Turn Fear Into Passion

Veronica Rutter New City Library

vrutter@rcls.org * @harahel

Turn Fear to Passion

“All learning has an emotional

base.” -Plato

Why does it matter?

• Unmotivated students don’t learn. – Even if it’s something they must learn.

• Dry facts aren’t motivating.

• Don’t rely on the NEED for someone to learn something to engage them. Remember when you had to read a book for school?

Three Rules to Present By

• Cater to preexisting interests.

•Make it easy. • Provide a tangible reward.

If you like cats, you’ll love lolcats!

• Know your audience. What is something they already find appealing and interesting?

• There’s nothing wrong with silly. Humor is an excellent way to start people thinking.

– Laughter is a killer of fear.

– Sometimes what your teaching IS silly, but still worthwhile.

When they make a face at Facebook

• Social networking does not appeal to everyone.

– It can feel threatening and invasive. • Librarything allows for pseudonymous privacy while appealing to the preexisting interest in organizing books.

• LinkedIn is only interested in resume types of information.

Other Alternatives to Consider

• Teaching Flickr or Picasa? Show off some picture mashing sites or find fun and interesting Flickr groups like Looking into the Past.

•  What about Twitter? Go for a laugh and show off Woofer the site that requires you write at least 1400 characters. 

• Trying to get everyone to blog? Give out a few ideas from: No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for your blog by Margaret Mason

It’s like that other thing…only better!

Sometimes, it’s not until you can compare the new system to the old that people can grasp the positive aspects of change.

It’s what you already do…easier!

Don’t say it’s easy,

MAKE it easy.

Make It Easy• Do it yourself, step by step, as if you’ve never seen the technology before.

• Write down every step and if possible, screenshot it.

• Create directions based on that dry run. Leave as little out as possible. – Think Lego.

• On the directions provide a space to write down any usernames or passwords needed.

Provide a Tangible Reward

• Gaining a technological skill cannot be held or admired on a shelf.

• Never, ever, underestimate the power of prizes.

• Think of persuasive reward systems like a slot machine. There are confirming bells, whistles and dings all the time.

“Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up…”

• Utilize preexisting interests. • Make it easy. • Provide a reward.

Veronica RutterNew City Library vrutter@rcls.org @harahel