Jonya Pacey, Help Desk Manager

Today was SELCO staff's introduction to the state-wide program, its website, the list of SELS members and the list of tasks to undertake. As technology leaders, Ann feels it is important that SELCO staff take part and continue to improve our own knowledge.

Icebeaker - "Keep your sticks to yourself" Game - everyone chose sticks from a cup and those with a black mark got door prizes. Jane, Mel, Tom got prizes - I can't see what they are. My eyes are bad...

Aurora introduced staff to the history of 23 Things and its initial implementation in 2006, how it has spread throughout the country and has been adapted to fit a variety of programs. Our Minnesota program includes the obvious reference to the state fair but also tasks pulled from uniquely Minnesota sources, such as the Homework Calculator.

National Library Week is MN's 23 Things on a Stick ending date. In addition to the free flashdrive that people who finish will receive at the party during National Library Week, all staff is in competition for :

• Scanner on at stick
• free pro flickr account gift card
• iTunes gift card
• mp player on a stick
• DVD player on a stick

This is worktime, and may take about 1-2 hours a week. All staff to take part in this program, to at least start and to try out each of the 23 things. This is a self-guided project but the MN 23 Things on a Stick Team has given you links and tutorials and further information as you drill down through the main 23 Things on a Stick website. The 23 things we get to try include some Minnesota-specific tools to explore and try out. Staff is encouraged to talk to each other and remember it is also about "defining the way you learn about things and how learning about new technology things like this fits into your daily life" and it's all about discovery and not about doing it 'right.'

Next Game - Guess the Avatar! Aurora pulled the avatars from staff blogs and challenged us to identify coworkers based on their own interpretation of who they are. Lots of good conversation held as we discussed guesses right and wrong. Good laughs.

60 SELS participants have signed up - 500+ in the state. Aurora is monitoring SELS blogs.

Approach this with a playful mind, learn lots and have fun! "And the next time we get together, there will be food."

Cross-posted to It's My Life - 23 Things.