For Thing 18, I decided to try Zoho Writer on another computer (did not want another thing to sign up for since all of these queries have wreaked havoc on my PC). Cloud technologies are catching on quick and although I thought it was fine, I am too attached to my beloved (ha ha) Google Docs. The way I am able to easily maneuver with all Google Apps - I just can’t give up that convenience.
For Thing 19, I already had a LibraryThing account set up when I took my ELIB literature classes. It sat dormant until I became a TL this past school year. I have actually used it more for my own investigations (e.g. looking at what other TL’s are reading, writing, recommending, etc) than for posting my own entries. I am happy to say most of the CSLA2 Team’s book entries are part my collection. In fact, David Pelzer’s A Child Called It was checked out most of the time. One of my wonderful student volunteers, 8th grader Anthony Ojeda, read the book so many times, I went and bought him the English and Spanish version from Borders (I received a nice teacher discount – he is worth it!).
It is good to rub and polish our brains against that of others.
- Michel de Montaigne
As I write my last entry for The 23+ Things (includes Assistive Technology), I reflect back on all of the tasks, the time involved and the personal gain. All of this School Library Learning has really been shared knowledge and shared exploration. I have enjoyed using Web 2.0 and look forward to 3.0. I also feel the 570 class (this being part of the requirements) has been my favorite ELIB class for CSULB. The exercises keep us cutting edge for our schools, for each other and for ourselves.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Week 7: Wikis and the Sandbox
Wikis are a great collaboration tool. Prior to this exercise, I already had a PB Works account with another group (CSULB Cybrarians 2009) and was familiar with the basics of managing a wiki. I had created a wiki for my webportal for the 570 class. If time permits, I plan to extend my webportal wiki to become a Columbus Middle School Wiki to use as a co-created and shared resource – a hub of information, not just for the LMC, but for the entire school.
Before this thing, I had not heard of a Sandbox. I thought the concept was cute, but think the only true value was to expose students of LibraryLearning 2.0 not familiar with wikis, opportunities to practice.
In exploring other wikis in this exercise, my personal favorite was Library Success. I liked having so much practical information all on one site. The set-up was similar to Wikipedia (probably same webmaster). I can see users equating the same idea of massive information just by the format. Anyway, I bookmarked this site.
Before this thing, I had not heard of a Sandbox. I thought the concept was cute, but think the only true value was to expose students of LibraryLearning 2.0 not familiar with wikis, opportunities to practice.
In exploring other wikis in this exercise, my personal favorite was Library Success. I liked having so much practical information all on one site. The set-up was similar to Wikipedia (probably same webmaster). I can see users equating the same idea of massive information just by the format. Anyway, I bookmarked this site.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Week 6 - Things 13, 14 & 15
Thing 13 confirmed that tag clouds are everywhere. They are artistic and just invite you to click. I believe there must be some financial incentives as larger clouds show popularity, thus more hits (thus more advertising, etc).
It took awhile to read the links for thing 15. As educators and ELIB students, we are confronted daily with the ever changing Future of libraries and Web 2.0 (with Web 3.0 on the horizon). Not only do we teach our students, much of the time, we teach the teachers. Noting OCLC’s Next Space Blog which stated “….remember your ABC’s – always be connecting” – it’s the nature (and future) of information specialists. And with cloud based technologies, the trend shifts from where information is stored to how it is accessed. The common idea across all readings was utilizing technologies to collaborate. Hmm, what we’ve always done, but now high tech.
The discovery exercises for thing 14 focused more about writing content (site optimization) in your blogs/websites that will draw readers to your site. Inspired by Dr. Farmer’s information about Tataouine (5/1 class), I decided to maneuver through Technorati to see what (and how) people were saying about the two holidays this week (Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo). I turned my findings into a lesson. At nutrition, I had the computer out, projector screen down and used the process to show students about blogs, tag clouds and what you can get from them. We also watched the movie trailer for Iron Man 2. Okay, so yes, the library can be a place to learn and have some fun!
It took awhile to read the links for thing 15. As educators and ELIB students, we are confronted daily with the ever changing Future of libraries and Web 2.0 (with Web 3.0 on the horizon). Not only do we teach our students, much of the time, we teach the teachers. Noting OCLC’s Next Space Blog which stated “….remember your ABC’s – always be connecting” – it’s the nature (and future) of information specialists. And with cloud based technologies, the trend shifts from where information is stored to how it is accessed. The common idea across all readings was utilizing technologies to collaborate. Hmm, what we’ve always done, but now high tech.
The discovery exercises for thing 14 focused more about writing content (site optimization) in your blogs/websites that will draw readers to your site. Inspired by Dr. Farmer’s information about Tataouine (5/1 class), I decided to maneuver through Technorati to see what (and how) people were saying about the two holidays this week (Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo). I turned my findings into a lesson. At nutrition, I had the computer out, projector screen down and used the process to show students about blogs, tag clouds and what you can get from them. We also watched the movie trailer for Iron Man 2. Okay, so yes, the library can be a place to learn and have some fun!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Week 5 - Fun Week Things 10, 11 & 12
I love comics (Iron Man 2 comes out this weekend) and enjoyed the Sign Generator, until I hit a bump in the road where to continue, I was asked for pay pal verify. I never got to complete anything, so I moved on to Image Chef. It was nice to access without signing up. It’s just like Wordle which needs the latest Java Script (I had to download onto all of the LMC computers). Surprisingly, at school no one had heard of Wordle or ImageChef when I introduced them. Consequently, I showed teachers how to incorporate them into their lessons. The kids (and teachers) love it!
There were many award winning webapps (see link) I’ve already used and written about. I decided to comment on my favorite, Google. What else can I say, I love them all! I even set up two accounts of Google everything for business and for my personal use. With regards to ELIB classes, so much of what I need to access, Google reader lets me view everything on one screen. Even my smart phone interfaces with Google!
The Travel IQ Challenge was fun (although I didn’t score too well – too slow), so I added it to the Blog. I plan to add it to my website later. Although I have already created a custom Google search, I must admit, I liked the ease of Rollyo, especially not being another thing to sign up for. I also like the fact that many rolls were already set up and I could access them. Time’s not my best friend these busy days, so that was sweet!
There were many award winning webapps (see link) I’ve already used and written about. I decided to comment on my favorite, Google. What else can I say, I love them all! I even set up two accounts of Google everything for business and for my personal use. With regards to ELIB classes, so much of what I need to access, Google reader lets me view everything on one screen. Even my smart phone interfaces with Google!
The Travel IQ Challenge was fun (although I didn’t score too well – too slow), so I added it to the Blog. I plan to add it to my website later. Although I have already created a custom Google search, I must admit, I liked the ease of Rollyo, especially not being another thing to sign up for. I also like the fact that many rolls were already set up and I could access them. Time’s not my best friend these busy days, so that was sweet!
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