Friday 23 November 2012

Thing 23 - What next?

So the final Thing is here, and prompts reflection on what I have achieved throughout the programme and what could be next.

In my first post I offered the following aims. It's pleasing to note how many of these have been achieved!



Aim
Achieved ?
provide me with a framework to explore some of these tools;
Yes
to identify applications that may be suitable to use for work and professional development, but perhaps also tools that will be useful for social means;
Yes – and more!
to see examples of such tools in use;
Yes
to update my skills and confidence in using new IT tools;
Yes – and more!
a number of us are undertaking CDP23 in work and I hope to support my colleagues, but also gain through our collaborative learning;
Not as much as hoped but it's still been fun and a discussion point amongst colleagues.
to see this as an example of online / distance / self-paced learning. To identify the challenges and difficulties that arise with this type of learning, but also to understand the potential benefits.
Yes


I also note that a number of further learning tasks were identified in my CPD 23 Things blogs:


  • Professional Knowledge & Skills Base
  • CV Database
  • More effective use of Twitter - follow up from Girl in the Moon's blog.
  • Further practice in using Screencast-o-matic
  • Blogging - trying to develop / integrate the blogging as a means for regular reflection
  • Further investigation of Prezi, particularly within the context of a guided learning tool
  • Consideration of formal study: BIALL Legal Foundations Course?
So, there is lots of scope for continuing to explore and develop!


What's next? 


Short Term - I'm seven weeks into secondment with CILIP. This therefore certainly shapes the "what next" for me for the coming months.  To-date secondment has provided :


  • an amazing eye-opener into sectors of the profession with which I had little personal experience. E.g. being present at a Youth Libraries Group session reviewing the Greenaway and Carnegie short-lists was amazing.
  • great experience of contributing to a consultation response on E-Lending in public libraries. A challenging task indicating that my information collection and writing skills still need honing for such a specialist role.
  • a new view of  accounting requirements and practical experience of drafting end of year accounts. I've gained new financial management skills and a new area of personal enjoyment.
  • revision of my event management skills, and updated my knowledge and understanding of corporate governance issues.
  • realisation that I need to manage my time and work routines more effectively.

I would love to get to the end of secondment and look back on a wide range of achievements, to know that CILIP Cymru has been well supported, and the hope that Mandy is able to return to post with confidence and ease.

Medium term - preparations for transition back into my substantive post. I understand that this "return" can be a very difficult time and I will need to prepare thoroughly for this. My hope is that I will be able to use the CILIP Professional Knowledge & Skills Base as a means to reflect on my skills and the gaps that are inevitably there, and use this tool in my formal work-based performance management plan.

Longer term - time to update my formal qualifications? Become a professional mentor? Focus on improving my project management skills?

I'll end this phase of blogging with a final thought .... 

                          "Learning is about the journey, not the destination"

CPD 23Things - thank you for an amazing journey!



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