The Ai MN 16 Things team has modified the 23 Things on a Stick program designed by Minnesota’s seven multicounty, multitype library systems (multitypes). The multitypes improve library services by promoting & facilitating cooperation among the academic, public, school library media centers, & special libraries within their regions.
Ai MN 16 Things offers ideas to "jump start" your learning. We hope you will share your ideas on how these Web 2.0 tools can be used in your classes and professional development. We have used many Web 2.0 tools to design this program, including Blogger, Flickr, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines—which we were forced to learned as we went. You can learn them, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program that allows participants to take control of their own learning. Participants are encouraged to work with others in their programs and classes and to share their insights and discoveries with others through their blogs and in person. Ai MN 16 Things is web-based and not tied to any particular computer. You can work at home, at school, at your public or academic library, or wherever. You may need to work at home if your place of work or local library blocks multimedia or other sites.
2. Who can participate?
This program is open to all students, staff and faculty of The Art Institutes International Minnesota. Each person must register her/his own blog with Ai MN 16 Things.
3. How do I register my blog?
After you have created a blog using Blogger or other service as explained in Thing 1, register by clicking here. Note that you will not receive a confirmation of registration. We will add your blog to the main mother blog by region--check the Participants' Blog list on the sidebar for your blog. This may take a week or so, since we must add them manually. We will not list your name; only your blog's name.
3a. Where's my blog? It is not on the list under my advisor/major.
All of the blogs are entered on the list manually—it may take a week to get the blog listed. If your blog is not up after a week, email aim16things@aii.edu with your name, the blog name, and URL.
3b. The link to my blog doesn't work or goes to some weird blog. What's the deal?
Possible reasons:
- The links are copied and pasted into the main blog, so it is possible the link had a typo or was incomplete. We try to check them, but we miss some. Email aim16things@aii.edu with your name, the blog name, and URL so we can check the registration info.
- You registered a blog that belongs to someone else. If you did not create your blog prior to registering and just selected a URL without checking availability, you may have a link to a "weird blog." Re-register with a new URL. We will change the list to reflect your new blog.
- We couldn't figure out the URL you supplied, so it is not listed yet. You will be hearing from us soon.
- You registered multiple blogs with different names and/or emails and we are waiting to get that straightened out with you.
The program was initially set up to be completed within a 12 week quarter but feel free to take as long as you need, to satisfactorily complete all 16 Things.
5. Are there prizes?
Seriously?!? You need some kind of reward for doing this? Where's that little risk-taker, I used to know, huh? Where's that life-long learner you're always bragging to be? They wouldn't be asking me that kinda question. They would be seizing this opportunity.
I believe Plato (or was it Tupac? I forget.) said it best when he said, and I'm paraphrasing here, isn't enduring the day-to-day existential angst and pangs of human endeavor, isn't that truly the greatest reward one can recieve to a fully "examined" life?
Prizes?!?! FTW?
6. How do I track my progress for the 16 Things?
You will create a blog of your own in Thing 1 to track your progress. Please use your blog to write your reactions to the lessons and add any ideas you may have on how to use Web 2.0 tools in classes or in professional development. This is your time to experiment, have fun, get weird and learn at you own pace.
Include the Thing # and title in the heading of each post. It will help you and the Ai MN 16 Things Team track your progress. It is helpful when you want to refer back or add something new on a specific topic or tool, too.
7. How will you know I have done all the Things?
You will write about each Thing you complete (see previous question). Each of the advisors will be reading and tracking their participants' blogs.
8. Can I blog anonymously?
Yes & no. Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose to use a screen name to keep yourself anonymous if that makes it easier/more comfortable for you. However, you must register your blog with the 16 Things team with a valid email. Your blog will be posted on this blog, but your "real identity" will not be listed.
But, really, why be anonymous? Other 16 Thingers want to know who you are so they can share and learn more. It is not necessary to put all your personal info in your profile, but complete anonymity works against the social community we want to create with 16 Things. Duh.
9. How much do I have to write in my blog posts?
Each blog post must describe which Thing you have completed (remember to put that in the post title, too), what your experience was learning about it--easy, hard, impossible--ideas how you can use this in your library or media center or in other areas, and other comments on the process. While we don't expect a dissertation on every Thing, we do expect thoughtful reflection and active participation that is clear in the post. Single line posts or those that show perfunctory participation will not be counted.
10. Will there be any training classes offered on how to do this?
There will be no onsite classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together with other participants in this program and share with each other discoveries, techniques and "how to" both in person and through blogs. You are encouraged to be resourceful and find other 16 Thingers who can help. Be sure to share your knowledge and expertise too!
We will provide helpful hints, encouraging words, and post comments on your blogs from time to time. The Ai MN 16 Things team will be available by e-mail to answer your questions. Individual advisors may offer opportunities to work together or additional sessions on the Ai MN 16 Things.
11. Is there any tech support?
We can assist you with the course, but not your computer or Internet connection. Here are some hints about Web 2.0 tools that might help you.
12. Do any of the 16 Things require downloads?
Flash is required to view many of the applications. Chances are this is already installed on your computer, but if it is not, click here for a free download. Adobe Reader is required to read a few of the links. If you do not have it, you can get it free here. Java needs to be enabled for many of the applications, too. Here are instructions on how to enable Java. Always check with your tech people before downloading anything.
A few of the Things have activities that may require a download. However, most of the Things have options that can be done without downloading anything extra.
Most of the 16 Things are Web-based applications that do not require additional downloads or plug-ins to work. Many Web-based applications have third party features that require downloads. These are not required—although they are often fun and add functionality.
13. Why Do This?
Baby, why you gotta be like that? Now just listen, this is a great chance to spend time on your personal and professional development. Industry professionals need to be up-to-date with the latest trends and technology tools that Web 2.0 is bringing us everyday. These tools will also benefit you in academic pursuits and help you to be successful at Ai MN. Why NOT take time to learn how these tools can be utilized. That should be your question.
14. I noticed some of the Things have a section headed Challenge. What is this and do I have to do it?
The Challenges are there for those participants who are already familiar with that particular Thing and want to learn more and/or for those who are intrigued by what they have learned doing the first parts of the Thing. The Challenges are all optional; you do not have to do those parts to have completed the Thing. If you do one or more the Challenges, be sure to blog about it!
15. Who are members of the Ai MN 16 Things Team?
I am not at liberty to divulge that type of information in this type of forum at this time.
Roger that.
And out.
