Getting Started

The Introduction to Alaska Digital Resources program is a self-directed learning program; you work at your own pace and at your own convenience.

If you are taking the course for credit through UAA/PACE you must also register with UAA to receive credit. Instructions will be provided when registration is available. The UAA class will run from March 5, 2012 to May 31, 2012 – the final project is due no later than May 31, 2012. If this sounds a bit confusing or you have never done an independent learning program like this before, don’t worry. Once you get started, you’ll get the hang of it.

One very cool thing about this program is that everyone gets a chance to learn from one another. As the program proceeds, you are encouraged to check out the blog sites listed on the and watch what happens during the coming weeks as everyone posts to their blogs.

Before you get started, please take a minute to let us know how much you know about the Electronic Resources. This will help us see how well the challenge works. Take the PRETEST.

 Now you are ready to get started:

Step 1 – Create your blog (or use an existing blog) and send us your blog URL. Each participant in the class is required to set up a blog. If you already have a blog and want to use it for the class, you may. Your blog will be the way your successful completion of assignments is recorded and verified to receive your completion certificate. Several free blog sites exist, but we recommend using either BloggerorWordPress(Most of the examples we show use Blogger).  How you identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under your real name or create a screen name. However, in order to receive recognition for completing the class you will need to register your blog name/URL and your real name with the class instructors. You will sign up for the challenge with this information in Step 2.

 IMPORTANT HINTS: When you set up your blog account, write down your login and password and keep the information in a safe place. Also write down your blog address. Your blog address is the URL you will use to access your blog. For example, if you created your blog in Blogger, then your blog address is http://what-i-called-myself.blogspot.com/. Recommended way to track: Include WEEK # in the heading of each post. It will help you and the Team track your progress. It is also real helpful when you want to refer back or add something new on a specific topic or tool.

Step 2 – Sign Up for the Challenge.

Step 3 – Think PLAY! Have you ever wondered why teenagers are so good at all this technology stuff? It’s because they spend so much time playing with it. Think about all the things you learned as a child through play; for the young, playing is learning. Unfortunately, as working adults we don’t have quite as much time to explore or experiment - or play - with things. That’s why this program encourages you to set aside a little time each day, or each week, to play with the electronic resources. So what are you waiting for? It's time to get started on Lesson 1.