10 October 2007

Thing 2: Lifelong learning

Listen to this podcast [1:31]-->powered by ODEO

Lifelong learning may sound like a buzzword, but it's one that describes the vital role that libraries play all around the world. This program is a great example of lifelong learning, so before starting our journey we thought it would be a good idea to highlight a few habits that can help create lifelong learners.

Discovery Exercise

  1. You will need to be able to hear the audio for the online tutorial, so make sure you have headphones or speakers attached to your computer.

  2. Click here to view an online tutorial called Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, courtesy of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg.

  3. While you watch and listen to the tutorial, write down which habit is the easiest for you and which is the most difficult. You will use your personal blog (which you'll set up next) to post your thoughts about lifelong learning.

Have fun! If you haven't jumped on board yet, it's never too late to become a lifelong learner.

Thing 1: Discovery has never been so much fun

Listen to this podcast [1:53]-->powered by ODEO
Welcome to Canberra Learning 2.0. If you've found your way here, you're either:

  • A member of the ACT Library & Information Service staff who is participating in Learning 2.0, or
  • Interested in learning about and playing around (yes, playing is allowed in libraries) with some new web 2.0 tools that will help you expand your information literacy toolbox.
Either way… we're glad you're here!

Learning 2.0 is online learning program that encourages staff to learn more about emerging technologies on the web that are changing the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with each other.

Over the course of the next eight and a half weeks or so, this website will highlight "23 things" and discovery exercises to help you become familiar with blogging, RSS news feeds, tagging, wikis, podcasting, online applications, and video and image hosting sites.

To familiarize yourself with this project, be sure to read the About page. The FAQs should answer most of your questions about this program.

So fasten your seat belts, grab your mouse and get ready for a discovery adventure… and remember, it's OK to play in the library and have fun!

Be sure to check in each week for the latest "things" or discovery items.

P.S. A word about the podcasts throughout Learning 2.0. These were prepared by the creator of Learning 2.0, Helene Blowers, for her library staff. The podcasts will therefore occasionally refer to the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC), but this is nothing to worry about - the information in each podcast will still be relevant and help you as you take the journey through Learning 2.0.

08 October 2007

About Learning 2.0

The Learning 2.0 program is the brainchild of Helene Blowers, a librarian from the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC).

After beginning with PLCMC, the program is now being shared under a Creative Commons License. Learning 2.0 has spread around the world with libraries (and other organisations) using it as a simple and fun way to introduce their staff to new and emerging web tools. It has particularly been aimed at library staff, but other people have also found it a valuable way to learn more about changing technology.

It is important to understand that Learning 2.0 is a self-discovery program. That means that it's up to you to decide:
  • When and where you will participate,
  • How long you take to explore and complete the exercises,
  • Whether you will do some or all of the exercises,
  • Whether you participate as an individual or with a friend/colleague, and
  • What you choose to do with your new knowledge.

The main thing is to play and have fun increasing your awareness and understanding of these tools and the exciting opportunities they present.

23 Things

Listed below are 23 Things (or small exercises) that you can do on the web to explore and expand your knowledge of the Internet and Web 2.0.

Please note: Details about each task will be activated each week (starting 10 October) with posts related to each item.

Week 1 - Introduction
Week 2 - Blogging

Week 3 - Photos & Images

Week 4 - RSS & Newsreaders

Week 5 - Play Week

Week 6 - Tagging, Folksonomies & Technorati

Week 7 - Wikis

Week 8 - Online Applications & Tools
  • Thing 18 - Take a look at some online productivity tools (word processing, spreadsheet).
  • Thing 19 - Explore any site from the Web 2.0 awards list, play with it and write a blog post about your findings.
Week 9 - Podcasts, Video & Downloadable Audio
* This list of "things" can also be found on the 43Things website. Note: This project is loosely based upon the website 43Things (which allows you to set and track personal goals) and the Stephen Abram article titled 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006).

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages people 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, people are encouraged connect and to work together and share with each other their discoveries, tips and techniques both in person and through their blogs.

Is this program open to anyone or just library staff?
While this program is particularly aimed at library staff, it is open to all members of the community.

How long do I have to complete the program?
The program starts in October and officially wraps up in December. However, you can join in at any point and work through the program in your own time.

How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each participant is required to create a blog as one of the 23 Things. The idea is to then keep posting to your blog to track your progress and remind yourself what you've achieved.

Why 23 things instead of having participants do 43 things like the website?
Given the timeframe of the program (about 9 weeks), the number of "things" was reduced so that people already burdened with busy work and family 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 people 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 friend or co-worker who can help.

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 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. Click on the link on the right hand side of the Learning 2.0 blog to go to the complete list of 23 Things.

What if I can't "do" something in the Discovery Exercise?
That's ok. Learning 2.0 is about playing around, exposing yourself to new things, and having a go. So long as you explore the "thing" and try the exercise you will have increased your understanding of technology.

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 have the same information as everyone else.

What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many people simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with friends and colleagues along your discovery journey.