About the Learning 2.0 Project

This blog has been set-up as part of the NVDPL Learning 2.0 project to enable regular staff to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today. The term Web 2.0 refers simply to this collection of technologies, such as blogging and image posting software, which allow individuals quickly and easily to add content to the world wide web. NVDPL staff modified The Learning 2.0 program designed by Helene Blowers, the Technology Director at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. Much of the content of our program is directly borrowed, with permission, from the original.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How does this online learning program work?
  This is a self-discovery program which enables regular staff to enjoy themselves as they work through exercises at their own pace. 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. Staff will be alloted enough time to work through each exercise they are required, or choose, to do.
  
  
• Is this program intended for all NVDPL staff or just some?
  This program is intended for regular NVDPL staff (excluding pages) regardless of position and status (full and part time). If you are an auxiliary staff member, or not a member of the NVDPL staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any staff prizes for completion. Information staff will be required to complete all the exercises, save for the extra optional exercises included in some of the entries. All other regular staff will be required to complete exercises 2,3,16,17,18,19,20 (extra optional exercises again not required). Those of you who are not information staff are encouraged, however, to work through all the exercises if you desire to do so, and of course in that case you would be eligible for the completion prize of an MP3 player.
  
  
• How long do I have to complete the program?
  The program kicks off June 9th. We hope you will have completed your exercises by the end of the year, but you can take more time if you require it. You are expected to work on an exercise every two weeks with the complete support of your manager. You may work ahead of course!
  
  
• How do I track my progress for each of the 24 Things?
  Participants will be required to keep a blog to track their progress.
  
  
• What accounts will I need to set up to participate?
  You will need to sign up for a blog, an RSS reader, and a LibraryThing account. You will also need an account for the NVDPL shared staff blog.
  
  If you blog with Blogger, and use Google Reader as your RSS reader, you will only need to sign up for one account for the two of them as both are owned by Google. If you choose to participate in optional bonus exercises, you might also create accounts at Flickr, Facebook or del.icio.us.
  
  
• 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 work with colleagues or find a co-worker who can help. Reading other staff members' blogs can help too. If you're really stuck, contact one of the trainers for assistance: Claire Westlake at the Capilano Branch; Jacqui Jones Cox at Lynn Valley; and Paul Taylor at Parkgate.
  
  
• 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. As soon as you set up your blog, please email your branch trainer to let them know the name and URL (web site address) of your blog. If you do not wish your blog to be included in the NVDPL Playground list of participants, please let your trainer know and they will exclude your blog from this list.

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