Learning to Mentor

The Dragonfly Project is a partnership program with the Chilkoot Indian Association. Originally funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant the project focuses on helping individuals gain skills related to using technology. The program is multi-faceted and continues to grow and evolve.

Tech-savvy young people from ages 11 to 21 are the teachers, sharing their computer skills with others by becoming mentors. They learn how to use the library's technology and resources, develop materials and techniques to teach concepts and skills, do community outreach, and work one-on-one with a wide variety of people.

Reaching out to the Community

Showing people how the library's technology can benefit and enrich their lives is at the center of our program. As the program develops, we'll be keeping you informed about the different projects the mentors are working on with their mentees. We'll also be looking to you for suggestions.

Telling Stories about Native Traditions, Beliefs, Language, Arts, and Culture with Digital Media

With a grant from the Alaska State Library, the Dragonfly Project expanded its wings offering young people the opportunity to learn how to make movies. From July 2003 through October 2004, interested young people developed their movie-making skills to produce five short films on different Tlingit subjects. They also shared their skills with others in the community through classes and individualized instruction.

Watch one of the short films (aprox. 6:00)

high bandwidth (8 Mb)
low bandwidth (1.6 Mb)

Following the success of this film project the Dragonfly youth continued the filmmaking tradition with the creation of Kooteeyaa: Journey to Wellness.

Technology Awareness Classes at the Library

In addition to classes, the Dragonfly Project is offering Computer Help on Demand every Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Staff and mentors will be available to answer your questions, whether you want to learn about virus protection or how to write a formula in Microsoft Excel.

Curriculum and Other Resources

Mentors have developed curriculum for a variety of software programs and technology skill sets. PowerPoint presentations have also been developed on graphic design, how to produce a technology mentoring as well as a speaker series at your library.

Microsoft Excel Curriculum
Microsoft Excel Exercise
Microsoft PowerPoint Curriculum
Microsoft PowerPoint Curriculum from Template
Microsoft Publisher Resume Curriculum
Microsoft Word Curriculum
Microsoft Word Excercise
Speaker Series Presentation

If you know of a student who would like to become a mentor, or is interested in learning and teaching computer skills, contact our Education Coordinator at 766-2545 or the Community Education Director at 766-2825.

Why Dragonfly?

In Tlingit mythology, dragonflies are thought to be transports of the human soul for shamans, symbols of transformation. Our hope is by helping young people teach adults the ways of computer technology lives will be transformed.