February 2008 - Learning

Digital Forums

Engaging with social media in museums

The Engaging with Social Media in Museums research project brings together three major Australian museums (Powerhouse Museum, Australian Museum and Museum Victoria) with the US-based Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, to prototype the use of social media in museums to produce a new source of high-quality cultural information, and to link regional, rural and international users with city-based institutions. As Chief Investigator Dr Angelina Russo will explain, the project explores the impact on museum learning and communication of social media such as blogs and wikis.
Time: Tues 5 February, 9–10am
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

Is anybody out there? Online social networking

From Myspace to Facebook, online social networking has become hugely popular. What does the future hold? A panel discussion, featuring John Lenarcic, Lecturer in IT Social Issues and Public Policy at RMIT; Clem Bastow, freelance writer and broadcaster; Martyn Wild, director of Intuitive Media Australia (creators of SuperClubsPLUS Australia, a social network for kids); and Dylan Leach, presenter of ‘Kicking Behinds’ on the Student Youth Network (SYN).
Time: Tues 26 February, 6.30–8pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Library & Research Skills

In addition to the programs listed below, the Library can provide customised learning programs for groups, designed to meet your needs. To find out more, call 03 8664 7554.

New user’s guide to the Library

Learn to become an efficient and independent user of the Library’s services and collections, including the online catalogue.
Time: Sessions available Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm (ring to book)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7554
Free

Building your research skills

Learn about the research process and how to sort through the huge array of information available. Bring your research question, if you have one.
Time: Wed 13 February, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Accessing Library online resources from home

Learn how to find in-depth and up-to-date information via the Library’s website, from your home computer. You can access journal articles, newspapers, encyclopedias and other e-books through a range of information databases.
Time: Fri 15 February, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Blogging for seniors

It’s never too late to discover new technology! Learn how you can communicate online through a blog (web log), an online journal on any topic. It’s a great way to share your interests and experiences with others.
Time: Tues 19 February, 11am–12noon
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Articles for your research

Learn how to use the Library's extensive database collection in your research, accessing online journals, newspapers, encyclopedias and more.
Time: Tues 26 February, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Programs for Schools

The Education Programs Unit offers tours, workshops and specialised learning activities daily during school terms. View the full program. For bookings and inquiries, call 03 8664 7555 or email education@slv.vic.gov.au.

The changing face of Victoria: Exhibition tour for school groups

Students will be guided in the exhibition to develop an understanding of the arrival of white settlers in Victoria, and of the land's earlier inhabitants. They will view Ned Kelly’s original armour and explore stories and personalities that have made Melbourne unique.
All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student

Mirror of the World: Exhibition tour for school groups

In the exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas, students will discover the evolution of printing, book production and design. Highlights include Audubon’s magnificent Birds of America and superb rare books and literary classics from the 13th to the 21st centuries.
All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student

Library orientation tour

This popular tour is an ideal way for students to engage with the impressive spaces and history of the Library, a Melbourne cultural icon. Highlights include the famous domed La Trobe Reading
Room and the superb Cowen Gallery with its display of historic artworks. On a more practical
level, the tour will introduce students to the Library’s extensive information resources.
All year levels, 45 minutes, $3 per student

Making the Ned Kelly armour

After viewing Ned Kelly’s original armour in The changing face of Victoria exhibition, students will learn about how and why it was made in this hands-on workshop where they create a replica model in PVC-free foam plastic, using safe heat guns and simple tools. The armour can be taken back to school for display and as a classroom resource.
Years 5–10, 1½ hours, $6 per student

Make your own book

In this inspiring workshop, students will discover a variety of book forms on show in the exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas, and will discuss the design and construction of books. They will create their own book in an accordion or pamphlet-stitch style, using templates provided. They will be encouraged by Library teaching staff to approach this fun medium with imagination and creativity.
Years 5–6, 2 hours, $8 per student

The Hoddle Waddle

In this engaging program, students will encounter fascinating historical and cultural sites in Melbourne’s CBD and discover amazing stories. Students will use teamwork skills to navigate the city, find clues and discover locations. They will then present an account of their journey, using Photo Story software and their own photographs. This is an adventurous day of discovery and collaboration.
Years 9–10, 5½ hours, $20 per student (subsidised price for regional Year 9 students through ArtsConnect9)

Research skills intensive

This practical workshop gives senior students the opportunity to consolidate essential research skills. They will be given a guided tour of the Library, learning how to access its collections and services, including registering as a Library user, using the online catalogue, requesting books and using newspaper microfilm readers and information databases.
Years 9–12, 1 hour, $4 per student