Thursday, May 31, 2007

About the UCSC Library Learning 2.0 Project

This blog has been set-up as part of the UCSC Learning 2.0 project to encourage library staff to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today.

The UCSC Learning 2.0 team modified The Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, Technology Director, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County and is loosely based upon Stephen Abram's article, "43 Things I might want to do this year" (Information Outlook - Feb 2006). We also borrowed ideas from the SJPL and SJSU Learning 2.0 project, the KCLS Learning 2.0 program, and the Library 2.0 in 15 minutes a day - Library Instruction Wiki.

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, & Bloglines.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How does this online learning program work?


This is a self-discovery program which encourages UCSC Library employees to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and play. Employees 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 UCSC Library employees?

This program is open to ALL library employees regardless of position and status (full and part time).

Participants who complete the entire course will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Baytree Bookstore at the end.

If you are not a UCSC Library employee, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any prizes for completion. We will add your blog to our participants page if you are interested.

3. How long do I have to complete the program?

The program kicks off June 18th and ends September 14, 2007. You are expected to work on 2-3 "things" each week with the complete support of your unit and section head. You may work ahead and from home if you want since this course 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 participant in the program will be required to keep a blog to track his or her progress.

5. Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?

Yes, we will have drop-in help sessions throughout the summer in both McHenry and the Science & Engineering Library. These are optional drop-in sessions to get help with that week's exercise. We will also add weekly posts to the Tips blog, providing helpful advice and tips. Feel free to share your knowledge and expertise with colleagues or the UCSC Learning 2.0 by leaving a comment at the end of any of the blog posts. (Just click the "comments" link.)

To find a list of staff participating see The Participants.

6. I would like to earn the prize and learn about Library 2.0 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 and a blog name that keeps you anonymous. However, in order to receive the prize, you will need to identify yourself by sending an email to the UCSC Learning 2.0 email account. The team will not share your identity with anyone.

7. How much time will it take to complete the program?

As we state in the title, it should take about 15 minutes a day, or an hour per week.

8. I have question about one of the exercises, how do I get help?

You can leave a comment on the blog posting for that exercise, you can email the Learning 2.0 team at learning2team@library.ucsc.edu, or you can stop by one of the drop-in help sessions. See the schedule.

9. Who is the UCSC Learning 2.0 Team?

Sue Perry, Ann Hubble, Ken Lyons, Danielle Kane, and Kerry Scott.