#4 Register your blog

If you've made it this far, you already have three items or "things" completed of the 23 1/2 that are required to earn the gift card (not to mention qualify for the laptop drawing).

But how do you qualify? Good question! By registering your blog and recording your progress on each of the 23 1/2 Things. For the sake of simplifying this process for Queens Library staff involved, you will need to send an e-mail to ql.things@gmail.com with your name, employee number, and a link to your blog.

Each blog post should reflect your thoughts and experiences on each thing. Aim to write 100-150 words for each post.

#3 Grab yourself a blog in 3 steps

Now that you've done some exploring around this website and understand how this program will work, it's time to setup your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries and exercises in. For this program, I recommend that you use Blogger*, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use.

Creating a blog using Blogger takes just three steps:

1. Create an account (view screenshot)
2. Name your blog (view screenshot)
3. Select your template (view screenshot)

Once you've created your blog here are two important things to know:

To add posts: The maintenance interface that you will use to add posts, edit or change the step-up your blog is accessed online at http://www.blogger.com. Be sure to write down your login and password.

To view your blog: Your blog address is http://(xxxx).blogspot.com, (xxxx)=the unique identifier you entered in Step 2. Be sure to also write down your blog address.


If you run into problems or would like more information about blogs and using Blogger here is a resource you can use:

* Blogger's Quick Tutorial


OK -- Now, it's your turn...

Discovery Exercise:

1. Setup a blog for yourself through Blogger. https://www.blogger.com/start
   
2. Add a test post or two.
   Note: Use one of your test posts to create an entry about the habits among the 7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits that is easiest and hardest for you & why. Posts should be 100-150 words in length.
   
3. Have fun!

IMPORTANT NOTE: How you choose to identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under a screen name, anonymously, or as yourself. However, in order to qualify for the gift card and laptop drawing, you will need to send an e-mail to ql.things@gmail.com.

Use of Blogger is only a recommendation. If there is another blog hosting site that you are more comfortable with, please feel free to use it.

#2 Lifelong Learning

Among libraries, lifelong learning is one of the core values we practice. Before we embark on this new online learning and discovery journey that we should take a few minutes to review a few habits that can assist in creating lifelong learners.

These habits, which PLCMC* called the Seven and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners, will provide you with a refresher on what it means to be a lifelong learner.

Discovery Exercise:

1. Make sure you have headphones or speakers attached to your computer.
   
2. Open up the 7 & 1/2 Habits online tutorial* and view the online tutorial.
   
3. As you watch and listen, write down which habit among the 7 & 1/2 that is easiest for you and which is hardest. You will use your personal blog (which you will set up next) to post your thoughts about lifelong learning.
   

Have fun! If you haven't jumped on board yet, it's never too late to become a lifelong learner.

*This tutorial was created by PLCMC, the library system that pioneered the Learning 2.0 program. If you are unable to hear the tutorial's narration or you lack headphones, you can opt to read the text in the tutorial's left sidebar.

Next Up: Creating your blog so you can begin tracking your journey. Several staff have already taken a jump start on this activity, so if you're up to it why not join the early bird crowd.

Just a quick post ...

... to address a few things:

1. Even though it might not make sense now, registration does not occur until next week. This is to give you time to learn about the program before you set up your own blog. The first four things are designed for simplicity's sake to ease you into learning about web 2.0 things. You'll be blogging before you know it.

2. We are blown away by your enthusiasm. It's great to see everyone's comments. Keep 'em coming, and we can't wait to start reading your blogs next week.

3. If you happen to read this before tomorrow, be sure to stop by our table at the staff breakfast. We'll have additional flyers for anyone who did not receive one.

--QL L2.0 Team

#1 Play. Discover. Have a Blast.

Welcome to QL's Learning 2.0 program & blog. Chances are if you've found your way here you're either:

1. A member of Queens Library's staff who's participating in the Learning 2.0 program.
   
2. Interested in learning about and playing around (yes, recreation is part of our mission) with some new web 2.0 tools that will help you expand your information literacy toolbox.
   - or -
   
3. Interested in earning an awesome $25 gift card and the chance to win a new laptop.

Either way, it's good to have you!

Learning 2.0 is an online learning program that encourages staff to learn more about emerging technologies on the web that are changing the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with each other.

Over the course of the next nine weeks this website will highlight "23 1/2 Things" and discovery exercises to help staff become familiar with blogging, RSS news feeds, tagging, wikis, podcasting, online applications, and video and image hosting sites.

To familiarize yourself with this project, be sure to read the About page. The FAQs should answer most of your questions about this program. If not, then please add your question to the FAQ page as a comment.

So fasten your seat belts, grab your mouse and get ready for a discovery adventure … and remember, it's OK to play in the library and have fun! The program starts today, September 24th and concludes in 13 weeks. Go at your pace, just make sure to enjoy your trip!