About the Learning 2.0 Program
Our “GPLS23things” team modified the Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, former Technology Director, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The program is loosely based upon Stephen Abram’s article, 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook – Feb 2006) and the website 43Things. Many libraries and library organizations have followed these footsteps. If you’re interested, check the sidebar for Libraries Participating in 23 Things.
One cool feature of this online program is that it is completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: WordPress, Google Reader, Flickr, ….
Please see FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) below and visit the Participants link to learn more details about how to participate.
Note: Helene Blowers recently gave a presentation at the Sirsi Dynix Institute about the original program she developed. If you ever need to be inspired and have the time and required technology (Windows Media Player), visit the “Make Play Your New Year’s Resolution” archive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages GPLS staff to take control of their own learning through exploration and play. Library staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and “how to’s” both in-person and through their blogs.
2. Is this program open to all GPLS staff or just some?
This program is open to ALL GPLS staff regardless of position and status (full and part-time).
3. How long do I have to complete the program?
The program starts today, August 14 and ends Friday, November 14, 2008. You have 13 weeks to complete this 9-week program. Yes, you get an extra four weeks to work at your own pace. (Maybe you have vacation planned?) Some library systems may have a different timeframe, so please check your library blog by visiting the Participants link. You are expected to work on an exercise each week. You may work ahead, of course! And you can catch up if you fall behind. (In other words, you can personalize this learning to suite your needs). And yes, you can access this program from home if you want since this blog is web-based and not tied to your computer at work.
4. How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each library staff member who chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track his or her progress. Liaisons from each participating system will track your progress by visiting your blog, and they may also ask you to complete a simple tracking log to reference your blog posts. (Details are in Thing 4).
5. Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. We will send out weekly emails providing helpful hints and contact information. You are also encouraged to be resourceful and to find a colleague who can help. Participants will list the blogs of everyone who is participating so that we can all share and help each other. You can visit a blog that has something that you want to learn how to do and leave a comment. Be sure to share your knowledge and expertise too! If you have a good tip to share, you can post it as a comment on Tips. Your library organization may provide additional opportunities to work together via group lab time, but you’ll need to check.
6. I would like to participate but don’t feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose to use a screen name to identify yourself to keep yourself anonymous. However, in order to qualify for any incentives offered by your library organization, you will need to identify yourself by registering your blog with your liaison. We will not share your identity with anyone on this blog site.
7. Who is “GPLS23things”?
Pat & Tim
