I almost feel a bit giddy with accomplishment over completion of this exciting learning adventure. At the same time, it's a little sad that it's over. But wait! It's not over! I have just begun to BLOG!!
My favorite exercise was blogging, certainly. I think I had dismissed the idea that I would ever have need for a blog, so this was groundbreaking. It was great that the blog became the vehicle for responding to all our "Things," or learning experiences.
One of my lifelong learning goals has been to gain and apply as much tech knowledge as possible. This program was a huge assist. I loved having structure and support on the journey.
It was a bit surprising that everything was so "do-able." Looking at the 23 Things from the bottom up seemed to be rather monumental, but there was really not much frustration along the way.
I really cannot offer any suggestions to improve the program. Bravo to all of you! Yes, indeed, I would happily participate in another similar program.I hope the information will remain on the CSLA website over the course of the year, at least.
My one word for the entire experience would be "empowering." I just feel that this exposure to so many new concepts, resources and skills has given me power to expand what I have been doing and has opened the door to a vast number of new possibilities.
Thank you, CSLA, for a meaningful, quality learning experience!!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Week 9! - Thing 22 - eBooks and audio eBooks
Project Gutenberg is quite amazing! It is remarkable that they are dedicated to simply making eBooks available to all for practically any purpose. I was also taken by surprise by the list of the most popular eBooks. There were many titles that were unfamiliar to me. Why so much interest in The Manual of Surgery, from 1936? Hmmmm....
I'm not sure anyone in our school district has a collection of eBooks, but I could be wrong. It would be interesting to start a discussion about this.
LibriVox offers quite a satisfying volunteer opportunity, I'm sure. It's one thing to scan in pages of a book (rather than hand-typing the text), but quite another to offer the time and effort to read and record a book aloud to create an audio eBook. Wow. It would really be a labor of love.
As far as the list of best places to get free books, I would just like to quote a comment posted by someone on the page: "Yowza! Free Books Abound." Amen to that.
I'm not sure anyone in our school district has a collection of eBooks, but I could be wrong. It would be interesting to start a discussion about this.
LibriVox offers quite a satisfying volunteer opportunity, I'm sure. It's one thing to scan in pages of a book (rather than hand-typing the text), but quite another to offer the time and effort to read and record a book aloud to create an audio eBook. Wow. It would really be a labor of love.
As far as the list of best places to get free books, I would just like to quote a comment posted by someone on the page: "Yowza! Free Books Abound." Amen to that.
Week 9! - Thing 21 - Podcasts
I went to Podcast.net and attempted to listen to some podcasts. Today, as in the past, I had some technical difficulties which were frustrating. My experience is that the audio starts and stops, then starts over from the beginning. Aargh! It definitely deters me from seeking out podcasts. The podcast I attempted to listen to was just an interview with Kirby Larson about her Newbery Honor book, Hattie Big Sky.
However, I finally had success and listened to the following: "Gary Shipe of Sandusky Radio interviews Kirby Larson and Chauni Haslet, of All for Kids Books & Music in Seattle and former president of the American Booksellers for Children. As part of National Chil..."
Podcast Date: Nov 13, 2006 16:15:02
I enjoyed hearing Kirby Larson tell that she has ghost written a few books. Interesting!
Listening to a podcast is just like listening to radio. One great feature is that you can multi-task on the computer while the audio is streaming, i.e. you can play a game or post a blog, etc.
I think for kids, listening without a visual image is more challenging than "watching" something. It feels a little abstract. When you listen to a 3-way interview, there is a tendency to lose track of who's speaking. For those of us who have listened to radio, podcasts are great, as long as the technology is cooperating and you get a clear stream.
One huge advantage to creating a podcast, especially if you are doing this with students, would be that their anonymity is preserved. I wondered about doing a video book report or something like that and was concerned about student exposure on the Internet. A podcast would remedy that problem.
However, I finally had success and listened to the following: "Gary Shipe of Sandusky Radio interviews Kirby Larson and Chauni Haslet, of All for Kids Books & Music in Seattle and former president of the American Booksellers for Children. As part of National Chil..."
Podcast Date: Nov 13, 2006 16:15:02
I enjoyed hearing Kirby Larson tell that she has ghost written a few books. Interesting!
Listening to a podcast is just like listening to radio. One great feature is that you can multi-task on the computer while the audio is streaming, i.e. you can play a game or post a blog, etc.
I think for kids, listening without a visual image is more challenging than "watching" something. It feels a little abstract. When you listen to a 3-way interview, there is a tendency to lose track of who's speaking. For those of us who have listened to radio, podcasts are great, as long as the technology is cooperating and you get a clear stream.
One huge advantage to creating a podcast, especially if you are doing this with students, would be that their anonymity is preserved. I wondered about doing a video book report or something like that and was concerned about student exposure on the Internet. A podcast would remedy that problem.
Week 9! - Thing 20 - YouTube
Create a blog post about your experience. What did you like or dislike about the site and why did you choose the video that you did? Can you see any features or components of the site that might be interesting if they were applied to library websites?
There's probably something that will entertain or enlighten just about anyone on YouTube. What a bunch of creative people there are--where do they find the time?
I picked Hollywood Librarian Trailer because it was clean, for one thing. I liked the variety of librarians that were portrayed. Apparently this is a trailer for an actual movie that can be shown by request at local libraries.
There are some instructional videos on YouTube as well as the entertaining ones. It might be fun to change the videos on a regular basis, just as a way to entice users to come and have a look at the library website to see what's new.
There's probably something that will entertain or enlighten just about anyone on YouTube. What a bunch of creative people there are--where do they find the time?
I picked Hollywood Librarian Trailer because it was clean, for one thing. I liked the variety of librarians that were portrayed. Apparently this is a trailer for an actual movie that can be shown by request at local libraries.
There are some instructional videos on YouTube as well as the entertaining ones. It might be fun to change the videos on a regular basis, just as a way to entice users to come and have a look at the library website to see what's new.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Week 8 - Thing 19 - Library Thing
I was excited about doing Library Thing, based on other people's favorable comments in their blogs. This is definitely a fun site for this crowd. I entered most of the books I've read this summer, a sampling of which can be seen in the sidebar.
Clearly, the most popular book in my list is the latest Harry Potter. Surprise!
Yes, there was plenty of discussion about the books I enjoyed. Zeitgeist was fun. There's a lot to like on this site. Since this is a site about enjoying, not selling, books, I felt a little more obligation to participate by maybe writing a little review, getting involved in the chat.
Clearly, the most popular book in my list is the latest Harry Potter. Surprise!
Yes, there was plenty of discussion about the books I enjoyed. Zeitgeist was fun. There's a lot to like on this site. Since this is a site about enjoying, not selling, books, I felt a little more obligation to participate by maybe writing a little review, getting involved in the chat.
Week 8 - Thing 18 - Online productivity tools
This is pretty nice. Free word processing software that looks fairly easy to use. Wow, there are even some emoticons to throw in for good measure. Let's see, how am I feeling right now? 
I think that one might imply a bit of writer's block, so that feels appropriate.
Aha. When I change the font pitch, Mr. Emoticon grows a bit as well.
I just clicked on the < > button, I get instant HTML! OK, very interesting. There are some glitches here. When I tri
The text above is what I published from Zoho Writer. It truncated my entry, as you can see where it cuts off. Also I'm not seeing my emoticon, but rather something that says "sealed." Maybe others can see it. I'm not sure why all that happened. There definitely seem to be some limitations here.
As I wondered about why someone might need this online word processor, it occurred to me that at school, Blogger is BLOCKED. I think perhaps you could go to Zoho Writer, write an entry and publish it. It would give you a way around the district filters. Interesting!
I explored a bit further and see that there are a variety of tools in Zoho Writer, including Zoho Sheet (spreadsheet), Zoho Show (presentation), Zoho Wiki, Zoho Notebook (didn't quite "get" this one), Zoho Planner (a calendar-type planner), Zoho Creator (allows you to set up forms and stuff, I think), Zoho Chat (kinda like I-M), Zoho Meeting (webconferencing!). Not only that, you can change the language the programs are set up in. There are several choices. Wouldn't that be helpful for students of other languages! Once again, I am overwhelmed! Wow.
I think that one might imply a bit of writer's block, so that feels appropriate. Aha. When I change the font pitch, Mr. Emoticon grows a bit as well.
I just clicked on the < > button, I get instant HTML! OK, very interesting. There are some glitches here. When I tri
The text above is what I published from Zoho Writer. It truncated my entry, as you can see where it cuts off. Also I'm not seeing my emoticon, but rather something that says "sealed." Maybe others can see it. I'm not sure why all that happened. There definitely seem to be some limitations here.
As I wondered about why someone might need this online word processor, it occurred to me that at school, Blogger is BLOCKED. I think perhaps you could go to Zoho Writer, write an entry and publish it. It would give you a way around the district filters. Interesting!
I explored a bit further and see that there are a variety of tools in Zoho Writer, including Zoho Sheet (spreadsheet), Zoho Show (presentation), Zoho Wiki, Zoho Notebook (didn't quite "get" this one), Zoho Planner (a calendar-type planner), Zoho Creator (allows you to set up forms and stuff, I think), Zoho Chat (kinda like I-M), Zoho Meeting (webconferencing!). Not only that, you can change the language the programs are set up in. There are several choices. Wouldn't that be helpful for students of other languages! Once again, I am overwhelmed! Wow.
Week 7 - Thing 17 - "Sandbox" Wiki
Wow--there were so many good ideas on the California Curriculum Connections wiki that I was a little hard-pressed to come up with something meaningful to contribute. However, here was my post, under "Wikis":
Idea #37 - Many of the teachers at my school loop, or have the same group of students for one grade and again for the next grade the following year. Looping has some advantages; one of them is that the students develop a strong bond with each other. A class wiki could be set up to keep students in touch during the summer vacation. Kids could report on their travels, activities, and the books they have been reading and want to recommend to others.
I think wikis are at their best when the input solicited is creative, rather than factual. Reliability does not come into question so much. Using a wiki as a source of good ideas is terrific.
Idea #37 - Many of the teachers at my school loop, or have the same group of students for one grade and again for the next grade the following year. Looping has some advantages; one of them is that the students develop a strong bond with each other. A class wiki could be set up to keep students in touch during the summer vacation. Kids could report on their travels, activities, and the books they have been reading and want to recommend to others.
I think wikis are at their best when the input solicited is creative, rather than factual. Reliability does not come into question so much. Using a wiki as a source of good ideas is terrific.
Week 7 - Thing 16 - Wikis
Wikis are a great social networking concept. Using them for specific events, like the CSLA Conference, can provide a forum where everyone who would like to can contribute. It goes well beyond the informational web page, in that an opportunity and means to add your input is provided.
The idea of using a wiki for a classroom is pretty cool. The class members can make up the community, and soliciting input from them gives value to each participant. I can see possibilities for book discussions, etc.
One of the strengths of wikis, the idea that anyone can contribute, can also become a pitfall. One who uses a wiki as a source of information needs to understand that the information may or may not be valid since the contributions are not authoritative. The user must beware and verify information for him/herself.
The idea of using a wiki for a classroom is pretty cool. The class members can make up the community, and soliciting input from them gives value to each participant. I can see possibilities for book discussions, etc.
One of the strengths of wikis, the idea that anyone can contribute, can also become a pitfall. One who uses a wiki as a source of information needs to understand that the information may or may not be valid since the contributions are not authoritative. The user must beware and verify information for him/herself.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Week 6 - Thing 15 - Library 2.0
I absolutely agree with the statement, "Others within the profession have asserted that libraries have always been 2.0: collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming." I am among the 'others.' I'm afraid, however, that that has most often not been the general public image of libraries and librarians. I see the proverbial, sour-faced shushing librarian in sensible shoes as the antithesis of collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming.
I would add "flexible" to that list of adjectives to more closely reflect what Library 2.0 is about. When I was first studying to become a librarian back in the early 70s, it would have been challenging to imagine the focus of libraries today. Even taking this class, online, no less, would have been a huge mind stretch for me. Surely unless libraries and their personnel are ready to change with the times, even ahead of the times, we run the risk of obsolescence. Someone recently defined life as "a series of changes," and success as "our ability to manage life's changes." When we view those inevitable changes as opportunities for growth and success, that attitude will keep us in the 2.0 mode and beyond.
I also like Wikipedia's statement: "With Library 2.0, library services are frequently evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs of library users. Library 2.0 also calls for libraries to encourage user participation and feedback in the development and maintaining of library services." I need to consider what this means in terms of "my" libraries. Certainly improved two-way communication is essential. The "door" needs to be open, and responsiveness is crucial.
I would add "flexible" to that list of adjectives to more closely reflect what Library 2.0 is about. When I was first studying to become a librarian back in the early 70s, it would have been challenging to imagine the focus of libraries today. Even taking this class, online, no less, would have been a huge mind stretch for me. Surely unless libraries and their personnel are ready to change with the times, even ahead of the times, we run the risk of obsolescence. Someone recently defined life as "a series of changes," and success as "our ability to manage life's changes." When we view those inevitable changes as opportunities for growth and success, that attitude will keep us in the 2.0 mode and beyond.
I also like Wikipedia's statement: "With Library 2.0, library services are frequently evaluated and updated to meet the changing needs of library users. Library 2.0 also calls for libraries to encourage user participation and feedback in the development and maintaining of library services." I need to consider what this means in terms of "my" libraries. Certainly improved two-way communication is essential. The "door" needs to be open, and responsiveness is crucial.
Week 6 - Thing 14 - Technorati
The exposure to all these sites and concepts is great! I must admit I'm a little overwhelmed with new ideas, but that's a good thing.
I finally realized that in order to do the keyword search for "School Library Learning 2.0" in the various areas, Blog posts, tags and Blog directory, it was necessary to use the "advanced" search mode. Apparently the drop-down menu next to the search box, referenced in the Technorati Tour video is only available in logged-in mode. Of course the results are different. It was quite fun to see our our blogs come up in the Technorati search.
By searching Blog posts, I got 1729 results, most of them from our own CSLA participants. It made me feel right at home. Results are listed by the most recent posts, and by clicking, you go to the actual blog page. I did notice that if you go down to about page 3 or 4, you start coming across seemingly random generated words in a blog that bring you to a page of advertisements, not a bona fide blog. But by far, searching Blog posts yields the most hits.
Searching tags, I came up with 3 blog posts and some visual media. Apparently it would require someone using "School Library Learning 2.0" as a tag in order to be located by Technoriti's search function. Fewer of us have used that more cumbersome tag.
The blog directory resulted in 7 results. When you click on one of them, you get a sampling of the blog along with a link to the actual blog.
Looking for a "popular" blog. Hmmmmm. There are thousands of blogs out there that are of no interest whatsoever to me. It's actually quite fascinating to see what people do with their time (I should talk...) and what grabs their attention. Looking at the list of popular blogs, I am left a little cold. They are predominantly about extreme high technology or rabid politics. So I decided to start from the bottom of the list and search up. Aha. I settled on this one. Ths author just seems to be a down-to-earth ordinary person, with some tech skills, no doubt. She makes comments on her daily life and what is going on in the greater world. This is probably a little ho-hum for most of you, but I found it to be less demanding than most. Simply a slice of life.
Thoughts about tagging: Tagging is powerful. We librarians who deal with subject headings all the time know how important they are for indexing. Those of us who have been tempted to create our own subject headings and divert from Minnie Sears should be thrilled by the opportunity to go wild and create tags that are meaningful to us. However, we need to rely on our training with standard subject headings to try to keep those tags fairly mainstream so that they will be useful.
Beelerspace's article on flat hierarchies was interesting. However I'm not sure I entirely "get it" yet.
I finally realized that in order to do the keyword search for "School Library Learning 2.0" in the various areas, Blog posts, tags and Blog directory, it was necessary to use the "advanced" search mode. Apparently the drop-down menu next to the search box, referenced in the Technorati Tour video is only available in logged-in mode. Of course the results are different. It was quite fun to see our our blogs come up in the Technorati search.
By searching Blog posts, I got 1729 results, most of them from our own CSLA participants. It made me feel right at home. Results are listed by the most recent posts, and by clicking, you go to the actual blog page. I did notice that if you go down to about page 3 or 4, you start coming across seemingly random generated words in a blog that bring you to a page of advertisements, not a bona fide blog. But by far, searching Blog posts yields the most hits.
Searching tags, I came up with 3 blog posts and some visual media. Apparently it would require someone using "School Library Learning 2.0" as a tag in order to be located by Technoriti's search function. Fewer of us have used that more cumbersome tag.
The blog directory resulted in 7 results. When you click on one of them, you get a sampling of the blog along with a link to the actual blog.
Looking for a "popular" blog. Hmmmmm. There are thousands of blogs out there that are of no interest whatsoever to me. It's actually quite fascinating to see what people do with their time (I should talk...) and what grabs their attention. Looking at the list of popular blogs, I am left a little cold. They are predominantly about extreme high technology or rabid politics. So I decided to start from the bottom of the list and search up. Aha. I settled on this one. Ths author just seems to be a down-to-earth ordinary person, with some tech skills, no doubt. She makes comments on her daily life and what is going on in the greater world. This is probably a little ho-hum for most of you, but I found it to be less demanding than most. Simply a slice of life.
Thoughts about tagging: Tagging is powerful. We librarians who deal with subject headings all the time know how important they are for indexing. Those of us who have been tempted to create our own subject headings and divert from Minnie Sears should be thrilled by the opportunity to go wild and create tags that are meaningful to us. However, we need to rely on our training with standard subject headings to try to keep those tags fairly mainstream so that they will be useful.
Beelerspace's article on flat hierarchies was interesting. However I'm not sure I entirely "get it" yet.
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