In our university the VLE is Blackboard and I know that students are prompted to use Google Docs, as a way of storing files etc.
I'm not entirely sure about the purpose of Wiki's. A few of the colleagues I admire have set them up for various purposes (e.g. Info Literacy). I will spend more time looking into Wiki's and report back here . . . . looking forward to finding out more - but for now I wish anyone who chances upon my blog a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!
22 Dec 2011
Thing 12: Putting the Social into Social Media
There are aspects of social networking that I can clearly see are positive. By 'following' others who work in your field, via Twitter, professional awareness is definately broadened.
With Facebook - updates of what family and friends are up to are brought to your 'wall' with no effort or input. It's nice to know and you feel as though you're in touch, even though you haven't been. By ticking 'like' you can let your friends know that you know their news and are happy for them/approve. So this is all good. I won't go into the disadvantages of FB because I think they are too numerous for this blog and involve mainly young, vulnerable adults, vindictive bullies and other non-friendly activity that is amplified through this type of media.
Returning to 'professional development' - yes, you can learn stuff on-line, that has been passed your way by others. You can learn about free courses and meetings etc. and Twitter is often used as an early alerting system. The disadvantages, to my mind, are all to do with being 'too' personal, i.e.just because somebody is linked up to me as a contact, or 'friend' - this doesn't mean I would be feel easier about asking for a favour. I would not 'lean' on someone in this way. It would still be formal e-mail or phone call for me, every time. I always feel uncomfortable asking busy working people to assist me (with anything) anyway - so social media, for me, does not make this easier (or more likely).
Because of CPD 23, I did attend a 'meet up' to see fellow bloggers face-to-face. Maybe it's me, but I really didn't get anything out of the evening - other than confirmation that social media 'friends' are not really friends. Most of the group who attended already knew each other (they were work colleagues from the same University). There was no real discussion about CPD 23 - it was just an after work social gathering - of REAL friends. . . .
As far as using social media for my own career - I'm not new to the profession - or looking for a job and - because of my advanced years(!)it's unlikely that I'll ever be 'head-hunted'(lol) - so my involvment is to keep abreast of changing times; keep in touch with what our students are using and to keep my head above water!
As stated previously though, I do now use a professional blog for academic support. I'm not sure if anyone ever follows or even looks at it - but it's there (and I, for one, think it's quite good) :-)
With Facebook - updates of what family and friends are up to are brought to your 'wall' with no effort or input. It's nice to know and you feel as though you're in touch, even though you haven't been. By ticking 'like' you can let your friends know that you know their news and are happy for them/approve. So this is all good. I won't go into the disadvantages of FB because I think they are too numerous for this blog and involve mainly young, vulnerable adults, vindictive bullies and other non-friendly activity that is amplified through this type of media.
Returning to 'professional development' - yes, you can learn stuff on-line, that has been passed your way by others. You can learn about free courses and meetings etc. and Twitter is often used as an early alerting system. The disadvantages, to my mind, are all to do with being 'too' personal, i.e.just because somebody is linked up to me as a contact, or 'friend' - this doesn't mean I would be feel easier about asking for a favour. I would not 'lean' on someone in this way. It would still be formal e-mail or phone call for me, every time. I always feel uncomfortable asking busy working people to assist me (with anything) anyway - so social media, for me, does not make this easier (or more likely).
Because of CPD 23, I did attend a 'meet up' to see fellow bloggers face-to-face. Maybe it's me, but I really didn't get anything out of the evening - other than confirmation that social media 'friends' are not really friends. Most of the group who attended already knew each other (they were work colleagues from the same University). There was no real discussion about CPD 23 - it was just an after work social gathering - of REAL friends. . . .
As far as using social media for my own career - I'm not new to the profession - or looking for a job and - because of my advanced years(!)it's unlikely that I'll ever be 'head-hunted'(lol) - so my involvment is to keep abreast of changing times; keep in touch with what our students are using and to keep my head above water!
As stated previously though, I do now use a professional blog for academic support. I'm not sure if anyone ever follows or even looks at it - but it's there (and I, for one, think it's quite good) :-)
Thing 11: Mentoring
I like to think that I'm a bit of a freelance mentorer (!) happy to mentor anyone really, if I have the time and a little more knowledge than my mentee . . .
The best aspect of my job, as an Information Librarian, is coaching students. I demonstrate to them how to use our library resources (e-databases, e-journals,books, e-books and various websites)effectively - so that they get the best possible results. I guess you could call this a form of mentoring.
I have also been a CSO (Candidate Support Officer) with the CDG (Career Development Group) in South Wales for about 3 years. During this time I have helped several candidates with their Chartership portfolio compilation. It's something I enjoy and I find that it comes easily to me.
In terms of being mentored by somebody else, I haven't had a great deal of experience. I know which courses I've attended over the years have worked well, or not, so I'm able to appreciate different teaching styles - what's effective and what's not.
When I was doing my first degree with the Open University (because it's all about distance learning) we were encouraged to set up small student 'groups' to help each other along. I know that this definately didn't work for me. In all honesty I found it a complete drawback. People learn at different paces and when you're trying to crack on with something, against a deadline, helping others along can be another source of stress. I've discovered that if I really want to understand something, the best way for me to learn is to get my head down, without distractions, and get on with it . . .
The best aspect of my job, as an Information Librarian, is coaching students. I demonstrate to them how to use our library resources (e-databases, e-journals,books, e-books and various websites)effectively - so that they get the best possible results. I guess you could call this a form of mentoring.
I have also been a CSO (Candidate Support Officer) with the CDG (Career Development Group) in South Wales for about 3 years. During this time I have helped several candidates with their Chartership portfolio compilation. It's something I enjoy and I find that it comes easily to me.
In terms of being mentored by somebody else, I haven't had a great deal of experience. I know which courses I've attended over the years have worked well, or not, so I'm able to appreciate different teaching styles - what's effective and what's not.
When I was doing my first degree with the Open University (because it's all about distance learning) we were encouraged to set up small student 'groups' to help each other along. I know that this definately didn't work for me. In all honesty I found it a complete drawback. People learn at different paces and when you're trying to crack on with something, against a deadline, helping others along can be another source of stress. I've discovered that if I really want to understand something, the best way for me to learn is to get my head down, without distractions, and get on with it . . .
Thing 10: Chartership
I Chartered in 2007. I think that being a chartered librarian has really helped my career, particularly as I didn't do a first degree in Library Studies (mine was Social Sciences. I know, for a fact, that I would not have even been interviewed for my current role, unless I had been professionally qualified).
That said, I am aware that a number of my colleagues in the library hold Masters level qualifications - and I don't. Feeling somewhat inadequate (and particularly as I am expected to support Masters level students in my day job) I have enrolled on a taught Masters course (in History! - well, I thought I might as well do something I would really enjoy - half the battle etc.). Luckily, with my job, I was able to enrol for free - so I have no excuses really.
That said, I am aware that a number of my colleagues in the library hold Masters level qualifications - and I don't. Feeling somewhat inadequate (and particularly as I am expected to support Masters level students in my day job) I have enrolled on a taught Masters course (in History! - well, I thought I might as well do something I would really enjoy - half the battle etc.). Luckily, with my job, I was able to enrol for free - so I have no excuses really.
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