FAQs

Is this programme open to all library staff or just some?
This programme is open to ALL Medical Library staff regardless of their position and status (full and part time). If you are not a member of the Medical Library staff, you are welcome to follow along, but you will not be eligible for support.

How does this online learning programme work?
This is a self-discovery programme which encourages you to take control of your own learning and to use your lifelong learning skills through exploration and play. You are encouraged to work together and share with each other your discoveries, techniques and tips both in person and through your blogs.

Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
There is a preparatory workshop which will introduce some of the tools which will be used in this course. But in the main this is a self-directed learning programme. 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 participants’ blogs can help too - to see who else is taking part, go to the http://23things-cammedlib.blogspot.com/ and you will find all participants’ blogs listed on the sidebar.

How do I track my learning?
In week 2 (week beginning Monday 17th May 2010), you will set up a blog to record your progress (Thing 3) and you'll be instructed via this blog how to register you blog with Isla. Each participant’s blog URL will be added to the sidebar of the http://23things-cammedlib.blogspot.com/.

How long do I have to complete the programme?
The programme kicks off on Monday 10th May 2010, and officially wraps up on Friday 3rd September 2010 : 16 weeks, 12 themes, 4 things to follow and 23 Things to complete.

How do I know which Things to do and when?
The full 23 Things list appears in this overview. Each week, this blog will be updated 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.

How do I track my progress through 23Things@CamMedLib?
A key feature of the programme is for you to create your own blog. Each staff member will keep a blog to track their progress. Each time you complete a task, write a blog post about it (about 100 and 150 words, but the sky's the limit!) and tag it with e.g. ‘Thing 12’.

Things to think about include what you thought of that weeks technology, what you learned and whether or not you think it would be appropriate in a work context (whether personally or as a part of the services we provide). There are no right or wrong answers!

Please remember, this is a work related blog, so do not post anything that is inappropriate. As is the nature of a blog it is available for anyone to read (both within the Library and outside the College).

There will be links to all of the programme participant’s blogs from this blog, so feel free to read each others blogs.

May 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.

May I refer to Web 2.0 tools I’m already using?
Absolutely – just don’t forget to post about your experiences each week and use the appropriate tag(s). If you are already familiar with a resource, such as Google Docs, this is a good opportunity to use the further exercises to develop your knowledge.

What if I need help?
Since this programme is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey. You can also contact Isala at any time if you need help.

I would like take part but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, may 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 that does not identify you personally. However, you will need to identify yourself when you register your blog with Isla.