| The term “toolkit” is applied to many forms of information and content.
People typically think of a toolkit as a container of tools for working
in construction that are kept “in one place.” These tools are arranged
in the container in related areas with all nails and screws in one place,
all hammers together, all screwdrivers together and so on. This arrangement
allows the person using the box to quickly find and use tools in order
to “build or fix” more efficiently and economically.
The reality of most actual toolkits, or toolboxes as many are called,
is that they vary dramatically. Some tools are all thrown in together,
some have different sets of tools and building implements and some have
tools in different places, depending on the needs of the builder.
“Toolkits” for constructing projects or designing groups are no different.
There are hundreds of them in print and on the web and some have all of
the “tools” thrown in together and some have them arranged with instructions.
Just of the few of these toolkit explanations “out there” are:
-
a library of targeted advice, information and networking for special communities
. . .
-
a series of fact sheets that describe the structure, functions, policies
of . . .
-
a series of publications, each designed to help (audience described here)
accomplish specific tasks and bring about particular outcomes . . .
-
an attempt to put into one place all the information (insert audience here)
needs to . . .
-
learning modules, case studies, action plans, policies, resources, forums
and contacts - all designed to help you, as (insert audience here) implement
. . .
Several elements need to be present in order for the toolkit to be more
than just a label or current title to attract users. These elements can
include but not be limited to:
-
information that is *grouped* in categories in order to provide targeted
direction to specific audiences
-
information specifically *organized within* these categories to provide
direction on when to read, in what order to read and how to apply (similar
to pathfinders)
-
information grouped by specific audiences by categories such as levels
of involvement in program, level of competencies and/or outcomes expectations
-
content that includes a mission/purpose, outcomes or performance expectations
-
interactive content
-
content that can be printed or captured so that it can be personalized
by audiences/groups
Overall this toolkit strives to be information specifically *organized
within* categories (in this case by questions or “Frequently Asked Questions”
(FAQ) format to provide direction on how to accomplish the Community Partnerships
project. When applicable, the tools are described and are fitted into the
toolkit to indicate when to read, in what order to read and how to apply
(similar to pathfinders.)
A Health Sciences Toolkit:
Health
Literacy Toolbox 2000
Tools to make toolkits:
Assessing
Reading Level: the SMOG Readability Formula
Clear
& Simple: Developing Effective Print Materials for Low-Literate Readers
Pictograph
Research Project: Developing ways to communicate large amounts of medical
information to non literate persons.
Substitute
Word List
You Can Prepare Easy-to-Read
Materials
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