About Learning 2.0 at SPPL

This blog has been set-up as part of SPPL's Learning 2.0 project to encourage staff to 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 SPPL staff.
  
• provide staff with new tools that are freely available on the Internet to better support elements of SPPL's mission: to anticipate and respond to the community's need for information and to facilitate lifelong learning.
  
• reward staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 self-discovery exercises.

The program was adapted by SPPL staff from the original Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, Technology Director at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. 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.

The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet, including: Blogger, Flickr, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.


Staff Incentives

Every staff member who completes all 23 things will receive a USB Flash drive capable of holding at least 1 Gigabyte worth of data, music and/or audio files.

Staff have until December 31, 2007, to complete all 23 items in order to receive the USB Flash drive.



Prize Drawing - All staff who complete the 23 things by December 31, 2007, will also be entered in a drawing to win an iPod Shuffle.


Frequently Asked Questions:

• 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. 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 SPPL staff or just some?
  This program is open to ALL SPPL staff regardless of position and status (full and part time). If you are not a member of the SPPL staff, you are welcome to follow along, too!
  
  
• How long do I have to complete the program?
  The program kicks off October 8, 2007, as part of SPPL's Staff Day and officially wraps up on December 31, 2007.
  
  
• How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
  Each staff member who participates in this program will use a tracking form and will also keep a blog to track progress and reflect on what is learned during the course of the program.
  
  
• If I'm not a SPPL staff member, can I still participate?
  Yes, by all means. We welcome participants from other libraries to join in the fun and follow along. The Flash drive and entry in the drawing for an iPod Shuffle are only available to SPPL staff.
  
  
• Why 23 things instead of having participants do 43 things like the website?
  Given the timeframe of the program, 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.
  
  
• 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 member's blogs can 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, links to two or three posts on the SPPL Learning 2.0 blog will be added to the list of 23 Things, 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! 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.
  
  
• 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. To find a list of staff participating see the participants.
  
  
• I 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. Staff are encouraged to make their blogs available in order to share information, find cohorts who can give pointers, and make the Learning 2.0 program a collegial experience.
  
  In order to receive the Flash drive and qualify for the iPod Shuffle drawing, you will need to identify yourself on the Learning 2.0 record sheet and send it to the staff administering the Learning 2.0 program at SPPL.
  
  
• Once I complete all 23 things, how do I get my prize?
  If you complete 23 things by December 31st, 2007, your Flash drive will be delivered to you in January 2008.
  
  
• When will the drawing take place for the iPod Shuffles?
  The drawing for the iPod Shuffles will take place in January 2008. In order to qualify for the drawing, staff must complete all 23 Things and log their progress by December 31, 2007.