About Learning 2.0

What is Learning 2.0@Becker?

Learning 2.0@Becker is an online learning program that encourages staff and others to learn more about emerging technologies on the Web that are changing the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with each other.

It is an immersive 13-week program that provides an opportunity to explore Web 2.0 applications and their impact on our society. Participants in Learning 2.0@Becker are encouraged to use this opportunity not only to explore these new tools but also to think about ways these tools impact libraries and library services. Specifically, we urge you to think about if and how Becker Library can use these tools to deliver innovative library services.

But most of all, Learning 2.0@Becker is meant to be fun. This is an ideal opportunity to explore, discover and play!

How does Learning 2.0@Becker work?

For 13 weeks, beginning February 18, 2008, participants will use the weekly postings in the Learning 2.0@Becker blog to access freely available online tools (such as Blogger, del.icio.us, and Flickr) to complete a number of activities. Each week focuses on specific tools (such as RSS feeds, blogs, and wikis) and includes resources and activities that help you become familiar and comfortable with the tools. You are asked to use your blogs (which you’ll create in Week 2) to discuss your thoughts about and reactions to the tools, as well as your thoughts about how to utilize these tools at Becker Library.

What is the Incentive?

At the end of the 13 weeks, participants who are completed the entire program will receive an nifty incentive prize - a USB flash drive.

Who’s Eligible?

All staff members of the Becker Medical Library are eligible to participate. We invite and encourage other members of the WUSM community to participate as well. However, only Library staff members are eligible to receive the incentive prize.

How do I start?

To participate in Learning 2.0@Becker simply email Ellen. Learning 2.0@Becker begins on February 18, 2008 — you may sign up anytime after February 7, 2008.

Don’t fret if you don’t sign up by February 18th. You may join the program at any time during the 13 weeks. However, to qualify for the incentive prize, you must complete the program by May 16, 2008.

When Does the Project End?

The initial 13-week program ended May 16, 2008. However, we know 13 weeks hasn’t been long enough for many of our busy colleagues. So, the project has been extended into the summer to allow more time to explore and experience Web 2.0 tools and applications. The “end” date for completing all 23 things and receiving your award has been moved to August 1, 2008.

Our Thanks

The first Learning 2.0 program was developed by Helene Blowers and the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (North Carolina). The program has been replicated by libraries across the U.S. and the world. We are especially indebted to the Learning 2.0 programs developed by PLCMC, the Missouri River Regional Library (MRRL), and McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada).

Sharing Learning 2.0

The Learning 2.0@Becker project materials are licensed under a Creative Commons license. Other institutions are welcome to share and remix the contents under the following conditions: the content is used for non-commercial purposes; it is attributed to Becker Medical Library; and the resulting content is made available under the same or similar license.

Learning 2.0@Becker is a project of Library’s Digital Initiatives group.