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Cutting-edge technology makes learning easy

Information Outlook - June 1, 1997

According to the Special Libraries Association's 1996 Super Survey, SLA members ranked distance learning formats, such as computer-based instruction and videoconferencing, right behind attending continuing education programs in-person as the preferred delivery format. In response, SLA's Professional Development Department has expanded its distance learning by offering members even more opportunities to participate in educational programming from any location.

SLA is now offering members the opportunity to participate in high-quality multimedia courses from their homes or offices. SLA is partnering with Pace University's School of Information Science and Information Systems to offer three technology courses from September 8, 1997, through October 12, 1997.

"The Seven Keys to Highly Effective Web Sites" introduces a number of key concepts that make some Web sites better than others. Students will view over 100 carefully selected Web sites that are attractive, provide valuable timely information, are easy to find and use, are responsive, and actively involve their visitors. Students will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of these sites, and learn how to apply some of these lessons to their own sites.

If you are interested in learning about the main aspects of HyperText Markup Language (HTML), you'll want to participate in "Creating Your Own Homepage: HyperText Markup Language Essentials." You'll learn how to create a real HTML document, links for several HTML documents, ordered and unordered lists, hyperlinks, and HTML documents that include sounds and images.

If you have already taken an introductory HTML course, there is an "Advanced HTML" program. This course will cover the advanced features of HTML including the use of tables on Web pages, special characters, and transparent and interlaced images. Students will learn how to create Web pages with forms, including transmitting and processing their data. Client-side image maps will be explored and techniques and uses of frames will be studied by participants with a brief introduction to JAVA scripts.

What makes these courses unique is their combination of delivery formats to address the needs of every type of student. Each new module will be introduced by the instructor through videotaped instruction. Online instruction gives participants the hands-on interactive training they need to master the topics. In addition, textbook readings supplement the understanding of information provided on the Internet and videotapes. Discussion groups allow participants to raise questions or share ideas with the instructor and fellow classmates. Finally, handouts enhance learning with supplemental outlines and graphics. You select the time and place that is most convenient for you to participate. To take part, you must have Internet connectivity with the ability to use a browser, familiarity with the World Wide Web and basic Internet terminology, and approximately two hours a week to dedicate to the course. For registration information, check our Web site at www.sla.org under "Educational and Career Opportunities" or call the Professional Development Department at 1-202-234-4700, ext. 649.

SLA and Knight-Ridder Information, Inc. will be partnering again for a fall distance learning videoconference titled, "Giving Users What They Really Want/Need" to be held on October 16, 1997, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The program will focus on determining what users really want, the differences between what users want versus what they need, and providing services to users in an increasingly virtual world. The broadcast will take place between 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., with "wrap-around sessions" before and after the broadcast. The event will be hosted by SLA and Knight-Ridder in the following cities: Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, Toronto, Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. You can add your city by registering your own site if you live in the U.S. or Canada. If a site is already being hosted by SLA/Knight-Ridder in your city, special arrangements can be made in order to bring the program into your facility for staff development. To register for the program or to host a site, check our Web site at www.sla.org under "Educational and Career Opportunities" or call the Professional Development Department at 1-202-234-4700, ext. 649.

Our last distance learning videoconference, which aired on March 20, 1997, titled "The Future For Librarians: Positioning Yourself For Success," reached approximately 4,000 librarians - our largest audience ever. The videoconference, jointly sponsored by SLA, the American Association of Law Libraries, the Medical Library Association, and LEXIS-NEXIS, was a site registration event only. This means that rather than rent sites in select cities, each association's chapters and/or members hosted their own sites. Some sites used the program as a fundraiser for their chapters, while others brought the program into their facilities for staff development. SLA members hosted 55 sites with a combined total of 155 for all three associations. This program featured panelists discussing the new roles that librarians will be taking in the changing information environment; the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to assume these roles; and how today's librarians can maximize their influence in the 21st century.

The SLA distance learning program has grown dramatically during the last two years. Our first videoconference aired in September 1995, with "Issues Concerning Electronic Copyright." This program featured a panel of leading experts examining and discussing issues the electronic environment raises, and the impact new copyright restrictions will have on corporate and other librarians. There were downlink sites in seven cities with 120 librarians attending. In April 1996, SLA featured our second videoconference, "Getting What You Want: Developing a Marketing Strategy." This program focused on how to market the library/information center and how to use different technologies to one's advantage. This event was hosted in seven cities with 80 people in attendance. In October 1996, over 500 librarians took part in the "Getting Out of the Box: The Knowledge Management Opportunity" videoconference which was available in 15 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. This program delivered insights and practical tips on the emerging knowledge management phenomenon, its strategic importance, and how librarians can position themselves to play a key role.

If you missed any of these distance learning programs, you can still order videotapes of the programs in either VHS or PAL format. Contact the Publications Department at 1-202-234-4700, ext. 643.

SLA is striving to meet the needs of all of its members. The distance learning format allows us to offer high-quality educational programs to cities that normally do not have the opportunity to participate. Currently, our new multimedia courses can accommodate members from all over the world - not just the U.S. and Canada. Feedback from members who have participated in these distance learning programs has been excellent. We encourage you to find out how you can take advantage of these educational opportunities. For more information on any of the above distance learning programs, check out the SLA Web site at www.sla.org, under "Educational and Career Opportunities," or call 1-202-234-4700, ext. 649.

For more information on "Professional Development Outlook," or to contribute to the column, please contact Director, Professional Development Valerie Taylor at: 1-202-234-4700, ext. 617; fax: 1-202-265-9317; e-mail: valerie@sla.org.

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