The family historian is lucky to have so many resources readily
available in the form of workshops and
webinars. There is an endless list on
any given month or even week where there are numerous webinars and workshops
going on both online and off. With so many opportunities to learn at our
fingertips, it’s hard sometimes to fit it all in. I am a big advocate for
continuous learning and growing, but balance is the key to not burning out.
And let’s face it, your days are busy, you barely have time
to research. However, finding time to
further your knowledge of records and research skills are critical to moving
your family history forward. Understanding how to fit learning in and balancing
it with the rest of your life is the key. Here are 9 ideas to keep in mind when
enrolling in your next workshop or webinar.
Schedule
Learning into Your Life
Workshops are a great opportunity to fit
some regular learning into your life. Commit to one new workshop in a given
time period. Choose your time period, that could be monthly or even weekly. Pencil
it in on the calendar now! Find the
minimum and maximum you’re willing to invest in workshop and webinars so you’re
not in webinar overload.
Balance
a Mix of Free and Affordable
Some workshops and webinars are free, some
affordable. Consider a balance of the two, less of a strain on the pocketbook. Don’t be afraid to shell out a few bucks to
get some in-depth experience and advice. I would include conferences in here.
Some incredible presentations can take place at conferences but they come with
a price tag. Don’t get me wrong I’m all
for paid webinars and conferences, genealogists need to eat too, but balance it
with your needs and funds.
Consider
Your Learning Outcomes
I’m certain I could attend any webinar,
workshop or conference and walk away with a new idea, thought or skill but that
doesn’t mean I have to attend them all. Be selective. Have you ever read a
description to a webinar or workshop, there is usually a set of learning
outcomes that accompany the description.
Consider creating a list of learning outcomes you would like to obtain
over the next year. Post it somewhere visible. Then when webinars or workshops
present themselves compare them to your list. Do they meet your needs? If so, sign
up. If not give it a pass. Don’t overwhelm yourself with every opportunity that
comes along. Be thoughtful about what you need to move your research forward.
Don’t
Compare Yourself to Others.
We all are at different stages of our
research and skill development. Just
because everyone is hyped and talking about a new webinar on Facebook doesn’t
mean you need to jump on the bandwagon unless the learning outcome fits your
learning needs. Support your fellow
genealogists by sharing it through your social media channels. It just may fit
one of your friend's needs. You can still support the community while not
spreading yourself too thin and attending every webinar that crosses your path.
Take
the Opportunity to Ask an Expert.
Don’t just sit there and listen,
participate, make the most of this time that you’ve committed. Do have
something to offer, a question to ask? No question is too small and
insignificant. If you’re thinking it, chances are several others in the crowd
are thinking it too. Step out of your comfort zone and be a voice in the
webinars and workshops you do attend. That
one question you ask may be the small opening through your current brick wall.
Seek Resources Outside of the Speaker
Don’t just learn from the speaker but other
attendees as well. If you happen to be at a workshop in person, than there is a
vast amount of knowledge in that room. Take some time to introduce yourself to
others in the room. Read my post on not being a wallflower and learn some
valuable skills to overcome your fears.
Build a Network for the Future
Build a network of family historians and
genealogists that you can call on. By getting to know the genealogists in your
neighbourhood and online you’ll be not only exposing yourself to a vast array
of knowledge but you’ll be in the loop when all the greatest workshops are
announced. When you’re really stuck and need some guidance, a quick email to
fellow family historian may just be the assistance you need.
Keep
Track of What You Learned.
I have a folder in Evernote for webinars
and workshops that I’ve attended. I tag them by their topic. I keep notes, scan and
file workbooks or handouts all pertaining to the presentation together in this notebook. When I need to
reference them, I know just where to find them. Don’t waste the valuable time or money you
invested in a webinar, only to lose track of your notes and handouts.
Put
it into practice.
Don’t wait too long before you try out that
new skill or resource you’ve learned. For far too long I was
a collector of all information. I would
attend a webinar that did not match up with my current abilities and skills. I
would file the information for another day, for when I needed it. Ha! You can
imagine how that worked out. Focus on the present, what you need right now. I
take a new approach. I only attend webinars and workshops that fit my immediate
learning needs. Once I’ve completed a webinar, I go out and but those skills into
practice.
Choose
the Workshop or Webinar that is Flexible to Your Lifestyle and Manner of Learning
One thing about genealogy classes they come
in all shapes and sizes. Whether you seek out a workshop from your local
genealogical society because you love the interaction with other participants
or you prefer to learn in your pjs from your armchair and laptop. There are plenty
of options available
While webinars are convenient, workshops are
wonderful for the audience interactions. Once in a workshop setting with no distractions
learning is focused. Think about creating a distraction free environment at
home for webinars. Personally, I have
found far too often I’m pulled away from my computer or distractions prevent me
from attending a webinar all together. Choose
the environment that allows you to be present and makes the most of your time.
In the end if you commit to a regular time
and place for learning, make sure it fits your current learning needs, keep a nice filing system for your notes and
put those skills into practice immediately you’ll have found a way to make the
most of your workshop and webinars.