PLAN - WHAT DID YOU SET OUT TO DO? | |
| Summary/ Description of Activity | |
| A University of the Third Age group of volunteers which will support senior members in their Family History research. | |
| Learning objectives: | |
| = The participant will be able to use online and printed genealogy sources. = The participant will be able to share knowledge and experience with other group members. | |
| DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY | |
| Date [dd/mm/yyyy] | 23/10/2008 |
| Length of activity | 2 hours |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Organiser | U3A volunteer |
| Tutor | U3A volunteer |
| Group Size | 10 |
| Venue | Public Library |
| Location | Dartmouth, Devon UK |
| Environment | Small coastal town |
| Location Factors | Limited parking |
| Partnerships | U3A, Local History Group |
| Target group | Those no longer in full time employment. |
| Contact | http://www.u3a.org.uk |
| Marketing | Word of mouth |
| Method of delivery | Informal group guided by skilled members. |
| Equipment required | Computer access. Meeting table and chairs |
| Other Factors | Loss of internet access would restrict activity. |
| Tasks | (Task1) Involving seniors in learning process |
EVALUATION OF ACTIVITY| Evaluation of the Learning Objectives |
| •Participants now developing skills in using online sources •Group members to meet regularly to share knowledge •Participants returning and more members joining |
| Evaluation of the activity |
| •Enthusiastic participation, with much exchange of ideas •Staff pleased to see library being used for an additional purpose. Very little input needed from staff •As membership increases more computers and table space will be needed |
| Evaluation of what was learned by the participants |
| •Explored a range of online sources and how to access them •Shown examples of ways to record the results of searches •Knowledge passed from one participant to another •Further learning could include developing skills in using search facilities of online sources |
| Evaluation of what staff have learned |
| Need to make sure sufficient computers, tables and chairs are available. |
| Keywords |
| Genealogy; family history; U3A; Devon; England; volunters; |
| ANALYSIS OF EVALUATION |
| What would you change to improve activity? |
| Reserve computers in advance |
| What particular circumstance could affect a change in the activity? |
| •Are the online sources, eg Ancestry.com, available? •Is there someone with sufficient knowledge available, to lead the group? •Is internet access reliable and inexpensive? |
| Other possible Activities |
| •Workshops to spread skills to wider public •Display of results/ family trees being produced |
| Best practice |
| This is a successful example of how libraries can encourage volunteers by providing facilities and a venue. |
| Transferability: |
| N/A |