FOLIOz: Facilitated Online Learning as an Interactive Opportunity in Australia and New Zealand
What is Machiavel?
Librarians everywhere need to be able to make a successful case - whether it be to preserve existing resources, to obtain additional funding or to present their service in as positive a light as possible. The requisite skills - in advocacy, in presentation and in making friends and influencing people are the focus for Machiavel (a course named after Machiavelli, the Italian statesman and schemer). Making Your Case Successfully (Machiavel) is an online interactive course delivered by e-mail and Web pages.
Anthea Sutton, an Information Officer at the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, is the Facilitator for this course. Course design and materials have been developed by a course team comprising: Andrew Booth, Anthea Sutton, Diana Papaioannou, Anna Wilkinson, Lynda Ayiku (since left ScHARR), and Alan O'Rourke (since left the FOLIO Programme).
The Machiavel course is being delivered in collaboration with ALIA (Austalian Library and Information Association). There are two more FOLIOz courses planned for 2010-2011, please see the ALIA webiste for further details: http://www.alia.org.au/education/pd/pd.services/folioz2010.html
What is the course aim?
This course aims to provide practical skills in developing and delivering a case for new or continued resources. The course will be supported by real-life case studies and evidence on individual and collective management decision making.
What are the learning outcomes?
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the importance of a planned approach to advocacy.
- Identify the main considerations to be taken into account when making a business case for resources or services.
- Use tools to analyse stakeholder views and local opinion leaders.
- Prepare a “business case”.
- Identify strategies to enable you to present and deliver an effective presentation in support of your case.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your advocacy.
- Engage with fellow participants in discussing issues connected with lobbying, campaigning and advocacy.
Outline of the Machiavel FOLIO course
During the Machiavel FOLIO course, the following areas will be covered:
- The Art of Advocacy
- Stakeholders and Opinion Leaders
- Preparing Your Business Case
- Presentation Skills
- Delivering Your Business Case
- Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your Advocacy
- Following through
What does the course involve?
The course will typically involve:
1. Receiving approximately thirty email communications (approximately one per day over seven working weeks - you have a reading week in the middle of the course where there will only be one or two emails) via the FOLIOz Mailtalk discussion list at: http://www.mailtalk.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=folioz
2. Reading several briefings per week.
3. Working on individual tasks/exercises (approximately once a week for participants following the group supported-route and approximately twice a week for participants following the self-directed route).
4. For group-supported participants only: Interaction with a “buddy group” in connection with tasks/exercises (approximately once a week).
6. Compiling a portfolio recording the above for submission to the course team.
7. Completion of a course evaluation form at the end of the course.
The course will be certificated by ALIA and participants completing all the above course requirements will be awarded a grade (either distinction, honours or standard pass) and 30 PD points.
How long will the course take to complete?
To produce a good portfolio, course participants should spend about 2-4 hours per week on the Machiavel tasks and exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have to miss a few days due to holidays or work commitments?
FOLIOz courses are designed to be fully flexible, allowing you to complete tasks at your own convenience. There is a two-week “catch up” period at the end of the course which you may find particularly helpful.
What if I work part-time?
Previous participants have found it possible to complete FOLIOz courses even when working on a part-time basis. Part-time participants will particularly benefit from the two week "catch-up" period at the end of each course.
Can I join part-way through the course?
Unfortunately due to issues concerning group dynamics, together with administrative arrangements, it is only possible to participate if you have pre-registered for the course.
What if members of my buddy group do not participate?
Participants have committed themselves to the course. However, circumstances may make it impossible for a buddy to participate. During the Machiavel course, participants are divided into small "buddy groups". In the event of all the members bar one of a buddy group withdrawing from the course, the FOLIOz course team will provide some alternative which will depend on the stage at which this occurs. At all times our primary concern will be your educational progress. If you have a problem related to your buddy group then email us at efolio@sheffield.ac.uk.
What if I am unable to complete the course?
Send an email to efolio@sheffield.ac.uk. If you no longer wish to receive the course materials, please let us know. However you are free to continue to “lurk” as long as you send your “Withdrawal” email to efolio@sheffield.ac.uk
NB. Please note that it may still be possible to be credited with completion of the course even if your portfolio is not quite complete. This will depend upon both the nature of your reason for non-completion and the extent of completion of the portfolio. The decision of the facilitator, to be made upon conclusion of the course, will be final.
What if a link in a course email does not work?
Some email systems will split links into two lines causing them to be broken. All you need to do is copy and paste the whole link into your Internet browser.
What if I have a query concerning the course?
Please send any queries by email to efolio@sheffield.ac.uk. We can answer anything from technical problems with course materials to questions about the content of the course and clarification on any of the tasks and exercises, so please do not hesitate to contact us. Please include the phrase “Machiavel” in your email subject heading. We shall endeavour to answer your query within 48 hours.
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