About This Program (FAQ)

What is this all about?

Learning 2.0 aims to show you and your colleagues 27 things - new (or newish) web tools and trends that are increasingly popular in libraries and increasingly popular with our patrons. Blogging, MySpace, YouTube (for video sharing) and Flickr (for photo sharing) are just some of the things the program focuses on. We’ll post 2 to 3 units online each week for you to complete at your own pace.

The goals of Learning 2.0 are wonderfully simple – you should explore, play, and have fun. Seriously, that’s all. There are no grades, there are no quizzes and participation is completely voluntary - increasing your awareness is accomplishment enough. We’ll even give you help when you need it (in person, on the phone or via email) and a reward for completing the program.

The Learning 2.0 program was created by Helene Blowers at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenberg County (PLCMC). We give great thanks to PLCMC and the Missouri River Regional Library for generously allowing copious amounts of lesson copying. Without them we would have no program.

How does this online learning program work?

This self-discovery program encourages staff to take control of your own learning and to utilize lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There are no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, you are encouraged to work with your colleagues and share discoveries, techniques and "how to's" in person and through your blogs.

Is this program open to all KCLS staff or just some?

Eligibility to participate in Learning 2.0 is tied to authorized hours; staff members must be regularly scheduled for 20 or more weekly hours. If you are scheduled for fewer than 20 weekly hours, you are welcome to join us outside your work schedule even though we are not able to offer completion rewards to you. Talk to your supervisor if you'd like to pursue this later option formally.

How long do I have to complete the program?

The program kicks off February 20th and winds up in early June. You must complete the program by our end date in order to receive an MP3 player. The program will remain online for staff who wish to complete the program (though without the MP3 option) after the June deadline.

How do I track my progress for each of the 27 Things?

Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress and will also need to register each item completed in the Learning 2.0 Log found on the KCLS intranet (coming soon with unit #4).

I've seen the list of 27 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 and a discovery excercise.

Can I work ahead through the list of items in any order?

Yes, of course - once a lesson is posted (see the full list), you may complete it at your own pace.

What if I need help - who can I call?

First try the Learning 2.0 Advocates in your branch and cluster (staff only link). If you can not find the help you need, send email to the Learning 2.0 Team (27things@kcls.org) - make sure to include your work schedule for the next few days so that we can get back to you in a timely manner.

I would like to earn the MP3 player but 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 recieve the MP3 player you will need to identify yourself to the Learning 2.0 Staff (but not everyone else) via your Learning 2.0 Log.

What about the Speaker Presentations?

Attendance at our Learning 2.0 speaker presentations is completely voluntary - all you need is supervisor approval. We also plan on recording sessions whenever possible and will post URLs for the videos once they are available for viewing. Our first speaker was Sirsi/Dynix Vice President Stephen Abram (February 16th) and we'll be welcoming Aaron Schmidt in late April (locations to be announced shortly).

Once I complete all 27 things, how do I get my prize?

If you complete 27 things by the beginning of June (the specific date will be announced shortly), your USB MP3 player will be sent to you though staff mail.

If I'm not a KCLS staff member, can I still participate?

Yes, by all means. However, KCLS cannot keep track of your progress nor are we able to award you a prize for completion.