21 Things

Listed below are the 21 Things (or small exercises) that you can do on the web to explore and expand your knowledge of the Internet and Web 2.0.

Week 1: Introduction
1. Read this blog & find out about the program.
2. Discover a few pointers from lifelong learners and learn how to nurture your own learning process.
3. Watch this video from YouTube. (Don't worry if you don't get it. It will definitely make sense soon.) (If the first video link doesn't work for you, try this link to another version!)
4. Finally, spend a little time exploring TEVA and see what kind of fun things you can find from our collection.

Week 2: Blogging
5. Set up your own blog & add your first post.
6. Take a quick tutorial about TEL and spend some time searching TEL for either newspaper articles, health information or even an idea for the next novel you read. Record something on your blog that surprised you from TEL.

Week 3: Photos & Images
7. Explore Flickr and learn about this popular image hosting site.
8. Have some Flickr fun and discover some Flickr mashups & 3rd party sites.
9. Create a blog post that includes a picture from TEVA or our website and comment on someone else's blog entry.

Week 4: RSS & Newsreaders
10. Learn about RSS feeds and setup your own Bloglines newsreader account.
11. Locate a few useful library related blogs and/or news feeds.

Week 5: Play Week
12. Take a look at LibraryThing and catalog some of your favorite books.
13. Do some searches in Verso for some of your favorite subjects in our collection and record in your blog how successful your searching was.
14. Roll your own search tool with Rollyo.

Week 6: Tagging, Folksonomies & Technorati
15. Learn about tagging and discover a Del.icio.us (a social bookmaking site)
16. Explore Technorati and learn how tags work with blog posts.
17. Read a few perspectives on Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries and blog your thoughts.

Week 7: Wikis and Archive-It
18. Learn about wikis and discover some innovative ways that libraries are using them.
19. Check out the Internet Archive and TSLA's own Archive-It project.

Week 8: Online Applications & Tools
20. Take a look at some online productivity (word processing, spreadsheet) tools.
21. Explore any site from the Web 2.0 awards list, play with it and write a blog post about your findings.

About Learning 2.0

About the Learning 2.0 Project:

This blog has been set-up as part of TSLA's Learning 2.0 project to encourage staff to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today.

The objectives of this program are to:

• encourage exploration of Web 2.0 and new technologies by TSLA and Regional Library staff.
• provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet).
• reward staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 self-discovery exercises.

The Learning 2.0 program was adapted from the originally designed program by Helene Blowers, Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County Technology Director, with the support and assitance of several staff and is loosely based upon Stephen Abram's article, 43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006) and the website 43Things.

The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.

FAQs

Some 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. 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.

Where did TSLA get this crazy idea?

Two TSLA staffers - James Staub and Sue Maszaros - gave it to them! (Don't hate). They attended an online seminar about Library 2.0 technologies and the Learning 2.0 - 23 Things program that the Charlotte Mecklenburg County Public Library originally developed and which has spread to libraries across the country - and even Australia!

Is this program open to all TSLA and Regional staff or just some?

This program is open to ALL TSLA and Regional staff regardless of position and status (full and part time).

How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?

Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress.

I've seen the list of 23 Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?

Each week, two or three posts will be added to TSLA Learning 2.0 with details about the discovery 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.

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 its completion.

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. If you need more help, feel free to contact one of our volunteer tech support folks. See the Need Help? page for a list of volunteer tech support staff.

Need Help?

Don't Panic!

TSLA has a number of staff members on-hand to help you with any questions that you might have. You may call or email any of the Learning 2.0 Tech Support staff designated for TSLA or the Regional libraries.

TSLA:
Tricia Bengel
Trent Hanner
Sue Maszaros
James Staub

Regional Libraries:
Polly Potter (from Nolichucky Region)
Tom Huskisson (from Watauga Region)
Joyce Gunnels (from Reelfoot Region)
Gina Hunter (from Upper Cumberland Region)

Discovery Exercise Sharing

Discovery Exercise Week 1

Discovery Exercise Week 2

Discovery Exercise Week 3

Discovery Exercise Week 4

Discovery Exercise Week 5

Discovery Exercise Week 6

Discovery Exercise Week 7

Discovery Exericses Week 8