Thursday, June 12, 2008

About the Manukau Libraries Learning 2.0 Programme

This blog has been set-up as part of Manukau Libraries 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 Manukau Libraries staff.

  • provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet) to better support Manukau Libraries mission: To boldly go where no man has gone before.

  • reward staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 self-discovery exercises.
Registrations from 1 July 2008
9 Week completion date 2 September 2008
Official end date for prizes 23 September 2008

The Learning 2.0 programme was designed by Helene Blowers, PLCMC Technology Director, with the support and assistance 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 programme was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.

Frequently Asked Questions: (back to top)

How does this online learning programme work?
This is a self-discovery programme which encourages employees 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 programme. Instead, 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.

Who is eligible for the prizes?
Only employees of Manukau Libraries will be eligible for prizes.

Is this programme open to all Manukau Libraries staff or just some?
This programme is open to ALL Manukau Libraries employees regardless of position and status (full, part time and casual). If you are not a member of the Manukau Libraries staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any employee prizes for completion.

How long do I have to complete the programme?
The programme kicks off 1 July 2008 and officially wraps up on 23 September 2008.

How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each staff member who participates in this programme will be required to keep a blog to track their progress. The overall progess for staff will be tracked by each branch manager.

If I'm not a Manukau Libraries staff member, can I still participate?
Yes, by all means. However, Manukau Libraries 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.

I already have a blog, should I use my own or set up a new one?
We suggest that you may like to set up a new gmail and blog for this exercise and delete it at the end of the programme. Remember that blogs are available for anyone on the internet to read and you should only publish personal information that you are comfortable showing others.

Why 23 things instead of having participants do 43 things like the website?
Given the timeframe of the programme, the number of "things" was reduced so that employees 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 programme. 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.
For those who feel like they need a little extra assistance we will be having two 'drop-in' sessions. The first will be at Manurewa Library on Monday, 21st July, 8.30 amm and the second will be at Botany Library on Wednesday 23rd July, 8.30 am.

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!!

What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this programme 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. You are also welcome to email the Learning 2.0 team at manukaulearn@gmail.com and we'll get back to you asap.
Why won't some sites work on my staff computer/learn.net pc ...
Most sites should work on your staff computer, there may be instances where parts of a site do not function as expected. If this happens use the back arrow and try again, if all else fails save the exercise for a Learn.net pc.
When using any of the video links you will need to use a Learn.net pc to access them, staff computers do not allow video to be played. Some lessons such as the social networking lesson will need to be completed on the Learn.net pc, you may find that the Technorati lesson in week 6 is also easier through a Learn.net.

When will the drawing take place for the digital camera?
The drawing for the digital camera will take place on 26 September 2008. In order to qualify for the drawing, all Manukau Libraries employees must complete all 23 Things and log their progress by 5.00pm on 23 September 2008.

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