Week 9, Thing 23 - Summarize thoughts about program

Wow! I did it!!

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
Some of my favorite discoveries/exercises included: posting an image from Flickr (after several attempts!), exploring LibraryThing, discovering http://del.icio.us/popular/cooking, learning that the word for quick in Hawaiin is wiki and posting from YouTube to my blog... All you Need is Love by The Beatles.

2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
First, looking back to Thing #2, I stated that the easiest habit for me was Habit 2 - Accept responsibility for your own learning. By completing this program, I fortunately proved Habit 2 to be true! Next, I stated that the most difficult habit for me was to use technology to my advantage. However, by completing all of the exercises in the program, I discovered I can use technology to my advantage....a very big and wonderful surprise!!

3. Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
The biggest unexpected outcome for me was that I realized I can learn and apply new technological concepts if I focus and take the time to work through the steps.

4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program's format or concept?
Schedule more "Drop-In/ Catch-Up" sessions.

5. If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate? Yes!!

6. How would you describe your learning experience in a few words or a few sentences, so we can share our successes and promote this program?
I have learned sooo much by participating in this program. I must be honest, several times I was very frustrated (part of the learning process) for various reasons ... but I was determined to hang in there until the activity was completed! By doing so, I found myself becoming more and more motivated to complete the next "thing." Best of all, I will continue to use some of the new "things" I've learned!! : )

Week 9, Thing 22 - Audiobooks

I explored Project Gutenberg and decided to view the Top 100 Books and Authors which appears to be regularly updated. I was pleasantly surprised to see one of my childhood faves on the list -Grimm's Fairy Tales! Then, I took a few minutes to experience reading... online... The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Today, Mark Twain was listed as the number one author.

I probably would be more likely to read online rather than listen to an audiobook. But, to have the option to do either and for free is pretty amazing!

Week 9, Thing 21 - Locating Podcasts

I explored Podcast.net and discovered some library systems (Kankakee and Orange County) use podcasts as a way to communicate certain events. The podcast which I found really interesting was: WTMD Artist interviews. I added it to my Bloglines account. It's a convenient and wonderful way to keep up to date with what the station broadcasts! Plus, from the podcast I can quickly get to the website.

When I have a bit more time I'd like to listen to some of the podcasts I found when I put in the keyword: meditation.

Week 9, Thing 20 - YouTube

I really enjoyed this site. It was easy to search for videos and I found several I liked. Somehow, with a few clicks here and there, I managed to post a video to my blog. The one I selected was All You Need is Love by The Beatles coz it’s one of my favorite songs.

The main feature of YouTube that would be interesting if applied to our library website is simply the opportunity for patrons to view a quick and informative video about something (or several things!) related to BCPL. Our very own Media Services could produce the video(s). Topics could include: general tour of a branch and services and events provided, behind the scenes look at library departments and functions, info about Baby Booster, Story Timers & Summer Reading Club, updates on new branch locations and renovation/projects such as Storyville, BCPL's participation in the community,and fundraising events - Novel Night.

All You Need Is Love - The Beatles

One of my favorite songs!

Week 8, Thing 19 - Web 2.0 Awards

On the Web 2.0 Awards page (http://www.seomoz.org/web2.0/short) I explored the link to the Short Version (Just the Winners) and noticed many of the sites we've learned about such as: Flickr, Bloglines, Technorati, Library Thing, Del.icio.us, and Rollyo.

I spent a few minutes looking at some winners that I always hear people mention (but this is my first time visiting the sites)...Craigslist, Facebook, YouTube.

I decided to look at a winner in the music section: Last.fm which I found interesting. After you enter your favorite artist, a list appears stating other musicians/groups you would probably like based on your favorite entry. Then you can listen to a "station" that suits your taste. This site could possibly help the library with music selection. Selectors could enter artists/groups whose cds circulate well...and come up with a list of other music possibilities patrons would probably enjoy.

Week 8, Thing 18 - Zoho Writer

I had a bit of difficulty when I first tried to use Zoho Writer. I kept getting a blank page with the message - loading. I referred to the Frequently Asked Questions. Then decided to start over again and click on My Account. From My Account I clicked on Zoho Writer and then I was able to create a document!

My favorite feature was being able to easily insert a smiley face to my document! One thing I like better when doing word processing on Microsoft is the ability to visually see what the font looks like. I just realized when blogging, you do not see what the font actually looks like either!

Week 7, Thing 17 - Sandbox Wiki

Since this site is for pure play - I played! I had a positive wiki experience because I was able to quickly and easily add to the wiki A Few of My Favorite Things.

But, when I attempted to add my blog title to the Favorite Blogs page I had difficulty! I tried and tried and then somehow I finally did it! Just doublechecked and at the moment my record of participation is still there! Whew! All in all, it was an interesting experience.

Week 7, Thing 16 - Wikis

Some of the information presented about wikis was confusing! To begin with, a wiki (Hawaiin for quick) is a website which is collaborative and allows users to easily (and quickly) add, edit, and remove content.

But who are the users? According to some sources, it's anyone! According to another source, it's anyone within a certain group of people - which makes more sense to me!

I learned that the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, is a wiki which apparently allows anyone to add, edit, and remove content? I've referred to Wikipedia in the past but now I'm not as comfortable trusting the information... if anyone can change it.

However, the wiki concept could be beneficial to libraries for group projects, team meetings, conference planning, and book reviews.

Week 6, Thing 15 - Library 2.0

While completing this activity, I became very sentimental because I remembered something that happened almost exactly 10 years ago - back in October 1997!

Way back then, I really wanted to learn what the Internet was all about and decided to attend Introduction to the Internet at the Perry Hall Library. I still remember being totally in awe and amazed as the librarian (Ruth Martin) explained and demonstrated Internet Basics. Most important, I specifically remember how happy Ruth was to answer my multitude of questions after the session!

As we increase our knowledge about technological advances, embrace constant change, and prepare for libraries that will probably look very different in the future...one thing will hopefully remain the same - providing our patrons with a Calendar of Events that offers programs, at various levels, about current technology. Eventually, maybe an event will be offered to the public about what we're learning right now!

Week 6, Thing 14 - Technorati

Spent a bit of time exploring Technorati. Learned that the most popular blog in the world, as rated by Technorati, is Boing Boing (a weblog about interesting technologies and cultural curiousities).

Also reviewed that tags are labels people use to find related blog posts, videos and photos. Thanks to this exercise, I've become aware of an entirely different way to research topics!

Week 6, Thing 13 - del.icio.us

Another fun experience! As I was "exploring" I came across http://del.icio.us/popular/cooking which I thought was fabulous! What made it even more interesting was it had an RSS feed so I added it to my Blogline newsreader account.

Week 5, Thing 12 - Rollyo

This activity was absolutely wonderful because it forced me to take time to do something I've really wanted to do for a very, very, long time....research sites for some new healthy recipe ideas! Maybe you'll find something delicious on one of the following sites:

http://busycooks.about.com/
SparkPeople.com
www.EatingWell.com
Healthy.Delicious.Recipes
http://www.deliciousdecisions.org/cb/rec.html
www.FoodNetwork.com

Week 5, Thing 11 - LibraryThing

Fun and easy! Best of all, I liked clicking on Suggestions to get the link LibrarySuggester.Book which determines books you may enjoy based on your personal catalog. This is something I will continue to use and I will definitely be "checking out" some of the suggested books!

Week 5 - Thing 10: My Avatar

This was a fun activity. It was interesting to be exposed to so many different things a person can create! But, I don't know if I'll really spend time doing anything like this again in the future.

Week 4, Thing 9 - Explore Merlin & Library related-blogs/news feeds

Fortunately, since the MERLIN site has an RSS feed it was very convenient to add to my blogline account. I also added a few more library feeds. I actually spent a few minutes exploring Avatars and created one which eventually may be added to a future blog! Was kinda fun as a one time kind of thing to do, but can't see myself spending too much time with it in the future.

Week 4, Thing 8 - RSS feeds

What a pleasant surprise! It was actually pretty easy to set up my own Bloglines newsreader account. I liked the discovery resource: RSS in Plain English. Although, I had to watch it a couple of times because it moved a bit too quick for me as I was taking notes! Fortunately, I've been able to subscribe to several feeds. This has been a very enjoyable learning experience and something that I'm going to continue to use! Thanks to those who have shared their public account...may give that a whirl in the future.

Libraries can use this in many ways. Librarians have an additional way to provide excellent service to patrons because they quickly have access to many online updated news resources. Plus, within BCPL, maybe we could use the "Really Simple Syndication" concept by categorizing different topics which apply to the organization and are frequently updated... current book releases and reviews, news about authors, rennovation/new building updates, BCPL in the News, BCPL events, meetings, staff development workshops, staff association events etc. It could be a great way to communicate up to the minute BCPL news!

I was tagged on July 6th!

2 kids 2 dogs 2 tired (love the name!) tagged me and explained that I should visit the blog to see what it's all about. Sooo, I visited the blog and found out that this is how it works:

1. Each player is to list 8 facts/habits about themselves.

2. The rules of the game should be posted at the beginning before facts/habits are listed.

3. At the end of the post, the player tags 8 people and posts their names.

4. Then the players goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read the tagger's blog to find out how it works.

Here are 8 facts/habits about me...

1. I try to live life with an "attitude of gratitude." Been through some challenging times and have learned the more I "appreciate," the happier I am!

2. I'm a morning person and love to pop out of bed at the crack of dawn (or earlier) and get the day started! But, by midnight I can barely keep my eyes open and can be quite grumpy.

3. My heart still melts whenever I see my daugher smile...and she's almost 21!

4. When possible, I really enjoy delicious dinners for breakfast. My favorite - Thanksgiving leftovers including all the trimmings and dessert - pumpkin pie and whip cream, of course! While most are hitting the stores on Black Friday, I'm reheating and eating!!

5. One of my favorite pastimes is taking a long, long walk on a beautiful day while listening to my old-fashioned headphones blast random songs.

6. Speaking of songs, I love music so much that I've volunteered and worked at a radio station. (WTMD - 89.7FM - check it out!) But now, in addition to listening, I really want to do some dancing and learn how to SALSA!

7. I treasure time spent socially with family, friends, and co-workers. But, I absolutely need "space" - very quiet solitude - to think, plan, and organize ideas and goals.

8. I love hearts and flowers, rainbows and butterflies, peace signs and smiley faces and still believe..."All you need is LOVE." Oh, and I still listen to The Beatles.

Here's who I am tagging: let them eat chocolate, 23 Swain things, Granny's Girls, funandgames, Why not?, Wine Knot, YellowPoplar, View from the Picadilly Tree.

Week 3 - Post comments and OOOPS...

I was TAGGED about a week ago!! I realized it when I decided to look back and read my old posts to see if I had any comments and voila...I discovered 2kids 2dogs 2tired tagged me!! This activity sounds fun... a nice project to fit in next week when possible!

Week 3, Thing 7 - anything tech related

For music lovers, please check out...

http://wtmd.blogspot.com/

Also visit the WTMD home page http://wtmd.org to learn how your attention is needed if you listen to online music.

Week 3, Thing 6 - Mashups & 3rd party tools

Well, I've spent a decent amount of time flickr"ing." Being a lover of color, I enjoyed checking out Flickr Color Pickr. Also, sometime in the future, when I'm dreaming about my next vacation, I just may use Trip Planner by Yahoo!

Week 3, Thing 5: HOPE Abounding

HOPE Abounding
Originally uploaded by Windy Angels

Had to do another test to make sure I really, really, have a flickr account...and this image represented exactly how I feel!!

Week 3, Thing 5 - an image

jc3164.JPG
Originally uploaded by painet

Well, I believe I've created a Flickr account and should now be able to post images. Let's see if it worked!!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Week Three, Thing # 5 - Explore Flicker

Here's one more image I really loved:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seanhogan/708140586/


I've always appreciated the beauty of color and it actually helps me learn! Multi-colored highlighters, flags, pens etc. seem to brighten whatever the challenge may be. I'll try to apply that strategy as I continue the learning process. Also, thank goodness for understanding co-workers who are also trying their best with the Maryland 23 challenges!

Week 3, Thing 5 - Explore Flicker

I've had some fun with Flickr and saw several images I would like to blog about! Here's one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8764678@N06/728875010/in/photostream/

This represents true tranquility and peace. I wish I could magically be there. I'm going to visualize this as I take a little time to try and "attempt" to learn how to post the actual pic. I figure it will keep me calm in case frustration starts to set in.

Week 2, Thing 4 - Register your blog & track progress

Well, I almost fainted when I realized that I really did register my blog. For me, this is an accomplishment in itself...even though I was kind of surprised to realize my blog name was different than what I thought is was going to be. Then, I was surprised that I had created 2 accounts. Whatever the case may be...I'm happy to be registered whatever my blog name/ address is!!! : )

Week 2, Thing 3 - Set up your own blog and add 1st post

Well, I did it! But...really I somehow set up 2 blog accounts and actually was going to use a different blog name other than the one that I am using. Also... I do not know how I managed to have a red background? All I remember was clicking something and before I knew it, I must have changed the template.

But I guess the most important thing about these "things" is that I'm trying and accomplishing something.

I do believe when it comes to learning, "attitude" is the most important thing. A sense of humor comes in handy also! Soo, I'm going to try and continue this learning journey!

Week 1, Thing 2 - Lifelong Learning

For me, the easiest habit is Habit 2: Accept responsibility for your own learning. I believe if you really have the desire to learn something, it is possible...but you must depend upon yourself to make it happen.

The most difficult habit for me is Habit 6: Use technology to your advantage. That's why this activity is a huge challenge!

I must admit that according to the study, "A Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users" (which was recently published by The Pew Internet and American Life project) I was considered Connected but Hassled! Which is so true. But, I've decided...I'm really going to try...

In case you'd like to take the quiz and find out your type: http://www.pewinternet.org/quiz/ Thanks to Info Services for a very interesting Reference Update : )

Week 1, Thing 1 - Read blog & find out about program

Did it!
But... trying to learn new technologies by playing is going to be a huge challenge for me!! I like the idea that we're encouraged to work with co-workers and I'm all for having fun! Sooo here goes!