Thursday, May 24, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions

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 utilise 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 to's" both in person and through their blogs.

Is this program open to all UCOL staff or just some?
At the moment this programme is only open to UCOL Library staff. It may be available to all staff at a later date.

How long do I have to complete the programme?
The programme should take nine weeks to complete. Each weeks ‘things’ should only take an hour to complete.

How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this programme will be required to keep a blog to track their progress.

Why 23 things instead of having participants do 43 things like the website?
Given the timeframe of the programme (9 weeks), the number of "things" was reduced so that staff already burdened with busy work schedules wouldn't feel overwhelmed by having too many discovery exercises to complete in a week.

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 list of 23 Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Each week, a new post will be added to the 23 things with details about the exercises for that week. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow participants the ability to focus each week on a different area without feeling overwhelmed.

So what do I get out of it?
As well as learning new skills and exciting ways of communicating with our students, when you have completed the 23 things you will be presented with a certificate showing that you have successfully completed the programme and a MP3 player!! (UCOL Library staff only).

What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this programme is self directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the library, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey.

Do I email Donna after I finish each task?
Yes and no. Once you have set up your blog, email Donna your pseudonym, and your blog address. Donna will then add your blog to the participants page. Blogger will notify her as to updates in your blog and it is no longer necessary to e-mail Donna.

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