About Learning 2.0 @ Mac

What is Learning 2.0 @ Mac & why are we doing it?
Learning 2.0 @ Mac is a hands-on, immersive learning programme that provides an opportunity to explore Web 2.0 tools and the impact these tools are having on libraries & library service. All participants are encouraged to use the programme as an opportunity to check out 2.0 technologies and think about ways in which McMaster Libraries can use these tools to deliver innovative library services. Learning 2.0 @ Mac is all about exploration, discovery, and play!

How does it work?
For 12 weeks (starting February 12, 2007), participants will use freely available online tools (such as Blogger, WordPress, Bloglines, and del.icio.us) to complete a number of activities. Each week focuses on a specific type of tool (e.g. blogs, RSS, wikis) and each activity will give participants a chance to explore the tool and consider the ways in which it can be used in a library environment. Participants are encouraged to use their blogs (which they will set up in week 2) to discuss their thoughts about and reactions to the tools and technologies they explore.

Staff incentives & prizes
At the end of the programme (May 11, 2007), participants who have completed all the activities will receive an MP3 player (with at least 256MB of storage capacity). In addition, all participants who complete the programme will be entered into a final draw to win a laptop computer!

Eligibility
All staff members at McMaster University Libraries are eligible to participate in Learning 2.0 @ Mac!

Getting started

• To participate in Learning 2.0 @ Mac, simply email Amanda! The sign-up period begins on Thursday, February 1 and the programme officially starts on Monday, February 12.
• You don’t have to sign up before February 12 to take part – you can join us anytime during the 12 weeks of the programme! To “officially” complete the programme, you must complete all the programme activities by Friday, May 11.

Learning Groups

• Every participant will be placed in a Learning Group, and every Learning Group will have a Team Leader (a member of ETG).
• The purpose of the Learning Groups is to provide you with a small community to provide support and encouragement, and to ask questions, discuss ideas, and explore together!
• Participants will receive an email message every Monday that outlines the activities for the week. The content of the email message will also be posted to this blog.
• Team Leaders will keep an eye on their Group members’ blogs and will be available to answer questions and provide support. Team Leaders will also monitor their Group members’ progress and keep a record of completed activities (remember: you need to complete all the activities to receive your MP3 player and get your name into the draw for the laptop!).

Thank you to…
Learning 2.0 @ Mac is a project of the Emerging Technologies Group at McMaster University Library. ETG is indebted to the Learning 2.0 program at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenberg County and Helene Blowers for the inspiration and ideas!

“Steal these ideas”
The Learning 2.0 @ Mac porgramme is licensed under a Creative Commons License.