In the responses from media clerks, a great many of you expressed an interest to learn more about Web 2.0. I think that would be a great place for us to start, but I'd like to tweak it a bit and make it a Library 2.0 PST -- specifically a MediaClerks 2.0 PST. In other words, how do we apply the vast amount of technology out there, which is growing exponentially, and really use it in the library.Of course, to really get a grasp of available learning technologies we can use in the library would take a long time. But, we can touch on those technologies, practice them in context to what we do, and take one more step in establishing ourselves as a necessary, and valuable, part of the information literacy team in the library and the district ETIL plan on the whole.
I'm estimating that the PST, if approved, would be between 15 and 25 hours of contact time. The PST we did on Genreflecting, two summers ago, was 15 hours of credit and, speaking for myself, was a great deal of fun. It was useful, meaningful, and a great networking (social) time with the clerks. Lynn, I'll need your help here as I don't know where to begin to seek approval for a PST... Some initial thoughts (PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE comment with your thoughts on doing this PST):
- Are enough of us interested in the topic area to do a PST?
- When do we want to start? To be honest, I think this information is too valuable NOW to wait until next summer.
- How many contact hours would all of you be willing to commit?
- I would suggest having our 'class time' at Skyline... or, we could have it a different schools' library computer labs. We really do need to have access to computers and I would prefer a school using SynchronEyes so that we can use our time most efficiently. Where should we have the contact class time?
- What should our content be? I'll throw out some topics: Blogging, Wikis, RSS feeds, using photos and imaging, tagging and social bookmarking, online productivity tools, podcasting, videos, and audio, using our multi-media stations in the library, file management (transporting files, saving, working with)... other ideas?
- There would be homework! There is no way to really learn these things without some individual time practicing -- my guesstimate would be at least one hour of 'homework' time for every hour of contact time. But... HONEST, it is fun stuff to work with and I'll bet that you will want to spend more time than that learning about all the things you can do!
If this isn't what you had in mind, or if there is a topic that the majority would like to pursue, let us know. We can all work, collaboratively, to come up with a valuable, meaningful, and (library specific) useful PST. Let's start...comments? ...ideas?
7 comments:
This PST sounds like it will be helpful not only in learning & implementing some new technology, but will also send a message to the district that we are more than clerks whose moste important task is to answer the phone and make copies.
If we want the library to be seen as a viable resource in the fast paced world of information technology, we need to get out of our comfort zone and implement some new things. I would like to see at least a 15 hour PST, yes even with the homework! How about beginning the first of the year during the winter doldrums? Holidays are over, and all the rush of spring has not started.
I agree with Myra that a PST is such a great source of further education and networking. I so enjoyed the genreflecting PST and learned so much about different books and got to know my colleagues on a more personal level.
Let's get this off the ground and decide when and where to meet and learn more about Web 2.0!
LS
I think it sounds like it would be both fun and beneficial. Maybe we could meet weekly for 2 hours, either at the beginning or end of the day, to hopefully minimize the distruption of the work-day. I love the idea of using SychronEyes, but perhaps we should rotate where the classes are held? That way one or two (since we have SynchronEyes as well) Libraries don't have to bear the brunt of closing to accomodate us as a group.
I am so excited about this PST that I have further thoughts...
I agree with Kim about holding the PST at different schools. We would need to meet at schools that are using SyncroEyes, as this software would best facilitate the sharing of information and ideas. Before school is a little early (Myra's day starts at 6:30 a.m.!) I think that a 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. once a week would be perfect. If we started the week we return from Christmas break, we could finish before Spring break!
Perhaps the first half hour could be introduction of the topic, then an hour of exploration. Homework is an expected hour for hour time frame for the weekly topic. The next class everyone could take 5 minutes to present their homework, then we would be introduced to the next topic.
I see this as worthwhile / meaningful professional development.
I took the Media Tech PST and they are always helpful and so much information is exchanged at these meetings, especially for the newcomers. It's great that the mentors would like to take it on, and help those that need it! There is alot to be covered so, 15 hours sounds good.
It all sounds like a great idea. Mayra, any topic would work out of the content ideas you posted. We could do a mixture of just a few or touch base with all. The more I am familiar with the better! I though PST's had to have a 15 hour time limit. I haven't heard of any that were longer.
Thanks Jen,
I'm sort of winging it here -- I don't know what the guidelines are for setting up a PST. But, I will find out. This is a lot of content to cover, but if 15 is the max, then 15 it will be. I'll post the guidelines when I find them. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on when and where?
Myra:
I think starting after the holiday would be a good idea. 4-5:30 should work for most of us. My opinion is that it would be easier to do at one location, like Skyline. I know you have a great list of topics and you could start on the related ones and group them together for a few weeks, and then move to another topic. P.S. I am enjoying your blog!
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