Week 3 - Technology Related

I really enjoyed the Filckr Mashup. Making the magazine cover was fun. I'm thinking of trying the trading card but I'm not sure what I would do with it. There are some neat activites you can do here. I would like to try them in the future.

Week 2 - 7 1/2 Learning Habits.

The easiest habit for me is Mentoring Others. Since I am an ex-teacher this is like breathing, automatic. I have always enjoyed helping and teaching others. It gives me great satisfaction to use what I know or have learned to pass along to others. The most difficult habit is Use Technology to Your Advantage. Being of the precomputer generation I have struggled with technology and certainly keeping up with new advances and methods. Technology does not come easy to me and it's oh so easy to fall back on my old ways or to just ignore technology altogether. However, this gets harder and harder to do in our technological age. I do not want to be an old dinosaur.

Week 9 - In Summary

I guess I could sum up my experience with 23 Things in two words "not bad". When I first went into this program I was filled with trepidation. It sounded very intimidating and being of the "technically challenged" generation I imagined all kinds of problems that I was going to have, thus the usage of the word "anxious" in my blog title. But the program was "not bad". Yes, I did have some trouble trying to do some of the activities but I surprised myself with all that I managed to do with very little guidance from anyone else. I learned about a lot of new concepts (new to me) like blogging, blog lines, RSS, and image generators to name a few. My favorite activities were the image generators, YouTube, podcasts, and online productivity tools. I also liked Flicker. Can I use these concepts in the library? I would say yes; it has it's place. I could incorporate some of these concepts into programming and also refer patrons to various sites. At some point in time I would like to explore some of these ideas on my own. If nothing else it has given me an overall education of technological programming.
How could the program be improved? I think some of the directions we had to follow on the different sites were difficult to understand especially for novices. There was really no "expert" we could turn to for help except each other. But in many cases that was the blind leading the blind. Also people were at different places and working on it at different times so it was hard to find someone to help you. I think it would have helped if we had someone who would always be available and patient to lend support. Another idea might be to work in study groups. Those of higher ability could help those who struggle. There was a lot of work involved and the time frame was a little tight (at least for the prizes and CCUs) especially since this fell during the summer with vacations and summer reading.
And my overall feeling of accomplishment? "Not Bad"! I learned I am capable of much more than I had thought. I am open to more opportunities like this.

Week 9 - Audiobooks

I checked out the various sites for downloading audiobooks. Overdrive looked the best to me. I especially like that you don't have to worry about deleting the material when the due date arrives. One less thing to do! I am anxious to try downloading books and music to my new mp3 player which I hope to get when I complete this course. The Overdrive tutorial seemed very complete with information on how to download and transfer to another audio device. Lucky me, I also have a good friend who is a techie whiz who will be able to help me if I get stuck. Once I get use to using Overdrive I will feel more secure talking to the patrons about it and giving it a plug. There are many, many titles that I would like to download so I plan on making good use of this service.
I also saw on the Project Gutenberg site that there is a need for volunteers to read for their audio books. I might consider this in the future when I have a bit more time. I read for McDaniel College for awhile and enjoyed it but it is time consuming. I'll put this on the back burner.

Week 9 - Podcasts

I was already somewhat familiar with podcasts having heard them before in the 23 Steps program and in other places. I think they can be useful and/or entertaining to people because it's just like listening to a radio broadcast. You can listen to them on your mp3 player or pc whenever you feel like it. I added the podcast, Mr. Nice Guy, to my blogline. It's a really humorous broadcast by a librarian who comments on everyday life as well as news articles. I think everyone needs a little humor added to their day. I have to say that I do prefer the videos to the podcasts because I am more visual than auditory. It's interesting though to see what else is out there in the techie world.

Week 9 - YouTube

I really like this website. I had fun watching the various videos but I must say it's rather addictive. I added the Seinfeld clip about Jerry and the New York Public Library police officer, Mr. Bookman. It's just classic Seinfeld and manages to produce quite a chuckle over how the public often view the library with all of it's rules and regulations.
I also emailed one of my sons a video on prize winning aquariums which inspired a discussion on which of the many things we would like to add to ours. The YouTube site is really user friendly. Even I could figure out how to do most things. I can see how the library could use videos to create an interest in its website, whether it would be something already cleverly made like the Seinfeld clip or one that the library produced themselves. People like visuals and they like to be entertained. Besides storytimes and book reviews we could add an infomercial showing upcoming programs. I'm sure there are many other interesting things we could add too.

Seinfeld Clip - 3x05 The Library - Mr Bookman

I love Seinfeld and isn't Mr. Booker a hoot? A regular Joe Friday! I think we could use him at times at our branch.

Week 8 - Web 2.0 Awards

This assignment was really interesting because I got to explore areas of my choosing. The sites were award winners which meant they had to be the best of the best. I first chose to look at the book category. The first place winner was Lulu. I spent some time searching through the site, seeing what it had to offer. I was amazed that you could publish your own books on this site. I'm not much of a writer myself but this could be a site that I would recommend to patrons and friends who are looking to write and publish.
Next I thought it was time to have fun and checked out the fun category. Cocktail Builder was the first and though I'm not a drinker myself I thought it was interesting that you could build your own cocktail by just listing several ingredients you might have around your house. Another site I liked in this category was One Sentence. I found this one fascinating. You are suppose to tell a story in one sentence. I read all of the entries and thought how difficult it is to limit yourself to one sentence. Yet people did it and told some interesting, creative stories. This would be a great activity for a writing class. Sometime I might go back and write my own and post it.
I then went to a category that is very much unlike one that I would normally choose, games. I seldom spend any time playing computer games but these were really fun. These were on the site Arca Play. I played Guess the Google (which I was not very good at) and Quick Pic which was a kind of memory game and did much better. I don't know if I'll go back to them (time is precious) but they were fun if a little frustrating.
Besides referring patrons to these sights you could use them in possible programming.

Week 8 - Zoho Writer

I created an account with Zoho Writer and wrote a document on Great Books for Kids (see below) . It was very easy, not much different than writing in my blog. Then I thought I'd be really adventurous and try to publish it to my blog. I had to try several times because I was missing a step and finally I put two and two together and Eureka! I managed to get it onto my blog. I was so happy I even clapped my hands! (I get thrilled at the smallest accomplishments.)
I really like Zolo Writer because it's so convenient. You can pick it up on any computer that has the internet and not have to worry about discs and flashdrives. It's also easy to share with friends. Multiple users can work on the same document. Zoho Writer is very user friendly. Even I can use it!

Great Books for Kids

I am currently a member of the Great Books for Kids Committee. I am so glad that I signed up because I am having a ball reading all the really exceptional books for children in 2007. I especially enjoy talking to my fellow team members about the books. It's so interesting to hear what others think and how they will see something in the book that maybe I missed. It's also fun to vote on those that we feel are truly great and hear why people vote as they do. It is very time consuming, but it's really worthwhile. I would recommend being on the committee to anyone who loves children's books.

Week 7 - SandBox

I read about SandBox and am all for anything that promotes fun. I added a comment to the What I Am Reading Page about A Thousand Splendid Suns. It was easy to do. I also looked through the other pages but I felt I was best qualified to write about books. (What else?) I guess SandBox is a good way to exchange thoughts and ideas with anyone about anything. Also a fun thing to do when you have some free time.

Week 7 - Wikis

I was more familiar with this technology than most of the others since we have a wiki on our intranet. I even decided to go on ours and read some new entries. I guess it was the motivation from the articles that I read. I found the information about Wikipedia interesting because I do use it yet was not aware that it could be edited by just about anybody. That made me realize that it may not be the best source for retrieving information. I do like to read Wikipedia because the articles are interesting and easy to understand. I also liked the idea of using a library wiki with the public as a subject guide and also for book reviews. I find that I sometimes put more faith in the common man's opinion than so called expert reviewers. This is especially true when is comes to movies. I think the public would like this as well. It might also be helpful to use a wiki for the public's comments and suggestions about the library. We could answer suggestions right away or see if other people feel the same way about a suggestion. This could be very interesting.

Week 6 - Library 2.0

The articles I read ask their readers to think of libraries in much broader terms than what people have thought of them in the past. A library is not just a storehouse of books and information but more of a clearinghouse for all information which may come in many different formats whether it be print, audio, film, digital or electronic. Organizing all of this data into a managable format would be an awesome task but one that would be most beneficial to all the learners of the world. The library therefore should be thought of as the imparter of all information, not the hoarder. Through the use of technology this dream can be accomplished. Library 2.0 will help fulfill this dream to have all the information one may need at their fingertips.

Week 6 - Technorati

Technorati seems to be a good way to search blogs for a certain subject. When I searched "learning 2.0" I was surprised at the number of results. I didn't realize so many people are going through the same experience as myself. I was also surprised at some of the blogs I read. Very negative! I'm not sure if I'll use all of the tools that I've been exposed to but I think it's an education just to see what's out in cyberspace. It doesn't hurt to take a look. I am doubtful that I will use technorati much but I know where I can go if I ever want to know what other people are thinking on any subject matter.

Week 6 - del.icio.us

I spent a lot of time reading how to use the site. It sounds like it could be a fun way to keep your ideas,thoughts,articles and websites together in one place. I enjoyed reading other people's bookmarkings and the comments that other readers wrote in response. I can see how this might be a good way to research topics.

Week 5 - Rollyo

Working will Rollyo was a bit frustrating. I had no trouble setting up an account or making my own Rollyo but when it came to trying to transfer it to my blog it was a different story. After many, many tries and much time later I managed to do the transfer. I'm not sure I could do it again. I can see a good use for it. I have patrons who are always coming up looking for phone numbers or addresses. By making a Rollyo that contains this kind of information I have all the websites in one place making it easier to search several different sites.

Week 5 - Rollyo

Select...good reader-anxiousnumber pleaseSearch The Web

Week 5 - Library Thing

I liked Library Thing. I posted a few books but could post many, many more. I could use this as my reader's advisory when someone comes up to the desk and asks for a recommendation. Sometimes my mind goes absolutely blank. Does this happen to you? Now I can just do my Library Thing.

http://www.librarything.com/widget

Week 4 - Merlin

I explored the Merlin website and added it to my blogline. There seems to be a lot of information on it that could help with any technology that I may need in the future. I especially liked the calendar of learning opportunities in the MD area. I also found Topix interesting because it gives the local news like Eldersburg. How local can you get? I tried to add it to my blogline but couldn't do it. I couldn't find the rss anywhere. That was disappointing because I would like to be kept updated on the local news and events in the community. Patrons often ask for that information.

Week 5 - Image Generator

I enjoyed making my avatar. It made me feel like I was a kid again playing paper dolls. I tried to make her look like the way that I see myself, dressed casually, walking the dog, and being in my garden. I like the simple things in life. I did not have any trouble creating the avatar but did need help with posting it to my blog. Thank you, Nadine! I think the directions needed to be clearer.

Week 4 - RSS

I have actually posted my blogline to this blog. I am so proud of myself. I really didn't have too much difficulty creating my account and adding my news websites and blogs to it. The hardest part was trying to decide what to add. Something that puzzled me though was when I tried to add some of my colleagues's blogs I could enter them with no problem. Others that I tried would not allow me to do this, yet I followed the same process each time.

Bloglines | My Feeds (73)

http://www.bloglines.com/public/norm7342

Week 3 - Flicker Mashups

Today I worked again on Photos and Images. I created a magazine cover which I thought was going to be really hard, but I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. I made one called Pond Life and put on some catchy little titles and subtitles. I emailed it to my son and I made a copy to take home and show my family.

Week 3 - Flickr

Octopus
Originally uploaded by pippyzz

Here's my favorite picture from Flickr. I love this because my son and I are fascinated with octopuses (or is it octopi?). Did you know they are extremely intelligent and are wonderful escape artists? We are hoping to get one in the future since we are both interested in salt water aquariums and have two already.

Week 2 - Name Your Blog

After many tries I have finally named my blog though it's not my first choice. The hardest part was finding a name that had not been chosen. As you can see my blog's name is "goodreader-anxious". I am very anxious about what I will be asked to do, also if I can actually do it.