This has been a highly educational tour of technology and its many uses in general, but specifically for libraries. I would hope that as new applications are created, there will be a new version of 23 Things to help people include them.
One of the epiphanies is that I just didn't realize that the average person could do certain things such as create podcasts and audiofeeds. I guess I thought companies did that. Also, many of these steps were quite easy to implement as long as the instructions are clear. If there is one piece of advice for 23 Things, it is to ensure that their links work. Perhaps they did not always because URLs change, etc.
I really enjoyed learning how to manipulate images and believe the most useful tools that I will continue to use often include the RSS feeds and Rollyo. Fortunately I was already familiar with LibraryThing/GoodReads and use this tool constantly. Just since starting this master's program 14 months ago, I have read 101 books. Using one of these programs keeps the information fresh.
Lifelong learning is an attitude. As I quickly approach my 50th birthday, I am very proud to say I've got lots of attitude! Just think how much I'll know by age 100!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
eLibrary Books
I am very frustrated with Learning 2.0's 23 Things site as too many of their links simply do not work no matter how many times I try. Fortunately, I could access NetLibrary's site and can see categories of content and can see how useful and desirable this would be for many patrons.
Last year, my own public library offered this service though it is discontinued now. I was a patron only then, so my memory may be a bit incorrect. This service, I believe, was offered through the state of Illinois library system. Patrons would go to their site to pick their title which would then be downloaded to the local library. I then went there to check out an MP3 player with the book already on it.
The system was not perfect. You could not always get the title you wanted any time soon, and the library only had a few MP3 players. It was my impression that the library was not exactly fond of these devices; just more to keep track of perhaps. The portability of the MP3 player has great appeal, perhaps especially for commuters and exercisers. This is an area of technology that I believe will continue to grow.
Last year, my own public library offered this service though it is discontinued now. I was a patron only then, so my memory may be a bit incorrect. This service, I believe, was offered through the state of Illinois library system. Patrons would go to their site to pick their title which would then be downloaded to the local library. I then went there to check out an MP3 player with the book already on it.
The system was not perfect. You could not always get the title you wanted any time soon, and the library only had a few MP3 players. It was my impression that the library was not exactly fond of these devices; just more to keep track of perhaps. The portability of the MP3 player has great appeal, perhaps especially for commuters and exercisers. This is an area of technology that I believe will continue to grow.
Podcasts
This was easier than expected. On Learning 2.0's 23 Things site, two of the three links for podcasting services did not work and I was beginning to think this would be difficult, but PodcastAlley came through. Sorting through the myriad podcasts makes you realize just how many are available for review. My first choice, LibVibes, was outdated. At least it was easy to put in search words, so I could choose from other book and library sites. I posted a couple of URLs to my bloglines.com account easily and the podcasts became easy to access.
Podcasts can be used multiple ways in a library. On an intranet, a library director could deliver messages to staff. On the library's website, podcasts could be a tool used to feature feature book tools, discussions, and the like. Just having podcasts available would send a strong message that the library is current with technology and current thinking.
Podcasts can be used multiple ways in a library. On an intranet, a library director could deliver messages to staff. On the library's website, podcasts could be a tool used to feature feature book tools, discussions, and the like. Just having podcasts available would send a strong message that the library is current with technology and current thinking.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
YouTube is Ubiquitous
Ubiquitous essentially means "everywhere" and that about sums it up for YouTube. People of all ages have sent me links to particularly hilarious videos. Politicians used them for the first time in this recent election. Parts of it are unabashedly commercial, but I have also seen family videos posted.
A library could appear to be really with the times by incorporating clips into their web site or include clips with book discussions. Many authors are featured as are libraries themselves. Videos are considered to be far more commanding than audio feeds alone. Visual messages have always been known to dominate the human learning experience and are considered to be essential when making presentations. Basically, they are one tool among many, but this is one that particularly engages the viewer.
A library could appear to be really with the times by incorporating clips into their web site or include clips with book discussions. Many authors are featured as are libraries themselves. Videos are considered to be far more commanding than audio feeds alone. Visual messages have always been known to dominate the human learning experience and are considered to be essential when making presentations. Basically, they are one tool among many, but this is one that particularly engages the viewer.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Web 2.0 Awards
I chose to explore widgets partly because I just like that word and because I am also trying to understand what widgets are a bit better. "YourMinis" promises streaming online radio and it mostly works. It does not work while you are writing a post, but it does for someone reading your blog. Sometimes selecting a station resulted in music, and sometimes it didn't so I suspect future versions of this will be even better. There are just so many interesting ways to customize our world.
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