Thing # 23 Learning 2.0

It was not so long ago that I looked with trepidation at each new lesson. More recently, it has actually been fun. Either I have learned something or the lessons became easier--maybe a little of each.

I thought that sites which profess to be reference need to have experts on staff. The founder of Wikipedia was interviewed on PBS one afternoon. The interviewer has the same problems with lack of experts that I do. The founder mentioned that all entries are regularly reviewed, but anyone who signs on can edit an item.

I loved some sites, especially the ones that will make keeping track of lists easier, such as library thing. Flickr adds great visuals to almost any creation. Most of the sites were interesting and fun to explore but I may not need to use them all. For example, Del.ioio.us is probably one that I will not need.


Now that I have finished the lessons I hope to review and re enforce what I have experienced. I really appreciate the opportunity to explore the exciting world of technology that is out there.

For the future, I would hope that as new technologies come along, Loudoun County will help us learn them to better serve patrons. I feel better now that I am conversant with and have some experience with new technologies and hope to continue to add to my list of skills.

Blue Ridge Reader

Thing # 22 Audiobooks

Almost home; never thought I would make it. Due to some major hand holding along the way by my friends here at the library, the end is near.

I explored net library and find the possibilities fascinating. I added some titles to my favorites list and as soon as I have my prize in hand will take yet another step on this path to understanding current technologies.

Net library allows many more people to "check-out" the same title at one time--no need for a book, cd, or play away. I was sorry to learn that there is an expiration date, but also learned that the item can be renewed.

Blue Ridge Reader

Thing # 21 Podcasts

There's a lot out there! I visited a few involving politics (a very current topic), book reviews (do we ever read, listen to, watch on tv enough reviews?) news of the day. As I said, there are many sites to explore, something for every interest. Podcasts could be useful in a library for training when a person could listen to instructions. Listening is always a valuable tool in learning another language which is another use for a variety of topics. As always, a person must be careful in selection. There is perhaps too much out there!

Blue Ridge Reader

Thing # 20 You Tube

This was an interesting week to visit various you tube sites since the tragedy in Virginia Tech was covered so movingly and extensively. Since one of my co-workers is related to one of the victims, it brought the whole event home at the same time memorials and tributes were being created.

The new technologies are allowing instant news to be shared around the world. No need to wait for the evening news let alone the morning newspaper. currently many security agencies are looking into better ways to spread warnings. Perhaps you tube along with other 2.0 technologies will be involved in this effort. It does appear that blackberries, etc were used to get information out at Blacksburg.

Libraries are designed to serve patrons and this is another way to do that.

Thing # 19

I visited a number of the sites available and found that too many were repetitious of sites I have used and have bookmarked. I did however find one, Kayak, that seems to bring together all the possible sites to visit when planning travel. After putting in information for a few vacation spots, I was able to compare more air fares, car rentals, etc than I have found on other sites. I had read about Kayak and found some of the additional information especially helpful, such as a scale showing air fares for the recent past for my designated flights. This would help in planning if I have a flexible time frame. I did not find any features that I disliked.

This would be useful in the library setting since so many people use the Internet for travel. In fact, it is difficult to make travel plans without using the Internet, but that's another topic.

Blue Ridge Reader

http://www.kayak.com

Thing # 18 Web Based Apps

A real advantage to using web based applications is the ability to work on a document, project, or whatever whenever one wants. To me this seems like a wonderful new possibility. However, the disadvantage to using this at home and without a dedicated phone line, which those of us who live in the boonies need, is that the phone would be tied up while working.

These applications would be handy in LCPL if more than one person is working on the same project and need to be in contact. I enjoyed the ability to add images, change fonts, colors, things that other programs can do, but Zoho seemed very easy to apply.

Again, a fun lesson and I may find some uses for it.

Blue Ridge Reader

Applying Learning 2.0

I had an opportunity to apply some of my new found knowledge in response to a question from a patron about tagging. I am so glad I knew something about it!
I even understand more cartoons now. It's a whole new world. I'm looking forward to having a bit of time to take the next step.

Blue Ridge Reader