This is the first of my blog posts for cpd23: 23 Things for Continuing Professional Development. It’s a great new course I’m doing which I blogged about here. Week one is about Blogs and Blogging.
Number One by smiling_da_vinci on Flickr
In the library job before my previous job, I did an adapted, truncated version of the original 23 Things course. The course changed how I learn, use the net, communicate & share. To this day, I am so thankful for all I learnt and I credit it with being the start of my passion for online learning, sharing, playing with tools, exploring emerging technologies & pursuing artistic expression online. I totally enjoyed every aspect of my first 2.0 course: especially learning about Twitter, blogging & RSS. These ‘things’ remain hands-down my favourite things on the Internet. I cannot sing more loudly my praises for RSS – it makes the net drivable. Also, for me Twitter is the King of quick communication, real-time searching & sharing. (You can expect me to rave about Twitter & RSS more in week 3.) My first 2.0 course was the catalyst for my first blog & twitter account, both of which were anonymous & I’ve now retired them. (I’ve blogged about anonymity & revealing myself here.) I still continue to use RSS, Twitter & blogging tools lovingly, and I’m enjoying the benefits – and challenges – of blogging & tweeting as myself.
So I think it’s fair to say I have high hopes for cpd23! No pressure cpd23 contributors/organisers! 
Thing 1 asks why we are participating in the course. My main reasons are:
- to learn new & update existing skills regarding web 2.0 & other professional development ‘things’
- to be proactive about my professional development
- to meet other learners/library workers
- to make another commitment to blogging with frequency & structure
number 2 by Leo Reynolds on Flickr
Thing 2 asks participants to investigate other blogs. Easy! I already do that, a lot. But it’s the leaving comments aspect that I shy away from. However, I was relieved to read that I wasn’t the only one. I know that commenting can only amplify, and is integral to, the sharing, learning and networking aspects of blogging. Still I remain hesitant to comment. Like blogging, sometimes I feel like I just don’t have anything to say. Or more correctly, I don’t know how to say it. However, I’m determined to start because it will help me to learn, network & articulate my opinions. And I have started! In fact, before I did any blogging for cpd23, I spent a lot of time reading other people’s cpd23 posts, and very occasionally I left comments. It was a great way to learn about other participants and their hopes from the course. It’s so pleasing, but no surprise, to read we are a diverse bunch who are all here to have fun, learn & network. I’m excited to begin 