How does TexShare 101 Fundamentals Program work?
The TexShare 101 pilot training program encourages staff to participate in a Web 2.0 shared learning environment to improve their database search skills, database marketing, and information literacy instruction methods. LibrarianOnline fosters information literacy through a shared learning experience that explores the treasures available in the TSLAC TexShare Database Program. In addition to the weekly lesson that support this training program, LibrarianOnline.Info provides a virtual learning space for library staff in the NETLS region to work together to share their search strategies and techniques, TexShare resources, marketing methods, and helpful tips.
Is this program open to all NETLS staff?
This program is open to select pilot libraries that elected to participate in the INFUSE Pilot Project. All library staff members regardless of position and status (full, part time, or volunteers) who are part of the Balch Springs, Corsicana, Highland Park and Kaufman County Public Libraries are encouraged to participate. If you are not a member of these pilot libraries and are interested in participating in the training program, you may request permission to participate by contacting Teri Dalston, INFUSE project manager and LibrarianOnline administrator.
What is the duration of the TexShare 101 Fundamentals Program?
The pilot program kicks off November 18th, 2009 and the facilitated portion of the training officially wraps up on January 25th, 2010. However, TexShare 101 Learning Environment will remain open until April 23rd, 2010.
How do I track my progress in the TexShare 101 Fundamentals Program?
Each staff member that elects to participate in this program will be required register with LibrarianOnline to access the secure learning environment and will be provided a blog (online journal) located within TexShare 101 to track their progress and experiences through the training. Also, each module will include some hand's on exercises (crossword puzzles, searches, surveys) that can be submitted in the assignment area.
Can I work ahead through the TexShare 101 training program?
The LibrarianOnline.Info Learning Environment will be available 24/7, but to keep the training program as a shared learning experience, only one new module will be open each week. If you find you have reviewed all the lesson materials for a particular week, all participants are encouraged to use the Web 2.0 environment to journal their learning experiences and create their own learning portfolio for TexShare databases. Participants are also encouraged to discuss the learning materials and their database search experiences with other participants. Facilitation is included for weekly lessons and additional resources are provided for questions that arise as time permits. You are encouraged to participate in the shared learning experiences and self-direct your own discovery of the TexShare Database Program and resources.
What if I need help with the online challenge assignments or stumper - who can I call?
Since the TexShare 101 Fundamental program is being completed by many Texas public library staff members in the Northeast Texas Regional Library System simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with your fellow colleagues to find solutions to especially challenging search assignments or stumpers. There is even a chat module within the LibrarianOnline.Info Learning environment to share tips and your learning experiences. Solutions to challenges should be posted to the blog area. Participants that complete all search assignments, quizzes, and challenges will be provided a certificate of completion of TexShare 101 Fundamentals and entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card. Starting in Week 4 a weekly $5 gift cards will be mailed to the participant that submits a correct solution to the Stumper of the Week question first. Solutions will be posted weekly by the TexShare 101 facilitator. Prizes are only provided to registered participants in the INFUSE pilot project.
I would like to participate for prizes in the weekly stumpers and final drawing but don't feel comfortable with INFUSE participants and colleagues reading my blog, can I participate anonymously? LibrarianOnline does not allow guest or anonymous registration. In order to participate in the project and compete to receive the stumper prizes, you will need to register within the LibrarianOnline Learning System. Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose set your privacy settings on your blog to private which only allows yourself and the LibrarianOnline access to your profile. So, you would be able to participate in the final drawing but not the weekly stumper prizes.
When will the drawing take place for the $50 gift card?
The drawing for the gift card will take place February 1st, 2010. In order to qualify for the drawing, you must complete all ten modules and log your progress by January. 25th.
Contact TexShare 101 Fundamentals Learning Facilitator:
For more information about TexShare 101 Fundamentals or questions about duplicating this program for your own library staff contact:
Teresa Dalston
teresa_dalston@yahoo.com |
