Feral Learning

The original title of this post was going to be “Using FREE Online Resources for Continuing Education”. However, I was reading my Training Doctor Newsletter for November 2009 (yes, I’m a little behind and you should subscribe too) and came across a term that is new to me, feral learning. The newsletter states:

The term “feral learning” was coined in the 1990s by Ted Nunan, perhaps, or by Dr. Roy Lundin. It is in reference to employees taking control of their own training needs and education by utilizing resources they find themselves (such as Google).

Beautiful description of how I go about meeting my training needs with a very small budget. In these trying times, I currently have no CE budget, so I’m grateful that I have developed the skill of furthering my knowledge through online connections.

The newsletter suggests a wonderful blog post to check out by ZOE Training & Consulting. Please read through it for some excellent information. I love the 3 1/2 tips they state at the end of the post. Here are the beginnings of those tips as a teaser to send you over to the whole post…

1. Help your employees become better learners.
2. Help your employees become better teachers and mentors.
3. Identify which critical areas are suitable for “PULL” learning
4. (actually 3.5) Offer that content in multi-media formats.

I first heard another term for this, personal learning environment/experience (PLE), from fellow ALA Learning Blog author, Marianne Lenox, during her WebJunction Webinar titled “Start You Up! The Personal Learning Experience”.  She presented this on 12/7/07. Be sure to check out the archive of it. Here’s a description of the webinar:

The new term “Personal Learning Environment” refers to a concept of highly individualized, non-structured e-learning built by the user to meet his or her own needs. Also known as a “PLE,” it can be a mix of educational computer software or applications, Internet pages, Web 2.0 tools and creativity. During this webinar, we will look at the most popular start pages like iGoogle, Netvibes and Pageflakes, and show you how to create your own private, educational website about almost any topic you choose!

I started following Marianne’s blog after the webinar. I began emailing her here and there. Then she was added to my IM list (Instant Messaging). Next thing you know we’re on a podcast together and the rest is history. You see, Marianne became part of my own PLE!! This is how it works!

Over the years I have found many avenues to bring me a constant stream of learning possibilities. By subscribing to blogs and online newsletters, joining lists and communities, and listening to podcasts, I have to pick and choose what I have time for. I mentioned in my previous post some top blogs I follow (and of course the blogs of the authors right here and the usual suspects found on the left side of this page) and lists that I am a member of. I love these newsletters:

• TechSoup By the Cup
• American Libraries Direct
• DIOSA Communications
• Idealware
• Training Doctor
• Philanthropy Today.

I love the OPAL and LearningTimes communities too.

For podcasts/vodcasts there is a wide variety (note my main training focus is tech training):

• T is for Training
• Adventures in Library Instruction
• Educause
• GeekBrief
• Get It Done Guy’s Quick and Dirty Tips to Work Less and Do More
• Howard Rheingold’s Vlog
• IT Conversations
• JohnHaydon
• LearningTimes Green Room
• Librarian Live
• LISNews Netcast Network
• Longshots
• Presentation Slide Makeovers
• The Public Speaker’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills
• Rocketboom
• SirsiDynix Institute
• Talking With Talis
• Tekzilla
• This Week in Tech

What makes up your PLE?  Please comment and share the blogs, communities, newletters, podcasts, etc. that you would recommend.

My manager has made it a requirement within our department to attend one webinar or listen to one podcast per month and share what we learned on a page of our intranet. This is a great way to foster feral learning!

In an effort to move from push learning to pull learning with the staff and volunteers I train, I created a Google Calendar chuck full of possibilities. I created a page on our Intranet that shows them the calendar and gives them links to many resources. I would like to share that information with you here:

Link to the calendar:  Library-Related Training Opportunities – This calendar shows regional, national and worldwide trainings and conferences as well as online webinars to help you in your profession. Click on the name of any event for more information. You may also change the view from Agenda (which it displays by default) to Week or Month by using the tabs on the top right of the calendar.

If you really like to travel, here is a huge list of Library Related Conferences around the world.

Here’s the list of resources I have recommended:

ABLE – The free, online Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) Program provides basic library knowledge and skills for staff members who have no formal education in library science.

Adobe Luminary eSeries – In this eSeminar series, you will engage with industry luminaries to learn techniques that will give you insight and techniques that you can use everyday.

ALA – American Libraries Assn.  This will link you to their calendar of events and trainings.

BCR – BCR (Bibliographical Center for Research) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Aurora, Colorado. They offer a broad range of solutions and Their hands-on, personal attention to each customer enables them to deliver effective and timely solutions that help libraries keep pace with new developments in technology and services. BCR is the nation’s oldest and most established multistate library cooperative. Since 1935, the BCR team has helped libraries learn new skills, reach new customers, increase productivity and save money.

Charity How To – Offers free step-by-step videos for non-profits, including tutorials on online fundraising.

DIOSA – DIOSA | Communications specializes in Web 2.0 Marketing, Web 2.0 Trainings, Webinars, and MySpace Design for nonprofit organizations, and small businesses.

Discovery Education – Offers free webinars and archives.

Education Week – Offers Free webinars and archives.

Elluminate – Elluminate goes beyond web conferencing with best-in-class web, audio, video, and social networking solutions that help you create a 21st century teaching, learning, and collaboration environment.  They offer great webinars.

Foundation Center – Offers free webinars on grant seeking, proposal budgeting, boards and fundrasing.  They also offer fee based webinars.

Higher Logic – Higher Logic’s mission is to provide the constituents of not-for-profits innovative ways to think together and build trusted communities where interactive communication and information exchange can occur. By offering software products that allow people to contribute, share, and collaborate, Higher Logic delivers solutions to not-for-profits looking to preserve their organizational value and attract a new generation of global members. Check out their online Q3 Learning Series Webinars for 2009.

Idealware – Idealware seminars are designed to give you the tactical advice you need to make software decisions. They include all the candid advice and product comparisons of the reports and articles on which they are based, but offer plenty of extra guidance and insights straight from the author – and each is capped at 22 participants, so you’ll have lots of opportunity to ask questions and get just the information you need.

InSync Training – InSync Training offers a variety of consulting, development and delivery services to support synchronous training initiatives. We combine specialized instructional design, facilitation techniques, and content development to deliver the most effective training for the live online environment.

Library Journal Webcasts – List of Webinars suggested by Library Journal.

Lyrasis – A regional membership organization for libraries and information professionals, Lyrasis works to ensure their success today and tomorrow by providing access to more of the shared knowledge and expertise, innovative products and services, and customized solutions they need. Created in 2009 by the merger of PALINET and SOLINET, two well-established regional library networks, Lyrasis members now include over 4,000 member libraries and cultural heritage institutions across the US and beyond. Lyrasis serves as a critical collective voice in the national arena.

NEFLIN’s Library Webinars Blog:  This site has been created by NEFLIN to provide Florida library staff with one location for information about webinars.

Network for Good Learning Center – Nonprofit 911 is a free training series on nonprofit marketing and online fundraising, supported by Network for Good and guest speakers.

New Horizons – Since 1998, New Horizons of Harrisburg has been delivering expert-led computer training to local Pennsylvania businesses and individuals. Through an integrated learning approach that ensures that new knowledge can be applied to real life situations, New Horizons Harrisburg delivers a full range of technology and business skills training from basic application and desktop productivity tools to complex and integrated business systems.

Nonprofit Resource Network – The Nonprofit Resource Network enhances the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations, providing professional development, networking opportunities and access to critical information resources.

NTEN – NTEN aspires to a world where all nonprofit organizations skillfully and confidently use technology to meet community needs and fulfill their missions.

OCLC Training Portal – The Training Portal is your gateway to making the most of your OCLC products and services. This site provides you with access to in-person and Web-based instruction from OCLC and OCLC-certified Training Partners.

OPAL – OPAL is an international collaborative effort by libraries and other organizations of all types to provide web-based programs and training for library users and library staff members.

O’Reilly Webcasts - Meet experts online.

PANO – Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations – PANO is the statewide membership organization serving and advancing the charitable nonprofit sector through leadership, advocacy, education and services in order to improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania.

PBS Teachers – Free media and education technology webinars.

SABLE – The free, online Supplemental Alternative Basic Library Education (SABLE) program provides additional resources in library knowledge and skills for staff members who have no formal education in library science. This program is a supplement to the ABLE courses; however, they are not tied to the completion of the ABLE courses.

SirsiDynix Institute – Providing you FREE access to industry-leading speakers and events, our mission is to support librarianship and advance the work of librarians around the world. Attend online as the SirsiDynix Institute presents compelling speakers selected from among leaders in librarianship and information technology. In each biweekly Web conference, presenters will share their expertise and enhance your understanding of current topics important to librarians.

Techsoup – TechSoup is a trusted technology resource that offers a variety of information and services for the benefit of the nonprofit sector. TechSoup provides instructional articles and worksheets for nonprofit staff members who utilize information technologies, as well as technology planning information for executives and other decision makers. Our introductory articles and message board support are aimed at those who do not have much experience using technology, but we also provide more advanced information.

The TLT Group – The TLT Group is a not-for-profit that helps college and university educators take advantage of changing technology so they can improve teaching and learning.

Thinkfinity – The goal of Verizon Thinkfinity’s professional development is to help educators, parents and afterschool practitioners engage students and enhance learning using our online resources. Check out their free training courses and register for the one that best meets your needs.

WebJunction – WebJunction bridges the barriers to learning by providing open, affordable, online learning communities like the one you are visiting right now. Our members take courses, attend events, share knowledge, and network with others – all in an environment that fosters collaboration and mutual support. Our vision is to be the place where the worldwide library profession gathers to build the knowledge, skills and support we need to power vibrant, relevant libraries.

WebEx Presents – Free webinars hosted by industry experts.

Again, please add in comments other resources that contribute to your own PLE and contribute to your own feral learning. Feral really is the perfect word to describe this movement in training.  We are escaping the domestication of regimented classroom training and becoming wild in our efforts to learn as rapidly as we can to keep up with the lightning fast speed of change present in technology today.  With the economy the way it is today, we HAVE to move in this direction.

I promise, I won’t bite you…

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Stephanie Zimmerman

Stephanie Zimmerman is the Training Coordinator for the Library System of Lancaster County (Pennsylvania), a federated system with 14 member libraries, three branches and a bookmobile, which serves 490,562 residents. She designs and implements technology and development training and consulting to the member libraries. This includes training on Innovative’s Millennium Integrated Library System, Microsoft Office Applications, emerging technologies (i.e. social media) and various other areas. Her goal is to remove the fear of technology and help others to realize the amazing possibilities it provides. Teaching others to do things for themselves and see their excitement when they break through their barriers is her greatest reward. Stephanie has been a software trainer for 15 years. Her past employment involved training on federal and county government applications. She also worked for a private industry marketing company where she traveled across the country showing manufacturers and retailers in the consumer packaged goods industry how to use geodemographic targeting software. Always wanting to help others, Stephanie graduated from Millersville University (in Pennsylvania) cum laude with a BA in Social Work. She was also a student in the Computer Information Systems program at Harrisburg Area Community College. She is a member of ASTD (American Society of Training and Development). She is also a regular contributor to the T is for Training podcast which focuses on training in libraries. She was a trainer for WebJunction’s Spanish Language Outreach project and has done training for Commonwealth Libraries. She is grateful to have landed in the world of libraries. When she began her current job in January of 2004, there were no other library trainers in her immediate area. She turned to the social web to begin networking with other library trainers across the world and immediately realized her passion for social networking and social media. All of her continuing education has been done through these networks and she can’t help but push others to discover the immense opportunities available through online collaboration. Stephanie lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her family which includes husband, Bill (a self-employed stay-at-home-dad) and two children (ages 2 and 4 months). When she’s not being Mommy, or working, you’ll most likely find her singing. Stephanie can be reached at szimmerman[at]lancasterlibraries.org.