#23 Summarize your thoughts about this program and learn more about where to go from here
Well, I finally made it! For awhile there I was afraid that I would run out of time. Thank heavens for the extension! I never would have completed the program otherwise.
I have to admit that week 5 (Play week) was my favorite. I found so many fun things to do and spent way too much time looking! I've already thought of a good way to use Rollyo - students do a research project in French class and I think it would work well there.
I also really enjoyed Flickr and all the mashup sites - I've bookmarked several that I plan on visiting in the future. I am so totally amazed at all the free sites available to do fun things!
I would definitely do another discovery class like this one. I liked the self-pacing aspect - but I would really have to set myself some personal deadlines! One of the drawbacks to a class like this is that there are so many opportunities to get sidetracked. The assignment would say to 'choose one', but I had to look at 5 before I could make up my mind which 'one' I would explore. Self discipline is not one of my strong points, especially on a computer.
To sum it up: I learned a lot from the program. I just hope I can remember how to do some of the things. I like knowing what they are referring to when they are talking about tagging, podcasts, bloglines, etc. My frustration comes in knowing that I will forever be behind in all that the internet has to offer. I am totally overwhelmed with all that is there that I know nothing about and probably never will. Isn't there a saying 'The more I learn, the more I learn how much I don't know' ? Or something like that?? Oh wait. Let me go check the Rollyo on quotes......
Friday, August 21, 2009
Week 9: Podcasts, Video & Downloadable audio
#22 Learn about Audiobooks
The Illustrated History of Furniture is listed as number 8 in the Top 100 Downloads on the Gutenberg site. Maybe I should add this to my reading list...
Seriously now, I went to the audio listing and browsed the list of human-read audio books available. I found that most of the ones listed are considered to be the great classics. I listened to a little Mark Twain and also a reading from the Bible. Then I switched to computer-read books and listened to a few selections. I didn't like them at all. If I'm going to listen to a book, rather than read it, the voice must be human!
I then visited the Allegany County Public Library homepage and read about Overdrive. What a fantastic resource! So many titles to choose from and listen to! These would be great for vacation. I'm thinking that an audio book would come in handy to download for a reading teacher to preview books she wants to purchase for her students to read. I browsed for a few young adult authors and there are many to choose from - including a new title from Richard Peck.
The Illustrated History of Furniture is listed as number 8 in the Top 100 Downloads on the Gutenberg site. Maybe I should add this to my reading list...
Seriously now, I went to the audio listing and browsed the list of human-read audio books available. I found that most of the ones listed are considered to be the great classics. I listened to a little Mark Twain and also a reading from the Bible. Then I switched to computer-read books and listened to a few selections. I didn't like them at all. If I'm going to listen to a book, rather than read it, the voice must be human!
I then visited the Allegany County Public Library homepage and read about Overdrive. What a fantastic resource! So many titles to choose from and listen to! These would be great for vacation. I'm thinking that an audio book would come in handy to download for a reading teacher to preview books she wants to purchase for her students to read. I browsed for a few young adult authors and there are many to choose from - including a new title from Richard Peck.
Week 9: Podcasts, Video & Downloadable audio
#21 Discover some useful tools for locating podcasts
I spent a lot of time looking through the podcast directories and discovered that almost any subject can be found. In fact, one needs to be careful when looking for subjects - I submitted 'young adult fiction' and some of the results weren't so 'young.' The results list contained some titles that were perfect for my library, but also some X-rated!
I downloaded i-tunes and played with that site for awhile. It seemed to be the slowest site that I visited today, but I did find some things I can use.
I finally found a podcast for middle and high school book reviews so I added that to my Bloglines account. I intend to download the reviews for the books they covered that I have in my library. They are on break for the summer, but it will be interesting to see what titles are added this fall.
I spent a lot of time looking through the podcast directories and discovered that almost any subject can be found. In fact, one needs to be careful when looking for subjects - I submitted 'young adult fiction' and some of the results weren't so 'young.' The results list contained some titles that were perfect for my library, but also some X-rated!
I downloaded i-tunes and played with that site for awhile. It seemed to be the slowest site that I visited today, but I did find some things I can use.
I finally found a podcast for middle and high school book reviews so I added that to my Bloglines account. I intend to download the reviews for the books they covered that I have in my library. They are on break for the summer, but it will be interesting to see what titles are added this fall.
Week 9: Podcasts, Video & Downloadable audio
#20 Discover YouTube and a few sites that allow you to upload video
I am not a stranger to YouTube, but I generally watch clips that people have sent me via email. I decided to search for something that I might be able to use at school and struck gold on my first attempt. I searched for clips of the author Sarah Dessen and found her talking about one of her books and giving a quick tour around her home town! I can use this for a booktalk! Here's the address http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uspZwzad6tA&feature=related There are also other clips of some of her other books that I might be able to use. Some are trailers for movies that have been made. I will definitely search for other authors and/or books that I could use with classes or that I could embed on my library homepage.
A disadvantage to using Youtube in the public schools is that our Board of Ed has blocked the site. Any video that we would want to use would have to be downloaded and saved to a flash drive or burned to a cd.
I am not a stranger to YouTube, but I generally watch clips that people have sent me via email. I decided to search for something that I might be able to use at school and struck gold on my first attempt. I searched for clips of the author Sarah Dessen and found her talking about one of her books and giving a quick tour around her home town! I can use this for a booktalk! Here's the address http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uspZwzad6tA&feature=related There are also other clips of some of her other books that I might be able to use. Some are trailers for movies that have been made. I will definitely search for other authors and/or books that I could use with classes or that I could embed on my library homepage.
A disadvantage to using Youtube in the public schools is that our Board of Ed has blocked the site. Any video that we would want to use would have to be downloaded and saved to a flash drive or burned to a cd.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Week 8: Online Applications & Tools
#19 Discover any site from the Web 2.0 awards list
I went straight for the short list of award winners because at this point in time, time is of the essence! I still found way too many places that I'd like to look at.
I glanced at Im Cooked and found a neat place to watch experts cook, but decided to move on to something more fun. I chose Hairmixer.com. and found that it was similar to a website that I had played with before called Elf Yourself.
So I moved on again and found MyHeritage.com. It is a website that will build your family tree. Within minutes I was able to build my family tree using my immediate family members. It is very easy. Directions for inserting the information comes in the form of pop-up boxes. I's easy to add pictures and all kinds of information. You can also search for ancestors, although I don't know how to add them to the family tree that you've started. Maybe I'll have to start a new one a few generations back.
This is a website that I hope to have time to use. I have a lot of family tree information and this would be an easy way to organize the information and share it.
Week 8: Online Applications & Tools
#18 Take a look at some online productivity tools
I was aware of Google docs, but had never looked at it. I chose Google to play with, mainly because I already had an account set up!
I played around with the word processing app and found it to be quite comparable to Word. I tried to insert a picture from my picture file, but it was taking forever to upload so I finally cancelled. I then tried to create a simple spreadsheet, but it disappeared when I tried to save it. Of course, this happens with Microsoft Office too!
I will definitely let students know that these are available.
I was aware of Google docs, but had never looked at it. I chose Google to play with, mainly because I already had an account set up!
I played around with the word processing app and found it to be quite comparable to Word. I tried to insert a picture from my picture file, but it was taking forever to upload so I finally cancelled. I then tried to create a simple spreadsheet, but it disappeared when I tried to save it. Of course, this happens with Microsoft Office too!
I will definitely let students know that these are available.
Week 7: Wikis
#17 Add an entry into the Sandbox Wiki created with PB Wiki
I followed the adjusted directions for Thing 17 and went to http://allco23things.pbworks.com/ to post a comment. It was a simple thing to do. It was interesting to read the comments of my colleagues and to see when everyone had posted!
Week 7: Wikis
#16 Learn about wikis
After visiting a few of the wikis listed, I can see where they would be useful in several different situations. Of course I already knew about Wikipedia (I've been lecturing my students about completely trusting that source for several years now), but I didn't realize that editing could be restricted to a select group of people. I really liked the Book Lovers Wiki and would like to try something similar in my library. I think there is a wiki option available in moodle. Hmmm. How do I do that?? I might have to give this some more thought. It would be a great project for the reading and/or the English teachers to entice students to write book review.
Something that surprised me was the Bull Run Library Wiki. It doesn't look like a wiki!
After visiting a few of the wikis listed, I can see where they would be useful in several different situations. Of course I already knew about Wikipedia (I've been lecturing my students about completely trusting that source for several years now), but I didn't realize that editing could be restricted to a select group of people. I really liked the Book Lovers Wiki and would like to try something similar in my library. I think there is a wiki option available in moodle. Hmmm. How do I do that?? I might have to give this some more thought. It would be a great project for the reading and/or the English teachers to entice students to write book review.
Something that surprised me was the Bull Run Library Wiki. It doesn't look like a wiki!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Week 6: Web. 2.0 & Library 2.0
#15 Web 2.0, Library 2.0 & the future of libraries
I read a few of the articles and I felt that they didn't all apply to our school library media center situations. The one that I most identified with was "Into a New World of Librarianship." In my experience, librarianship has and is constantly evolving. When I think back to what it was in the early 70's as an undergrad, to all the changes that occurred by the mid 80's when I went to grad school, to what it has become today, I really feel that librarianship has led the pack in 'changing for the new.' Libraries are trendsetters. We do plan for our users. We do embrace the new technologies, as they apply to our situations. In a school setting, I find that not all the new technologies can be applied easily or economically, nor do they all have a place in school. However, I know that library media specialists are usually the members of the faculty that are most willing to embrace the new if it means better service to the patrons.
To me, Library 2.0 means utilizing the best available technology to deliver information and provide other services to our patrons.
I read a few of the articles and I felt that they didn't all apply to our school library media center situations. The one that I most identified with was "Into a New World of Librarianship." In my experience, librarianship has and is constantly evolving. When I think back to what it was in the early 70's as an undergrad, to all the changes that occurred by the mid 80's when I went to grad school, to what it has become today, I really feel that librarianship has led the pack in 'changing for the new.' Libraries are trendsetters. We do plan for our users. We do embrace the new technologies, as they apply to our situations. In a school setting, I find that not all the new technologies can be applied easily or economically, nor do they all have a place in school. However, I know that library media specialists are usually the members of the faculty that are most willing to embrace the new if it means better service to the patrons.
To me, Library 2.0 means utilizing the best available technology to deliver information and provide other services to our patrons.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Week 6 Tagging, Folksonomies & Technoraties
#14 Discover Technorati and learn how tags work with blogs
I watched the video and have the general idea of how the website works. I found that searching for tags is a more definitive search.
Boing Boing is the top blog . I briefly explored the blog and discovered an entry for a Japanese Pig Rodeo (??) and a cool video called 'Escalator Animation." Boing Boing could be a dangerous place for me -- I can see myself browsing for hours....
I am surprised that Paris Hilton is still so fascinating to so many people. She's listed at Number 8 in Top Searches. Actually, it ws interesting to see what people are interested in, including today's top personalities.
I also notice that Boing Boing and TechCrunch make the top 5 in both Top 100 by Fans and Top 100 by Authority. I may have to explore these 2 later in more detail.
I'm not sure how I would use Technorati with students, although I might be able to use it for personal interest.
Week 6 Tagging, Folksonomies & Technoraties
#13 Tagging and Discover Del.icio.us
I heard about this site before when I took a tech workshop earlier this summer. It looks like a great tool to use for organizing bookmarks between school and home. I browsed briefly and found several interesting websites listed under 'recipes' and 'chocolate' tags. (Can you tell that it is close to dinner time??)
I don't think this site would be very productive for student research (I think they'd get too sidetracked), but it could definitely help me out!
I heard about this site before when I took a tech workshop earlier this summer. It looks like a great tool to use for organizing bookmarks between school and home. I browsed briefly and found several interesting websites listed under 'recipes' and 'chocolate' tags. (Can you tell that it is close to dinner time??)
I don't think this site would be very productive for student research (I think they'd get too sidetracked), but it could definitely help me out!
Week 5 Play Week
Thing 12 - Rollyo
I like this! I created a search roll for online dictionaries and encyclopedias which I can use in school. I also found other search rolls for items I could use. There are several rolls for quotes and other sources which my students will be able to use.
This is the link to the one I created. I called it Middle School Search.
http://rollyo.com/search.html?q=Try+it+out...&sid=571081&x=13&y=7
I like this! I created a search roll for online dictionaries and encyclopedias which I can use in school. I also found other search rolls for items I could use. There are several rolls for quotes and other sources which my students will be able to use.
This is the link to the one I created. I called it Middle School Search.
http://rollyo.com/search.html?q=Try+it+out...&sid=571081&x=13&y=7
Monday, August 3, 2009
Week 5 Play Week
Thing 11. I like this site. I had stumbled upon it before, but forgot about it. I would like to catalog my books (in my spare time!) It would also be good for all my cds and maybe even my old 33 1/3 albums. Maybe I could talk some of my friends and relatives into cataloging their books so that we could browse and borrow! My link is : http://www.librarything.com/catalog/bmetheny
Week 5 Play Week
Thing 10. This has been an extra time-consuming week for me. I love to play! I've come across so many fun things to do. I made a Lego figure, did some word activities and created an avatar. What fun! The Lego girl is most like me - notice the ice cream cone in her hand. I do love the avatar, though. She's the one that I wish I looked like!
I created the avatar at: http://uk.avatars.yahoo.com/
Lego girl was created at: http://www.reasonablyclever.com/mm2/mini2.swf
I bookmarked several pages to explore later. Wish I had time to play with them now!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Week 4 - RSS and Newsreaders
# 8 - RSS feeds. I managed to set up my RSS feeds and I'm subscribing to a few that were on the most popular list. I really would like to add "Unshelved" to my list but when I tried to add it using the "Quick Subscribe button" I got an Internet Explorer error. I'll have to try later. I was able to add 2 others using the Quick button, so I don't know what the problem is.
I can see the advantages of this service, however I don't know how often I'll use it. I have a difficult enough time just keeping my email accounts cleared out!
#9 Merlin. My first thought on Merlin was that it didn't really apply to me because I don't work in a public library, but I've found some items that I will be able to use. I like the list of social networking sites. I probably won't use them, but maybe I'll be able to know what the kids are talking about!
*** An added comment. I wrote this blog about 3 weeks ago, but somehow neglected to post it! Oh well. Here it is now. I really need to get on the ball - it's August already!
I can see the advantages of this service, however I don't know how often I'll use it. I have a difficult enough time just keeping my email accounts cleared out!
#9 Merlin. My first thought on Merlin was that it didn't really apply to me because I don't work in a public library, but I've found some items that I will be able to use. I like the list of social networking sites. I probably won't use them, but maybe I'll be able to know what the kids are talking about!
*** An added comment. I wrote this blog about 3 weeks ago, but somehow neglected to post it! Oh well. Here it is now. I really need to get on the ball - it's August already!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Week 3, Photos & Images
Finally! I've returned -- and only 2 months later. Life has been busy. It's been so long since I worked on this that I had to refresh my mind on what we're doing and how to post, etc. I just hope that I can figure everything out.
Thing #5.
Flickr. I stumbled on this site several months ago, but never really explored it. A person could spend forever just browsing. And all the apps!! I stumbled onto a good one that I think I can use with my students, and then I lost it. But I found it again -- it's a site that will let you turn pictures into a comic strip. It called Bubblr. (This is my Thing # 6) And yes, I bookmarked it! I found a huge list of applications that I also bookmarked to explore later.
I decide to join Flickr and took the easy challenge. I uploaded 3 pictures from my library. See them here. I thought when I posted my flickr picture to my blog, that it would show up exactly where I wanted it. Wrong! Guess I'll have to play around a little bit more.
Thing #7.
I see that I'm also supposed to blog about anything technology related. Ok. I've been playing around with the FlipVideo lately. The last week of school I taped 2 of my students telling about books that they had read. I plan to upload their comments to my moodle site. John Close showed me how to do that during my tech workshop two weeks ago. I just hope I can remember all the steps. The uploading isn't so confusing - the confusing part is editing the video and saving it to it's saved form.
Thing #5.
Flickr. I stumbled on this site several months ago, but never really explored it. A person could spend forever just browsing. And all the apps!! I stumbled onto a good one that I think I can use with my students, and then I lost it. But I found it again -- it's a site that will let you turn pictures into a comic strip. It called Bubblr. (This is my Thing # 6) And yes, I bookmarked it! I found a huge list of applications that I also bookmarked to explore later.
I decide to join Flickr and took the easy challenge. I uploaded 3 pictures from my library. See them here. I thought when I posted my flickr picture to my blog, that it would show up exactly where I wanted it. Wrong! Guess I'll have to play around a little bit more.
Thing #7.
I see that I'm also supposed to blog about anything technology related. Ok. I've been playing around with the FlipVideo lately. The last week of school I taped 2 of my students telling about books that they had read. I plan to upload their comments to my moodle site. John Close showed me how to do that during my tech workshop two weeks ago. I just hope I can remember all the steps. The uploading isn't so confusing - the confusing part is editing the video and saving it to it's saved form.
New library
I searched Flickr for 'rainbows' and this popped up. It definitely caught my eye and I couldn't resist posting it on my blog. Question: Is this a feasible way to organize the books in a library?
mdlearning2
This is one of the pictures that I uploaded to Flickr. It is a picture of a display that we created for the front lobby of our school a few years ago, with the help of my co-media specialist and my husband who was working in large-format printing at that time.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Something New
I finally made it! I'm way behind everyone else and it took me 20 minutes to just set up my blog. All the addresses I chose were already taken-by this time of the day my brain has really slowed down to a crawl. I even tried "AuntieGrizelda". Can you believe it was already taken??!!
If I remember correctly without going back to look, I'm supposed to post my thoughts from Week 1 here. I emailed the easiest and most difficult habits of lifelong learners to myself, but now I can't find it. So this is it for now.
Bookee
If I remember correctly without going back to look, I'm supposed to post my thoughts from Week 1 here. I emailed the easiest and most difficult habits of lifelong learners to myself, but now I can't find it. So this is it for now.
Bookee
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