Teaching is not the only responsibility of Matthew Bodie. He also is the Information Services Librarian on the Tarpon Springs campus of St. Petersburg College.

     In addition to teaching LIS 1002 Electronic Research Strategies for College Students and LIS 2004 Introduction to Internet as a Research Tool, Bodie teaches CGS 1070 Basic Computer & Information Literacy. All sections he teaches are taught in face-to-face format.

      Bodie was instrumental in creating the CGS 1070 course along with Information Services Librarian Chad Mairn of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus, Professor John Kurnik, and Instructional Technologist Nancy Munce, who was responsible for the design and content of the course.

     Like Bodie, Mairn is also an adjunct instructor who teaches CGS 1070 in blended (online and classroom) and face-to-face formats. In addition to being an adjunct instructor and information services librarian, Mairn works with Web Development for SPC.

     Having taught for the college for six years Mairn feels that his experience as a librarian has permeated into his teaching methods.

      Being a librarian and adjunct instructor is “the best of both worlds,” Mairn said, since he has the flexibility to work with web development and teach simultaneously. Like Mairn, Bodie stated that being a full-time librarian, he interacts with students frequently. This, in turn, builds rapport that influences what happens in the classroom.

      Comparing the blended and face-to-face formats, Mairn stated that students who are more “computer savvy” prefer the online format, whereas those who are not prefer the face-to-face format. This was true of one student who recently completed the course.

     Mairn said that at first, she “didn’t even want to turn on the computer.” Mairn suggested that she review the online ANGEL tutorials to gain a better understanding in the course. As a result, she was able to follow along much better and complete examinations in a calmer manner. In the end she felt more confident in her abilities.

      As in the case of this student, Mairn’s goal is to use his knowledge to “enrich students’ lives” through the learning process. He said that students need real world experience where they can work hands-on with the instructor and other students. He said instructors who work with students and explain the material well equip students with the skills to succeed in the workforce. However, it is vital that students do their part, too.

      Bodie urges students to keep in mind three things: Detail, communication and hard effort.

     For more information on how to become an adjunct, please visit Spotlight on Adjunct faculty on the Human Resources web site.