We interviewed Computers in Libraries 2015 speaker Michael Stephens about why he thinks opportunities for learning everywhere are so important to our library community. Read below for his answers and make sure to attend the workshop he is teaching with Wendy Newman.
| Dr. Michael Stephens Assistant Professor San Jose State University & Tame the Web
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Question 1: What key library issues are you most concerned about for the coming year?
M.S.- I think it’s an ongoing issue that each and every library find the best and most useful ways to tap into community needs. Librarians need to be present in communities (city, town, campus, school, company) beyond the four walls of the library. Technology helps but so does getting out and being visible. How can people care about us if they don’t know what we do or who we are? And, we should all be ready with that elevator pitch about our jobs, anytime and anywhere. Please see: http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2015/02/opinion/michael-stephens/whats-your-pitch-office-hours/
Question 2: Tell us why you think MOOCs are so important to our library community.
M.S. – I think all learning – in MOOCs, in library instruction classes, in LIS programs – should be as open and connected as possible and built on collaborative experience. Instructors must be present and encourage the learning community. We can do that by providing learning opportunities that are practical, production centered, and get the learner actually doing something. I also believe we should take advantage of the fact that learning can happen ANYWHERE. Our MOOC students and my students at SJSU School of Information participate from wherever they happen to be: blogging on the go via their phones, watching a presentation while doing laundry, or working on a project with others via whatever tool suits them best.
Don’t miss this workshop at Computers in Libraries:
| Sunday April 26 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | W4: MOOC Magic 101: Building a MOOC |