About

2007-05-07T20:07:00.000-04:00

About the Learning 2.0 Project:

This blog has been set-up as part of Queens Library 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 QL staff.
provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet) to better support QL's mission.
reward staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 1/2 self-discovery exercises.

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 & Incentives:

23 1/2 Things - Every staff member who completes all 23 1/2 things will receive a $25 gift card.

Staff have until December 24 to complete all 23 1/2 items in order to receive the $25 gift card.

Final Prize Drawing - All staff who complete 23 1/2 Things by December 24, will receive a $25 gift card and will be eligible for the final prize drawing - [grand prize].

Please note: During Week 2, you will receive instructions about officially registering for the program. In fact, Thing #4 is to register. If we're not there yet, just sit back and learn about the program.

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 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 Queens Library staff or just some?

This program is open to all full-time Queens Library staff. If you are not a member of the Queens Library 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?

You will have 13 weeks, from September 24 to December 24.

How do I track my progress for each of the 23 1/2 Things?

Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress.

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.

I've seen the list of 23 1/2 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 blog 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 receive 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. To find a list of staff participating see Participants.

I would like to earn the $25 gift card, but I 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 receive the $25 gift card, you will need to identify yourself to the QL Things Team by sending an e-mail to ql.things@gmail.com. Please wait to do this until Week 2. Thing #4 will provide complete instructions.

Once I complete all 23 1/2 things, how do I get my prize?

Stay tuned for more details.

When will the drawing take place for the notebook computer and other prizes?

Stay tuned for more details. In order to qualify for the drawing, staff must complete all 23 1/2 Things and blog their progress by December 24.

Don't find your question answered here? Then enter it as a comment below.