Getting Started on the Montana Library 2.0 Challenge
Registration Information:
We’re very glad you have elected to join the amazing group of Montana librarians who have participated in the Montana Library 2.0 Challenge. More than 90 librarians and staff from Montana public, school, special and academic libraries registered to participate in last year's Challenge. If you haven't participated in a self-directed online learning program like this before, it may seem a little confusing at first. But don't worry - you'll get the hang of it. As the program proceeds, you are encouraged to interact with your fellow particpants through blogging, twittering, and social netowrking - wait until you see what happens during the coming weeks!
Now that you are ready to get started, here are a couple of registration activites that you are asked to complete before commencing the lessons. If you are a returning Challenger you will already have completed some of the steps. If you are a new Challenger you will need to complete a short assignment from last year's Challenge. There are 5 steps in all:
Step 1 – set up a free webmail account to use for the Challenge (if you don't already have one)
Each participant in the Montana Library 2.0 Challenge will need to use a free email account from a commercial service provider such as Google Gmail. You will use this account to register for the various web services required in this program. We recommend that you set up a new account (or accounts) for this program, although you can use an existing account if you prefer. You will be creating several accounts on different websites during the Challenge and will NOT want to use your library email account for the program. Why is this important? Your free email accounts allow you to complete your explorations without introducing spam or viruses to the library network or your personal email account.
HINT: When you create accounts with web services, be sure to write down the URL, your login and password and the email you used to set up your account so that you can return and use the service at a later date or retrieve login information. You may want to keep a written list of passwords for the services you will use during the program.
Step 2 – create your blog and register your blog URL with us
Each participant in the Montana Library 2.0 Challenge will need to have a blog to complete some of the lesson assignments. There are several free blog sites out there, but we recommend using either Blogger or WordPress. (Most of the examples we show use Blogger)
- new Challengers: If you are a first-time blogger, you may want to review Lesson 2 from last year's Challenge to learn how to create your blog.
How you identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under your real name, or create a screen name. However, in order to receive recognition for completing the Challenge (CE credit) you will need to register your blog name/URL and your real name with us (send this information to: lmcmullen@mtlib.org) When you share your blog you will become part of the Challenge online learning community.
IMPORTANT HINT: When you set up your blog account, write down your login and password and keep the information in a safe place. Also write down your blog address. Your blog address is the URL you will use to access your blog. For example, if you created your blog in Blogger then your blog address is http://whatIcalledmyself.blogspot.com.
Step 3 - create an introductory blog post
- new Challengers: From the 2008 Challenge, review Lesson 1 - 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Effective Learners . Create a post on your blog about which of the habits is easiest for you and which is hardest, and any other thoughts you have about life long learning habits.
- returning Challengers: "Refresh" your blog from last year's challenge or start a new one. Creat a post about how your participation in the 2008 Montana Library 2.0 Challenge impacted your personal life or your working life at the library. Have you continued to use the web 2.0 tools you learned about? What are some of the cool things you've done using web 2.0 tools? Did your experience in the learning program change your approach to new technology?
Step 4- join the Challenge team blog
After you have registered your blog, you will receive an invitation to become an author on the Challenge team blog - Life Long Learners. Accept the invitation. (you will then have at least two blogs on your dashboard)
Step 5 – think PLAY!
Have you ever wondered why teenagers are so good at all this technology stuff? It’s because they spend so much time playing with it. Think about all the things you learned as a child through play; for the young - playing is learning. Unfortunately, as working adults we don’t have quite as much time to explore or experiment - or play - with things. That’s why this program encourages you to set aside a little time each day, or each week, to play with web 2.0 tools. We hope you'll have fun!
See you at Lesson 1, opening March 30.
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