Our library lends out Nooks, Kindles, IPads, and Windows tablets. We also offer downloadable e-books, audiobooks, and music. After the holidays, more and more people were coming in, asking for help with their devices, so we created a tablet workshop.
The first tablet workshop I hosted was open to both Apple and Android devices. The next set of classes was split into two, because Apple and Android, while similar, are just different enough to throw off new users.
Similar to my Pinterest class, I overprepared with a huge outline. I wound up walking around the classroom, basically doing laps, and answering clusters of questions as I went. One thing I highly suggest: have the participants break into groups by device. While you're helping other people, they can help one another with tips and tricks. Many people had their questions answered--and were able to answer questions of others, before I even had a chance to. I always like when patrons can get to know one another at a program.
The questions mostly centered on basic navigation--the home button, tap/double tap/holding an icon or link etc, and App stores. The concept of an app was also a main theme. The apps skip the step of opening a browser and navigating to a URL--something many of our patrons find bothersome or confusing. I think tablets have a lot of potential for our community, and I'm looking forward to seeing how else we can incorporate it into our programming.
You can email me at maggiemwiggins@gmail.com for the tablet outline, if you're interested. I found the tablet company websites had pretty decent tutorials. I also found good information on the For Dummies website. I have two tablet classes scheduled this season, so we'll see if my experiences then are any different.
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