How does this program work?

Virginia Beach Public Library Staff are invited to learn about Web 2.0 and improve technology skills associated with prevalent and emerging web tools through self-paced online "lessons" in the form of weekly blog posts. This nine week program will offer each participant information, resources and hands-on activities focusing on eight unique web based tools, concepts or technologies associated with Web 2.0.

How do I register for this program?

You will register for the program by completing the following steps:
1. Get Permission: All interested VBPL Staff need to first gain the approval of their supervisor.
2. Fill out registration form: Staff will fill out the online registration form at http://vbplcat.vbgov.com/uhtbin/vlibrary/registration.pl?id=00092 to register for this program. You will receive an email verification that indicates your registration has been received.
3. Do Week 1 lesson: Staff will complete the hands on activities for week 1.
4. Email Cindy: You will email the following information to Cindy Hart at chart@vbgov.com: name, agency, blog title, blog URL. You will receive email verification that your information has been received.
NOTE: Your registration is not complete until you have received an email verification from Cindy Hart.

How do I complete the program?

Completing the program is easy. You need to read all Learning 2.0 Remixed blog posts, do and think about the information in the "Learn More About" activities in the weekly posts, complete the "Hands On Activities", including reading the "Important Tips" in the weekly posts and record your work for each weekly post.

How do I record my work?

You will do all the hands-on activities each week and create a blog post about what you did. The blog post is your record of completing each weekly activity. To successfully complete the program, you should have a total of nine unique blog posts with correct labels. Each post should be labeled with the week and the weekly topic. Here is an example: Week 1 - Blogs.

Why are there nine blog posts for Learning 2.0 Remix?

Each weekly lesson asks you to create a blog post. The last lesson asks you to create two blog posts. One is to record your thoughts on the lesson; the second post is to record your thoughts on the Learning 2.0 Remixed learning program.

Will there be a spread sheet to track my progress?

There will be no public spreadsheet to track your progress. You must email your name, agency, blog title and blog URL to Cindy Hart at chart@vbgov.com. She will use RSS to verify participants' progression and completion.

How do I know if I completed the program or not?

When you have successfully completed the program by fulfilling all the registration and activity requirements, a comment will be added to your blog and a message sent to your email address in Outlook.

Why weekly blog posts?

Each week, one blog post will be added to the Learning 2.0 Remixed blog. The blog post will provide an overview of the topic, "Learn More About" activities and "Hands on Activities". This staggered approach allows participants to focus on a specific topic each week without feeling overwhelmed.

Can I participate anonymously?

Yes! After registering, you will receive an email confirmation that you are registered. You may choose to reveal (by using your name) or conceal your identity (by using some other ID such as your pet's name or something that you made up) when creating your blog. In other words, feel free to blog anonymously. If you do not tell, only your supervisor, the Training Coordinator and the Virtual Librarian will know who is participating in this program.

Do I need to create "accounts" to participate in this program?

Yes! You will need to create several different accounts to participate in this program. You may choose to conceal or reveal information about yourself as you see fit. To fully complete this program, you will need to create a Blogger account, a del.icio.us account, and a Google Reader account. If you have already established a Yahoo or Google email account, you can often just log-in.

What if I need help?

While this program is self-directed, help is available in many ways. You are encouraged to collaborate with colleagues. Subject experts are located within your library agency. 149 library staff members successfully completed the original Learning 2.0 @ the Beach program. Ask for help! They will be glad to share what they know. You can use the blog comment feature to ask questions. Or you can contact Cindy Hart at chart@vbgov.com.

How do I provide feedback?

Through this program, participants can provide feedback for individual lessons by commenting on blog posts. Comments will be both monitored during the course of the program. Adjustments may be made to lessons based on participant's feedback. At the end of the program, each participant will fill out a Library Department Training Evaluation form. Also, you can contact Cindy Hart at chart@vbgov.com with any suggestions or concerns.

Why is there only one additional week to complete this version of Learning 2.0?

There are two additional weeks to complete the nine lessons. We skip over Thanksgiving week. No lesson will be posted to the blog that week. In addition, Learning 2.0 Remix consists of nine highly condensed lessons. Participants in the Learning 2.0 @ the Beach program had 30 things to complete. Lastly, in January 2009, we will offer a Learning 2.1 program. Staff need the basics before that can enjoy that learning opportunity.