Every day we hear about some new digital app, tool, or thing we should be learning about or using, but when do we have time to actually experiment and try out all of these things?
23 Things is a programme originally run in 2006 by Helen Blowers, a librarian, to encourage her colleagues to learn and experiment with Web 2.0 and other new technologies. The format has since been picked up and re-purposed by groups all over the world, and we’re really happy to be able to bring our own version to the University of Edinburgh in 2016.
The University of Edinburgh’s 23 Things for Digital Knowledge is a self-directed course, run by Information Services Group. By testing out a bunch of tools and applications, then providing these as bite sized nuggets of information we’re seeking to provide staff and students with a way to improve digital knowledge and to experiment with a range of new tools (or known tools in new way). An introduction and a task is provided for each Thing along with suggested readings and resources. How much time and detail is set aside for each Thing is completely up to the participant.
A sense of community is added to the programme with the option of blog posts. On completion of the readings and task for each Thing, participants can choose to write and share a short (50-300 word) blog post on that Thing. We’re really curious to hear how people respond to the Things, and are encouraging critical thought and appraisal.
Throughout the twelve weeks of the programme we’ll be holding face-to-face drop-in sessions across the Edinburgh campuses, and online hangouts for those not based in Edinburgh or unable to make the sessions.
Everyone who registers a blog and posts about each of the 23 Things by the end of the programme (4th Dec 2016) will receive an Open Badge. University staff and students who do this will also go into a draw to win an iPad Air.
Learn more about 23 Things for Digital Knowledge by visiting our website, and sign up for our mailing list to be notified of when the Things are released.
Feel free to ask any questions about the course by saying hi on Twitter at@EdUni23Things or by emailing 23things@ed.ac.uk.
Stephanie (Charlie) Farley is the Open Education Resource and Social Media Advisor for EDE. Charlie provides support and training in the creation and use of Open Educational Resources (Open.Ed), advises on the use of Social Media in Learning and Teaching, and runs Board Game Jam sessions for various groups at the University. Rarely seen without an electronic device in her hand, Charlie is passionate about the uses of technology to enhance open education, access, and information sharing. A self-identified Librarian, she is studying a distance MSc in Information and Library Studies at Aberystwyth University.
Sounds great!
I like the concept and looking forward to participate. .