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...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
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...?
Thing 19: Podcasting
Which podcast(s) did you listen to?
Prior to participating to 23 Things on a Stick, I have been following the St. Cloud State podcasts
Hutchinson MS and HS create podcasts for parents and staff development respectively.
Which of the directories did you find easiest to use?
Since my interest is almost exclusively professional at this time, I appreciated the
Education Podcasting Network the most.
Has this Thing inspired you to do any podcasting yourself or to subscribe to a podcast to listen to it regularly?
Prior to participating, I have listened to podcasts infrequently. I don't seek them out, but when they are announced on LM_Net or MEMO lists, I listen. At the TIES Conference, I heard from a Holdingford Elementary teacher about how she had her students create a podcast every morning. I am still very interested in collaborating with a colleague or three to try this.
Prior to participating to 23 Things on a Stick, I have been following the St. Cloud State podcasts
Hutchinson MS and HS create podcasts for parents and staff development respectively.
Which of the directories did you find easiest to use?
Since my interest is almost exclusively professional at this time, I appreciated the
Education Podcasting Network the most.
Has this Thing inspired you to do any podcasting yourself or to subscribe to a podcast to listen to it regularly?
Prior to participating, I have listened to podcasts infrequently. I don't seek them out, but when they are announced on LM_Net or MEMO lists, I listen. At the TIES Conference, I heard from a Holdingford Elementary teacher about how she had her students create a podcast every morning. I am still very interested in collaborating with a colleague or three to try this.
Video Contest Submission - Johnson Elementary School
This is a commercial by elementary students for their library! It would be fun to make a similar video with my students!
Thing 18: YouTube and Other Online Video
Our school blocks YouTube and promotes TeacherTube instead. In January of 2008, I read an interesting article published in the New Yorker "Twilight of the Books" that lamented the shift from a print-based world wide web towards a "television-like" web.
What did you like or dislike about the sites you explored?
I watched the "March of the Librarians", which I think was filmed last summer when the ALA conference was in Washington, DC, but I am not sure becuase the video didn't really state. Despite watching it twice, I did not find a fellow MN librarian. I also watched IT vs. Librarian and several others.
Why did you choose the video that you did?
The video that I embedded was a cute kid-friendly commerical for using the library. Very elementary school-esque....I am interested in creating similar clips with my students.
Can you see any ways to use video--YouTube or other sites--on your library Web site?
Our school places limitations even on images because of storage space concerns and video takes even more space so at the present, I don't have permission to add them. I have been talking with my principal about having video editing equipment readily available and would like to make a short promotional video for our school.
What did you like or dislike about the sites you explored?
I watched the "March of the Librarians", which I think was filmed last summer when the ALA conference was in Washington, DC, but I am not sure becuase the video didn't really state. Despite watching it twice, I did not find a fellow MN librarian. I also watched IT vs. Librarian and several others.
Why did you choose the video that you did?
The video that I embedded was a cute kid-friendly commerical for using the library. Very elementary school-esque....I am interested in creating similar clips with my students.
Can you see any ways to use video--YouTube or other sites--on your library Web site?
Our school places limitations even on images because of storage space concerns and video takes even more space so at the present, I don't have permission to add them. I have been talking with my principal about having video editing equipment readily available and would like to make a short promotional video for our school.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thing 17: ELM Productivity Tools
How can these tools be applied to your everyday work?
My library website has a link to the K-5 ELM tools. Park Elementary website I primarily teach and use Kids Infobits. This past summer, I completed the M.O.R.E. webinar course. I have used the ELM databases to support colleagues' and my own post-graduate work. As an ELM provider for my school district, I receive notifications from EBSCO about upcoming enhancements and difficulties (this winter, the databases were down for an entire day.) In addition to using these resources myself; I promote them and facilitate their use with my colleagues and students.
How can these tools facilitate collaboration with your colleagues?
Unfortunately, elementary school teachers do not delve into sources like Academic Premier very often; however, our school utilizes netTrekker d.i.. This subscription service utilizes a very similar format in which you can organize, save, email and print searches. I was pleasantly surprised at how similar the EBSCO interfaces. Another reminder of how important and widespread the web 2.0 revisions have become. While EBSCO and ProQuest were familiar tools, I hadn't explored netLibrary before. My most pleasant surprise was that the account username and password was the same as for the other EBSCO tools. [Side confession: One feature that I find daunting about using all of these free tools well is the need to maintain separate and secure usernames and passwords. I have read about this and tried to follow their logical advice, but still find it overwhelming at times.]
How can these tools benefit your patrons/students?
I'm going to explore setting up an elementary animals search page like I viewed as an example and show it to some of my colleagues. I wonder if they might not appreciate it!
My library website has a link to the K-5 ELM tools. Park Elementary website I primarily teach and use Kids Infobits. This past summer, I completed the M.O.R.E. webinar course. I have used the ELM databases to support colleagues' and my own post-graduate work. As an ELM provider for my school district, I receive notifications from EBSCO about upcoming enhancements and difficulties (this winter, the databases were down for an entire day.) In addition to using these resources myself; I promote them and facilitate their use with my colleagues and students.
How can these tools facilitate collaboration with your colleagues?
Unfortunately, elementary school teachers do not delve into sources like Academic Premier very often; however, our school utilizes netTrekker d.i.. This subscription service utilizes a very similar format in which you can organize, save, email and print searches. I was pleasantly surprised at how similar the EBSCO interfaces. Another reminder of how important and widespread the web 2.0 revisions have become. While EBSCO and ProQuest were familiar tools, I hadn't explored netLibrary before. My most pleasant surprise was that the account username and password was the same as for the other EBSCO tools. [Side confession: One feature that I find daunting about using all of these free tools well is the need to maintain separate and secure usernames and passwords. I have read about this and tried to follow their logical advice, but still find it overwhelming at times.]
How can these tools benefit your patrons/students?
I'm going to explore setting up an elementary animals search page like I viewed as an example and show it to some of my colleagues. I wonder if they might not appreciate it!
Thing 16: Assignment Calculator/Research Projector Calculator
How might the RPC and the Teacher Guide help you help students plan and manage research projects?
At TIES this year, I heard Jane Prestebak and another creator presenting on the Research Project Calculator. I was impressed particularly by the teacher side with its rubrics, the collaboration documents (exciting for the librarians!), plaigairism proofing recommendations. My favorite is that if you only allow one day for your project, it states "I hope that you're just playing with this thing...." :-) RIghtly so, the Assignment Calculator is at another depth -- broader in scope for university students, possessing more steps. RPC, intended for MN High schools was more generic. Assignment Calculator is geared directly towards U of M students.
Can you think of any uses for library projects—could you use it to help manage a timeline for a project of your own?
Yes! I wish that I would have used it to create deadlines for my participation in this learning adventure!
At TIES this year, I heard Jane Prestebak and another creator presenting on the Research Project Calculator. I was impressed particularly by the teacher side with its rubrics, the collaboration documents (exciting for the librarians!), plaigairism proofing recommendations. My favorite is that if you only allow one day for your project, it states "I hope that you're just playing with this thing...." :-) RIghtly so, the Assignment Calculator is at another depth -- broader in scope for university students, possessing more steps. RPC, intended for MN High schools was more generic. Assignment Calculator is geared directly towards U of M students.
Can you think of any uses for library projects—could you use it to help manage a timeline for a project of your own?
Yes! I wish that I would have used it to create deadlines for my participation in this learning adventure!
Thing 15: Online Games and Libraries
I was more drawn to Puzzle Pirates but was blocked from both it and Second Life from school. Puzzle Pirates required some application to run so I viewed several videos relating to Second Life instead. Gaming has a huge draw with a significant sector of the population. To reach these patrons, libraries can and should enter in. I firmly believe that gaming can be harnessed for powerful learning. The difficulties that I personally face though are a slow internet connection and an inability to meet many software requirements. My guess is that others, particularly in rural areas, face these same limitations. For some, online gaming is a positive way to recreate, participate in a community and engage in experiences not available to them in real life. On a negative side, I have personally known several young men who were obsessed with virtual online worlds/gaming in an unhealthy way (literally resulting in admittance to the psych ward). As we work with young people, online gaming is not a substitute for human community interaction and exercise. It might be interesting to create a virtual community in my area with opportunities to imitate/engage in similar activites in real life meeting those virtual characters. I also wonder how ethics are taught to community members. Sometimes anonymity (or perceived anonymity) allows participants to behave in an unseemly manner they wouldn't employ if interacting in person.
Thing 14: LibraryThing
How can you use LibraryThing for your library?
I read an LM-Net post about http://www.librarything.com/catalog/authors4kids a way to limit it for children, both to minimize the overwhelming aspects and to be sure to be recommending books appropriate for them.
How else do you share booklists, etc. with library patrons? Would LibraryThing offer an alternative?
Our school is into Scholastic Reading Counts (let's not start the debate about the merit of reading books and quizzing on them here!). To facilitate the use of that program, I subscribe to QuizList, which allows users to look at pre-made lists as well as to create their own using criteria. On my library website, I direct readers to other library's websites where there are excellent book lists. I find that unless the book list includes the cover art, it is not as used. This is a feature of LibraryThing I find particularly attractive.
Along with several of my friends, I have participated in www.goodreads.com for a few months. I find that has more value as far as recommending or not recommending books. LibraryThing seems to be more a list of what is available without a specific reader's judgment.
I read an LM-Net post about http://www.librarything.com/catalog/authors4kids a way to limit it for children, both to minimize the overwhelming aspects and to be sure to be recommending books appropriate for them.
How else do you share booklists, etc. with library patrons? Would LibraryThing offer an alternative?
Our school is into Scholastic Reading Counts (let's not start the debate about the merit of reading books and quizzing on them here!). To facilitate the use of that program, I subscribe to QuizList, which allows users to look at pre-made lists as well as to create their own using criteria. On my library website, I direct readers to other library's websites where there are excellent book lists. I find that unless the book list includes the cover art, it is not as used. This is a feature of LibraryThing I find particularly attractive.
Along with several of my friends, I have participated in www.goodreads.com for a few months. I find that has more value as far as recommending or not recommending books. LibraryThing seems to be more a list of what is available without a specific reader's judgment.
Thing 13: Online Productivity Tools
Which start page did you choose? Why did that one appeal to you? Will you make it your permanent home page?
Throughout the duration of this project, I have been using igoogle. It has definitely become my permanent home page. I rather confess that I enjoy the feature that allows you to stay logged in. Particularly at school, I quickly found myself relying on the features that are available and chaffing at the ones that are blocked.
Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at the library or at home? Which tool(s) would you recommend to others?
I have long been a user of www.tinyurl.com. It is annoying to receive emails with broken urls because they are so long.
How can the online calendars be useful to you?
I would like to explore using this for our school wide accessed SMART Board room and SENTEO response system. Currently we use a paper-pencil system. When we have tried having calendars available on the network, we discovered that some staff members would inadvertently open it and forget to close it the entire day.
What about the to-do lists—helpful, too much work…?
I am considering exploring this with my library with multiple staff members. It seems to me that it would be worth the effort when you were jointly working on a task-list. On a personal level, I still have a good memory ;-) and find electronic task lists more work than they are worth (this might change if I had access to a hand held device such as a PDA).
Did you try out Backpack? What did you think?
I didn't try out BackPack. I was put off by the fact that it (nearly?) forced you to purchase a subscription. There was little available for the nonsubscribing members.
Did you try any of the other tools in the list? Any good ones we should all try?
Nope, didn't discover any not recommended on your list.
Throughout the duration of this project, I have been using igoogle. It has definitely become my permanent home page. I rather confess that I enjoy the feature that allows you to stay logged in. Particularly at school, I quickly found myself relying on the features that are available and chaffing at the ones that are blocked.
Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at the library or at home? Which tool(s) would you recommend to others?
I have long been a user of www.tinyurl.com. It is annoying to receive emails with broken urls because they are so long.
How can the online calendars be useful to you?
I would like to explore using this for our school wide accessed SMART Board room and SENTEO response system. Currently we use a paper-pencil system. When we have tried having calendars available on the network, we discovered that some staff members would inadvertently open it and forget to close it the entire day.
What about the to-do lists—helpful, too much work…?
I am considering exploring this with my library with multiple staff members. It seems to me that it would be worth the effort when you were jointly working on a task-list. On a personal level, I still have a good memory ;-) and find electronic task lists more work than they are worth (this might change if I had access to a hand held device such as a PDA).
Did you try out Backpack? What did you think?
I didn't try out BackPack. I was put off by the fact that it (nearly?) forced you to purchase a subscription. There was little available for the nonsubscribing members.
Did you try any of the other tools in the list? Any good ones we should all try?
Nope, didn't discover any not recommended on your list.
Clarification!
I am posting quite a few answers today because I am not at school and therefore blocked from my blog; however, I was able to explore tools 10, 11 and 12 at school last Sunday.
Thing 12: Do you Digg?
How do you think you can use these tools in your library or at home?
Since I don't have a TV, it would be an available way of keeping current with news events.
Do these tools seem to be a productivity enhancer or a productivity detractor?
I can see how these tools could go either way. You could waste a lot of time without much to show for it, it could also alert you to a potential way of better serving patrons.
Have you ever read a story/item as a result of seeing it on one of these sites?
I'm not a news afficionado, I only skimmed (and was reminded why I don't like the news). The stories seemed to focus on sensationalism and negativity.
Since I don't have a TV, it would be an available way of keeping current with news events.
Do these tools seem to be a productivity enhancer or a productivity detractor?
I can see how these tools could go either way. You could waste a lot of time without much to show for it, it could also alert you to a potential way of better serving patrons.
Have you ever read a story/item as a result of seeing it on one of these sites?
I'm not a news afficionado, I only skimmed (and was reminded why I don't like the news). The stories seemed to focus on sensationalism and negativity.
Thing 11: Tagging and Deli.icio.us
Can you see the potential of this tool for research assistance? Or just as an easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere?
As a result of participating in 23 Things on a Stick, I have dug in and created a del.icio.us account. As a school librarian, I have already reached out and shown several (very grateful!) colleagues how to use deli.cio.us. By creating a staff network, I can see the potential of research assistance. On a personal level, I have been revelling in the easy way of creating bookmarks that I can use any time any place (although I always wonder how they can offer it for free and what I will do if the service goes away...) I am a little more leery of using this as a research assistance for students. I work with K-5 students in a conservative community. An (at time methinks unreasonable and unrealistic) expectation at our school is that any website that we recommend that we have explored EVERY link and continue to monitor the website so that it doesn't lead to "bad" things. This is a resource that is available to me at school. :-) :-)!!
How can your library or media center take advantage of tagging and del.icio.us? Look at the sites in the Resource list above to see how libraries are using Del.icio.us.
As an adult patron, I would add libraries that use it to my network.
As a result of participating in 23 Things on a Stick, I have dug in and created a del.icio.us account. As a school librarian, I have already reached out and shown several (very grateful!) colleagues how to use deli.cio.us. By creating a staff network, I can see the potential of research assistance. On a personal level, I have been revelling in the easy way of creating bookmarks that I can use any time any place (although I always wonder how they can offer it for free and what I will do if the service goes away...) I am a little more leery of using this as a research assistance for students. I work with K-5 students in a conservative community. An (at time methinks unreasonable and unrealistic) expectation at our school is that any website that we recommend that we have explored EVERY link and continue to monitor the website so that it doesn't lead to "bad" things. This is a resource that is available to me at school. :-) :-)!!
How can your library or media center take advantage of tagging and del.icio.us? Look at the sites in the Resource list above to see how libraries are using Del.icio.us.
As an adult patron, I would add libraries that use it to my network.
Thing 10: Wikis
What did you find interesting about the wiki concept?
The beauty of wikis lies in the collaborative nature. Our principal used it as a forum for a schoolwide discussion on poverty. It was very effective in the sense that it allowed us to contribute at our convenience and receive notification via emails when it had been edited. Since our staff is large and very busy, such a discussion would have been difficult to coordinate in person. The variety of persons/background/knowledge participating made the discussion rich in ideas and considerations. We were all surprised at the depth and extensive surface that we covered in answering questions and asking new questions.
What types of applications within libraries and schools might work well with a wiki?
Book groups -- where you can interact with others who have read the same book you enjoyed (perhaps months ago). Extension of class discussions.
Many teachers/faculty "ban" Wikipedia as a source for student research. What do you think of the practice of limiting information by format?
I'm not in favor of banning it entirely. There are times when wikipedia has the only information available; however, it can only be used when students are required to look to multiple sources (too often teachers seem content with a student having only researched in one source) and with students who have had formal instruction or an understanding that not everything you read is true (i.e. particularly troublesome to use wikipedia with the very young students).Which wiki did you edit?
I edited the 23 Things on a Stick Wiki
The beauty of wikis lies in the collaborative nature. Our principal used it as a forum for a schoolwide discussion on poverty. It was very effective in the sense that it allowed us to contribute at our convenience and receive notification via emails when it had been edited. Since our staff is large and very busy, such a discussion would have been difficult to coordinate in person. The variety of persons/background/knowledge participating made the discussion rich in ideas and considerations. We were all surprised at the depth and extensive surface that we covered in answering questions and asking new questions.
What types of applications within libraries and schools might work well with a wiki?
Book groups -- where you can interact with others who have read the same book you enjoyed (perhaps months ago). Extension of class discussions.
Many teachers/faculty "ban" Wikipedia as a source for student research. What do you think of the practice of limiting information by format?
I'm not in favor of banning it entirely. There are times when wikipedia has the only information available; however, it can only be used when students are required to look to multiple sources (too often teachers seem content with a student having only researched in one source) and with students who have had formal instruction or an understanding that not everything you read is true (i.e. particularly troublesome to use wikipedia with the very young students).Which wiki did you edit?
I edited the 23 Things on a Stick Wiki
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Thing 9: Online collaboration tool
Which of these tools is easier for you to use?
Honestly, I thought Zoho and Google Docs were very comprable tools. I will probably continue to use Google simply because all of the tools are stored in one place (blogger, RSS feed, Google Docs, etc.) Due to access concerns (these tools are generally blocked at school), I am admittedly getting to this after many other participants. The most noticable thing that struck me was that Google Docs looked like a complete MESS when I arrived and Zoho Writer looked far less trampled over. I'm afraid I didn't unravel that mystery (i.e. did fewer people edit the Zoho Writer or....?)
How do the features of each compare? Does one have features that would make you choose it over the other?
Google Docs seemed to be closer to say Microsoft Word with its menu structure, Zoho Writer had the same tools as icon buttons. Since I am a menu bar gal (I would much rather see what it is called than try to dicepher a heiroglyph, again I would choose Google Docs. I also like the organized list that Google Docs offers. I was a little astonished to see that it had stored and labeled my previous uses.
Honestly, I thought Zoho and Google Docs were very comprable tools. I will probably continue to use Google simply because all of the tools are stored in one place (blogger, RSS feed, Google Docs, etc.) Due to access concerns (these tools are generally blocked at school), I am admittedly getting to this after many other participants. The most noticable thing that struck me was that Google Docs looked like a complete MESS when I arrived and Zoho Writer looked far less trampled over. I'm afraid I didn't unravel that mystery (i.e. did fewer people edit the Zoho Writer or....?)
How do the features of each compare? Does one have features that would make you choose it over the other?
Google Docs seemed to be closer to say Microsoft Word with its menu structure, Zoho Writer had the same tools as icon buttons. Since I am a menu bar gal (I would much rather see what it is called than try to dicepher a heiroglyph, again I would choose Google Docs. I also like the organized list that Google Docs offers. I was a little astonished to see that it had stored and labeled my previous uses.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thing 8.0 Communication
Considering communication, I explored eportfolios. I also have been using since February. I read a professional article that recommends learning at least two new tools each year. I've been aiming for more like one/month and selected del.icio.us for February.
What uses do these tools have for library or personal use?
Del.icio.us has both extensive professional and personal use. Since teacher's work and search a lot from home, it provides a convenient way to keep track of websites you use. After small impromptu demonstrations, several of my colleagues have asked for help in creating a del.icio.us account. Regarding portfolios, I was pleasantly surpised to learn about the opportunity for eportfolios offered to all MN residents. I did notice that all of the "featured educator" examples were college/university educators.
Do you use other sharing tools for photos, documents, or other creations that you would recommend?
My family and I use shutterfly to access a virtual photo album. I especially appreciate how both del.icio.us and shutterfly allow password protection for confidentiality.
What uses do these tools have for library or personal use?
Del.icio.us has both extensive professional and personal use. Since teacher's work and search a lot from home, it provides a convenient way to keep track of websites you use. After small impromptu demonstrations, several of my colleagues have asked for help in creating a del.icio.us account. Regarding portfolios, I was pleasantly surpised to learn about the opportunity for eportfolios offered to all MN residents. I did notice that all of the "featured educator" examples were college/university educators.
Do you use other sharing tools for photos, documents, or other creations that you would recommend?
My family and I use shutterfly to access a virtual photo album. I especially appreciate how both del.icio.us and shutterfly allow password protection for confidentiality.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Thing 7: Web 2:0 Communication Tools
Describe how your library uses email. Has it improved productivity?
Staff and parents do use email for library related business. Students (the majority of my patrons) don't engage with me over email. I find it a little ironic to ask if email improves productivity as it unquestionably is a valuable tool, but sometimes it also feels like a time drain as there are so many to read.
Share your thoughts on online reference using some of the other Web 2.0 communication tools.
I have been on the receiving end of online reference as I personally prefer to use Hennepin or Minitex's online reference over phone reference. In elementary school, reference is a smaller component of libraries.
Are you an active user of text messaging, IM, or other communication tools?
I am not currently a very active user of text messaging (I don't like to pay for it) and IM. Since IM is blocked at school (and I am very busy), it is not a choice there. After working 10-14 hours in front of the computer, the last thing that I want to do in the evening is go home and IM. There have been periods of my life where I regularly IM'd; I am definitely comfortable with it.
Which OPAL or MINITEX Web conference (Webinar) did you attend? How was it? What do you think of this communication tool?
I completed M.O.R.E. this summer and have participated in Minitex's OCLC webinar. I learned a lot and was amazed at the wide range of experiences and localities represented. It is wonderfully convenient!
Staff and parents do use email for library related business. Students (the majority of my patrons) don't engage with me over email. I find it a little ironic to ask if email improves productivity as it unquestionably is a valuable tool, but sometimes it also feels like a time drain as there are so many to read.
Share your thoughts on online reference using some of the other Web 2.0 communication tools.
I have been on the receiving end of online reference as I personally prefer to use Hennepin or Minitex's online reference over phone reference. In elementary school, reference is a smaller component of libraries.
Are you an active user of text messaging, IM, or other communication tools?
I am not currently a very active user of text messaging (I don't like to pay for it) and IM. Since IM is blocked at school (and I am very busy), it is not a choice there. After working 10-14 hours in front of the computer, the last thing that I want to do in the evening is go home and IM. There have been periods of my life where I regularly IM'd; I am definitely comfortable with it.
Which OPAL or MINITEX Web conference (Webinar) did you attend? How was it? What do you think of this communication tool?
I completed M.O.R.E. this summer and have participated in Minitex's OCLC webinar. I learned a lot and was amazed at the wide range of experiences and localities represented. It is wonderfully convenient!
Thing 6: My creation
Thing 6: Online image generators.
Consider how you can use these tools in your library or media center. How about a license plate with the name of your program? (Created using Image Chef.)
While I would love to use these tools in my work, flickr is completely blocked to everyone at work (so they could only see it from home). Access to a color printer is extremely limited so I couldn't print and share very easily that way either. I will bear it in mind and pursue using it in my personal life a little though. I can see my niece getting a kick out of this!
Consider how you can use these tools in your library or media center. How about a license plate with the name of your program? (Created using Image Chef.)
While I would love to use these tools in my work, flickr is completely blocked to everyone at work (so they could only see it from home). Access to a color printer is extremely limited so I couldn't print and share very easily that way either. I will bear it in mind and pursue using it in my personal life a little though. I can see my niece getting a kick out of this!
Thing 5: More Flickr Fun
As I explored these tools, time quickly passed. I was astounded that an hour had passed and I had not "accomplished" anything.
How can you use any of these tools in your library and media center? Reading programs, posters promoting library events, librarian trading cards all come to mind as possibilities.
As a teacher, I was excited about many of the tools available at http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/. I can see creating badges for students (helpers? as a measure of their accomplishments?), motivator posters (cool!), cubes (take pictures of parts of the library, etc.) The barriers that I have to doing this are large (perhaps not insurmountable). (1) Flickr is completely blocked at school so I would have to work on it at home -- not a big deal since the only time to do something unique like this would be "after hours" anyway. (2) Printing in color is rare, difficult, expensive (too bad, since it matters to the children). (3) There is a plethora of other projects that I *must* do that are not "optional" as these would be. Very fun, very interesting! Cool to know about...
Park library mural
An original mural in the Park Elementary library as designed and painted by my sister. Doesn't she do nice work?
I-rish I was reading!
A little artwork I created for the Park Elementary library. [Thanks to LM-Net for the phrase idea.]
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Thing 4: Flickr
How might you use Flickr in your library or media center?
My sister did an original mural in my library. I will post photos of the mural to promote her status as an independent graphic artist. As fun as it would be to upload photos of students during library celebrations, I think that I'm going to skip that at this time. While I could make the group private, I am not sure how I could communicate with 870 families how to access the private group.
Do you use Flickr or another photo hosting service? Which one? How does it compare to Flickr?
I have used the creative commons portion of Flickr before when needing real photos of something to share during a lesson. For ex., when the first grade musical was about a zoo, I used photos from Flickr's Creative commons and gave them credit. It was a wonderful resource; however, when I use my digital camera in my personal life as a traveler, I post my photos on Shutterfly for the ease of printing and picking them up from Target. Also, I have made wonderful digital "scapbook-like" albums. There is some disadvantage to Shutterfly as other members of my family use SnapFish and I have to login separately to view their photos.
How do you feel about having your photos public (note that you can mark your Flickr photos private, too)--any concerns?
I am a very private person and don't want to put photos of family events out on Flickr. At this time, I don't have very many photos of just landscapes or objects. I wonder about identity theft, I wonder about personal safety and want to be cautious. In some ways I feel guilty because I have benefited from other altruism in sharing (see post above), but unwilling to serve in this way. I guess I'll leave it to those with a passion for photography.
My sister did an original mural in my library. I will post photos of the mural to promote her status as an independent graphic artist. As fun as it would be to upload photos of students during library celebrations, I think that I'm going to skip that at this time. While I could make the group private, I am not sure how I could communicate with 870 families how to access the private group.
Do you use Flickr or another photo hosting service? Which one? How does it compare to Flickr?
I have used the creative commons portion of Flickr before when needing real photos of something to share during a lesson. For ex., when the first grade musical was about a zoo, I used photos from Flickr's Creative commons and gave them credit. It was a wonderful resource; however, when I use my digital camera in my personal life as a traveler, I post my photos on Shutterfly for the ease of printing and picking them up from Target. Also, I have made wonderful digital "scapbook-like" albums. There is some disadvantage to Shutterfly as other members of my family use SnapFish and I have to login separately to view their photos.
How do you feel about having your photos public (note that you can mark your Flickr photos private, too)--any concerns?
I am a very private person and don't want to put photos of family events out on Flickr. At this time, I don't have very many photos of just landscapes or objects. I wonder about identity theft, I wonder about personal safety and want to be cautious. In some ways I feel guilty because I have benefited from other altruism in sharing (see post above), but unwilling to serve in this way. I guess I'll leave it to those with a passion for photography.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Thing 3: Keeping up
- What do you like about RSS and newsreaders?
It feels a little like command central to be able to simultaneously glance through the world's largest "current events" report, delving in deeper for items of interest. It is so "green" in being paperless and so customized for my tastes/interests/needs.
How can teachers or media specialists libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
It can be used to keep informed. It could also be a collaborative learning tool. For example, if students created podcasts, vodcasts or blogs about books they've read, a feed could be created to notify potential readers of new reviews by their peers.
Which tool for finding feeds was easiest to use?
What other tools or ways did you find to locate newsfeeds?
I looked at websites I visit frequently to see if they offered this service. It didn't seem that the school library field was hardly represented at all.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Thing 2.0: What is Library 2.0?
Library 2.0 is an effort to continue to make the library relevant. It describes a concerted effort to utilize powerful social networking tools that are already being widely used to market and maximize library's effectiveness and services. As I work with students, it is particularly important to teach them the responsibilities inherent in being a polite, contributing member of a digital, virtual world just as we teach them to be respectful, contributing members of their physical communities.
Where will you find the time? I always make time for learning. I am just thankful for the structured way of approaching tools I have only observed and interacted with as the audience member. It is exciting to be on the "inside" wielding them as the performer.
How has the Internet and the vast resource it can be affected your use of time at work and/or at home? As a younger person, I literally can't imagine life without the world wide web. I use it several times a day (hour?!) for a variety of purposes (professional -- teaching tool, way of connecting with colleagues; personal--managing finances, information seeking, recreation planning)
Where are you in your knowledge and use of Web 2.0 tools? How about your library? I understand them in principle and use those available through our school. Unhappily, our school (like most) blocks many Web 2.0 tools.
Where will you find the time? I always make time for learning. I am just thankful for the structured way of approaching tools I have only observed and interacted with as the audience member. It is exciting to be on the "inside" wielding them as the performer.
How has the Internet and the vast resource it can be affected your use of time at work and/or at home? As a younger person, I literally can't imagine life without the world wide web. I use it several times a day (hour?!) for a variety of purposes (professional -- teaching tool, way of connecting with colleagues; personal--managing finances, information seeking, recreation planning)
Where are you in your knowledge and use of Web 2.0 tools? How about your library? I understand them in principle and use those available through our school. Unhappily, our school (like most) blocks many Web 2.0 tools.
Monday, January 28, 2008
This blog is a result of participation in 23 Things on a Stick. I want to learn about, grow in and lead positive technology use in my school and library.
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