Thursday, October 11, 2007

The End.

I really enjoyed the format of this training. I prefer self-paced learning and it was nice that there was enough flexibility in the program for me to pursue what I found most interesting.

My favorite "Things" were:
  • RSS
  • Zoho
  • YouTube and Google Video
  • Downloadable audiobooks and ebooks
  • Meez
If a program like 23 Things was offered in the future I would definitely participate.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Podcasts

Another podcast directory worth mentioning is LearnOutLoud.com, a directory of educational audio books, podcasts and video. Warning: not all is free :(
I love the idea of using podcasts for booktalks. This could be another thing to get our teens involved in.

Glacier in Prince William Sound

This is a video I took in Alaska. It's not very exciting but it does prove I can embed a Google video! Now if only I could make the player purple like my YouTube player...

7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learning

Oops...looks like I skipped this one.
The hardest habit for me:
#3 - View problems as challenges
The easiest habit for me:
#2 - Accept responsibility for your own learning

Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the future of libraries

I think that Web 2.0 offers many exciting possibilities for libraries and the expansion of library services. It's relatively inexpensive, easy to learn, and because it is not all text-based it could be helpful to patrons with special needs, ESOL patrons, and those who cannot read.

Here are some of my favorite examples of Library 2.0 in action:
  • Central Rappahannock Regional Library has one of the best library web sites I've ever seen. Kids and teens can participate in polls, watch storytellers, read and/or submit book, movie and music reviews, submit their own creative writing, and keep online reading logs. This web site was cool before Web 2.0 became one of the biggest buzzwords around.
  • The Denver Public Library story podcasts for kids.
  • The Huntington Beach Public Library YouTube tutorial for logging in to the online catalog for the first time (you can watch the video in my wonderful customized purple YouTube player below!)

An idea to steal, perhaps?

Check out this video from the Huntington Beach Public Library about how to log in to their catalog for the first time. Anything look familiar???

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Digital Media

I have been trying so hard to become interested in audiobooks. I've discovered that I don't like listening to them in the car (and probably shouldn't for safety reasons), but I'm hoping that if I try listening to them on my MP3 player when I go walking I'll have better luck. Maybe if I get hooked it will motivate me to walk more!
Thanks to the wisdom of those who completed this "Thing" before me, I didn't have trouble transferring books to my new MP3 player.