My Class

Google Exercise in the Computer Lab

Tea Break

Doing Exercises

Working in Pairs

14 students showed up for my class Aug 5-7- they were librarians from universities, teachers' colleges, polytcchnics and school librarians. I didn't exactly have enough material, but it worked. My main point was to make their classes more interactive, more student-centered. Don't just lecture. We had more in common than I thought. Some talked about the lack of respect for librarians. 2 were teaching a full-credit course on Information Literacy. Many talked about the challenges of working with faculty! Most were just doing orientation, not working too much with professors in their classes.

The facilities at NUST were horrible. No screen for the projector. No shades to block the sun. Windows were broken, so could not shut them on a cold day. Door kept slamming shut in the wind. The computer support was great. No wifi- they had to run a cord from the computer lab for internet access. It was a bit production to give the students bottles of water. They did manage to have cookies and cake at the tea break- students really filled up on these refreshments. After more than half had left on Friday the director produced very nice lamintated certificates for each participant.

Their institution paid their tution. I think many of them did not eat lunch. Mostly they were enthusiastic and engaged. They loved learning about Advanced Google searching and using Google Forms for exercises. We did quite a bit of group work- creating a Learning Outcome and an Assessment Rubric for a proposed class. Watched a Ted Video on Great Teachers. Searched Research Guides so they could get access to more Open Access sources. Warmed my heart that even the school librarian had Library Ambassadors that were 4th graders!

The lecturer who was suppose to help me plan the class, showed up in his red velvet blazer the first day. He was prepared for the photo op- university PR came to take pictures.

I was disappointed that Esabel, my host, the director of the library school, never met with me or had me meet with her staff of lecturers. I gave her a great article on how important it is that they teach librarians in library school how to teach- because that is what we do in the field. She never responded to me. They work with their doors closed - I would have liked to learn more about their work- but, she never raised this possiblity.

12 noon on Friday, I called it quits. I thanked them for their participation and expressed how much I enjoyed learning with them. A woman stood up and thanked me as a representative of the group. I gave them oranges for their journey - they were so appreciative. Then we took tons of photos- everyone wanted their individual picture with me and then lots of group photos.