamics of race, class, gender, and other cultural factors
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Contextual Cognizance: Demonstrate responsiveness to organizational culture, including the capacity to negotiate with others and manage change.
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Communicator: Capacity to work within groups and able to bring groups together for collaboration
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Diversity: Instructional collaboration with a diverse group of peers
Skills
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Analysis
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Needs Assessment
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Workshop Development
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Strategic Planning
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Program Assessment
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Communication
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Research
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Problem Solving
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Interviewing
Insights
Meaningful needs assessment requires review at the macro and micro levels by a variety of stakeholders.
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Learning programs require measurable goals and objectives that align with the mission or purpose statement. Without a specific target, programs will be unable to measure participants’ success
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Data analysis and key findings are required to determine if the program developed from recommendations aligns with the findings from the needs assessment.