Introduction: Your Missions
Welcome to CCPL's Tech Trek 2.0 blog and your first Quest! We're glad you're here!
Over the course of 12 weeks, you'll be embarking on weekly Quests to explore exciting new Web 2.0 tools. You'll be learning about Instant Messaging (or IM, to those in the know), blogging, RSS and Newsreaders, Tagging and Technorati (it's a strange word, but don't fear it!), Photosharing, Social Software (think MySpace), Wikis, Online Applications, Podcasts, Vodcasts, and Downloadable Media. It may sound like a lot, but it will be broken down into manageable pieces for you. Two Quests are even designed to give you time to play, catch-up, and check out some award-winning websites that we think are awesome!
Buckle up and grab your mouse as you begin your cyberspace learning journey as a Tech Trek 2.0 star…and remember, it's OK to play in the library and have fun!
Let's get started with some FAQs:
2.0 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. This program is voluntary. 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. Additional staff training may be offered on select Web 2.0 topics by CCPL's TLC or in conjunction with the SC State Library, however it is not a part of this online learning program.
Is this program open to all CCPL staff or just some?
This voluntary program is open to ALL CCPL staff regardless of position and status (full and part time) EXCEPT library pages and substitutes. If you are a library page, substitute or non-member of the CCPL staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any staff prizes for completion.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program kicks off August 13, 2007 and officially wraps up on November 2, 2007. Staff who complete all Quests by November 2nd will qualify for the program incentive and receive an MP3 player. If staff do not finish by November 2nd, we hope they will continue in the Quests to learn fun and valuable 2.0 skills. All participants will have a record of their completion of this program placed in their personnel files and will receive a certificate of completion.
How do I track my progress for each of the Quests?
Each staff member who chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress and will also need to register their blog into the program by emailing their blog's address to Susan Bednar at bednars@ccpl.org.
If I'm not a CCPL staff member, can I still participate?
Yes, by all means. However, CCPL cannot award you any incentives or prizes for completion and we will not be able to track your progress. We welcome participants from other libraries to join in the fun and follow along.
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 be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff member's blogs can help, too.
I've seen the Quests, but how do I know what to do with them?
On August 13th, Quests 1-4 will be posted on the Tech Trek 2.0 blog. Quests are designed to take a week (or less) to complete. Each Quest will contain details about the discovery exercises for that week. Your discovery posts for each exercise should contain information about what you've learned. After two or three weeks into the program, Quests 5-10 will be added to the blog, followed by the final two Quests as we near week 9 or 10 of the program. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow participants the ability to focus each week on a different area without feeling overwhelmed.
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 the exercise details for each Quest so you can be sure to receive full credit for its completion.
Will I be able to do this on library time?
Yes and no. The Quests are exercises to introduce you to many concepts. They are designed to be relatively short. Employees will be able to work on the Quests during work time, whenever possible. If you want to expand on an exercise and devote long periods of time to learning more, you may need to do this on your own time--during lunch, on breaks, and before or after work.
What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program 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 can also check with the Tech Trek 2.0 program staff if you're stuck. We are: Susan Bednar, Cynthia Bledsoe, Pam Cadden, Melissa Christakos, Amanda Holling, Jennifer Lively, Kathy Sanders, and Nancy Wilson.
If I didn't complete a task correctly, can I fix it or try again?
Yes. You will be given a chance to redo the task, but all tasks must be correctly done by November 2nd to qualify for the MP3 player.
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 and provide your blog address to Susan Bednar. Links to all participants' blogs will be available on the program blog, so other participants can view your blog.
Once I complete all 12 Quests, how do I get my prize?
If you complete all 12 Quests by November 2, your MP3 player will be sent to you in a timely manner after the program ends. If you complete the 12 Quests after November 2, you will not be eligible for the MP3 player. However, all participants will have a record of their completion of this program placed in their personnel files and will receive a certificate of completion.
Will participants get any formal recognition of their participation?
All participants will have a record of their completion of this program placed in their personnel files, their blog links will be listed on the Tech Trek 2.0 blog, and they will receive a certificate of completion. But hey--since this is a self-discovery program, why not take some recognition into your own hands? Let your supervisor know you're participating in Tech Trek 2.0. Be sure it goes on your yearly evaluation. Let yourself shine, Tech Star!
Didn't find your question answered here?
Then enter it below as a comment to this blog entry and it'll be answered promptly.
Set-up a Free Email Account
Several of your Tech Trek 2.0 quests and discovery exercises will require you to register a valid email address to sign-up for free web 2.0 tools. On at least one quest, it is recommended that you have a Yahoo! email address.
If you don't already have a free email account with Yahoo!, now is the time to sign up for one. Visit this tutorial to learn about the new Yahoo! Mail Beta. Then click here to go to the Yahoo! form to sign-up for a free Yahoo! email account. Don't forget your email Yahoo! ID and password, because you'll need it to sign in to your email account. You may also want to read these basic email security tips.
A Tutorial from The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
Among libraries, lifelong learning is one of those core values we shelve our books by. So it makes sense that before we blast off on this new online learning and discovery quest that we should take a few minutes to review a few habits that can assist in creating lifelong learners.
These habits, which PLCMC has called the Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, will provide you with a refresher on what it means to be a lifelong learner.
Among libraries, lifelong learning is one of those core values we shelve our books by. So it makes sense that before we blast off on this new online learning and discovery quest that we should take a few minutes to review a few habits that can assist in creating lifelong learners.
These habits, which PLCMC has called the Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, will provide you with a refresher on what it means to be a lifelong learner.
Discovery Exercise:
Make sure you have headphones or speakers attached to your computer. If your computer does not have sound, you can still view the tutorial and read the transcript of the narration to the left of the screen.
Open up the 7 & 1/2 Habits online tutorial and view the online tutorial.
As you watch and listen, write down which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest. You will use your personal blog (which you will set up in Quest 2) 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.
As you watch and listen, write down which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest. You will use your personal blog (which you will set up in Quest 2) 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.
