Reflections on the KCLS Learning 2.0 - 27 Things

First of all, THANK YOU to David Wasserman and Laurel Steiner, for making this happen. This training program was an incredible experience. It provided a safe, informed, and planned way to learn about the new tools, websites, services, and up-coming trends in computers, social networking, library services, and the Internet, in a way that does not overwhelm the learner.

I think the sheer volume of services, new companies, new tools, and just plain old information out on the Web is daunting and confusing without a Pathfinder helping show you the way. David Wasserman made an excellent Pathfinder.

This training program allowed staff at KCLS to navigate the bewildering world of Web 2.0, and provided lessons to learn about the new services and tools out there. We got to find out what the hoopla is about for blogging, sharing photos and video, and what the attraction might be to such sites as Flickr, MySpace, YouTube and other cool sites, and what libraries are doing to keep relevant fast-changing landscape of the Web. We were introduced to new words and new ideas like wikis, RSS, Feeds, mashups, and others.

My favorite lessons would those that explained the use of Del.icio.us, Wikis, and RSS feeds, and introduced Google Documents. I think this is a very handy since the service allows access to applications online without installing software.

The incentive of the MP3 player is a big draw for me to participate, but I think the program itself is a very good learning and staff development program. It makes staff more knowledgeable and informed about the tools and sites that the patrons are using, and makes them able to help patrons when they ask for help, and keeps staff current.

I would make a slight change to the program, maybe increase the days between lessons that are involved. I had problems with the Google Labs and the WebWare – too much to look at, and keep track – too many choices. It can be overwhelming.