In summary...

What was the most important thing you learned in the Betty Blogger Summer School? Why?
I learned just how much I have yet to learn!! In going through each of the tasks I tried to spend time exploring features of the various applications, typically extending beyond those required to complete the task at hand. Although this led to frustration at times, particularly when I couldn't get an app to function the way I thought it should(!), it gave me a better appreciation for the breadth of functions that are available within the vast scope of Web 2.0 technologies (knowing that we were only using a selected few apps!). While I now understand some of those jargonny terms -- I was even able to drop a couple at a meeting, knowing what they meant [bonus!] -- and have achieved a basic, entry-level proficiency in some of these apps, I also see that I will need to spend a lot more time developing my skills if I want to adopt any of these into regular practice and use them effectively.

What was most challenging? Why?
I suppose I had two major challenges. My first major hurdle was how to deal with privacy issues, as I was concerned that I was entering a "black box" of personal data collection. I was pleased to find out that I could get by quite anonymously and that some of the "scary" apps, particularly Facebook, are perhaps not as malicious as I'd initially feared. I still do have "trust issues"; however, the seemingly unlimited reserves of free disk space is awfully appealing ;) As the course evolved, the greatest challenge for me became one of "integration". In addition to being somewhat overwhelmed by specific tasks (e.g. Google Reader) and knowing that I was only scratching the surface of the massive "data stores" out there, I started to drive myself a little crazy by seeking connections -- trying to understand the interrelationships between the various types of applications. It just struck me that I should be able to view these in some greater context, rather than as isolated tidbits. And it also struck me that, with the many categories of applications and many apps within each, the field is becoming ripe for consolidation! ;) In any case, I have yet to synthesize much of what I've learned, particularly when thinking of ideas I might like to develop for our office web site.

Would you like to see the library use web 2.0 technologies to improve library services? If yes, what would you like to see? If no, why?
I will probably continue to use the library much as I have done -- remotely checking the online catalogue to order books/movies -- so I don't know that I would personally benefit from the use of Web 2.0 technologies at BPL. Nevertheless, I can see can see the potential benefit of adopting some of these technologies for the library, particularly when it comes to outreach to younger audiences or socially isolated individuals in the community. In addition to providing information resources, the library is an important community hub for many, and I'd imagine that it is challenging for the library to keep pace with the fast-changing environment and to maintain its relevance. Providing this course is an excellent example of how BPL is addressing this! As far as specific technologies go, I could see: using YouTube to promote the library; making author series available by podcast; setting up Facebook groups for staff, students; developing a pictorial archive of Burlington in Flickr; creating Wikis for event planning, interest groups; setting up an RSS feed on the BPL web site to help people keep track of updates, or; using LibraryThing as a tool for organizing book clubs, summer reading competitions, etc. Just to name a few. But it would depend on resources, how issues of privacy would be addressed, how they support your core business, etc.

How successful was the "self-directed" learning model?
Very!! I appreciated the opportunity to proceed at my own pace, even if I did find it a bit of a challenge to catch up once I'd gotten behind ;) I do think I would have benefited from some more interaction, especially to more fully discuss some of the topics we covered and how they relate. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend any of the drop-in sessions as they were scheduled during work hours; however, it was nice to know that Library Lady was keeping tabs, and her comments on my blog posts were very helpful. Although I did try to keep track of other students' blogs, it would have been helpful to somehow be notified as to when blogs had been updated -- perhaps set up RSS feeds on each blog early on? With so many people in the course, clicking on every page was very time-consuming and, while I noticed that some people were using the comments, I wonder if it would be possible to set up some additional sort of online mechanism to facilitate interaction.

Looking back at your reasons for participating in the Betty Blogger summer school, did the program fulfill your expectations?
Totally!! In fact, I'd say it exceeded my expectations. My main objective was to gain a better appreciation of what this technology has to offer by getting some hands-on experience; this was definitely accomplished!

If we ran this program again, would you recommend us to a friend?
Certainly!! This has to be the best deal in town! The course is very well organized and the material (task descriptions and related background references) relevant and informative. And fun! The cooking motif was very entertaining and Library Lady's messages and postings very enthusiastic and motivating. Even the hidden identity of "Library Lady" made me more comfortable with my own desire for anonymity. It was an excellent course and I'm very glad I was able to see it through to the end. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in learning, communications or technology!