Haven't had any time to blog since we only have one computer and very little time. Will post photos when I get home. Here are some thoughts on what we've done:
Monday, 7/7: Westminster Abbey was amazing, as usual. Been there twice before, but it always touches my heart. Shakespeare's Henry V is one of my favorites, and I am in awe standing before Henry's actual burial place. From there we went to the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, where one can learn about one of the most interesting political figures of our time. The more I learn about WWII, the more I respect those who fought it, both on the field and on the homefront. The war rooms are pretty cool - all underground rooms where the war was planned, and lots of people lived and carried out day-to-day operations. We planned on going from there to the British Museum, but decided instead to go back to our B&B, change into nice clothes, and head back over to Westminster Abbey to hear an Evensong service. Boy, were we glad we did! This is an actual church service held in the Abbey after closing time. Visitors are welcome, but only allowed if they are partcipating in the service. It is mostly sung and the choir was AMAZING. We sat there listening to the angelic music, and I marvelled that I was sitting only a few feet from the altar where every coronation since 1066 has taken place. Then BOOM! Thunder clapped and the abbey echoed the roar. It was so dramatic - to be in that glorious place, hearing that music, the thunder crashing, and being in the "company" of all those people who shaped history. I looked over at the rest of our little group and noticed that I wasn't the only one with leaky eyes! The Abbey Evensong service was one of our many highlights of the trip. I hope I never forget that feeling.
Rainy and yucky, but an incredible day!
Tuesday, 7/8: Since we all are HUGE Austen and Pride & Prejudice film fans (the Keira Knightly version), we had to make a pilgrimage to Chatsworth House (we just called it "Pemberley"!). The grounds were absolutely gorgeous, and Kelli kept inquiring how she could live there. I tried to explain that it was kinda impossible, but she was determined. Then I showed her a sign about how one could "Become a Friend of Chatsworth House" and she was so excited! Until I told her that all that meant was she had the privilege of donating money...
We roamed, and roamed, and roamed, and couldn't get enough. The girls (Kelli, Sydney, and Laura) struck poses all over, and asked aloud, "Where are you, Mr. Darcy???!!!" We hiked up and around the big rock garden and the enormous fountain, and after touring the inside of the house we all agreed that we liked the outside best. The inside was pretty incredible, though! We saw all the places from the movie and it was just sublime. Ashley even had the theme music from the movie on her ipod and listened to it while we strolled the grounds! She looked pretty much like she was in heaven. Then we returned to our B&B and watched the movie until we had to sleep. The only day so far that the weather has been good! The planets were aligned for us to enjoy Pemberley!!
Wed. 7/9: Rainy and creepy to be at the Tower! Really gray and yucky. This is summer? But for me the Tower is always alive with dead people. I am in the middle of The Lady in the Tower a book about unfortunate social climber Anne Boleyn, so the Tower had special meaning for me this time. Poor Anne was beheaded on the Tower green, and, like all others who lost their heads there, her head was put on a pike at the edge of the river Thames for the birds to devour. The fleshless skulls then fell into the river. Her headless body was buried (eventually) in the tower chapel. Again I felt that strange feeling of being in a place where history was made, and only a few yards from someone who changed history. OK, so there's probably not much left of her in this dank environment, but you know what I mean! And, of course, others are there but Anne is foremost in my mind since I am reading about her.
The Globe theater was pretty interesting. We went to the Exhibition where many artifacts are on display - original Elizabethan costumes and fabric catching my particular attention. How are they still existing? Why are they not just powder???? We also had a guided walking tour to the actual site of the original Rose theatre. It is underneath an existing office building and is nothing more than a huge puddle with submerged lights outlining the arrangement of the stage and seating areas of the theatre. The story is that during the initial construction of the office building (in the late 1980's, I think) they discovered somehow that it was right on the original site of the Rose Theatre. Well, the acting community got all outraged and wanted the area preserved. The developers wanted their office building. So a compromised was reached: they would build the building with a raised foundation, and allow small tours to come in and view the underground area. One of the other things I learned from this tour is what "bear baiting" was and how it was a very popular attraction in Elizabethan times. They would put a bear in a ring and send out dogs to attack it. People would wager on the outcome. Sorta like cock fighting only with BEARS! Nice, huh?
Only a few of us Dickens fans went to the Dickens house (Me, Carrie, Lisa, Joleen, Sydney) but it was lovely. He's one of my favorites, warts and all, and I enjoyed seeing where he lived and learning more about him.
In the evening, it was SPAMALOT! Great fun, and educational too!!!!
(Funny how much the area around the Shaftesbury Theatre resembles the area around our very own Pantages. Without the sausage sellers, of course...)
And speaking of sausage - what are they thinking with the sausages here? Mealy, tasteless, and HUGE! And the English breakfast is so wacky. But the B&B we stayed at in London (The Arran House) was great because it was buffet-style. They just put out all that nasty stuff, and we could choose our destinies. The eggs are OK and there's tea, cereal, fruit, tea, juice, tea, tea, tea, and best of all TOAST!!! We have never eaten so much toast in all our lives! I don't know what it is about this trip (could be that everything else is crap), but we are toast FIENDS! I never eat toast for breakfast, but I swear, I have about three pieces every morning! And I've discovered black currant jam - mighty fine. The Arran was great for breakfast because of the flexibility of choice. The bathroom was another thing. I never seen, or anticipated possible, a bathroom so miniscule. I had to go out to turn around. It was a closet converted to a bathroom. You even had to step up into it. Good thing Dave wasn't there, because my knees almost touched the door when "sitting" - at six feet one, he wouldn't have been able to close the door at all. My cat's box is bigger than this bathroom was. And did I mention that it was SMALL????
Thursday, July 10: Jane Austen's house in Chawton was so special. Learned so much about her -fascinating person. And to be where she lived the last 8 years of her life - to see the view from her rooms, her garden, etc. was very moving. We then went to Winchester Cathedral to see her grave. A beautiful place, and her grave had fresh flowers on it, which we all thought appropriate for such a special lady. Then went on to Bath.
We stayed at the Henry in Bath, and it was exquisite! Our hosts, Steve & Liz, were so gracious and helpful and the rooms were fabulous! Clean, stylish, comfy, and a REAL bathroom! Bath was a lovely and interesting city. I remarked that Bath is the Calabasas of England! Very swanky and kinda snobbish (sorry all you Calabasas-ites!) Oh, and expensive! Jane Austen felt that way, too. Don't think she used the actual word "Calabasas", though. But the ancient Roman baths were very interesting, and I thought how strange it is to have these Roman ruins in the middle of a stylish town like Bath. Austen lived here, too, and we visited the Jane Austen Centre. Sadly, her family really couldn't afford Bath and it was not a happy time for Jane. We visited the "Circus" - a semi-circle of fancy attached homes referenced in some of her books and I thought it looked like a facade or movie set. Just didn't look real to me!
Breakfast at the Henry was great - the sausages were from a local butcher and were more like what we are used to. And the TOAST - sixteen thumbs up! it was a wonderful grainy, nutty bread with actual FLAVOR!
Well, it's almost midnight and we are currently in Windsor. I'll try to write more tomorrow and get all caught up. I'm doing this more for myself than the blog, actually. So I'll remember what we did, how I felt, etc. I'm on Ashley's computer so I don't have access to my regular journal.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
ENGLAND 2008!
Haven't had a chance to blog since we got here, but am going to get a short one out before the day's activities.
We've been having an incredible time - the time of our lives, really! Not much jet lag, so that's a blessing. But we are exhausted at the end of each day, because we are cramming so much in!
Sunday after arriving and meeting up with our group, we were able to pop over to Harrods (WAY crowded, since they are having one of their only 2 sales per year) and gawk. What an amazing place - but really, once you've seen a mall in the valley, you've seen 'em all! Then we tubed over to Buckingham Palace where Carrie and I chatted casually with a guard with a big gun! Hey - we needed restaurant recommendations! He told us that he wouldn't be much help, since couldn't afford to eat around here. Then he told us about a place ("Bumbles" no less) that once we got there was closed. So we ended up at a burger place that was kinda weird but we knew the food was bad in England, so we just sucked it up! Sydney and I took a bite of our burgers and kinda looked at each other like, "Does this taste right?" Then Kelli said something like, "We knew about this going into it..." and that has been one of the catch-phrases of the trip. Like yesterday when Carrie was asked if she would like sweet pickle on her sandwich and ended up with a plain cucumber slice. "We knew going into this!!" And on that note, I am going downstairs to eat another traditional English breakfast of mealy sausage, bacon that is really ham, pretty good eggs (if you like them runny), and mushrooms. I REFUSE to eat the beans, though. One has standards, even on vacation.
Today: THE TOWER! globe Theatre, Dickens Museum and if time, St. Paul's Cathedral (where I know we will all break into "Early each day, on the steps of St. Paul's, the little old bird woman comes...") Then tonight is SPAMALOT!!!
We've been having an incredible time - the time of our lives, really! Not much jet lag, so that's a blessing. But we are exhausted at the end of each day, because we are cramming so much in!
Sunday after arriving and meeting up with our group, we were able to pop over to Harrods (WAY crowded, since they are having one of their only 2 sales per year) and gawk. What an amazing place - but really, once you've seen a mall in the valley, you've seen 'em all! Then we tubed over to Buckingham Palace where Carrie and I chatted casually with a guard with a big gun! Hey - we needed restaurant recommendations! He told us that he wouldn't be much help, since couldn't afford to eat around here. Then he told us about a place ("Bumbles" no less) that once we got there was closed. So we ended up at a burger place that was kinda weird but we knew the food was bad in England, so we just sucked it up! Sydney and I took a bite of our burgers and kinda looked at each other like, "Does this taste right?" Then Kelli said something like, "We knew about this going into it..." and that has been one of the catch-phrases of the trip. Like yesterday when Carrie was asked if she would like sweet pickle on her sandwich and ended up with a plain cucumber slice. "We knew going into this!!" And on that note, I am going downstairs to eat another traditional English breakfast of mealy sausage, bacon that is really ham, pretty good eggs (if you like them runny), and mushrooms. I REFUSE to eat the beans, though. One has standards, even on vacation.
Today: THE TOWER! globe Theatre, Dickens Museum and if time, St. Paul's Cathedral (where I know we will all break into "Early each day, on the steps of St. Paul's, the little old bird woman comes...") Then tonight is SPAMALOT!!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Week 9, Thing 23
Woo Hoo! Finished just in time!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this program. Learned SO much, and had fun doing it. My hubby is a programmer and it was fun to finally be able to talk to him on his level (somewhat!) about web 2.0. He really wasn't very familiar with some of the things I did, since his work doesn't involve a lot of social networking 2.0 stuff. So it was fun to actually be ahead of him on some things.
We are going to offer the Web 2.0 for teachers to the district, and I've offered to be a cheerleader. I look forward to seeing how the teachers use the tools, and the blogs they create.
I'm wondering what I do with my blog now that it's over. I'd like to link it to my library web site and start all over with a library blog - student book reviews, suggestions, etc. The kids don't need to see all my Web 2.0 posts, so maybe I'll delete them and start fresh. I'd also like to fine-tune some of the page elements so it's more attractive and user-friendly.
Thanks ever so much for this program! What a kick it's been! Glad I finished just in time!!
We are going to offer the Web 2.0 for teachers to the district, and I've offered to be a cheerleader. I look forward to seeing how the teachers use the tools, and the blogs they create.
I'm wondering what I do with my blog now that it's over. I'd like to link it to my library web site and start all over with a library blog - student book reviews, suggestions, etc. The kids don't need to see all my Web 2.0 posts, so maybe I'll delete them and start fresh. I'd also like to fine-tune some of the page elements so it's more attractive and user-friendly.
Thanks ever so much for this program! What a kick it's been! Glad I finished just in time!!
Week 9, Thing 22
The Gutenberg Project costs $ to join and download books. It's cheap (only $8.95) but I don't like ebooks, so would never use it, so didn't join. itunes downloadable books are even more expensive. I was REALLY impressed with the LA Public Library's selection and availability of ebooks, but needed a PC to run the software and I'm on my Macbook right now, so no luck there. I'm surprised such a big operation like LAPL doesn't support Macs. The LAPL allows you to burn CDs of their audiobooks, too. Pretty cool. I'm just not a big fan of audiobooks. When I'm in the car or exercising I prefer to listen to music, and if I'm going to read I need the tactile experience of a book. I just like the feel of a book in my hands! But I know that Follett's Playaways are a HUGE success and would like to try them in my library, but don't have the funds right now (they are HORRIFYINGLY expensive). I know the kids are comfortable being "plugged in" and that may be the way to get the reluctant readers engaged.
Week 9, Thing 21
I have been confused for awhile about podcasts and what the difference is between podcasts and YouTube. Now I get it! I surfed around at some different podcasts, tried to get a daily Yoga one to load onto the blog, but couldn't. Also subscribed to a daily French for beginners on itunes, but couldn't figure out how to load that onto the blog either! Finally loaded the Pottercast, and it's pretty fun. Also looked into Twitter, but again, way too narcissistic. Who cares what I'm doing every second of every day?? Of course, it's been suggested that Twitter may be useful for us librarians trying to prove our worth - show EXACTLY what it is we do all day. But I think it would be way too time consuming.
Week 9, Thing 20
You Tube rocks! I wasted TONS of time watching the librarian videos, and the '70s commercials (geez, I remember the cigarette jingles - yipes!) I liked the TeacherTube videos. People are SO creative.
I don't know if I embedded the "twilight" video correctly. Web 2.0 directions mention using an "embeddable player" but I couldn't find it on YouTube or in Blogger. I guess I'm a little confused about how to do it correctly. But I was able to post a link.
YouTube is so incredible - I am amazed at the breadth of what's out there.
I don't know if I embedded the "twilight" video correctly. Web 2.0 directions mention using an "embeddable player" but I couldn't find it on YouTube or in Blogger. I guess I'm a little confused about how to do it correctly. But I was able to post a link.
YouTube is so incredible - I am amazed at the breadth of what's out there.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Week 8, Thing 19
How fun is LibraryThing!!! I created an account and added about 8 books. Can't wait to spend lots more time rating and reviewing my library. I loved surfing around and seeing what other people have said and are doing with it. I was interested in the number of other readers who also chose my books for their libraries. Only ONE other person added "Act of Contrition", which I really liked. Outdated, yes, but I liked it. What a fun tool this is! Oh - I have to now see that I add it as a link on my blog.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Week 8, Thing 18
I have heard a lot about Zoho writer, and it does look nifty, but the thought of yet another place to store stuff, and yet ANOTHER username and password almost drove me over the edge of web 2.0!! So I decided not to reinvent the wheel, and I went to Google Docs (which I have never used). Since I already have a google account, I just thought it would be easier. And it is - to a certain extent! This assignment was to create a document in Zoho or GoogleDocs. I decided to use GoogleDocs to create a HIT list of responses to a CALIB post I made on Friday. GoogleDocs gives you the choice of posting your doc as a URL, or post it on your blog. I wanted to just post it as a link on my blog. I thought I could click on the link, and have it go to the doc. What a dummy - of course it posted the whole darn document! So then I figured out how to post it as link in a page element, but I wish I knew how to make the document read-only so no one can mess it up.
I really like the idea of using these web tools to manage docs, pictures, etc. so that you can get to them from anywhere (provided you remember the usernames, etc!!). Many are the times I've been frustrated at work because something I needed was on a computer at home. I do wonder about the security of it, though. Can't hackers get in to my photos or documents and do malicious things? Maybe I'm just paranoid...
I really like the idea of using these web tools to manage docs, pictures, etc. so that you can get to them from anywhere (provided you remember the usernames, etc!!). Many are the times I've been frustrated at work because something I needed was on a computer at home. I do wonder about the security of it, though. Can't hackers get in to my photos or documents and do malicious things? Maybe I'm just paranoid...
Week 7, Thing 17
OK - I visited the "Sandbox" and tested my theory about wikis. WAY TOO LITTLE CONTROL! Unless you are wiki-ing with close associates, I don't know how you maintain any kind of integrity. I was able to just "blah blah blah" right in the middle of another person's post! Yipes! Not sure how this would work with middle schoolers. No, I take that back - I know EXACTLY how this would work!
Is there any way to monitor posts to a Wiki like you can with a blog? I like the free-form style of the Wiki as opposed to the "post a comment" structure of the blog, but am deterred from using it for my library because of the lack of control. I also surfed around the California Curriculum CSLA 2.0 portion of the wiki. It reminded me that there are even more things I want to try with web 2.0.
Is there any way to monitor posts to a Wiki like you can with a blog? I like the free-form style of the Wiki as opposed to the "post a comment" structure of the blog, but am deterred from using it for my library because of the lack of control. I also surfed around the California Curriculum CSLA 2.0 portion of the wiki. It reminded me that there are even more things I want to try with web 2.0.
Week 7, Thing 16
I explored some of the Wikis on the list. Some of them were old - no posts for a long time - and the ones I found most interesting were from middle or high schools. I found some of them confusing and couldn't understand why they were classified as Wikis since there was no way to participate. I particularly liked it when a teacher librarian would use a Wiki to promote reading. I would like to try that - to post my own book reviews, and have students post theirs. I'm a little confused as to how to do this - is the Wiki part of the blog, or is it separate (like a link)?
Also, I watched the Common Craft video on Wikis and it was the easiest and clearest explanation I've seen.
Also, I watched the Common Craft video on Wikis and it was the easiest and clearest explanation I've seen.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Week 6, Thing #15
Web 2.0 Future of Libraries: I have a few thoughts that have no real connection, but here goes:
As a librarian, I always feel pulled in two different directions. One points toward the technology aspect of a library, and the other toward the love of reading aspect. Sometimes I think they are two things fighting against each other. Studies show that kids who spend lots of time in front of screens (be they computer or television) read less for pleasure. Yet as a librarian, I'm expected to provide lots of screens and unrestricted (at least time-wise) access to them. I'm also expected to instill in my students a love of that most un-technological of diversions - reading books.
I've discovered that my students are what I call "keystroke smart" - they can download videos and music, navigate the web, email, create with Photoshop, muck around with the settings on my computers, etc. The problem is that they have no critical thinking skills! So when these computer whiz kids have to do research, their brains can't formulate the proper questions to ask the computer in order for them to they get what they need. So we had a teacher who asked them, "Tell me what you might find in Betsey Ross' basement." So what do they do? They go to google and type in "What would I find in Betsey Ross' basement?" And they actually think they will get an itemized list! I've been saying for a long time, "They have the computer skills - We need to teach research skills!!"
I read several of the articles listed for this "Thing," and found them most interesting. They challenged my current mindset. Rick Anderson stated, "We need to focus our efforts not on teaching research skills but on eliminating the barriers that exist between patrons and the information they need, so they can spend as little time as possible wrestling with lousy search interfaces and as much time as possible actually reading and learning." But in my experience, the biggest barrier between a middle schooler and information is his BRAIN! The best search engine in the world isn't going to answer that ridiculous question about Betsey Ross!
I did agree with John Reimer, though, when he stated that libraries should be more open to including patron reviews, tags, and other user participation, in the services libraries make available. My motto is, "You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too many subject headings!"
As a librarian, I always feel pulled in two different directions. One points toward the technology aspect of a library, and the other toward the love of reading aspect. Sometimes I think they are two things fighting against each other. Studies show that kids who spend lots of time in front of screens (be they computer or television) read less for pleasure. Yet as a librarian, I'm expected to provide lots of screens and unrestricted (at least time-wise) access to them. I'm also expected to instill in my students a love of that most un-technological of diversions - reading books.
I've discovered that my students are what I call "keystroke smart" - they can download videos and music, navigate the web, email, create with Photoshop, muck around with the settings on my computers, etc. The problem is that they have no critical thinking skills! So when these computer whiz kids have to do research, their brains can't formulate the proper questions to ask the computer in order for them to they get what they need. So we had a teacher who asked them, "Tell me what you might find in Betsey Ross' basement." So what do they do? They go to google and type in "What would I find in Betsey Ross' basement?" And they actually think they will get an itemized list! I've been saying for a long time, "They have the computer skills - We need to teach research skills!!"
I read several of the articles listed for this "Thing," and found them most interesting. They challenged my current mindset. Rick Anderson stated, "We need to focus our efforts not on teaching research skills but on eliminating the barriers that exist between patrons and the information they need, so they can spend as little time as possible wrestling with lousy search interfaces and as much time as possible actually reading and learning." But in my experience, the biggest barrier between a middle schooler and information is his BRAIN! The best search engine in the world isn't going to answer that ridiculous question about Betsey Ross!
I did agree with John Reimer, though, when he stated that libraries should be more open to including patron reviews, tags, and other user participation, in the services libraries make available. My motto is, "You can never be too rich, too thin, or have too many subject headings!"
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Week 6, Thing 14
OK - I need to vent here. I like learning about all the social networking 2.0 stuff, I really do. But I think it's terribly narcissistic. All this very slick computer stuff is just a way for incredibly ordinary people to puff themselves up and feel self-important. Why do all these people think what they say or feel is worth publishing to the world?? I have been writing in a journal since I was eleven, and I would NEVER think of making it public. I can see the lure of facebook, myspace, blogs, etc. for teenagers because teenagers think they are so very fabulous and the earth, stars, and sun revolve around them!
So, this assignment was about exploring Technorati. I did, and all the while was thinking, "Why would I -or anyone else, for that matter - care how I rate on Technorati? Why do I need to have my blog accessible to SO MANY people? Is anything I say on my blog THAT important? Do I really need yet ANOTHER username and password?? Who ARE all these people, why do they feel the need to spill their guts on the internet, and do I have NOTHING better to do than read their ramblings???" So although I understood the purpose of Technorati, I think Delicious suits my needs for now, and I declined to subscribe to Technorati at this time. If some poor librarian in Pigsknuckle, Arkansas can't get to my blog, oh well!
My daughters - 24, 21, and 17 - use facebook, etc. to keep up with friends. They'd rather sit silently in front of a screen and read their friends' postings than pick up a phone and have an intimate, two-way conversation! Some of these people they never actually speak with. Do they feel a close bond with someone they only read about, never talk to??? How can you? And if spending that much time reading a blog doesn't bring you closer, why in the world do it? One of my girls told me today that one of MY friends (I'm 44) has a facebook page, and my first thought was "Grow up! Why does she think anyone CARES?" I mean, of course I care about her as a person, but I care enough to learn about her and become close to her by spending time with her, conversing, getting to know her family, etc. not reading about her online as if she was Paris Hilton or something. I guess I just would never presume that my life is important or interesting enough that I would expect others to spend their precious time on earth reading about my fabulosity (yes, I made up that word, but it fits).
Of course, the ironic thing about this is that I am expecting you, dear cheerleader, to spend YOUR precious time reading MY screed! So enough, already! On to "Thing 15"! (But I very much would like to hear your opinions on these topics)
So, this assignment was about exploring Technorati. I did, and all the while was thinking, "Why would I -or anyone else, for that matter - care how I rate on Technorati? Why do I need to have my blog accessible to SO MANY people? Is anything I say on my blog THAT important? Do I really need yet ANOTHER username and password?? Who ARE all these people, why do they feel the need to spill their guts on the internet, and do I have NOTHING better to do than read their ramblings???" So although I understood the purpose of Technorati, I think Delicious suits my needs for now, and I declined to subscribe to Technorati at this time. If some poor librarian in Pigsknuckle, Arkansas can't get to my blog, oh well!
My daughters - 24, 21, and 17 - use facebook, etc. to keep up with friends. They'd rather sit silently in front of a screen and read their friends' postings than pick up a phone and have an intimate, two-way conversation! Some of these people they never actually speak with. Do they feel a close bond with someone they only read about, never talk to??? How can you? And if spending that much time reading a blog doesn't bring you closer, why in the world do it? One of my girls told me today that one of MY friends (I'm 44) has a facebook page, and my first thought was "Grow up! Why does she think anyone CARES?" I mean, of course I care about her as a person, but I care enough to learn about her and become close to her by spending time with her, conversing, getting to know her family, etc. not reading about her online as if she was Paris Hilton or something. I guess I just would never presume that my life is important or interesting enough that I would expect others to spend their precious time on earth reading about my fabulosity (yes, I made up that word, but it fits).
Of course, the ironic thing about this is that I am expecting you, dear cheerleader, to spend YOUR precious time reading MY screed! So enough, already! On to "Thing 15"! (But I very much would like to hear your opinions on these topics)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Week 6, Thing #13
I spent the whole day today in training for our new library software - Alexandria. I can't wait to actually use it in the library! (Winnebago is so outdated) I am in a small district and it's been fun working with the other 5 librarians researching library automation software and choosing what's right for us. It's been about a year-and-a-half since we started the search, and we are all excited to get up and running on Alexandria.
Thanks, Becca, for replying to my email! OK - here we go:
Del.icio.us - I watched the tutorial linked in the "23 Things" list. It was helpful, but not nearly as interesting as another one I found on Youtube. It is the "In Plain English" videos by CommonCraft.com (http://commoncraft.com/show). This really made social bookmarking understandable for me (probably because they are written on about a third-grade level!).
I surfed around Delicious, and found it overwhelming. SO MUCH STUFF! But I set up an account in hopes of creating a cool link list.
I Clicked on many of the Delicious links and have spent about 2 hours boppin' around. One click takes you to another, which takes you to another and before you know it you're about 20 pages from where you started! I really just looked at the ones that had the most visitors. Figured that anything that had 437 people save it has got to be worth a look. I can see how this would be useful to students doing research, or even just looking for something fun. I looked at some of the other CSLA members' sites and found some of their delicious links useful - so I stole them and put them on my Delicious site! I guess theft is the "social" part of "social bookmarking"!
Just realized that I haven't posted my Delicious link to the blog - I'll try to figure that out!
Thanks, Becca, for replying to my email! OK - here we go:
Del.icio.us - I watched the tutorial linked in the "23 Things" list. It was helpful, but not nearly as interesting as another one I found on Youtube. It is the "In Plain English" videos by CommonCraft.com (http://commoncraft.com/show). This really made social bookmarking understandable for me (probably because they are written on about a third-grade level!).
I surfed around Delicious, and found it overwhelming. SO MUCH STUFF! But I set up an account in hopes of creating a cool link list.
I Clicked on many of the Delicious links and have spent about 2 hours boppin' around. One click takes you to another, which takes you to another and before you know it you're about 20 pages from where you started! I really just looked at the ones that had the most visitors. Figured that anything that had 437 people save it has got to be worth a look. I can see how this would be useful to students doing research, or even just looking for something fun. I looked at some of the other CSLA members' sites and found some of their delicious links useful - so I stole them and put them on my Delicious site! I guess theft is the "social" part of "social bookmarking"!
Just realized that I haven't posted my Delicious link to the blog - I'll try to figure that out!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Week 5, Things 11 & 12
I toured a few of the sites from the Web 2.0 list and it was lots of fun. I've actually been doing this since I started the "23 Things." I'm a firm believer in not reinventing the wheel. I'm also a firm believer in stealing other people's good ideas! I always give credit, though, (when I remember)...
For example, I found "Library Thing" on another blog, and The Shakespeare Insult Generator I saw on someone else's computer.
Surfing around other people's blogs makes me feel pretty insecure. There is so much out there. I spent some time last week with our district tech teacher and she helped me get set up with Moodle. So now I have a moodle account, and am not entirely sure how to best utilize it for the library. I have user names and passwords for dozens of sites, and even another blog floating around out there in cyberspace (I didn't like the way it was laid out, so I just ignored it. I have no idea how to delete it). My point is, with technology too much of a good thing gets crazy. I need a lot more practice to keep it all sorted out.
This assignment also included learning about Rollyo. I had a hard time trying to decipher exactly what the advantage was of Rollyo. Not many of the other Web 2.0 sites have Rollyo. I guess it might be something I could use for the Renaissance Fair - a custom search engine just for all things Renaissance. But I'm just not sold on Rollyo yet. It seems like technlogy overload.
I know that using these tools (and technology in general) will become more second-nature the more I immerse myself in it - just look at all the kids out there who are so techno-saavy. But they spend HOURS marinating in technology, and I really have no desire to spend that much time staring at a screen.
For example, I found "Library Thing" on another blog, and The Shakespeare Insult Generator I saw on someone else's computer.
Surfing around other people's blogs makes me feel pretty insecure. There is so much out there. I spent some time last week with our district tech teacher and she helped me get set up with Moodle. So now I have a moodle account, and am not entirely sure how to best utilize it for the library. I have user names and passwords for dozens of sites, and even another blog floating around out there in cyberspace (I didn't like the way it was laid out, so I just ignored it. I have no idea how to delete it). My point is, with technology too much of a good thing gets crazy. I need a lot more practice to keep it all sorted out.
This assignment also included learning about Rollyo. I had a hard time trying to decipher exactly what the advantage was of Rollyo. Not many of the other Web 2.0 sites have Rollyo. I guess it might be something I could use for the Renaissance Fair - a custom search engine just for all things Renaissance. But I'm just not sold on Rollyo yet. It seems like technlogy overload.
I know that using these tools (and technology in general) will become more second-nature the more I immerse myself in it - just look at all the kids out there who are so techno-saavy. But they spend HOURS marinating in technology, and I really have no desire to spend that much time staring at a screen.
Week 4 and 5, Things 9 & 10
I am back after a long hiatus! Actually, I got frustrated and quit doing Web 2.0. I still hope I can finish by May 1st, but that will take some work. Some of my frustration stemmed from technical difficulties - I couldn't get the darned image generator to post to my blog. I spent HOURS and then gave up and tried some of the other Web 2.0 steps. But then I felt so overwhelmed! How do I winnow out what I don't need when I don't know what I need! There is just so much, and I am constantly feeling like I can never keep up.
OK back to my assignment: I added a few links to some library-related sites, and some news-related feeds. I also managed to get the online image generator to work. I did EXACTLY what I did before, but this time it worked. Why does that happen with technical stuff????
Also, I attended the CSLA Southern Section workshop at Taft High and was all gung-ho about setting up a Google calendar for the library. But once I got into it - and spent tons of time on it- I realized I don't like the layout of the Google calendar. I wanted to try to post it to my blog, but as you can see I can't figure out how to configure it to fit on the blog properly. I'll keep trying. I tried to post it only in the weekly format, but it didn't work.
The more I do, the more confidence I gain. So I guess I should keep going!
OK back to my assignment: I added a few links to some library-related sites, and some news-related feeds. I also managed to get the online image generator to work. I did EXACTLY what I did before, but this time it worked. Why does that happen with technical stuff????
Also, I attended the CSLA Southern Section workshop at Taft High and was all gung-ho about setting up a Google calendar for the library. But once I got into it - and spent tons of time on it- I realized I don't like the layout of the Google calendar. I wanted to try to post it to my blog, but as you can see I can't figure out how to configure it to fit on the blog properly. I'll keep trying. I tried to post it only in the weekly format, but it didn't work.
The more I do, the more confidence I gain. So I guess I should keep going!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Week 4, Thing 8
I watched the tutorials and informational videos about RSS feeds. I set up a Google Reader account, then subscribed to 4 or 5 RSS feeds. I was looking for something more personal and interesting to me than just some news feed. My daughter works for the Young America's Foundation, so I included a feed from one of her co-workers. I am a BIG Romney fan, so he's there, too. I also like to bicycle, and I own a '66 Mustang GT, so I was excited to find some feeds from those types of sites. Once I put all five on the log, it just took up too much space, so I whittled it down to three. What I wanted to do was post to my blog JUST the title of the feed and make it "clickable", but I couldn't figure out how to do it. So I just went in to "edit page element" and made the feed only display one article. That way, there's not a bunch of space being taken up by article titles. Anyway, this was an interesting exercise, but I think I need to explore it more to get the most out of it. Also, I can see how these feeds would help students really pinpoint a particular area of study. I am also seeing that having an active blog can take A LOT of time!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Week 3, Things 6&7
Well, I guess I've been having so much fun I've forgotten to label my posts! Sorry! So now I'm completing things 6&7.
As I posted earlier, I am having such fun with the Flickr toys. Made a cute movie poster, but didn't post it. I want to do another though, so stay tuned!
I had some trouble today because I tried to post my kitty poster on the right side of the page (as a page element, not as a post because I wanted it to be permanent like my Avatar) but the text was too small to read, and the picture was fuzzy. So then I thought, "Why does my blog template have so much unusable margin space? There's got to be a way to use more of the margins, so I can put in bigger pictures, or maybe even add a third column." That was almost the beginning of the end! I found a link to a "blog for dummies" site, and it showed me how to get into the html and fiddle with the margins. I learned just enough to get myself in trouble. I could make the body margins much wider, but could never get the right side (I know there's a tech term for that!) to be any wider. So I gave up before I did any permanent damage. Going into it, I naively thought that I could somehow just click and drag with the mouse to increase the margins! But I learned a lot along the way, and may still attempt a third column when I'm more confident. Thanks, "cheerleaders", for your encouraging posts!
As I posted earlier, I am having such fun with the Flickr toys. Made a cute movie poster, but didn't post it. I want to do another though, so stay tuned!
I had some trouble today because I tried to post my kitty poster on the right side of the page (as a page element, not as a post because I wanted it to be permanent like my Avatar) but the text was too small to read, and the picture was fuzzy. So then I thought, "Why does my blog template have so much unusable margin space? There's got to be a way to use more of the margins, so I can put in bigger pictures, or maybe even add a third column." That was almost the beginning of the end! I found a link to a "blog for dummies" site, and it showed me how to get into the html and fiddle with the margins. I learned just enough to get myself in trouble. I could make the body margins much wider, but could never get the right side (I know there's a tech term for that!) to be any wider. So I gave up before I did any permanent damage. Going into it, I naively thought that I could somehow just click and drag with the mouse to increase the margins! But I learned a lot along the way, and may still attempt a third column when I'm more confident. Thanks, "cheerleaders", for your encouraging posts!
My fd's Flickr Toys creation
OH WOW! this is such a cool site! I used a photo I took while on vacation in Cancun last summer (had to bolt out early cuz of Hurricane Dean!!)
I was wondering what the fuss was about Flickr and now I know - it's the TOYS!
I was wondering what the fuss was about Flickr and now I know - it's the TOYS!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
More spring decor
I love this "Dig into a good book" display! Found the little plastic wheelbarrow at Big Lots.
Week 3, Thing 5
Flickr made it easy to post photos, but I can't figure out why some of my photos posted with the comments and some did not include them. Then I tried to edit them to include the comments, but had trouble doing that, too. Hmmm. Also, I hope I'm not in trouble for posting pictures of famous people! I made a really cute poster on - oh dang what's the name of that site? I've been on SO MANY I can't remember! Anyway, I'm going to try to post the poster (!) to the blog. We'll see...Hey! It worked! Isn't my kitty cute? His name is Benedick (Much Ado About Nothing).
Winter foyer decor
Thought I'd include some photos of how I decorate my library for different seasons.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Week 2, Thing 3
Create your own blog & avatar, and then post it.
Boy, did I have trouble with this! I created the avatar, which was pretty easy, but then couldn't get it to upload to my blog site. That's one of the reasons I switched sites from Wordpress and created a new blog in Blogger. I think Wordpress is for business applications and is not as intuitive as I need (being a beginner). Once I switched to Blogger, it was much easier. One of my larger problems, of course is that I simply cannot remember all the passwords and user ID's!!!! And I fear writing it all down, because some Russian spy might find them and hack into all my stuff!!
Boy, did I have trouble with this! I created the avatar, which was pretty easy, but then couldn't get it to upload to my blog site. That's one of the reasons I switched sites from Wordpress and created a new blog in Blogger. I think Wordpress is for business applications and is not as intuitive as I need (being a beginner). Once I switched to Blogger, it was much easier. One of my larger problems, of course is that I simply cannot remember all the passwords and user ID's!!!! And I fear writing it all down, because some Russian spy might find them and hack into all my stuff!!
Week 1, Thing 2
Week 1, Thing 2: 7 1/2 Habits of Successful Life-long Learners
**There was no “Thing 1″ listed, so I assume it is just to read about and commit to the Web 2.0 program. Which I have done!**
Of the seven habits, #4 is the toughest for me: “Have confidence in yourself as a competent, effective learner.” I didn’t graduate college until I was 34 (married young and had kids right away), so I’ve always felt “behind” when it comes to learning. Also, retention is difficult for me so I struggle with remembering what I’ve been taught. Ironically, it is because of this that I think the easiest “habit” for me would be #2: “Accept responsibility for your own learning.” It seems the older I get, the less I care what others think about me. I’m not afraid to ask for help, or admit I don’t know something.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
