Reflection Perfection #23

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
I was surprised how social networking and reading books were intertwine, i.e. LibraryThing. I learned a lot about JD's Photo Mash Apps and I've applied it to my job at the library.

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
I tried to begin with the end in mind (Habit 1) and this program led me to Habit #4; I could be a competent and effective learner. I feel that Habit #1 and #4 are the hardest to start and finish in any project, but I had helped from the comments that I received and the information that I gathered (Habit #5).

Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I was surprised how many websites were dedicated to different ways to improve on the technology that we use. Google Maps is an example. Instead of just seeing how to find places, you can see the place in street view. Technology is growing and it is getting better in some things, but sometimes, like the RSS feeds, it can be too much information for any one person.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
I really enjoyed how you promoted this program and I hope that there will be more every year!

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?
I will chose this program or anything like it! I will also continue my web log as a way for me to grow in my learning! Thank you 23 Team!

Downloadables #22

Earlier this year, I used Overdrive when we were given the opportunity to review this software. I was impressed how easy it was to download the software and use it quickly to listen to the audiobook that I downloaded/checked out from our website. I was unimpressed by the titles offered, but it has grown. I downloaded "Monster of Florence" because I am too busy to read the rest of the book. I am typing this blog entry while I am listening to the book. Pretty cool! The kind of patrons that will use our services are those who have a reasonably updated computer system. I did encounter my antivirus system try to stop the download, but I just allowed all downloads from our system. I can also download my audiobook to my MP3 and just travel! I see our techy patrons really digging this option, but it really has to be the staff to really promote its services. I hope that I can influence our patrons, young or older, to this wonderful way to use our mobile technology!



Create a blog post about your findings. Choose one to play around with and blog about it. What do you think makes it easy and difficult to use? What kind of patrons do you think will use the service?

Watch one or both the tours above and select one of the platforms to explore.

#21 Podcasting

I must admit I didn't much about podcasting. I listened to one long time ago and now I appreciate them a lot more. I added the NPR podcast of "All About Books" to my Google Reader and I have the privilege of listening to their broadcasts weekly. I learned some cool info on the background of the authors of the books they review. I was pleasantly surprised by that information and that podcast. I forgot to say that I heard the podcast over my windows media player and ITunes. Pretty cool!

Youtube Nation #20

I already inserted a Youtube video on my blog back on 11-5-08. I did it because it was relevant to my entry on the future of the web and the youth of today. I love the idea that today's youth are called Gen-We because they are posed to lead and that they will not accept a cruel and unfair future. They want to restore their birthright.

Thing 19:Toolbox 2.0

Create a post about your discovery. What did you like or dislike about the tool? What were the site’s useful features? Could you see any applications for its use in a library setting
I like the following application tools: Del.icio.us for Bookmarking, PbWiki as a Hosted Wiki,Google Maps for maps, and Mobile Tech for Twitter. I love the idea of carrying my bookmarked sites from one job to another. I have used the PbWiki to set up a Christmas party at my full time job at ACCD. GoogleMaps have that crazy "street view" that I have personall introduced others staff and patrons at the library to that great applcation.I have not used Twitter but I am interested in the tech to see how that can be used in my busy schedule.

Thing 18: Google Docs

I tried using the Google Docs with an upload previous newsletter that I did and I need others to help me update it. It is crazy since it is very much like MS Sharepoint and very much not like Sharepoint. I think that online apps will only be used as long as Microsoft is not around. Or, if the global market starts to recognize how nice Google Docs is. I am intrigued but I am not sure that it is good to use for the professional workplace yet. I love the idea that to cut down on the emails, but as long as Sharepoint is out there, I'll keep it. Note: This online app will be good for small businesses.

Thing #17: Play w/Sandbox Wiki

I added my blog to the sandbox PLCMCLearning Wiki.
I added a page on Marvel Movies but I don't know if I entirely thought it was fun. Maybe I should have reviewed it more than 30 minutes.
I was distracted by all the blog sites.
Almost like a crazy MySpace page.

Thing #16: Wiki of the Future

The Staff Wiki at the Memphis Library is real ideal. I noticed that there were a lot of helpful hints for the staff to help the patrons on different areas such as Microsoft Office Applications.
The Wiki at that library gave me the impetus to start a wiki for my full time job outside the library. You see, there was a major project that needed the input of many people, but we rarely can get together, so I made a wiki and gave that information to the other committee members. Now, instead of dozens of emails, we can communicate via this wiki. It is a minor project but it helped us "meet" more regularly with ideas.

Library and Web 2.0

Mashups and Metadata is the thing now. More ways to search, less work. I read some of the articles and they have a certain glee to what the future of libraries will be. I don't know if there are any Dr. Who fans, but I remembered one episode where he went to a world that used all their resources to create their world as though it was one big library interface. Well, you'll have to see the episode. That is what I think Library/Web 2.0 is heading. WorldCat will have a social network aspect and expanding to include ejournals. Users are asking for more relevance rankings. The future is where there's more information and more ways to search. I thought that a librarian has always been the ultimate researcher. Now it looks like the future is that anyone can be the ultimate researcher. Specializations will be few and there will more interactions with the global audience than ever before. I am ambivalent about all this. I'll just ride the wave and see where it takes me.