Learning 2.0 Webcast

Today I watched a SirsiDynix Institute webcast: Learning 2.0 : Make “Play” Your New Year’s Resolution. (A PDF of the presentation, as well as a video, are available on the website.)

As the Nationwide insurance commercials taunt “life comes at you fast”, it’s time for librarians to jump into the knowledge pool of Web 2.0 technologies and discover how these tools are changing the way many library users communicate, collaborate and receive information. Helene Blowers, Technology Director for the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County shares insights and best practices around the creation of Learning 2.0, an online self-discovery program designed to encourage staff to explore new technologies (blogs, wikis, podcasts etc.) and reward them for “play.” Join us for this informative session and then think about adding another resolution to your personal New Year’s list… cause it’s true, life (as well as new technology) does come at you fast!

This was a wonderful session! It provided a good overview of what all these Web 2.0 technologies are as well as sharing a successful program that engages library staff in learning about these tecnologies. This is particularly exciting for me because it coinsicides with how I feel in regards to continuous learning and keeping current with major technological factors impacting libraries not only today, but into the future. Social web tools aren’t going away – they are being embraced by many people, in particular younger generations like myself. So a program that involves people, encourages participation, and rewards people for taking the time to play (and learning new skills in the process) is something that I think would be very beneficial here at Vanderbilt. The possibility of it actually happening (in the next few years), however, is doubtful. But I believe so strongly in the benefits of such a program that trust me, I won’t be quiet about this.

Anyway, Learning 2.0 Program consisted of a jam-packed schedule intended to expose participants to a variety of tools:

Week 1: Introduction
Week 2: Blogging
Week 3: Photos & Images
Week 4: RSS & Newsreaders
Week 5: Play week
Week 6: Tagging & Folksonomies
Week 7: Wikis
Week 8: Online applications & tools
Week 9: Podcasts, Videos & Downloadable audio
+ 1 month of extra exploration time

More information about thier actual program can befound on their site.

Also, Blowers also shared feedback from the program, blog entries from participants, and lots of information that is helpful to anyone interested in possibly developing such a program.

What are benefits of such a program?

• Exposing staff to new tools
• Encouraging PLAY
• Empowering individuals
• Expanding the knowledge toolbox
• Eliminating FEAR

So add another New Year’s resolution to your list: PLAY!