How does 21³ (Twenty-one Cubed) work?  This is a self-paced online discovery learning program to guide our faculty through exploring new and emerging technologies and Web 2.0 applications, particularly related to classroom and library uses. We encourage participants to continue lifelong learning, and increase their skills through exploration. Our participants are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and “how-to’s”, in person and online.  In addition you can contact the In Sync With Technology grant team (Ruth Shasteen, Jackie Lawton, Donna Moore, Jared Cook and Ken Hawley.)

The 21³ section of the In Sync grant page has links to pages for the 21 things. For each thing you will find an explanation of what the Thing is, Where To Start, Classroom Uses, Library Uses, and What To Do.  The Where To Start links will give you the basic understanding of the tools you’re learning about.  The Classroom Uses and Library Uses will give you inspiration and examples, and increase your awareness of how the technologies and applications are being implemented.  What To Do will give you a task to -complete – hands –on experience with the topic.  When you have completed the task, post your comments on the appropriate forum page in the 21³Ning.  If tasks direct you to create a free account on a specific website we recommend that you keep track of your usernames and passwords for each since we will not be able to look them up for you!

Is the challenge open to all CAM faculty or staff?  This program is open to ALL staff regardless of position and status (full and part-time).  CAM faculty and staff members are eligible for the program completion incentive.  If you are not a staff or faculty member of Central A & M, you are welcome to follow along.

How long do I have to complete the 21 things?  This learning program will launch the first week of February 2009 and run through the first week of May 2009.  The list of 21 things will be posted on the In Sync with Technology grant page.  Since this is a self-paced program, you decide how much time you choose to devote to each task.  There is also a 21³ Ning just for this project so that you can post your comments and share ideas.  If you have signed up for the classroom introductory session “Web 2.0” you may have already received an email link to join the Ning.  If you still need that link, contact Jackie Lawton (lawtonj@cam.k12.il.us ).

Will there be any training class offered to show us how to do this?  Yes, there is a series of lab sessions highlighting different tasks in 21³ plus district in-service sessions for the high school and the middle school buildings.  Email notices were sent to all district staff and faculty about the sessions and how to sign up.  There is also a series of evening workshops on various technologies and Web 2.0 topics.  Refer to the schedule ( http://www.cam.k12.il.us/grant/community.htm  )  on the  In Sync grant page for information about dates, locations and sign up.

How do you keep track of tasks that I have completed?  All participants will post to the Ning – at least one post per task, but feel free to post more often!  We expect the Ning to be an ongoing online forum for collaborating and sharing within District 21.

What if I need help – who can I call?  Since the program is self-directed, you are encouraged to work with your colleagues throughout your exploration.  You might find answers to your questions through the Ning forums.  You can also contact Ruth, Jackie, Donna, Jared, Ken or other participants for help.

This site was created to support 21³ , (21 technology tasks to bring District 21 teachers into the 21^st century).  This is a self-paced online discovery learning program to guide teachers through exploring new technologies and Web 2.0 applications. This project is based on the original Learning 2.0 Program which was developed by Helene Blowers at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. 

Learning 2.0 is licensed under  this Creative Commons license.