Web 2.0 - the interactive web or Read/Write web - is changing the way people use the Internet. Technologies such as weblogs, wikis, RSS feeds (and other forms of many-to-many publishing), photo and video sharing, social software, and online web services are bringing about significant changes in the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with each other.. As informational professionals, we need to be aware of these applications for the opportunities they offer in providing Library services in the 21st century.

About CAMP TECH – Arlington Public Library's Learning 2.0 Project

Libraries across the nation are embracing Web 2.0 technologies. We will, too, at some point in the not too distant future. But to use them, you need to know what they are and how they work. So we're going to learn about them by going to camp...CAMP TECH! Web 2.0 calls for Learning 2.0 - so this wiki has been set-up as the initial part of the APL Learning 2.0 project to encourage all of us to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today.

The goals of CAMP TECH are wonderfully simple – you should explore, play, and have fun. Seriously, that’s all. There are no grades, there are no quizzes and participation is completely voluntary - increasing your awareness is accomplishment enough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How does this online learning program work?

This is a self-discovery program which encourages APL employees to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and play. Employees are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's" both in person and through their wiki entries. There are four "camp activities" – each Monday in June, the activity for that week will be available on this wiki. You can't work ahead but you can work behind – there will be two additional weeks of camp for make-up opportunities. Each camp activity should take about an hour to complete

2. Is this program open to all APL employees or just some?

This program is open to ALL library employees regardless of position and status (full and part time).

Participants who complete the entire course will be entered in a drawing for prizes.

Non-regular staff members, please note that you will need to do the lessons outside working hours. However, you are now eligible for any incentives offered.

If you are not an APL employee, you are welcome to follow along, however the library cannot award you any prizes for completion. We will add your wiki page to our participants page if you are interested.

3. How long do I have to complete the program?

The program has been extended to August 31, 2007.   Heck, let's spend the whole summer at Camp Tech!  You may work on these activities in what ever order you wish, with the complete support of your manager. And yes, from home if you want since this course is web based and not tied to your computer at work. So in the time remaining, you can catch up if you missed an activity (or two or three or even four!) due to vacation or job responsibilities. Complete all 4 camp activities by Friday, August 31, and you’ll be entered to win one of our great prizes:  a 5.0 MegaPixel digital camera with 1GB SD card as the grand prize and numerous 1GB MP3 players.

4. How do I track my progress for each of the activities?

Each employee that chooses to participate in this program will be required to add a page to this wiki to track his or her progress.

5. Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?

No, this is a self-directed learning program.  You are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. And be sure to share your knowledge and expertise too!   Work in a group or as a team and learn together.  You will want to record the results of the activities and your impressions individually to be eligible for the prize drawing.

6. Do I earn any training hours for participating in CAMP TECH?

Yes - you will earn an hour for each week's activity. So if you complete the four activities, you will earn 4 hours training credit.

7. I don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my wiki entries. Can I participate anonymously?

Since you control all the information that you share on your wiki, you can choose to use a screen name to identify yourself to keep yourself anonymous. However, in order to qualify for the prizes, you will need to identify yourself by sending an email to a member of the Training Team 2.0. The team will not share your identity with anyone.

8. What happens next?

There are other Web 2.0 technologies that will be explored in subsequent online learning activities. This summer's CAMP TECH is designed to start the process of acquainting staff with these new, emerging technologies in use by today's Library users.

9. Who is the Training Team 2.0?

Shari Clayman, Ron Altemus, David Bishop, and Amy Koslowski are your friendly and approachable Senior Camp Counselors.

10. Okay, I'm going to participate. How do I get started?

Simply click on the link in the SideBar above to Activity 1 - Wikis and off you go...

Production Credits:

Training Team 2.0 members have modified a number of Learning 2.0 programs for this abbreviated summer session. In particular, credit should go to the Learning 2.0 site designed by Helene Blowers, Technology Director, Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, and the Richland County Public Library Tech Challenge.

The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: PBWiki, Flickr, YouTube, & MySpace.

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