The objectives of this program are to:
- Encourage exploration of Web 2.0 and new technologies by JPL staff.
- Provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet) to better support JPL's mission: To connect people with ideas that enlighten, encourage, inspire, enrich and delight.
- Reward staff for taking the initiative to complete 23 self-discovery exercises.
The Original Learning 2.0 program was designed by Helene Blowers while she was the PLCMC Technology Director. She created this blog with the support and assitance of several staff and it is loosely based upon Stephen Abram's article,43 Things I (or You) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006) and the website 43Things.
The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. These sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.
What is JPL Learning 2.0?
JPL Learning 2.0! is an online self-discovery program that encourages you to play around with web 2.0 tools and technologies. The lessons include blogs, wikis, RSS, image hosting, social bookmarking and much more. Click on the image above for a printable flyer.
Why the Training is Important
- More and more customers are using Web 2.0 technologies. The more we know about them, the more we can help.
- Web 2.0 technologies provide extraordinary possibilities for us to reach out into the community and to enhance our services.
- Web 2.0 technologies have the potential to help us improve internal communications.
Participation Information, Rules, and Eligibility
- Highly interactive. Learn by doing.
- 13 weeks to complete 9 lessons
- Everyone is eligible! (with supervisor approval)
- Participants completing the class by January 5, 2009 will be eligible to receive an MP3 player.
- 9 hours training credit
- Class Starts October 13. No advance registration needed.
Making Time for the Lessons
- If at all possible, we strongly encourage supervisors to schedule an hour per week for students to complete each week’s lesson. Supervisors will have discretion as to how to make time for their training and have the option to ask participants to fit the time in as they have opportunity.
- Staff unable to obtain approval for this class will have opportunities in the future to take part in the "23 Things".
- Supervisors have the discretion to limit participation to full time staff only.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's" both in person and through their blogs.
Is this program open to all JPL staff?
It is open to all staff (full and part time) with supervisor approval.
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program starts on October 13 and will officially wrap up on January 5th.
How do I track my progress for each of the 23 Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress. Most “things” have an instruction like “comment to the blog with a link to your blog entry”. It is through those comments that we keep track of participants.
Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
No, this is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or another staff member who can help. Reading other staff member's blogs can help, too. We’ve also put a chat box on the blog this time around so you can ask questions of other participants directly from the lessons.
What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many staff members throughout the system simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey.
I would like to earn the MP3 player but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
Yes & No. Since you control all the information that you share on your blog, you can choose to use a screen name to identify yourself to keep yourself anonymous. However, in order to receive the MP3 player and training credit you will need to register your blog with the training department and let them know the username you will be using to blog your comments.
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