This was quite a survey of Web 2.0 tools - and I have recommended this course many times. When all is said and done, however, I think each of us takes what we can, and no one uses everything they learn!
First of all, I blog frequently - required at work, occasionally commenting on the blogs of others - I feel it is one of the easiest and best ways to get information onto the Web, and keep your readers informed.
Secondly, I use wikis and have told several staff members about wikis, as a quick and easy collaborative Web site.
The whole concept of collaboration, which comes along with these tools, is one which I push - to teachers, students, anyone who will listen. This is a new era of user-created content, and is an exciting way for everyone to make certain his/her voice is heard.
I use the RSS feeds on Google Reader and my del.icio.us accounts all the time. I can save, sort, read, refer, research so much more quickly and easily than in the past. Again, I recommend these time savers to anyone who is interested.
Best of all, I was able to do a successful collaborative presentation with another librarian for our monthly district meeting, about many of these tools. We met F2F only once, then used Google Docs to develop an outline, finally e-mailing the finished product. She's done a great deal more with mash-ups than I, so the presentation was really a great deal of fun.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Course Summary
I can't believe I have made it through this entire list of items - and before school started, as well! It has been a fascinating process, and I feel I have gained a great deal of knowledge, as well as increased the number of resources at my disposal. In addition to resources, is the improved ability to locate information within those resources, via RSS and tagging.
Ironically, I feel as though I am still at the beginning level of Web 2.0, whereas the staff at my school is still working on using technology much beyond word processors and spreadsheets. But I did this course for me, because it was interesting, fun, and allowed me a broader glimpse of the world than I would otherwise have in my home or library. And I know I will find myriad opportunities not only to share what I have learned (am already tapped for a presentation to other librarians), but to use the wide variety of collaborative tools which seem to increase daily.
Ironically, I feel as though I am still at the beginning level of Web 2.0, whereas the staff at my school is still working on using technology much beyond word processors and spreadsheets. But I did this course for me, because it was interesting, fun, and allowed me a broader glimpse of the world than I would otherwise have in my home or library. And I know I will find myriad opportunities not only to share what I have learned (am already tapped for a presentation to other librarians), but to use the wide variety of collaborative tools which seem to increase daily.
Podcasting
I've put this off until the end because, quite frankly, I have no interest in creating a voice recording. Turns out, that is not one of the requirements here (tee-hee).
Again, a truly interesting lesson of discovery: The Education Podcast Network - what great place for ideas! I also like their definition of a podcast: a merger of blogging and radio. For the Library, I really like the fact that the Tattered Cover Bookstore has made their author visits available on podcast. I always have trouble finding the site, called, Authors on Tour...Live! but mean to share it on my Library website, as they have so many podcasts to which to listen. Through that site I discovered the Podictionary: The Podcast for Word Lovers. I remember being surprised last Spring when I found that even Smithsonian Education had a tutorial on podcasting with students, under "Science and Technology".
I'd love to have a student podcast a story from the Library - but that could get into copyright issues (unless it was their own story..hmmm). I also like the use of podcasts as routine announcements, or foreign language practice, or even have thought of creating a podcast of the keynote speakers at the conference I am planning. The school's website doesn't support it yet, but I'm certain we could find a place on which to put them.
Again, a truly interesting lesson of discovery: The Education Podcast Network - what great place for ideas! I also like their definition of a podcast: a merger of blogging and radio. For the Library, I really like the fact that the Tattered Cover Bookstore has made their author visits available on podcast. I always have trouble finding the site, called, Authors on Tour...Live! but mean to share it on my Library website, as they have so many podcasts to which to listen. Through that site I discovered the Podictionary: The Podcast for Word Lovers. I remember being surprised last Spring when I found that even Smithsonian Education had a tutorial on podcasting with students, under "Science and Technology".
I'd love to have a student podcast a story from the Library - but that could get into copyright issues (unless it was their own story..hmmm). I also like the use of podcasts as routine announcements, or foreign language practice, or even have thought of creating a podcast of the keynote speakers at the conference I am planning. The school's website doesn't support it yet, but I'm certain we could find a place on which to put them.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Learning 2.0 Sandbox Wiki
There are so many great ideas on this wiki. I added mine - that I have used a wiki to honor a long-term teacher, and allow former students to contribute - and that I am using one to organize a conference. I love the collaborative nature of this tool and just wish more people would contribute so that I can truly see how well it works. Ah, well.
I have read through much of Joyce Valenza's School Library wiki - and find her powerpoint presentation very helpful. I was also pleased to read a recent Newsweek article, on the way in which are becoming more commonplace in the workforce. I thank Will Richardson's blog for that information. I truly believe that, if we can get more comfortable with this tool, it will be an asset in ways we cannot yet imagine.
I have read through much of Joyce Valenza's School Library wiki - and find her powerpoint presentation very helpful. I was also pleased to read a recent Newsweek article, on the way in which are becoming more commonplace in the workforce. I thank Will Richardson's blog for that information. I truly believe that, if we can get more comfortable with this tool, it will be an asset in ways we cannot yet imagine.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
eBooks & AudioBooks
I'll continue skipping around until the end (which is very close!)...
I have been aware of Project Gutenberg for many years, and use it occasionally. World eBook Fair was a slight disappointment - looks like it is only free once a year. Granted, the $8.95 membership fee is not much, but it is not free!
LibriVox was much more interesting - it has about 800 titles and would be a good resource for high school and older to listen to, rather than read, a book.
The most intriguing find was Wikibooks. According to their site, it is, "a free collection of open-content textbooks that anyone can edit". What a world of information out there! Always, more than I had imagined.
I have been aware of Project Gutenberg for many years, and use it occasionally. World eBook Fair was a slight disappointment - looks like it is only free once a year. Granted, the $8.95 membership fee is not much, but it is not free!
LibriVox was much more interesting - it has about 800 titles and would be a good resource for high school and older to listen to, rather than read, a book.
The most intriguing find was Wikibooks. According to their site, it is, "a free collection of open-content textbooks that anyone can edit". What a world of information out there! Always, more than I had imagined.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Web 2.0 Awards List
Three birds with one stone, here: the Awards List, Technorati, and Library Thing. Overall feeling: too much to explore; too little time!
The Award list was really helpful: I found many of the tools I already use there, and was surprised by the absence of a few. So, Flickr is there, but not Blogger. Technorati and Library Thing were there; although I was surprised at the latter being in third place. And I think I may want to try out Ma.gnolia which sounds like a combination of a bookmarking tool and a reader.
Technorati just seems huge, and I plan to jump into the fray and add my blog this week. Library Thing looks like a tremendous resource for me, as many students and adults come in the library looking for books similar to those they have just read; also, I am always wanting reviews of those things I have not read. It will be a wonderful asset this year.
The Award list was really helpful: I found many of the tools I already use there, and was surprised by the absence of a few. So, Flickr is there, but not Blogger. Technorati and Library Thing were there; although I was surprised at the latter being in third place. And I think I may want to try out Ma.gnolia which sounds like a combination of a bookmarking tool and a reader.
Technorati just seems huge, and I plan to jump into the fray and add my blog this week. Library Thing looks like a tremendous resource for me, as many students and adults come in the library looking for books similar to those they have just read; also, I am always wanting reviews of those things I have not read. It will be a wonderful asset this year.
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