Photo credit: Don Erhardt
Working at UBC Library means having access to new technologies, and the ability to delve into a variety of learning experiences. When a temporary Instructional Support Assistant position came up, Library Assistant Carolyn Carvajal jumped at the opportunity to expand her skill set and gain experience in a different Library division.
In her new role, Carvajal provided instructional and technical support for an online classroom software program, and coordinated the use of iClickers – wireless handheld devices that allow students to respond to classroom polls and quizzes. The hands-on experience helped build on knowledge she had gained through workshops provided by the UBC Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT).
“I’ve become more comfortable using technology, and more confident in sharing my knowledge. It’s really important for people to take risks sometimes, and experiment with new things. Learning how to handle challenges and moving on is all part of developing your skill set,” says Carvajal.
Learning experiences at the Library often provide staff with the opportunity to develop transferrable skills, such as leadership, teaching support and coordination. Carvajal’s experience gave her insight into the instructional role librarians take on at UBC, and helped her appreciate how they use technology to make classrooms interactive and engaging for students. It increased her exposure to multiple databases, which has since helped in her ongoing position as a Library Assistant.