Thing #23 Finished At Last

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey? I still tell people about Flickr. I think the color wheel is so cool. I also really think that now that I have worked with PhotoStory, I will enjoy doing that. It was fun and easy. I also enjoyed making the Trading Card and the Mosaic. I am so much more of a "Let's be creative and do something fun" kind of girl than all of that RSS or Rollyo stuff. That just seemed like a lot of work and I'd need a really good reason to use those. (I know, I know, I am supposed to use them to make life easier in the classroom and the library. I'll try, but they are still not as much fun.)

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals? I don't think, scratch that... I know I wouldn't have done all of these things on my own. I felt like I was a huge grump before starting all of this, but once I started, I looked forward to it (except for a few things). I am very excited about going back to my campus and sharing what I have learned. That is the easy part, that is what I do best.

Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? My overall attitude, my sense of empowerment and confidence level. Even though I growled and roared a good bit, I found that it was mainly because each Thing was new to me and I was frustrated. But in the long run, my confidence in myself as a user of technology grew. That was a big plus and a surprise.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? I got a little bogged down during the Podcasting Thing. There were so many different instructions, I wasn't exactly sure what I needed to do. That could be cleared up a bit. Other than that, if I could do this, anyone can.

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? You bet. I wouldn't hold back this time.

How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities? This computer chump feels like a champ!

Thing #22 Nings

I really liked the Teacher Librarian Ning best. I could have stayed there all day reading posts and thought about joining so that I could post my own responses. But then I would spend even more time there and when would I have time to read about Big Brother 10? Seriously, I even looked through to see who the members were and where they were from. They are from all over the world. How cool is that! I thought the post topics and questions were relevant to what my issues are and I will definitely check in with Teacher Librarian Ning periodically.
The other two were okay, but I just didn't think they were as well established and didn't meet my needs as well. I like the fact that there are so many groups available in the Teacher Librarian Ning whereas in the Texas School Librarian Ning there are only a few. Wider audience - wider range of interests. I get the benefit of all views and knowledge.

Thing #21 PhotoStory

This was the first time I have used PhotoStory. It was remarkably simple. My friend in Georgia has used it for several major events like birthdays and graduations and she said it was very easy. Of course, all of the librarians who have used it love it too. I have just been a big chicken. But this was fun. Hope you all enjoy a little overview of my trip to Stone Mountain Park. After I finished, I wished I had put more pictures in. I took about 75 pictures that day but only put 25 in. Notice that one of them is of a library. (It is near the end along the train route.) I would have liked to use the music Georgia on My Mind but know there are copyright problems there so I just used something they had that fit the theme.

I know now I won't be scared of PhotoStory or Audacity anymore. I feel like Rocky. Where are those stairs? I need to run up and shake my fists at the world today!

Thing #20

I enjoyed exploring all of the videos out there. You really can find just about anything you need or want. I stumbled upon a school library video contest and fell in love with some of the entries. This claymation one was my favorite.



It took me quite a while to get this video in place. I had to go through Zamzar but I finally worked it out.

Thing #19 Web 2.0 Awards List

This is a very useful list to have. I enjoyed looking through many of the tools available, some school related, some not. I checked out Lulu, Biblio and VuFind and can see myself using or recommending any of these.
I did check out Comiqs but wonder about its appropriateness in a school setting. I think there are other tools better suited for that. I think Frappr, Google Maps and Google Earth are all wonderful.
I also checked out Upcoming to find events, fairs and festivals across Texas, and Last for listening to and downloading music.
Great list!

Thing #18 Google Docs

I had no idea this kind of thing was out there. It makes sense to store docs on the Internet instead of individual computers so that they can be revised and shared from anywhere, saving so much time for companies and teams working on projects.
However, even after reading the Google Docs testimonials, I just wonder how many people actually use it? I guess I may just be thinking of me and if I would use it. Given the right cirmumstances and need, yes, I can see using Google Docs to manage my documents. I know I used to hate the constant stream of back and forth emails that filled my inbox when I was working on a writing project with my team. I would get so tired of reading and rereading new versions of the same document. That alone would have make it worth it. Okay, I'm good with this one. It doesn't really take much to make me happy, a little less paperwork, a little more time to watch reality TV!

Thing #17 Rollyo

This will be quick and then I never want to speak of it again. I did not enjoy that experience in any way, shape, or form. I felt like I got stuck in a fun house with all the mirrors and couldn't find my way out.

Rollyo rolled right over me.

Thing #16 Wikis

I have to agree with fsm from Lost in Cyberspace that I love those wacky CommonCraft guys. They just have that knack for making everything so easy to understand and fun to boot.
Even a group of elementary students could take this concept and understand how a wiki could work to their advantage on a project. So why not? This is the perfect party planner, after all. I remember a time when I worked for weeks with groups of sixth graders on a persuasive unit and they planned end-of-year theme celebrations. They had four categories to plan: food, decorations, costumes, and entertainment. It took them so long to plan because they made so many drafts of their work. A wiki would eliminate so much of this. This is a built in editing device and the group could focus on bigger issues if needed. Oh, and yes, it was a persuasive unit. The students wrote letters to secure all needs for the celebrations and we ate, played, and learned about new cultures and activities for the last two weeks of school. It was an amazing experience.

Thing #15 I See the Iceberg and it sees me

If you haven't gathered by now, I am a glass is half empty kind of girl. I do try to downplay it with humor and the dreaded sarcasm, but I also try to be a realist though and look at both sides of a situation before shouting that the sky is truly falling.
So when I read Rick Anderson's post, "Away from Icebergs" I had to dive under and get wet. I saw the pretty white points on top and the dangerous jagged edges that lay beneath the surface as well. I can almost always see the value in both sides of any argument. However, after having watched the video about what college students, face it, my own two sons, are facing today, I know that things need to change in the way that we deal with technology in the library and in our schools. Some librarians are already doing a great job. The big question is, am I? Do I want to be part of the problem or part of the solution? And as I swam around that great big hunk of ice that Rick Anderson presented to me, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution. He gives some great advice and I can easily make it fit into my school environment.
So I will chip off a bit of that iceberg (maybe a little off the top and some off of the bottom as well) and fill my half glass to make it a lot fuller.

Thing #14 Technorati

Call me old fashioned, but I still just don't get the business that deals with herding blogs. I appreciate the concept, can understand where tagging information for you to find things makes it easier if you know what you are looking for, but after that they lose me. I can't figure out their system. I need Remedial Tagging 101 or something. I don't think I even know enough about what I don't understand to explain it because the videos and introductions all make perfect sense. Then I try to actually use the site and WHAM! I hit a brick wall. I feel nothing for this process except confusion.
I know some people love it and think it is easy, and that is great. I guess I just don't need it in my life right now. Give me a week or two back at school and I may be roaring for Technorati. Right now, not so much.

Thing #13 Tagging and del.icio.us

I can clearly see where some people would use this quite a bit and how useful it would be. I can see a grade level team working on a unit of study searching for articles, activities, or sources and tagging them throughout a semester and then coming back to them to put the unit all together. The only thing is to get them all to use del.icio.us too. Isn't that the way it works?
I just need a different mind set, I guess, as to how to use this as a librarian. If I set this up at the beginning of the year and show them how it works, then I can be modeling it all year. I can have established categories for grade level units and tag things I find them throughout the year. The share capability lets the teams keep up with what I am doing and we can change course if needed. If it even works with two or three teams then they have found a useful technology tool. Can I put a link to del.icio.us on my library web page so they can find it there? Could parents get in on this too?
I am still not 100% sure of this, I need to play with it and get comfortable with it. But it is an idea. Lots to mull over.

Thing #12B Commenting Continued

The view from the top of Stone Mountain


My black bear friend in Dahlonega, Georgia

After growling all the way through yesterday's post, I thought I might try purring for a while today. Plus I am throwing in a few pictures from my trip to Georgia.
I checked out several travel related blogs and found that there are several varieties. Once I got to the ones I was really interested in, the ones where someone writes about what I have always called "Americana at its finest," I snuggled back into my couch and dreamed to my heart's content. I love all of the pictures that people post along with their stories. And it's not just the main cities and featured attractions that I am interested in. It is the county fair that names a dirt dabber queen or the description of the bed and breakfast with the mom and pop who go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. Did I comment on those blogs? You betcha! I let them know what a great job they did of hitting their mark. That's the kind of travel experience I want to have and they brought it to life for me all these miles away. I'll get there one day soon and someone else can read my travel blog and look at my cool pictures of Little Miss Turnip Queen. I just hope I can do them justice and keep Americana at its finest for a while longer.

Thing #12A Creating Community Through Commenting

Disclaimer: This post is whiny with a purpose so put on your humor hat, please!

Now that we are on the subject, I do have one thing I have wanted to say about this. Once again, this is more of a growl than a purr or a roar, so get ready.
My number one problem with commenting is the simple process of getting the correct username in the box and getting it to appear on the page after I have written my comment. Okay, now my shame is out there for all to read about. I just don't know what I am doing wrong some days. There are just too many names to remember: screen names, usernames, email addresses, I never can remember which one I am supposed to use. I think I am typing in the same username but some days it likes it and some days it doesn't. Maybe I'm also not really typing those crazy words correctly, or I'm not choosing the right options, or I'm just waiting too long and it is resetting the whole system like when I wait too long to buy concert tickets and and it tells me that my time has elapsed and I'll have to start the whole process over. Okay, maybe it's not like that at all.
Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I feel much better. I'm sure now that I have confessed the stupidest of problems, it won't ever happen again and I'll feel all empowered...
(That is my version of hope, by the way!)

But seriously, while reading the posts about commenting others' blogs, I did find that I agree and that I am at least trying to do some of the things they talk about. First in How to Comment Like a King (or Queen!) I thought of the time I was not afraid to comment on a blog where I had a different opinion from others. I thought my opinion was mature, fresh, and structured and I submitted my opinion in a light, non judgemental way. Mind you, this was one of the times I couldn't get the blooming thing to actually post, but it really sounded great and I was very proud of myself for trying three times to post it. It's probably a good thing this was only a comment about the Bachelorette's choice about who she let go at the rose ceremony.
10 Techniques to Get More Comments on Your Blog prompts me to ask questions of my readers. I used this techniques back a few posts ago when I was having trouble with my title. I did get a comment and tried the suggestion. I like this way of solving problems and getting feedback. It didn't solve this particular problem, but it did make me think outside the box about other ways to handle the situation. I need comments whether to give me a direct answer, to spur a new outlook, or to nudge me into thinking of other ideas for my library or blog material. Who among us hasn't been sitting there listening to someone or reading something and then a question hits us? Politeness keeps us from interrupting, but in a blog situation, aren't most writers putting themselves out there for that very reason, to be interrupted? Not rudely, but politely, with a comment. Why not ask questions to your readers as you are writing so that your readers can feel like a part of the process? Am I making any sense at all? (Is it too obvious what I just did? )
A few other things:
1. Yes, I know now that I should always read the entire post before commenting... enough said.
2. I haven't FOUND the smiley faces yet so I can't use them.
3. Ditto with the cute little pictures to put along the side of my name next to my comment. (Is that a separate Thing?)
4. Don't get me started on the alias vs nickname vs real name thing. You just don't have the time.