About Learning 2.0 @ APL
This blog has been set-up as part of APL's Learning 2.0 project to encourage staff to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today.
The objectives of this program are to: encourage exploration of Web 2.0 and new technologies by APL staff, provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet) to better support APL's mission: Expanding minds, Empowering individuals and Enriching our community, and rewarding staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 self-discovery exercises.
The Learning 2.0 program was designed by Helene Blowers, PLCMC Technology Director, with the support and assitance of several staff and 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.
The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet.These sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.
Staff Prizes
23 Things - Every staff member who completes all 23 things by May 25th will receive a gift certificate to Amazon and be entered in a grand prize drawing for a netLibrary approved mp3 player.
Frequently Asked Questions: (back to top)
How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, 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.
Is this program open to all APL staff or just some?
This program is open to ALL APL professional and paraprofessional staff regardless of status (full and part time). If you are not a member of the APL paraprofessional or professional staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any staff prizes for completion.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program officially kicks off March 1st and officially wraps up on May 25th. This is a 12 week period. However, the program can be completed in less than 9 weeks. The additional time is allowed for catch up time for those that start the program late, go on vacation, or otherwise fall behind.
How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program must keep a blog (Don't worry! I'll show you how to create one.) tracking their progress.
If I'm not an APL staff member, can I still participate?
Yes, by all means. However, APL cannot award you any incentives or prizes for completion. You can track your progress through the 23 Things list found on the 43Things site -- I know it sounds confusing 23..43 ..23 doesn't it. ;) Anyway, we welcome participants from other libraries to join in the fun and follow along.
Why 23 things instead of having participants do 43 things like the website?
Given the timeframe of the program (9 weeks), the number of "things" was reduced so that staff already burdened with busy work schedules wouldn't feel overwhelmed by having too many discovery exercises to complete in a week. Also, it takes a lot of effort to create and develop 23 separate exercises.
Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff members' blogs can help, too. Of course, you can always ask me for help too!
I've seen the list of 23 Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Each week, two or three posts will be added to the Learning 2.0 with details about the discovery exercises for that week. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow participants the ability to focus each week on a different area without feeling overwhelmed.
Can I work ahead through the list of items on my own?
Yes, of course. You are encouraged to self-direct your discovery process, especially by working ahead on your own!! However, if you do work ahead on some items, be sure to check back on the exercise details for each item once they are posted so you can be sure to recieve full credit for its completion.
What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey.
I would like to earn the prizes but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
Yes & No. 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 recieve the gift certificate and qualify for the drawing, you will need to identify yourself to me. I will keep all information confidential and protect your privacy as much as possible.
Don't find your question answered here?
Then enter it is as comment below.
For more information about this learning program or questions about duplicating this program for your own library staff contact:Helene BlowersPublic Services Technology Director The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
hblowers(at)plcmc.orgBlog: LibraryBytes
News & Information:
ALA TechSource -Steal This Idea:Learning 2.0 at PLCMC (interview)
Come Blog with Me, School Library Journal 9/2006 ( & podcast)
Program Notes: Nine Seven Best Practices on Learning 2.0 & Two Additions
Customizing Learning 2.0 ( or how to de-PLCMC-ize the exercises)
Learning 2.0 Evaluations (links to participant evaluations in Del.icio.us)
23rd thing posted (links to early participants evaluations)
Learning 2.0: Steal this idea update
Learning 2.0 Wow!!!
Learning 2.0 presentation recap (slides)
As a closing note ... please feel free to borrow or use any information, exercises or content found on this site. Just remember to provide credit under Created Commons to Helene Bowers.
The objectives of this program are to: encourage exploration of Web 2.0 and new technologies by APL staff, provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet) to better support APL's mission: Expanding minds, Empowering individuals and Enriching our community, and rewarding staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 self-discovery exercises.
The Learning 2.0 program was designed by Helene Blowers, PLCMC Technology Director, with the support and assitance of several staff and 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.
The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet.These sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.
Staff Prizes
23 Things - Every staff member who completes all 23 things by May 25th will receive a gift certificate to Amazon and be entered in a grand prize drawing for a netLibrary approved mp3 player.
Frequently Asked Questions: (back to top)
How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, 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.
Is this program open to all APL staff or just some?
This program is open to ALL APL professional and paraprofessional staff regardless of status (full and part time). If you are not a member of the APL paraprofessional or professional staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any staff prizes for completion.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program officially kicks off March 1st and officially wraps up on May 25th. This is a 12 week period. However, the program can be completed in less than 9 weeks. The additional time is allowed for catch up time for those that start the program late, go on vacation, or otherwise fall behind.
How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program must keep a blog (Don't worry! I'll show you how to create one.) tracking their progress.
If I'm not an APL staff member, can I still participate?
Yes, by all means. However, APL cannot award you any incentives or prizes for completion. You can track your progress through the 23 Things list found on the 43Things site -- I know it sounds confusing 23..43 ..23 doesn't it. ;) Anyway, we welcome participants from other libraries to join in the fun and follow along.
Why 23 things instead of having participants do 43 things like the website?
Given the timeframe of the program (9 weeks), the number of "things" was reduced so that staff already burdened with busy work schedules wouldn't feel overwhelmed by having too many discovery exercises to complete in a week. Also, it takes a lot of effort to create and develop 23 separate exercises.
Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff members' blogs can help, too. Of course, you can always ask me for help too!
I've seen the list of 23 Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Each week, two or three posts will be added to the Learning 2.0 with details about the discovery exercises for that week. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow participants the ability to focus each week on a different area without feeling overwhelmed.
Can I work ahead through the list of items on my own?
Yes, of course. You are encouraged to self-direct your discovery process, especially by working ahead on your own!! However, if you do work ahead on some items, be sure to check back on the exercise details for each item once they are posted so you can be sure to recieve full credit for its completion.
What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey.
I would like to earn the prizes but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
Yes & No. 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 recieve the gift certificate and qualify for the drawing, you will need to identify yourself to me. I will keep all information confidential and protect your privacy as much as possible.
Don't find your question answered here?
Then enter it is as comment below.
For more information about this learning program or questions about duplicating this program for your own library staff contact:Helene BlowersPublic Services Technology Director The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
hblowers(at)plcmc.orgBlog: LibraryBytes
News & Information:
ALA TechSource -Steal This Idea:Learning 2.0 at PLCMC (interview)
Come Blog with Me, School Library Journal 9/2006 ( & podcast)
Program Notes: Nine Seven Best Practices on Learning 2.0 & Two Additions
Customizing Learning 2.0 ( or how to de-PLCMC-ize the exercises)
Learning 2.0 Evaluations (links to participant evaluations in Del.icio.us)
23rd thing posted (links to early participants evaluations)
Learning 2.0: Steal this idea update
Learning 2.0 Wow!!!
Learning 2.0 presentation recap (slides)
As a closing note ... please feel free to borrow or use any information, exercises or content found on this site. Just remember to provide credit under Created Commons to Helene Bowers.