Showing posts with label lifelong learning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifelong learning. Show all posts

#24   The End? Or Just The Beginning?

Wow! Congratulations!! You’ve reached the 24th thing! Be sure to give yourself a pat on the back for completing the program. Your reward for completing this learning journey before the January 15th deadline is an awesome MP3/video player. (Details about when we'll hand out the prizes will come in a later email.)

But first, I ask for one last discovery post. For your last and final exercise for this program, please reflect on your learning journey and post a few thoughts. Here are some questions to prompt you if you're drawing a blank...

  • What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

  • How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

  • Are there any tools or programs you plan to continue using after this program?

  • Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

  • What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

  • And last but not least... If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?
In closing, I want to thank each and every one of you for participating in this journey. Technology is changing so fast these days that it's important for libraries (and staff members) to keep in the know about these new Web 2.0 tools since so many of these technologies provide new channels for information to travel across and new opportunities for libraries to reach out and enhance services. You don't have to be experts with these new tools and websites, but as those of you that have completed Learning 2.0 have learned, a little bit of knowledge and exposure can go a long way.


Discover More
If this program feels like just the tip of the iceburg, if you want to keep traveling down the path of self-discovery, then I encourage you to explore Learning 2.1. The PLCMC library staff developed this new program as a continuation of the original Learning 2.0 program. Its goal is to help introduce news finds and discoveries that may be of value to libraries, combining 21st century skills with lifelong learning. Like the original program, participants are encouraged to follow along with their own blogs. Read through the blog to see what participants have discovered so far, or sign up for the RSS feed, or subscribe by email. Another place to check out is LibraryStream, a blog about social networking libraries, which is presenting a Learn More series. This self-paced discovery series is for library staff interested in venturing out on the social web. You may find some repetition (from places we've covered in our Learning 2.0 program), but you might still find it worthwhile.

Whatever you do: keep learning!

#2   Lifelong Learning

lifelong learners
The LPLS Learning 2.0 program is based on the original Learning 2.0 program developed by Helene Blowers at PLCMC. Before starting this exercise, please take a minute (and a half) to listen to a podcast by Helene, then return to this blog entry. (The podcast is hosted at ODEO and does not require additional software to listen. Click on the > button to start the podcast.)

Among libraries, lifelong learning is one of those core values we shelve our books by. So it makes sense that before we embark on this new online learning and discovery journey that we should take a few minutes to review a few habits that can assist in creating lifelong learners.

These habits, which PLCMC calls the Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, will provide you with a refresher on what it means to be a lifelong learner.

Discovery Exercise:

  1. Make sure you have headphones or speakers attached to your computer.
  2. Open up the 7 & 1/2 Habits online tutorial and view the online tutorial (15 minutes long).
  3. As you watch and listen, think about which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest. You will use your personal blog (which you will set up next week) to post your thoughts about lifelong learning.

Note: To view the attachments in the online tutorial, you will need to disable any pop-up blockers.

Have fun! If you haven't jumped on board yet, it's never too late to become a lifelong learner.