Engaging Education in a Pandemic: Virtual Learning
Chattanooga Public Library, Tenn.
Innovation Synopsis
The Chattanooga Public Library adapted its programming methods to overcome pandemic-related challenges and deliver engaging, educational programs virtually to patrons aged 0-18, including our Make.Play.Read.Learn. (MPRL) summer learning program and a new fall learning program designed to support local schools.
Challenge/Opportunity
The pandemic created two main challenges CPL had to overcome to deliver virtual education:
- Turn years worth of tried and true in-person programs into something digital.
- Address the struggle local schools experienced engaging students virtually since mid-March.
Luckily, CPL had an advantage: the entire youth programming staff working from home with library technology. By the time our MPRL summer program started, the programming staff had a full slate of digital programs ready to help kids in our community.
Key Elements of Innovation
CPL partnered with Hamilton County Schools to enrich their curricula through its MPRL program, and it developed an online learning portal to encourage and track participation. CPL increased its online presence with storytime videos from local celebrities like Leslie Jordan, and launched a YouTube channel with the custom URL chattlibrary.tv. This highly accessible platform became the home of digital programs, and viewership continues to increase due to videos featuring local partners such as Tennessee Aquarium.
Achieved Outcomes
The MPRL 2020 program was a success, reaching over 5,000 views in July. For the Fall Edition of MPRL, CPL’s programming team started creating content on-demand in certain contexts for the school district. We’ve recently created a video for etiquette in the digital classroom and how to create a Google form to collect consent and agreement to library card policy for distance learners at the specific request of teachers and school librarians in our district. Our digital programming has moved from support to integration.
