It's going to be a hard decision!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Final Thoughts
Talk about procrastination...I have waited 'til the last day to finish this project (I work well under pressure) and it's taking me forever to get my "final thoughts" in order. I thought this would be one of the easiest posts to write, but actually it's becoming a little overwhelming to sit back and think of everything we've done and the impacts they have had.
One of my favorite discoveries was Animoto. I have LOTS of friends and family that live far away and I am constantly hearing, "We need new pictures of Madelyn!" I am thinking of buying a full length video (for only 3 dollars!) and emailing it to friends and family, as well as posting it on my blog. The video will be a great way to send people updates! I am also thinking of putting together a video for my mom for Mother's Day with past and present pictures of all three kids. (This will be very meaningful to her since my brother passed away 5 years ago.) I have already shared this site with teachers; encouraging them to us it with their students. What a great, cheap way to share photos from Play Day or classroom parties.
As a lifelong learner, this program has made me not so afraid of the new technology that is happening around me. Before the 23 things, the technology was there but I am now a part of it and it's a great feeling. I love the feeling of collaboration and that's what the 23 things is all about! I also feel like I would be more inclined to take technology PFK classes now. I don't feel so lost. Hopefully I will find something that continues my 2.0 journey.
One of the "unexpected outcomes" that I had for this project was that I had FUN throughout! In October, I was worried to start because of the unknown and I was nervous about the assignments and whether or not I would be successful in them. This project reinforced to me that I do like to learn and that I think learning is FUN! I enjoy the "self-discovery" aspect of the project and would definitely participate in another if offered.
Even though the 23 things was a self-paced, self-discovery project, I do wish we would of had a few meetings along the way. Just having time to talk with others for ideas would have been valuable to me. I also feel like if we would have meet a couple times throughout, everyone would have completed the project.
I have already started sharing these 2.0 tools with teachers and faculty on my campus. The tools have given me something to talk about with teachers I do not know very well, and they have helped me start building relationships. I hope to continue the sharing but I also hope to start seeing them being implemented by teachers.
I am going to try to maintain my blog. As of now, my plan is to continue the blog as a "personal learning journal." Check back and look for notes and thoughts from staff developments, journal articles, and more! I am also thinking about starting a personal blog which would include pictures, family updates, and more! Who knows, maybe one day you'll be subscribing to my blog through RSS feed. :)
One of my favorite discoveries was Animoto. I have LOTS of friends and family that live far away and I am constantly hearing, "We need new pictures of Madelyn!" I am thinking of buying a full length video (for only 3 dollars!) and emailing it to friends and family, as well as posting it on my blog. The video will be a great way to send people updates! I am also thinking of putting together a video for my mom for Mother's Day with past and present pictures of all three kids. (This will be very meaningful to her since my brother passed away 5 years ago.) I have already shared this site with teachers; encouraging them to us it with their students. What a great, cheap way to share photos from Play Day or classroom parties.
As a lifelong learner, this program has made me not so afraid of the new technology that is happening around me. Before the 23 things, the technology was there but I am now a part of it and it's a great feeling. I love the feeling of collaboration and that's what the 23 things is all about! I also feel like I would be more inclined to take technology PFK classes now. I don't feel so lost. Hopefully I will find something that continues my 2.0 journey.
One of the "unexpected outcomes" that I had for this project was that I had FUN throughout! In October, I was worried to start because of the unknown and I was nervous about the assignments and whether or not I would be successful in them. This project reinforced to me that I do like to learn and that I think learning is FUN! I enjoy the "self-discovery" aspect of the project and would definitely participate in another if offered.
Even though the 23 things was a self-paced, self-discovery project, I do wish we would of had a few meetings along the way. Just having time to talk with others for ideas would have been valuable to me. I also feel like if we would have meet a couple times throughout, everyone would have completed the project.
I have already started sharing these 2.0 tools with teachers and faculty on my campus. The tools have given me something to talk about with teachers I do not know very well, and they have helped me start building relationships. I hope to continue the sharing but I also hope to start seeing them being implemented by teachers.
I am going to try to maintain my blog. As of now, my plan is to continue the blog as a "personal learning journal." Check back and look for notes and thoughts from staff developments, journal articles, and more! I am also thinking about starting a personal blog which would include pictures, family updates, and more! Who knows, maybe one day you'll be subscribing to my blog through RSS feed. :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
more #23
A little note about the video posted below...I found that creative commons explanation on my own. I didn't know it was one of our discovery resources until just a few minutes ago. So if you watch it, you'll probably be watching it for a second time.
I really do get it, but it seems hard to explain in a post...maybe if I was talking, it would be easier, but I'm going to try. "If copyright is a red light, then think of creative commons as a green light." That was one of the creative commons explanations that stuck out to me when viewing the "tutorials" and it helped me simplify this complicated "thing." You have to STOP when you come across a copyrighted work and have no "rights" to use it (except with fair use). With creative commons, you have permission to GO with what's there; edit it or add to it to meet your needs.
With creative commons, people are able to build upon things that already exist such as taking a song and editing it to fit a slide show or finding an image and adding it to your MySpace...and who can't use this when they are having a hard time being completely original!
I really do get it, but it seems hard to explain in a post...maybe if I was talking, it would be easier, but I'm going to try. "If copyright is a red light, then think of creative commons as a green light." That was one of the creative commons explanations that stuck out to me when viewing the "tutorials" and it helped me simplify this complicated "thing." You have to STOP when you come across a copyrighted work and have no "rights" to use it (except with fair use). With creative commons, you have permission to GO with what's there; edit it or add to it to meet your needs.
With creative commons, people are able to build upon things that already exist such as taking a song and editing it to fit a slide show or finding an image and adding it to your MySpace...and who can't use this when they are having a hard time being completely original!
Thing #23
I am just starting to learn about Creative Commons through thing #23. I came across a video while exploring Creative Commons and I thought it did a great job of explaining just what creative commons means and how we can benefit from it. I thought I would add it to my blog for anyone interested.
I'll continue my #23 post when I'm done playing...
I'll continue my #23 post when I'm done playing...
Thing #22
I feel like a child who is telling you their favorite toy but then quickly changes their mind again, and again, and again!!! Why you ask? Well, because that's what I have done through all 23 things. On my posts I confess that the current "thing" is my favorite but then I find something else that I love just as much and say it's my favorite...but FOR REAL this time...Animoto is my favorite!! What an easy way to create "slideshows." I can think of a million ways I can use this in my personal life and just as many uses for the library. How about creating a video using pictures from children's book week and then adding it to your library homepage. (I'm not sure if we have enough "space" to do that but wouldn't it be cool...) Or how about as a research product, have students search for images related to their unit and create a video. And, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself because I'm not sure if you can only upload photos or if you can upload other images such as book covers...do you see where I'm headed...but what about creating a video with the covers of the Bluebonnet or Mockingbird books. I could keep going forever. I'm definitely going to look into buying a full-length video!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thing #21
The podcasting "thing" seemed to offer many of the things that I already knew. I felt like I was a little ahead on this "thing" due to our podcasting staff development earlier this year but I did learn more about where to find podcasts and the resources of how to make one seems useful, if I ever take on the task of creating one. I spent most of my time searching for podcasts with Educational Podcast Directory. After time-consuming searches for useful podcasts, I was disappointed when I noticed the lack of updates. One podcast that I found and thought I would subscribe to was Book Voyage; however, I noticed that the last podcast submitted was in August 2007. I didn't want to subscribe to something if I wouldn't be getting regular feeds. After searching for a while longer, I came across Storynory, a podcast of audio stories for children. I actually subscribed to this podcast on the day of our staff development using iTunes but do not check it regulary because I don't use iTunes on a daily basis. I have now subscribed with the RSS feed and I look forward to checking in daily...because I check my Bloglines just as much as my email or MySpace.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Thing #20
I never really got caught up in the YouTube craze. Sure, I have seen clips, but only if they were sent to me by email. I can honestly say that I have never visited the site in search of something before this "thing" and I really don't see myself visiting on a regular basis. I can see the potential that YouTube could have in the library or the classroom BUT because of all the "R" rated material, it just isn't appropriate! Plus, it would be impossible to get past the filters. One thing that I wish YouTube would do was put a "rating" on the videos. Why not use the same ratings as the movies...G, PG, PG-13, and R. It would really help me out when trying to decide which videos to view or not to view!
I'm sure students are viewing all the videos at home (with parental guidance of course) but I could not believe some of the stuff I saw and heard! With that kind of "negativity"...I wouldn't even want to mention YouTube in the library. Creating and uploading videos would be an awesome product to the end of a research unit but I just don't see how it would be possible to use YouTube. Unless...you create videos with students, upload it to YouTube for them, and then let the students view it from home...this might work...
When I first starting looking around the millions of videos on YouTube, I started with serious searches of TAKS, book authors, and libraries. But then, I heard a familiar song in the background and thought I would give it a try. (The familiar song was the theme song to the preschool cartoon The Wonder Pets. Madelyn doesn't really watch the show, but she dances when the animals sing, and Paul and I laugh hysterically at some of the episodes!) So I did a search for The Wonder Pets and had lots of results. Some of the videos were clips of the show, others were of little girls singing the theme songs, and some took the "G" rated show and turned it "R." The video that I picked is clips of Ming Ming, my favowite wonder pet, singing his most favowite line! (Ming Ming can't say his R's!) I couldn't believe I found this and couldn't wait to share it with Paul...this is sewious!
I'm sure students are viewing all the videos at home (with parental guidance of course) but I could not believe some of the stuff I saw and heard! With that kind of "negativity"...I wouldn't even want to mention YouTube in the library. Creating and uploading videos would be an awesome product to the end of a research unit but I just don't see how it would be possible to use YouTube. Unless...you create videos with students, upload it to YouTube for them, and then let the students view it from home...this might work...
When I first starting looking around the millions of videos on YouTube, I started with serious searches of TAKS, book authors, and libraries. But then, I heard a familiar song in the background and thought I would give it a try. (The familiar song was the theme song to the preschool cartoon The Wonder Pets. Madelyn doesn't really watch the show, but she dances when the animals sing, and Paul and I laugh hysterically at some of the episodes!) So I did a search for The Wonder Pets and had lots of results. Some of the videos were clips of the show, others were of little girls singing the theme songs, and some took the "G" rated show and turned it "R." The video that I picked is clips of Ming Ming, my favowite wonder pet, singing his most favowite line! (Ming Ming can't say his R's!) I couldn't believe I found this and couldn't wait to share it with Paul...this is sewious!
Thing #19
The two "organization" sites that I visited and explored were Bubbl.us and Gliffy. I really do like to be organized (even though my house, my office, and my life sometimes don't show that), so I thought I would enjoy creating mind maps and flowcharts. I did start out the process thinking it was fun but then I got a little frustrated; not frustrated with the tools but with myself and the lack of "thoughts" I had for the mind maps or the flowcharts. I finally thought of what I wanted to do and I was much more successful with the mind maps than the flowcharts. I think I liked the mind maps better because they reminded me of the main idea webs that I used non-stop with my third graders. Once I thought of them that way, as main idea bubbles with details coming off, I was able to get started and create a helpful chart. The flowcharts seemed a little more "technical" to me, and I have to admit, I only stayed there for a short time.
**After this is posted, I will attempt to publish my mind map in my blog. If you don't see it now, keep checking back!
**After this is posted, I will attempt to publish my mind map in my blog. If you don't see it now, keep checking back!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thing #18
This "thing" really showed how far behind I was on all the 2.0 tools. The Web2.0 Awards were presented in May 2007 and I hadn't even heard of 2.0 until our staff development in October 2007! But that's OK, because as I was looking over all the awards in all the categories, I thought, "Hey, I didn't know about these before but now there are several that I do know about and some that I use on a daily basis." I have really come along way!
As I was browsing the awards and looking at the winners, I noticed lots of 2.0 tools that I recognized and had practice with thanks to our 23 things. A few I already knew about were Technorati, Bloglines, and Library Thing. So I started looking for something I knew nothing about (there were lots) and I found 2 that I am now hooked on.
OneSentence is a place where people can write true, "one sentence stories" about their life, their day, or anything. Once you write your one sentence and submit it, one person (the master of the site) decides if your sentence is worthy of publishing on the site. If it is, you will receive a email letting you know your sentence will be published. If it isn't, try again. I submitted a sentence about a day in the life of a librarian; I'm anxiously awaiting to see if it's published. If it is, I'll be sure to toot my own horn and let you know.
Another tool that I found was Guess-the-Google. It's a super fun game where you try to guess the ONE keyword that pulled up the TWENTY Google images. You are ultimately trying to find that one word that all the pictures have in common, but...you only have 20 seconds. Once I started, it was hard to stop.
When I first thought of these two tools and there "usability" in the library, I really didn't think there was any, but the more I thought about it, the more the "teacher" came out in me and BAM, I had some ideas. OneSentence to me is a lot like "get the gist." (Get the Gist is a reading strategy I learned in the Texas Third Grade Reading Academy.) As a third grade teacher, I would have students give me the gist of a story or paragraph in a sentence using ten words or less. It was difficult for nine year olds to do this, but it really got them thinking about the important details and how to use each word wisely. Librarians (or teachers) could create a wiki (or dedicate one page of a wiki) to one sentence book reviews or one sentence summaries. The wiki would be available for students who wanted to share about the books they read or it would be a great place to send students looking for a book. Guess the Google isn't something that could be used in the library directly, but the "backwards" way that you have to think is something that should be practiced by all students. I don't think students would be able to access the game from school due to the filters and I do feel like many of the images are only appropriate for older students, but the thinking that goes on while playing the game is definitely higher level. It's like classifying or sorting but on a different level and for sure out of the box. If you haven't played it yet, check it out. Beware: you might become addicted.
As I was browsing the awards and looking at the winners, I noticed lots of 2.0 tools that I recognized and had practice with thanks to our 23 things. A few I already knew about were Technorati, Bloglines, and Library Thing. So I started looking for something I knew nothing about (there were lots) and I found 2 that I am now hooked on.
OneSentence is a place where people can write true, "one sentence stories" about their life, their day, or anything. Once you write your one sentence and submit it, one person (the master of the site) decides if your sentence is worthy of publishing on the site. If it is, you will receive a email letting you know your sentence will be published. If it isn't, try again. I submitted a sentence about a day in the life of a librarian; I'm anxiously awaiting to see if it's published. If it is, I'll be sure to toot my own horn and let you know.
Another tool that I found was Guess-the-Google. It's a super fun game where you try to guess the ONE keyword that pulled up the TWENTY Google images. You are ultimately trying to find that one word that all the pictures have in common, but...you only have 20 seconds. Once I started, it was hard to stop.
When I first thought of these two tools and there "usability" in the library, I really didn't think there was any, but the more I thought about it, the more the "teacher" came out in me and BAM, I had some ideas. OneSentence to me is a lot like "get the gist." (Get the Gist is a reading strategy I learned in the Texas Third Grade Reading Academy.) As a third grade teacher, I would have students give me the gist of a story or paragraph in a sentence using ten words or less. It was difficult for nine year olds to do this, but it really got them thinking about the important details and how to use each word wisely. Librarians (or teachers) could create a wiki (or dedicate one page of a wiki) to one sentence book reviews or one sentence summaries. The wiki would be available for students who wanted to share about the books they read or it would be a great place to send students looking for a book. Guess the Google isn't something that could be used in the library directly, but the "backwards" way that you have to think is something that should be practiced by all students. I don't think students would be able to access the game from school due to the filters and I do feel like many of the images are only appropriate for older students, but the thinking that goes on while playing the game is definitely higher level. It's like classifying or sorting but on a different level and for sure out of the box. If you haven't played it yet, check it out. Beware: you might become addicted.
Thing #17
Well, I did it. I was able to publish my Zoho document (see the post below titled Friday) directly onto my blog without ever leaving the Zoho website! I really am being opened up to a whole new world with all these 2.0 tools. It's amazing!
...and so I'll get credit for Thing #17...I posted more about Zoho and my experience in the "Friday" posting.
...and so I'll get credit for Thing #17...I posted more about Zoho and my experience in the "Friday" posting.
Friday
Friday is my busiest day in the library!!
I am back-to-back-to-back with scheduled classes and I always have individuals who want my individual attention...I am worn out, and it's only noon!! But that's ok , I have 30 minutes until the next class comes in, so I think I'll work on my 23 things.
It took me a while to get Zoho to work. At first I thought it was me and my lack of experience, but it wasn't me, it was my MAC. I'm now using a PC and things are smooth sailing. You really can do everything you need to and more from this 2.0 application. I love the formatting tools and the available options right there in plain sight. No more searching for the tools you need.
Here goes the next step in my "play"...I'm going to try posting this to my blog straight from here. Wish me luck!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Thing #16
Playing in the sandbox was a lot of fun. Just like we try to teach children by doing, when I was actually "doing" the wiki, I learned a lot. I enjoyed reading all the ideas that were added on how librarians can use these cool 2.0 tools. Lots of great ideas were given! I especially like using a wiki for teachers or students to give book/av suggestions. Even though I'll be done with the sandbox thing after this post, I'll be visiting it again just to read the new ideas that keep getting added.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thing #15
I think I'm finally starting to understand...(it has taken me a long
time to see the difference between a blog and a wiki and when to use
one over the other.) I'm not saying I know everything about the two,
but I have sure learned a lot.
In simple terms, (it makes sense to me this way) a blog is one persons thoughts going out to everyone. A reader came comment about your blog, and/or thoughts, and that's all. A wiki can start with one person's thoughts but can quickly be changed to several people's thoughts because anyone can edit or add to the original creation.
It really started clicking for me when I visited all the example sites available. I could envision one person creating the actual wiki (templates, tabs, etc.) but several people adding the content. I can see how people with "control-issues" would have difficulties with a wiki and why it would be so important to monitor the wiki you created. ANYONE could add almost ANYTHING to the space. (That reminds me that I need to teach my students more about reliable sites and information.)
One of the wikis that I looked at and enjoyed exploring was the
Texas School Librarian's Wikispace. There was lots of posted information that I could use and I even saw a few places where I could add something (book lists and templates). One area in the library that I think a wiki could be used is with research unit links and information. When we start a unit, I add several links to the library's website so teachers and students can get to sites quickly. Unfortunately, I am the only one that can add these links. If we had a wiki for all theresearch units, everyone could add helpful websites to the links page. Teachers and students could add sites as they came across them, rather than waiting on me to do it. The research wiki could also have pages set up for student questions and book lists. The possibilities really are endless!
time to see the difference between a blog and a wiki and when to use
one over the other.) I'm not saying I know everything about the two,
but I have sure learned a lot.
In simple terms, (it makes sense to me this way) a blog is one persons thoughts going out to everyone. A reader came comment about your blog, and/or thoughts, and that's all. A wiki can start with one person's thoughts but can quickly be changed to several people's thoughts because anyone can edit or add to the original creation.
It really started clicking for me when I visited all the example sites available. I could envision one person creating the actual wiki (templates, tabs, etc.) but several people adding the content. I can see how people with "control-issues" would have difficulties with a wiki and why it would be so important to monitor the wiki you created. ANYONE could add almost ANYTHING to the space. (That reminds me that I need to teach my students more about reliable sites and information.)
One of the wikis that I looked at and enjoyed exploring was the
Texas School Librarian's Wikispace. There was lots of posted information that I could use and I even saw a few places where I could add something (book lists and templates). One area in the library that I think a wiki could be used is with research unit links and information. When we start a unit, I add several links to the library's website so teachers and students can get to sites quickly. Unfortunately, I am the only one that can add these links. If we had a wiki for all theresearch units, everyone could add helpful websites to the links page. Teachers and students could add sites as they came across them, rather than waiting on me to do it. The research wiki could also have pages set up for student questions and book lists. The possibilities really are endless!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Thing #14
What is Library2.0? What does it mean to me? Well, before I start I want to state that I have barely been a librarian for 5 months...so I am still learning library1.0 and at the same time trying hard to learn library2.0!! :) WHEW, this is hard work!
After reading the many resources about library 2.0 and trying to decide whether it really exists or not, I came across Sarah Houghton’s definition of Library2.0. To Houghton, Library2.O simply means making your library more interactive, more collaborative, and more community/patron driven. If I think of that definition when thinking about Library2.0, then we are well on our way...I am well on my way to making a change in what a library looks like. Interactive, collaborative, social, sharing - all of those words describe "the 23 things", all of those words also describe Web2.0 or Library2.0. We are doing it and by doing it, it has to exist!
Since we started this activity, I have learned more about the 2.0 tools and
have embraced them rather than shy away from them. By learning "through
play" and getting excited about the possibilities, my mind is full of
ideas. I have already shared many of the tools with colleagues and plan
to start introducing a few to the students. Actually, I probably won't
be introducing anything to the students since they are so tech-savvy but rather letting them know how the tools can be used in the library.
After reading the many resources about library 2.0 and trying to decide whether it really exists or not, I came across Sarah Houghton’s definition of Library2.0. To Houghton, Library2.O simply means making your library more interactive, more collaborative, and more community/patron driven. If I think of that definition when thinking about Library2.0, then we are well on our way...I am well on my way to making a change in what a library looks like. Interactive, collaborative, social, sharing - all of those words describe "the 23 things", all of those words also describe Web2.0 or Library2.0. We are doing it and by doing it, it has to exist!
Since we started this activity, I have learned more about the 2.0 tools and
have embraced them rather than shy away from them. By learning "through
play" and getting excited about the possibilities, my mind is full of
ideas. I have already shared many of the tools with colleagues and plan
to start introducing a few to the students. Actually, I probably won't
be introducing anything to the students since they are so tech-savvy but rather letting them know how the tools can be used in the library.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Thing #13
I'm not really sure why but I have never been one to bookmark my
favorite sites; however, after visiting and revisiting the same
websites for the 23 things project, I started bookmarking. I created a
23 Things folder and EVERY site that I visited was quickly bookmarked
and saved...and that's when it happened, I started to work on my 23
things on a different computer.
Now I have seen the light, and the importance, of using a service such as del.icio.us, Furl, or Ma.gnolia. Having all your bookmarks in one location is helpful, having them in one location and available from any computer is essential. I could see teachers using this for all the websites they visit on a regular basis. I also thought students could use this to bookmark sites they are visiting for research units or science fair projects. Unfortunately, the site is blocked by the district filter but could still be used by teachers. (This reminds me that I need to get the word out that overriding is OK! I helped a teacher override something last week and she mentioned that that was the first time she had ever used that privilege because she was nervous.)
I really like the icons that are added to the computer's toolbar when you create a del.icio.us account. It makes it quick and easy to add websites, even though I still forget many times. When I click on the "tag this" icon, it also lets you add tags while bookmarking. If that was available at that step of the process, I don't know if I would go back to add tags.
Adding tags is what makes this social. I enjoyed looking at other people's tags and "stealing" their keywords and then tagging their websites as some of my own. You really can get lost in the social part of it all!
favorite sites; however, after visiting and revisiting the same
websites for the 23 things project, I started bookmarking. I created a
23 Things folder and EVERY site that I visited was quickly bookmarked
and saved...and that's when it happened, I started to work on my 23
things on a different computer.
Now I have seen the light, and the importance, of using a service such as del.icio.us, Furl, or Ma.gnolia. Having all your bookmarks in one location is helpful, having them in one location and available from any computer is essential. I could see teachers using this for all the websites they visit on a regular basis. I also thought students could use this to bookmark sites they are visiting for research units or science fair projects. Unfortunately, the site is blocked by the district filter but could still be used by teachers. (This reminds me that I need to get the word out that overriding is OK! I helped a teacher override something last week and she mentioned that that was the first time she had ever used that privilege because she was nervous.)
I really like the icons that are added to the computer's toolbar when you create a del.icio.us account. It makes it quick and easy to add websites, even though I still forget many times. When I click on the "tag this" icon, it also lets you add tags while bookmarking. If that was available at that step of the process, I don't know if I would go back to add tags.
Adding tags is what makes this social. I enjoyed looking at other people's tags and "stealing" their keywords and then tagging their websites as some of my own. You really can get lost in the social part of it all!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Thing #12
I thought this "thing" was going to be quick and painless since I already do the whole MySpace thing but boy, did I have a lot to learn about social networking! Check out my MySpace profile. Facebook and Ning were brand new to me when I started this. I joined both and found friends on both but I honestly didn't enjoy both. Facebook is my least favorite social networking site. I'm not sure what makes me dislike it; maybe it's my love and addiction to MySpace. (I felt like a traitor when joining.) I liked Ning much better than Facebook and once I started playing around and exploring, I started liking it even more.
I know we have all talked about the importance of teachers and librarians knowing about MySpace and other social networking sites, but I'm going to repeat what is
always said... We need to be familiar with what the kids are doing in
order to create meaningful relationships. When you acknowledge the student's interests, you connect with them on a different level and many times it brings on much needed mutual respect.MySpace is such a popular thing these days (is it in the dictionary yet?),that everyone should at least be familiar with it.
Using a social network like Ning would be a great way to communicate with members of a book club. If possible, with the school filters, the librarian could create a group
using Ning and then the students could join the group. It would be an easy way to start a discussion and monitor the "conversations."
I know we have all talked about the importance of teachers and librarians knowing about MySpace and other social networking sites, but I'm going to repeat what is
always said... We need to be familiar with what the kids are doing in
order to create meaningful relationships. When you acknowledge the student's interests, you connect with them on a different level and many times it brings on much needed mutual respect.MySpace is such a popular thing these days (is it in the dictionary yet?),that everyone should at least be familiar with it.
Using a social network like Ning would be a great way to communicate with members of a book club. If possible, with the school filters, the librarian could create a group
using Ning and then the students could join the group. It would be an easy way to start a discussion and monitor the "conversations."
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thing #11
At first I thought making my Avatar was the funniest thing ever...then I discovered the sign generators...but OMG I love Library Thing. What a simple yet high tech way to share and collaborate with booklovers.
On my blog you can see a few random books from my collection. If you would like to view other books that I have cataloged with Library Thing, visit my bookshelf.
On my blog you can see a few random books from my collection. If you would like to view other books that I have cataloged with Library Thing, visit my bookshelf.
more about Thing #10
It's amazing what excites me! Something as little as changing the text on a well known sign or image is so cool to me! I am loving the sign generators and can't wait to use them. My two favorites are Image Chef and Custom SIgn Generators. You can get to those sites by looking at my Link List on the left side of my blog. (I just added that and think it's a great way to bookmark things.)
I know I haven't reached the "thing" about social networking, but I already have a MySpace account and I now have a way to add unique pictures and icons. Sometimes it hard to find something for your page that hasn't been viewed or used a million times before. With the sign generators, my signs can be 100% unique and personalized. The image that I posted on the original "Thing #10 post" can also be found on my MySpace page.
Using the sign generators for the library website is something that I have thought about but have not had the time to try. What a neat way to add popular or trendy graphics to the webpage plus having it pertain to the school or the library. Once I get brave enough to try it, I'll be sure to add a link so you can see.
I know I haven't reached the "thing" about social networking, but I already have a MySpace account and I now have a way to add unique pictures and icons. Sometimes it hard to find something for your page that hasn't been viewed or used a million times before. With the sign generators, my signs can be 100% unique and personalized. The image that I posted on the original "Thing #10 post" can also be found on my MySpace page.
Using the sign generators for the library website is something that I have thought about but have not had the time to try. What a neat way to add popular or trendy graphics to the webpage plus having it pertain to the school or the library. Once I get brave enough to try it, I'll be sure to add a link so you can see.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Thing #10
Things #9
Looking for RSS feeds to subscribe to was more difficult than I had expected. I was still a little unsure of what I was doing or looking for when I began searching for feeds but I slowly started getting it after looking at the suggested tools.
Technorati is the site that I used the most. I started out looking for children's literature blogs and became frustrated when all my searches were only returning posts about the topic rather than blogs. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong...UNTIL I noticed the tabs at the top. I could chose from posts, blogs, videos, or photos. Once I clicked on the blogs tab, I was well on my way! My favorite feed that I added to my reader was Barbara O'Connor's blog "Greetings from Nowhere." On O'Connor's blog, along with new book information and writing tips, she has a list of other authors that blog. I hope to start looking at other author blogs and possibly subscribe.
Syndic8 was something I quickly looked at and then quickly left! I did not like the layout or the look of the website. I felt like it was too technical for me...too many links, not enough images, and when I saw the word statistics, it scared me!
I looked at Google Blog Search and Topix but I didn't look around too much. Google Blog Search looked a lot like all the other Google sites and was easy to use. Topix was also easy to use and I liked the way it had local information on the homepage.
I spent way too much time on this "thing" and I am ready to move on!
Technorati is the site that I used the most. I started out looking for children's literature blogs and became frustrated when all my searches were only returning posts about the topic rather than blogs. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong...UNTIL I noticed the tabs at the top. I could chose from posts, blogs, videos, or photos. Once I clicked on the blogs tab, I was well on my way! My favorite feed that I added to my reader was Barbara O'Connor's blog "Greetings from Nowhere." On O'Connor's blog, along with new book information and writing tips, she has a list of other authors that blog. I hope to start looking at other author blogs and possibly subscribe.
Syndic8 was something I quickly looked at and then quickly left! I did not like the layout or the look of the website. I felt like it was too technical for me...too many links, not enough images, and when I saw the word statistics, it scared me!
I looked at Google Blog Search and Topix but I didn't look around too much. Google Blog Search looked a lot like all the other Google sites and was easy to use. Topix was also easy to use and I liked the way it had local information on the homepage.
I spent way too much time on this "thing" and I am ready to move on!
Thing #8
I stepped out of my comfort zone and left the world of Google and tried something new. Rather than setting up my RSS feeds through Google Reader, I used Bloglines. Bloglines is a easy way for me to get headlines on news or entertainment personalized just for me. It's just like opening the newspaper and having all the stories that interst me right there on the front page.
To me, RSS feeds are a lot like Google Alerts. Just like being alerted to the topics I set up through Google Alerts, the RSS feeds send me information and updates for the topics I selected. The Google Alerts are more convenient since it is sent to me through my email but I look forward to checking my Bloglines daily. Check out my Bloglines! A few of my favorites are The Budget Fashionista and B4 Photography.
RSS feeds can be used in the library setting for multiple purposes. After searching for blogs on book reviews, authors, and librarians and then determining the ones you want to stay updated with, you have a constant feed of information. Even when you aren't looking for the information, it comes and then waits for you to read it.
At the moment, I am currently checking my Bloglines about twice a day. I am amazed at all the updates. The blogs aren't only updated once a day, but all day! The bloggers are definitly busy and I find myself hoping there is an update.
To me, RSS feeds are a lot like Google Alerts. Just like being alerted to the topics I set up through Google Alerts, the RSS feeds send me information and updates for the topics I selected. The Google Alerts are more convenient since it is sent to me through my email but I look forward to checking my Bloglines daily. Check out my Bloglines! A few of my favorites are The Budget Fashionista and B4 Photography.
RSS feeds can be used in the library setting for multiple purposes. After searching for blogs on book reviews, authors, and librarians and then determining the ones you want to stay updated with, you have a constant feed of information. Even when you aren't looking for the information, it comes and then waits for you to read it.
At the moment, I am currently checking my Bloglines about twice a day. I am amazed at all the updates. The blogs aren't only updated once a day, but all day! The bloggers are definitly busy and I find myself hoping there is an update.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Thing #7...continued
I have gotten completely lost in the world of Google! There are so many things offered, and to think I was only using it as a search engine. After looking at all the cool tools available, I decided to utilize Goggle Calendar, Goggle Alerts, and iGoogle. It might be a little much for me to keep up with, but for now, I'm willing to try.
Google Alerts is the tool that I am the most interested in. At the beginning, I couldn't think of anything to be alerted about but now that I picked a subject, I can think of a million others. I'm starting out with only one subject; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease. My husband has this heart condition and we are always learning more about the advances in the "cures." Google Alerts is going to be a quick way to get all the up-to-date information about the disease.
Google Alerts could be used by librarians, teachers and students for all types of school related activities. Librarians could set up alerts for book releases, news about authors, and research topics updates. Teachers could use Google alerts for new information in their field of study or about topics they are currently teaching. Students could also use the alerts for their research projects or science fair projects for current, up-to-date information.
I have also created my own homepage with iGoogle. Any time I open Firefox using laptop, there it is. I love having it customized just for me; lots of music and entertainment! I tried to link to my homepage so you could check it out, but I can't get the link to work. I'll keep trying.
Google Alerts is the tool that I am the most interested in. At the beginning, I couldn't think of anything to be alerted about but now that I picked a subject, I can think of a million others. I'm starting out with only one subject; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease. My husband has this heart condition and we are always learning more about the advances in the "cures." Google Alerts is going to be a quick way to get all the up-to-date information about the disease.
Google Alerts could be used by librarians, teachers and students for all types of school related activities. Librarians could set up alerts for book releases, news about authors, and research topics updates. Teachers could use Google alerts for new information in their field of study or about topics they are currently teaching. Students could also use the alerts for their research projects or science fair projects for current, up-to-date information.
I have also created my own homepage with iGoogle. Any time I open Firefox using laptop, there it is. I love having it customized just for me; lots of music and entertainment! I tried to link to my homepage so you could check it out, but I can't get the link to work. I'll keep trying.
Thing #7
I know this is just the tip of the iceberg for thing #7 but while I still remember what I'm doing, I thought I would post a little about the Google Calendar. I'll get to all the other cool tools Google has to offer later.
I do like the Google Calendar and I love the idea of sharing calendars with family and friends but I'm pretty much addicted to carrying a paper calendar with me everywhere I go. I might not always have a computer with me to check the dates or times of certain events but you can almost always count on me having my paper calendar. (I love the free paper calendars we get from the Credit Union every year!) I think Google Calendars would be a great tool for school principals. They would be able to create a calendar and share events with multiple people. The Google Calendar would be a great way to manage the "school-wide" calendar.
I have only just begun, but feel free to check out my Google Calendar.
I do like the Google Calendar and I love the idea of sharing calendars with family and friends but I'm pretty much addicted to carrying a paper calendar with me everywhere I go. I might not always have a computer with me to check the dates or times of certain events but you can almost always count on me having my paper calendar. (I love the free paper calendars we get from the Credit Union every year!) I think Google Calendars would be a great tool for school principals. They would be able to create a calendar and share events with multiple people. The Google Calendar would be a great way to manage the "school-wide" calendar.
I have only just begun, but feel free to check out my Google Calendar.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Thing #6
After exploring the mashups and the 3rd party tools for a LENGTHY amount of time, I knew I needed to stop, reflect/blog about the tools, and then start back again if I wanted to. I really did get lost in the "play" and completely lose track of time when exploring the Flickr Color Pickr and the Spell with Flickr mashup. I'm not really sure what the purpose of the Color Pickr is; even though I love looking at the color-coordinated pictures. I loved Spell with Flickr! It was amazing to watch all the different images used to spell my name.
Having students create trading cards is one idea that could be used within the library program. When I was creating Fancy Nancy's trading card, I started thinking about how the second graders could have created trading cards instead of postcards for the national landmarks that they researched. The trading cards would be able to serve the same purpose as the postcards, by giving facts and information about the national landmark, but the trading cards would add technology to the product. Getting our students to work with technology is such as important skill and creating a trading card about something researched would be a fun way to end the unit.
Having students create trading cards is one idea that could be used within the library program. When I was creating Fancy Nancy's trading card, I started thinking about how the second graders could have created trading cards instead of postcards for the national landmarks that they researched. The trading cards would be able to serve the same purpose as the postcards, by giving facts and information about the national landmark, but the trading cards would add technology to the product. Getting our students to work with technology is such as important skill and creating a trading card about something researched would be a fun way to end the unit.
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