What is the 23 Things programme?
23 Things is an online learning tool for web 2.0 In the form of a blog, with weekly topics covering a variety of ‘Things’
23 Things started in the US, world-wide take up including the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge & Warwick. It's also been used by many public libraries
At City, the 23 Things Team includes Rowena, Emily, Verena and Helen, we'll also be using the twitter hashtag #23thingscity (don't worry if you're not familiar with twitter as this is one of the Things!)
You can watch the prezi below for more information, or read the remainder of this blog below
Why follow the programme?
You can watch the prezi below for more information, or read the remainder of this blog below
Why follow the programme?
23 Things is a fun way of developing your skills as you are learning by doing.
Skills are transferable as you'll be using tools which could be used both in your work and home lives if you so choose.
The programme will ensure you are familiar with tools already in use at City e.g. in Upgrade and Lawbore
Certifcates will be issued at the end of the programme to all successful participants. We'll also have a range of prizes on offer
Who can take part?
23 Things City is open to all staff who work in the City University Library Service, regardless of site. It is open to both full time and part time staff. It's a good way of getting to know colleagues at other sites
How will it work?
You must register for the programme. You can do this at any point up to week 2. You will need to register your blog on the registration form, but don't worry if you don't have one already as reflecting on blogs and creating your own blog is the first Thing, so you will see instructions on this in week 1. Each week the 23 Things blog will set out the topics/things for the following week, with instructions and ideas.You then try out the Things and blog about your experiences
What help is available?
The programme is designed to be worked through at your own pace each week without having to attend workshops or lectures, as such there are clear instructions but we have made the programme as easy to follow as possible.
Help is also available via the 23 things tutors, although we expect that you will try the Things out for yourselves first.
We will have some drop in sessions throughout the programme, and you may like to buddy up with another participant or arrange informal 23 things city teabreaks etc
How much time will it take?
The programme runs over 11 weeks, with 2 reflection/catch up weeks built in. It’s anticipated that you would spend 1-2 hours each week, but this may vary depending on your prior experience and how you engage with each Thing
What topics are included?
- Blogs and blogging
- IGoogle & Keeping up to date
- Pictures
- Social Networking
- Office 2.0
- Sharing
- Multimedia
- Search engines beyond Google
What if I’m already familiar with some of the Things?
It doesn’t matter if you’re already familiar with some of the 23 Things, this just gives you more time to concentrate on the ones you’re not familiar with, and to encourage other participants who may not be as familiar with some of the Things.
You can look at different applications for some of the Things you’re already familiar with - or see what other libraries in academia or other sectors are doing
Each week we’ll have a cool extra thing for you to look at if you want to go further.
The 23 Things Team would love you to find some more Cool Things to share with them and the other participants!
What about personal privacy?
You must register on the programme with your own details (these are only visible to the 23 Things City team) but can use an alias for your blog if you prefer. All blogs will be linked from the 23 Things Blog so as to share good practice and ideas.
Learning how to use personal information safely is a key part of web 2.0 use so you will be able to reflect on this during the programme
Will we look at every web 2.0 tool available?
It’s not possible to look at every single web 2.0 tool, as there are many really useful tools out there. Tools may come and go but the concepts remain, and this is what we are focussing on, so that you will be familiar with web 2.0 concepts so can start to look for alternative and have the confidence to use web 2.0 tools in future
Rowena
