Frequently Asked Questions: (back to top)
- 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. 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 tos” both in person and through their blogs. - Is this program open to all staff or just teen services staff?
This program is open to and useful to all library staff regardless of position and status (full and part time). - Why are we doing WLS Learns?
There are many reasons why library staff need to learn about Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is not only a new technology, but it is helpful for learning about new technologies that many of our customers are already using. Some people think the Web is changing from an information resource to a place where people engage with online communities. As an organization, the library needs to understand these changes to best serve our customers. This learning module gives staff an opportunity to play with and learn about these tools at their own pace. As a rule, these tools are easy to use and are likely to gain more popularity over time. - How long do I have to complete the program?
Staff will have about 6 weeks to complete the program. It officially kicks off October 1, 2008, wraps up in mid-November, 2008. - How do I track my progress for each of the Handful of Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress. Staff will also need to register each item completed in the WLS Learns Log which will be available after the Blog exercise (Thing #2). - 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 (which will be linked) can help, too. - 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 back on the exercise details for each item once they are posted so you can be sure to receive full credit for their completion. - Can I do the activities at home or on my own time?
You are given an allotted amount of time at work to participate. There is no expectation that you work on these activities off work time. If you are having a hard time finding time to do the activities on work time, speak to your supervisor so some arrangement can be made to accommodate your training. - 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 your colleagues along your discovery journey. You will find a list of participants on the “Participants” tag once everyone has registered their blog. - I want to learn, but I don’t feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog. Can I participate anonymously?
Yes and 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. - I already have a blog. Can I just use that for WlsLearns? Yes. Just tag your blog entries with “wlslearns” so we know which posts related to WLS Learns. Send John your blog address to register it. Or feel free to create a new learning blog to participate in the program, if you wish. All of the learning blogs will be linked in the Participants section of the WLS Learns blog.
- You said that I will have to use my blog to describe my experience with the “things.” How much do I have to write?
You can write as much as you like. A good, minimal approach to this exercise is to answer four questions:
- What is the technology?
- What did you think of it?
- How might this be useful (or not) to you personally?
- How might the library use this (or not) to better serve our customers?
- How much time will it take to do all the 6 Things?
Each item is designed to take a small amount of time, approximately 10 to 20 minutes. That means the whole project will take less than 4 hours. Some items may catch your interest, meaning that you will want to spend more time learning how it works in more depth. Some people may find certain activities harder to understand and it may take them longer. Other people may already be familiar with the tools and it will take no time at all. The goal is that you get to learn at your own pace and at convenient times.
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