To make this learning process as appetizing, attractive, and delicious as possible, we've cooked up some Frequently Asked Questions:
1. “How does this online learning program work?”
This is a self-discovery program which encourages the Burlington community to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and play. Although we will be offering drop-in sessions in the Ron Ness Training Room (RNTR) at the Central Library, there will be no formally organized classes to support this training. Instead, you are encouraged to work with others in the community and to share with each other your discoveries, techniques, and "how to's".
2. “Is this program open to all of Burlington or just some?”
The Betty Blogger program is open to the first 100 people who register at any one of the six Burlington Public Library branches.
However—and this is a big “however”—in order to participate you must have a valid, working email address. “Why?” you ask. Well, there are two reasons, actually:
a) The Library Lady needs a way of getting in touch with her students, and email is how she prefers to do it. Can you imagine if she had to make 100 phone calls every time she wanted to remind you to do your homework? Holy time consuming, Batman!
b) We assume if you have a valid email address you've already developed some comfort with computers. To begin/participate/complete the Betty Blogger program, you will need to feel comfortable with mousing, clicking on links, entering web addresses, and in general walking-the-walk and talking-the-talk of computers. We will not be reviewing these techniques during Betty Blogger, and these skills are key to your keeping up with classmates.
If this does not describe you—if you’re reading this trying to remember which button on the mouse is the 'click'—and you would like to develop your computer skills, please refer to BPL’s Computer Class descriptions and seasonal schedule found on our web page, located HERE.
Please Note: remember to regularly check your email account for updates, changes to the program, tips, tricks, and general “hurrah and good for you!” praise.
3. “How do I register?”
The Betty Blogger Summer School costs $15 payable by pre-registering, in-person at one of our six locations across the city. Registration must occur before July 8th, 2011. When you pre-register, you will be asked for your name, phone number, and email address. A follow-up email from the Library Lady will arrive in your inbox shortly afterwards and will include your registration package: a program outline, agenda, and syllabus.
Absolutely! As long as you register at one of our six branches before July 8th, 2011, you’re more than welcome to join the class.
5. “I’m [any age under 18 years]. Can I still participate?”
Unfortunately, no. This program is only open to adult customers.
6. “Will there be formal, classroom training classes offered to students enrolled in Betty Blogger?”
No, not really. This is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with something over the course of the summer (homework, an application, general questions...) you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find another community member to help you. However, library staff members at any one of our six branches can also lend a hand. And, of course, the Library Lady is always available to field questions and to point you in the right direction--she's always available through email (provided it's on work hours!)
Additionally, we will be offering free drop-in sessions in the Ron Ness Training Room for students to work through the exercises, collaborate with other students, and to ask the Library Lady questions. Keep your eyes glued to your e-mail and the Betty Blogger blog under "Betty's Drop-In" for more information on these sessions.
7. “I don't have a computer at home. What are my options?”
The Library Lady is doing her very best to ensure there are as many opportunities as possible for you to get your hands on a computer. There are over 100 public library computers across the city for you to use. Please refer to our Internet Access Policies for terms of use.
On designated days, the Library Lady will make herself available in the Ron Ness Training Room (RNTR) for drop-in sessions. All are welcome to come and share their questions, tips, and tricks! Keep your eyes peeled to your email in-boxes and the Betty Blogger homepage under "Betty's Drop-In" for these dates and times.
Please Note: Files saved to the public computers will not stay on the computer. These machines are "wiped clean" after every computer session, meaning any changes made to them or files saved will be deleted. Remember to save a personal backup copy of any files you want to keep.
8. “What about the Ron Ness Training Room (RNTR)? Can I use the computers in there to do my tasks? If so, how do I get in, and can I eat my lunch as I work?”
Unfortunately, the door to the RNTR is always locked, and will only be open to the public during set drop-in times. During these times, please do not bring your pop or sandwiches or cheesy poofs or coffee or doughnuts into the room, regardless of how tempting it may be (but please feel free to bring the Library Lady coffee and doughnuts. Chocolate Glazed, please!)
Please Note: Files saved to the public computers will not stay on the computer. These machines are "wiped clean" when they are shut down, meaning any changes made to them or files saved will be deleted. Remember to save a personal backup copy of any files you want to keep.
9. "Do I need anything in particular to participate?”
Nope. Nada. Nein. Zip. Zippo. All we're looking for is an interest in the subject, and a willingness to try something new. Oh, and that pesky email address, of course…
The Betty Blogger Summer School is an eight-week program, officially kicking off Monday July 4th 2011, wrapping up Friday August 26th, 2011.
11. “How will you track my progress through Betty Blogger?”
On July 5th, 2010, participants will receive their first task—creating a blog (don’t rush out and do that now! Please wait for further instruction…) Students will be asked to email their blog address to the Library Lady. Her royal highness will then monitor student progress via their blogs, which you’ll be asked to update as we progress through the summer. Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy, right?!
12. “If the program offered by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) was originally called 23 Things, why are we only doing 9 things?”
Given the time frame of the program (8 weeks), the number of "things" was reduced so that students already burdened with busy work/life schedules wouldn't feel overwhelmed by having too many discovery exercises to complete.
13. “I've seen the list of tasks on the Betty Blogger website, but how do I know what to do with them?”
Each week, students will receive an email from the Library Lady with details on which assigned task(s) to complete. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow students to move through a set of tasks at a comfortable pace, while avoiding that 'overwhelmed' feeling.
14. "Can I work ahead through the list of items on my own?"
Yes, of course! You are encouraged to self-direct your discovery process—this includes working ahead on your own. However, if you do work ahead on some items, be sure to check back in with the Betty Blogger blog and your all-important email inbox to ensure there have been no changes to a task. And make sure to complete each task by answering the questions on your blog as directed (so you can be sure to receive full credit for that task!)
But keep in mind that one of the many objectives of this training program is to encourage community spirit, and to inspire social networking and collaboration. If you get too far ahead, you might find yourself alone in your efforts. :(
15. “What if I need help--who can I call?"
Because this program is self-directed and is being completed by many students throughout the city simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with your friends and neighbours along your journey. Check out your fellow student’s blogs from the main Betty Blogger web page listed under Betty Blogger Gourmets, or talk to a library staff member. The Library Lady is also always available at training@bpl.on.ca (but try your classmates first!)
Also keep in mind that the Library Lady cannot help you with individual computer service questions--i.e. "I can't get the sound on my computer to work!” or “How do I increase the resolution on my computer?” These questions are outside the Betty Blogger scope. For help using your home computer, try the library's information desk for a list of commercial computer technicians: 905-639-3611, ext. 138.
16. “I would like to complete the program, but I don't feel comfortable with other members of the public reading my blog. Can I participate anonymously?”Yes and no. Because you control the information you will be sharing, you can choose to use a pseudonym for your Blogger ID (thus keeping yourself anonymous.) However, in order to participate and to have the Library Lady track your progress, you will need to submit your pseudonym to the Library Lady. Your blog address will also be published on the Betty Blogger homepage, under your chosen pseudonym.
17. “I was unable to finish the program in 8 weeks. [Insert any number of excuses here]. Can the Library Lady give me an extension?”
Unfortunately, no. The Betty Blogger program will only be running as a summer school. This means that much like white pants and shoes, come Labour Day the Betty Blogger Summer School will come to an end.
And no, the Library Lady is not trying to be mean and nasty (she’s really very nice... *blush*) But she has to be firm on the date so that come Fall she can once again offer the Burlington community the same array of computer classes you’ve come to know and love.
*scuffs toe*
And she’ll miss you too…
18. “I have questions about the program. Who do I call?”
If you run into any difficulties, or have questions about the learning tasks, you can find support through:
a) A friend or neighbour: Remember, we’re doing this together!
b) The blog: Comments and questions can be posted to the blog, and these F.A.Q. questions and answers will be updated regularly.
c) You can ask any library staff member at any one of our six locations.
d) You can email the Library Lady at training@bpl.on.ca.
e) You can attend a scheduled session in the Ron Ness Training Room.
19. “I like the idea of [insert any number of web 2.0 technologies here], but I just don't see how I’ll use them in my day-to-day life. What's wrong with me?! *sob*”
Absolutely nothing! By no means do we expect all of our students to find uses for the many, wonderfully various web 2.0 technologies available nowadays. What we do expect (and what we know will happen *wink*) is that somewhere down the line you'll have your "light bulb moment"--you'll recognize where you might find the need for RSS or where a wiki might make your life a little easier. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the learning process!
20. “Some of the tasks take me longer to complete than my friend. He/she is just zipping through them! Should I rush to finish each task as fast as him/her?”
This purpose of this training program is not the end result. It is the process. Don't rush. Take your time. Explore each application, read the "help" and "about" pages, and think about what you're doing. If it takes you a bit longer, so be it! And if your friend finishes before you, well then ask him/her to give you a hand. That's really what this program is about.
21. “What do I get for finishing the program?”
Besides glory and praise from the Library Lady and the love and affection of your fellow classmates, those students who successfully “graduate” from the Betty Blogger Summer School by August 26th will be eligible for the final draw to win our exciting prize! A...:
Oh, and there might just be a little something extra in there for you too, but only if you’re good little pupils and do as the Library Lady instructs, ya’ll hear?
While the Library Lady has never experienced an increase in her spam mail because of web 2.0 sites, your experience could be different.
If you would prefer to set up a new, web-based email account specifically for the Betty Blogger program to avoid unwanted junk mail, by all means, go for it! Just remember: you will need to check this email inbox for validation, welcome, and terms-of-use emails from the web 2.0 applications we will be exploring.
23. "I'm worried about my privacy..."
For all the beauties of the Internet, there are some problems that we all have to be continually aware of in order to circumvent them. One such problem is online privacy. And privacy should always be of a concern when it comes to giving out our personal information online.
Over the course of the Betty Blogger summer school you will be registering for many online accounts. This registration will often require inputting personal info bits into an online form: your name, email address, etc. If you are concerned about your privacy, consider the following tips:
a) Use a pseudonym. Create an alter ego to use for the course of our training, and use your alter ego to register for accounts. Remember to keep track of this alter ego, recording any information you submit on your registration forms.
b) Only submit the information required, and where possible, avoid giving out unnecessary contact information.
c) Read all screens careful, and un-check default boxes. For an example of what a default "checked box" looks like, see the image taken from the Yahoo! e-mail registration page below:
For more information and tips on how to protect your privacy online, check out the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada fact sheet on "Protecting Your Privacy on the Internet" by clicking HERE.
24. “Do I have to complete all of the tasks?”
If you want to be considered “eligible" for the final draw prize, than yes. If you’re only participating to “get in the know” and you’re not interested in some stinky final prize, then no, feel free to skip what you like.
25. “I haven’t completed the tasks as you requested. I did them my own way… Like, I didn’t really answer the questions you gave at the end of each task and I skipped the wiki task altogether. Can I still enter my name for the final draw?”
Nope. Sorry. The Library Lady will do her best to remind you if you’ve missed something. But in order to be considered eligible for the final prize draw you will have to complete each task as assigned. Tra la.
Back to the Betty Blogger Homepage
Waiting to feature as one of Betty's Gourmets !!!
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