Thing 1: About

Web 2.0 has been termed the “read – write” Web.  Words that describe Web 2.0 are free or low cost, responsive, sharable, personal investment, identity building, collaboration, value added.  All of the tools used as part of this professional development program are free.  As you continue on through the 23 Things, step outside the “box” we typically think of as “school” and think about how these tools may be used for teaching and learning in your world.  (By doing these things, you can even get up to two units of continuing education credit through Fresno Pacific University – see FAQ).

This Clovis 23 Things program has been modeled after other 23 Thing programs and, in particular, the one designed by the California School Library Association.  The first "23 Things" was designed in 2006 by Helene Blowers, then a technology director at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County.  The program was inspired and is loosely based upon library futurist Stephen Abram's article entitled "43 Things" written in 2006.

Each thing includes a description of the tool, gives some ideas/links of how the tool is used, and an activity to complete to use the tool.  All participants need to create a blog on which to reflect about each thing.  Your reflection may describe how you are personally or professionally thinking of using each tool.

In April 2007, at the Computers in Libraries Conference the keynote speaker was Lee Rainie, Founding Director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project.  The title of his keynote was: “Web 2.0 and What it Means to Libraries.”  In this presentation, he spoke about six “hallmarks” of the Web 2.0 world that matter to libraries and education. These hallmarks outline the important fact that more and more Internet users are using the Internet to make connections, contributing their ‘know-how’ and customizing their experiences on the web.

• Hallmark #1: The Internet has become the computer;
• Hallmark #2: Tens of millions of Americans, especially the young, are creating and sharing content online;
• Hallmark #3: Even more Internet users are accessing the content created by others;
• Hallmark #4: Many are sharing what they know and what they feel online and that is building conversations and communities;
• Hallmark #5: Tens of thousands are contributing their know-how and/or their processing power to the online commons;
• Hallmark #6: Online Americans are customizing their online experiences thanks to Web 2.0 tools.

It is because of these “hallmarks” that this fun professional development program was designed for you!

Go on to Thing 2 -- Back to Index Page.