In this case, when the student is ready, a website will be there. Luckily, the websites are tireless even when the student can be trying.
There is so much to learn. Despite the level of education you have, if you think you're done, another teacher will show up. Usually, at least for me, it's to teach how there is so much you don't know. It's a running joke: it's not learning something new every day, it's learning several new things a day. There is help. Professional development and continuing education are fabulous ways to direct to you to other groups in this situation. The quickest and often most economical way I find, is a webinar or podcast from the comfort of your own desk.
There are other ways to gather information without stepping into an online classroom or listen in on a presentation. One method is to browse through slideshare. http://www.slideshare.net/It's a youtube for powerpoint. Along those same lines, I like seeing what other libraries and librarians are doing in their programs. I'll sometimes look on their websites and browse youtube for ideas. There are a lot of great examples of storytimes on those sites. Kent District Library in Michigan includes some examples of their storytimes. http://www.kdl.org/kids/go/storytime_videos
Still, there is a lot of benefit from training opportunities conducted on site and in person. The opportunity to ask questions, discussions with other participants and communal experience of being a learner- as long as I don't have to do group projects- can be a wonderful experience. I find myself being more of an active learner if I have a brick and mortar building to go to. However, I do enjoy the benefits of an online class, podcast or webinar.
oooh, thanks for the tip on the KDL site & videos! looks neat. and i agree about learning - that was what drew me to this profession, that is never stops! :-)
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