FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:
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.

Is this program open to all MRRL staff or just some?
This program is open to ALL MRRL staff regardless of position and status (full and part time).

How long do I have to complete the program?
You have 22 weeks to complete the lessons from the time you start.

How soon do I have to start the program?
The program kicks off November 27th, 2006 and the last start date is April 1st, 2007.

How do I track my progress for each of the 29 Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress and will also need to register each item completed in the Learning 2.0 Log found on the MRRL Wiki (private).

Why 29 things instead of 23 things like the original website?
We looked over the 23 things and Stephen Abram's article about 43 things and pulled together list we thought would be most helpful to MRRL staff.

Why 29 things instead of having participants do 43 things like the website?
Given the timeframe of the program (11 weeks), the number of "things" was reduced so that staff already burdened with busy work schedules wouldn't feel overwhelmed by having too many discovery exercises to complete in a week.

Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an exercise, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff member's blogs (private wiki) can help, too.

I've seen the list of 29 Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Each week you'll work through the discovery reading and 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 for coworkers comments and blog posts about that week.

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. To find a list of staff participating see The Participants (private).

What's in this for me?
The joy of learning, the feeling of accomplishment that comes from finishing a project, the ability to answer questions from our patrons about our services and - last, but not least, an MP3 player of your own. Finish all 29 "things" and you will get an MP3 (music) player that you can use as well as a certificate of accomplishment and the respect and admiration of your peers.

What exactly do I have to do to get that MP3 player?
Post in your blog each week to answer the questions in the exercises and to show off your newly found skills in the week's topic. We do require a post of some substance each week - at least 100 to 150 words - to get "credit" for that week and to ensure that you get your MP3 player.