Then I started CPD23 and suddenly saw Twitter as a work tool. By using the hashtag I was able to follow #ub11 and that was my lightbulb moment! I then started to follow many of the librarians who had contributed to Umbrella 11 and instantly I felt I was part of a 'circle.' As the weeks went by the circle grew and as well as work chat there was a lot of fun chat as well. I found myself becoming interested in knitting, looking at beautiful pics and the arrival of new kittens!
This mix of library chat and fun really makes me feel as if I belong. Last week when I was stuck with 'Thing 20' I put out an appeal for help...it was offered within the hour. The librarian in question also emailed me twice the following day and stayed with me until the problem was fixed. I feel privileged to belong to such a friendly, helpful bunch of people.
Last Thursday I followed #uklibchat for almost two hours on the subject of CPD23! I really enjoyed that as my post 'a little extra...' outlines.
And on Saturday I followed #libcampuk11, wishing I was there! I was meant to be doing some serious housework, but couldn't resist frequent breaks to check Twitter!
Each day I log into HootSuite, keep it on my taskbar and check it regularly to keep up-to-date. At one time I would have considered this as something I shouldn't be doing at work but now I see it as an essential part of the job!
I should be using LinkedIn more, though I do pick up on discussions from there via Google Reader. This is something else I discovered by doing #cpd23.
Creating this blog is also a proud achievement!
Google calendar is something I would really like to use...but as a team tool. As I now have a Learning Technologist and a Curriculum Liaison Officer to keep tabs on I think sharing a calendar would be a very useful thing. Even using it for the whole of the ILS cross college team would be even better! (As our communication, or lack of it, needs working on!)
I've noticed my posts getting longer so I feel I'm now reflecting on things a lot more than I used to. I submitted my Chartership portfolio in July and my biggest concern is that I haven't reflected enough in it. I'm not used to writing down my reflections though I'm sure that in practice I've reflected on my performance for years. Whenever I've planned something I've always tried to get feedback, and have have looked at what I would/wouldn't do again if I repeated the exercise. I still found it hard to put my thoughts into words. I feel sure this course has got me thinking/reflecting in a more constructive way and I'm more confident to share my reflections.
Reflecting on the course so far has made me realise how much I have learned already, and how this will help me in my day-to-day work. I don't think I'm quite the novice who started off back in June!
