Nebraska Learns 2.0, Nebraska’s version of the popular “23 Things” online learning program originally developed by Helene Blowers at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, officially wrapped up on January 30, 2009. The intent of the 16-week program, which kicked off on October 6, 2008, was to encourage participants to learn about emerging technologies on the web that are changing the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with each other.
When beginning the program participants were each required to create a blog and register its URL with program coordinators. During subsequent weeks, participants were prompted to experiment with and blog about a number of new technologies and tools, including instant messaging, RSS, Flickr, LibraryThing, Twitter, Delicious, Slideshare, wikis, YouTube, and podcasts.
In total, 165 participants registered blogs and began the program. During the ensuing 16 weeks they wrote 2,383 blog posts and left 2,257 comments on the Nebraska Learns 2.0 blog. Of the 165 who began the program, 83 finished all 23 Things by the January 30, 2009 deadline.
Participants who completed all 23 Things by the deadline received 15 CE credits and had their names entered in a prize drawing for nine 8 GB Creative Zen MP3 players. These MP3 players were made available through generous donations from
ITART,
NEMA, and
NLA.
The following nine participants’ names were drawn:
- Pam Bohmfalk, Hastings Public Library
- Mary Boyington, Hastings Public Library
- Elizabeth Hajny, Hastings Public Library
- Lauran Lofgren, Wayne Public Library
- Kathy Nelson, Stromsburg Public Library
- Melissa Nielsen, John Stahl Library, West Point
- Linda Risinger, Orchard Public Library
- Elaine Tobias, Pilger Public Library
- Dawn Weber, Gordon-Rushville Elementary School
The
Nebraska Learns 2.0 program is still available online. Although it is not currently being updated it will remain live indefinitely. A list of all
participant blogs is also available.
