Friday, February 20, 2009
Thing 25: Bloggers' toolkit
Today I added a mini search engine widget, a visual dictionary, places to see before you die (It will motivate ME to come back ;-), and a Ben Franklin quote widget. I already spend too much time on Facebook and am not interested in creating another social networking piece here so I skipped many of the friend/networking widgets. I am intrigued by the photo idea and would love to do this for book covers, but am a little stymied as to a dependably appropriate source of pictures. I spent well over an hour experimenting with this (it was fun -- no complaints!)
Thing 24: About bloggin'
I haven't really blogged since finishing with 23 Things on a Stick, in part because I have many other things I'd rather do. In part because I know no one reads my blog and it feels like it "doesn't matter". However, I have truly shared web 2.0 tools with my colleagues and students and grew tremendously through the process of participating in 23 Things, so much so that I'm back! As an introvert, I enjoy the opportunity to reflect and post commentary in my own pacing and from my own perspective. I do occasionally read others' blogs, but almost exclusively when they've been referred to in another source. In other words, I don't seek them out. When I hear reference to a blog and am curious, I seek it out. I have commented on others' blogs, but infrequently.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
More 23 Things
After working so hard last spring to learn all 23 Things, I am ready to learn more! I have worked hard within my school system to make del.icio.us available as a staff tool and have delved into working with Moodle. Since the only "drawback" to participating last time was an insane addiction to Facebook (sometimes it is wasted time), let's get going!
As I've been working with students this year on web safety and website evaluation, they were excited to hear that I have a blog and requested to see it. This is difficult since my blog is blocked at school, but I also want to meet students' genuine interest.
As I've been working with students this year on web safety and website evaluation, they were excited to hear that I have a blog and requested to see it. This is difficult since my blog is blocked at school, but I also want to meet students' genuine interest.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Thing 23: Reflection/Evaluation
Go back to your thoughts/ideas about Library 2.0. Has anything changed as a result of this experience?
I have always seen value in web 2.0 and have been learning as I'm able, but was stymied by the ways that our school blocks it and access issues (slow internet connection at home) in the past. This project helped me make learning tools a priority and gave me a sequential way of tackling them.
What were your favorite Things and discoveries?
I guess that I was impressed by the ease of creating eye-catching and effective web 2.0 connections.
How did you connect with others doing the 23 Things On a Stick?
One neat outcome was receiving an email from another participant who has a niece at my school! I got to greet the fourth grade girl from her aunt one day in library. She was surprised!
Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I feel like this is enabling me to continue to be a technology leader and gives me greater vision for the future of our school.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or content?
Perhaps make some incremental recommendations? I was guilty of doing a lot in the last week ;-(
If we offered a 23 More Things On a Stick program like this in the future would you participate?
Absolutely! Definitely!
How would you describe your learning experience in one word or in one sentence, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things On a Stick learning activities to others?
Independent, relevant learning...
I have always seen value in web 2.0 and have been learning as I'm able, but was stymied by the ways that our school blocks it and access issues (slow internet connection at home) in the past. This project helped me make learning tools a priority and gave me a sequential way of tackling them.
What were your favorite Things and discoveries?
I guess that I was impressed by the ease of creating eye-catching and effective web 2.0 connections.
How did you connect with others doing the 23 Things On a Stick?
One neat outcome was receiving an email from another participant who has a niece at my school! I got to greet the fourth grade girl from her aunt one day in library. She was surprised!
Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I feel like this is enabling me to continue to be a technology leader and gives me greater vision for the future of our school.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or content?
Perhaps make some incremental recommendations? I was guilty of doing a lot in the last week ;-(
If we offered a 23 More Things On a Stick program like this in the future would you participate?
Absolutely! Definitely!
How would you describe your learning experience in one word or in one sentence, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things On a Stick learning activities to others?
Independent, relevant learning...
Thing 22: What did I learn today?
Blog about how you plan to keep up with the Web 2.0 and Library 2.0 tools.
As stated previously in this blog, I have been trying to concentrate on at least one new tool/month. So far, I have added del.icio.us, GoodReads, wikis, flickr. I am a member of MEMO and LM-Net and receive their list-serv emails on a daily basis, which I read and explore. I also read several professional journals (SLJ, Instructor, Classroom Connect, IRA's Reading Teacher) all of which are touting web 2.0 tools. As a naturally curious and always learning kind of person, my fear is not that I will be unaware of available tools, but that I will only dabble in them and move on. My struggle is to find a way to efficiently maximize the use of the tools that will most benefit my library, my school and my students and not just personally explore a plethora of available tools.
Recommend a way to keep up that you have found useful.
This year, I participated in a small professional learning community where we bring what we have learned this month. I have found this to be an excellent forum for "bouncing ideas" off of my colleagues and eliciting their feedback. Like many librarians, time is my biggest limiting factor. I have worked to carve out time and create deadlines for exploring and utilizing technology. This year, I have a SMART Board in my classroom. My excitement for using this tool has led me into pursuing web 2.0 tools not blocked by our stringent filter, constantly seeking that which will be most engaging for students.
As stated previously in this blog, I have been trying to concentrate on at least one new tool/month. So far, I have added del.icio.us, GoodReads, wikis, flickr. I am a member of MEMO and LM-Net and receive their list-serv emails on a daily basis, which I read and explore. I also read several professional journals (SLJ, Instructor, Classroom Connect, IRA's Reading Teacher) all of which are touting web 2.0 tools. As a naturally curious and always learning kind of person, my fear is not that I will be unaware of available tools, but that I will only dabble in them and move on. My struggle is to find a way to efficiently maximize the use of the tools that will most benefit my library, my school and my students and not just personally explore a plethora of available tools.
Recommend a way to keep up that you have found useful.
This year, I participated in a small professional learning community where we bring what we have learned this month. I have found this to be an excellent forum for "bouncing ideas" off of my colleagues and eliciting their feedback. Like many librarians, time is my biggest limiting factor. I have worked to carve out time and create deadlines for exploring and utilizing technology. This year, I have a SMART Board in my classroom. My excitement for using this tool has led me into pursuing web 2.0 tools not blocked by our stringent filter, constantly seeking that which will be most engaging for students.
Thing 21: Beyond MySpace
Are you a member of any online communities?
As mentioned before on this blog, through social connections, I joined Good Reads earlier in 2008. Since committing to completing 23 Things on a Stick, I have checked the Ning on and off. Unfortunately, it hasn't really felt like I am part of a community, more like I am sending out messages in a room full of strangers. The community that I have grown to feel a part of is LM-Net, an international list-serv. I have been a member of LM_Net since 2004. Being a librarian can be a lonely job at times since there is only one other librarian (MS/HS) in our district and I see her approximately once/month. Reading the LM_Net messages every day, posting and responding occasionally has offered incredible professional development, encouragement, humor and the comraderie of a group of people of similar people.
Are any of these social networks appealing to you?
I am interested in the Teacher Librarian network and will join, if only for a short time.
What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later?
I can see the potential of creating a Ning for our school or our service cooperative with teaching and learning resources.
As mentioned before on this blog, through social connections, I joined Good Reads earlier in 2008. Since committing to completing 23 Things on a Stick, I have checked the Ning on and off. Unfortunately, it hasn't really felt like I am part of a community, more like I am sending out messages in a room full of strangers. The community that I have grown to feel a part of is LM-Net, an international list-serv. I have been a member of LM_Net since 2004. Being a librarian can be a lonely job at times since there is only one other librarian (MS/HS) in our district and I see her approximately once/month. Reading the LM_Net messages every day, posting and responding occasionally has offered incredible professional development, encouragement, humor and the comraderie of a group of people of similar people.
Are any of these social networks appealing to you?
I am interested in the Teacher Librarian network and will join, if only for a short time.
What did you find that was interesting and that you might use later?
I can see the potential of creating a Ning for our school or our service cooperative with teaching and learning resources.
Thing 20: Libraries and Social Networks
Which groups did you join and why?
I have read in both of my professional organizations (NEA and AFT) of teachers that have lost their jobs over items posted to MySpace or Facebook accounts. While I don't think that I have anything to post that would be cause for firing, it gives me pause to participate. On the other hand, I have been invited to become a Facebook friend by my brothers and sisters and several real life friends. So overall, I am glad for the opportunity to try Facebook out. Nicely, I had instant friends upon arriving!
Reflect on why Facebook may be the fastest growing social network. Is that reputation deserved?
Perhaps...?
I have read in both of my professional organizations (NEA and AFT) of teachers that have lost their jobs over items posted to MySpace or Facebook accounts. While I don't think that I have anything to post that would be cause for firing, it gives me pause to participate. On the other hand, I have been invited to become a Facebook friend by my brothers and sisters and several real life friends. So overall, I am glad for the opportunity to try Facebook out. Nicely, I had instant friends upon arriving!
Reflect on why Facebook may be the fastest growing social network. Is that reputation deserved?
Perhaps...?
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