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.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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.]
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