Thing 30 - more ways to use RSS & Delicious

For this thing I chose to update my RSS feeds in Blogline. After searching for resources to add and getting them entered, I was disappointed to see that once I clicked into a feed and then left it, Blogline defaulted to the entire feed being read. This meant that when I went back into the feed moments later, I got the Blogline splash page instead. I literally then had to click into the source to resume reading the content. This seemed like a wasted click to me. I know, in the grand scheme of things, it's just one click. But for me, it was one too many. I looked all over the site to try and change the setting, but found nothing.

So I moved on to Delicious. For this activity, I finally updated and organized my existing favorites, and also found a few more. I then imported them into Delicious. I like that I can now have them available at any time.

However, these two activities made me really think about how I wanted to access and make available all the many resources that I have found. So... I actually created another blog in Blogger (I like this format over some of the other options out there) where I added RSS feeds, links, videos, etc. of all the resources that I have found helpful. I think that I will probably end up using this web tool the most - in the past I have looked up items in my 23 Things on a Stick blog - so this step seemed like a natural progression.

As I have said before, learning about these many tools has been great. Better yet, I now have a useful place for me to find all the great information and resources that I have learned about. Plus I can easily share it with others!

http://libraryinfotogo.blogspot.com/

Thing 29 - Google Tools

Search tools: I looked at the SearchWiki tool and thought it was interesting. But I don't think I would take that much time to customize a search. In fact, I actually use Clusty more than Google because of the clustering results that suggest other possible topics to look under. In other words, I appreciate the "feedback" I get from this site in comparison to Google. By limiting my search results with SearchWiki, I would think that I might miss some information that I didn't think of originally, or new content that has come online, etc.

I do have to add that during a training I learned about a Google search tool that I found very useful. It's called Google Special Searches. A user can take a topic and choose the websites that are used during a search. I like this tool for students because I find that sometimes students get carried away by interesting, but extraneous content and end of clicking off topic. Or else they may start on a credible site, but end up on one that is questionable. By reviewing the sites ahead of time, computer research time can be much more productive and efficient. I should mention that I would use this search tool when the purpose of the search activity is to get good research content, not for learning about credible content.

Productivity: I have a GMail account for professional activities (used for all those account logins). Having this account was a requirement for using Google docs as well and made communication during this process convenient. I also think that it is helpful that a user can click into the calendar, reader and document features from this account. I finally went into the Theme and Lab settings (I hadn't looked at these before). It was nice to be able to set the theme - I didn't like the default look. I also added a few Lab features such as the attachment reminder. While I will not be getting rid of my personal email account (through another provider), I did appreciate these options in GMail.

Given all the tools that Google has, it would be interesting to participate in their Google Teacher Academy.

Thing 28 - customized home pages

As I have mentioned previously, I like the look and features of Pageflake, but I honestly did not want to create another account. When I joined Flickr, I simultaneously registered with Yahoo. So I went with this previously existing account. I have noticed that other participants have commented on the amount of accounts needed for the various 23 Things activities. I see advantages and disadvantages to all of these accounts. Disadvantages of course are the many accounts to remember. Advantages include the extra security of not having everything connected. However, I'm not sure how much hackers really want to know about my widgets and gadgets. I have also been careful about not adding personal information. Therefore, I can see that in the near future, connectivity will most likely be greatly improved. It has already gotten better since the first 23 Things.

That being said, the initial set up of my page was time consuming. I had been previously bookmarking favorite sites, and noting which content I was interested in. But now I had to get it all organized. Not to mention the fact that there are so many content options to choose from. Now that my page is finished for the time being (I'm sure I will be adding and updating in the future), I can see how much easier it will be to keep up with topics that I have been neglecting - out of sight, out of mind. I can see that it will be helpful to set aside some set times for reviewing all this great content. I also feel that this tool will be key in helping me to better keep up on professional topics. Yahoo!

Thing 27 - twitter

On a personal level, I am not an extensive user of Twitter. I can't imagine anyone I know wanting to read about what I do each day. But I can see that for this generation growing up with Twitter, it is one of the many great ways to communicate. So on a professional level, I think that Twitter is yet another significant Web 2.0 tool. On a side note, I have a younger relative that I was trying to track down. He uses a cell phone for his home phone, and he does not have email or voicemail. However, he does text. I finally got a hold of him through texting. In other words, as librarians, we must go where our users are, and many of them are on Twitter. But that is not the only place. They are also on Facebook, blogs, websites, IMing, calling and even still reading the newspaper. So we must make a concerted effort to communicate the many good things going on at libraries in these many ways in order to reach our diverse users.

Thing 26 - 23 Things on a Stick ning

I joined the 23 Things on a Stick Ning previously. I have to admit that I am not as excited about this tool since there are so many other communication options out there. I can see how a Ning can be very useful for individual projects where a discussion group is needed. However, usually there is a specific end product that is also needed. Therefore I have found tools such as Google Docs and wikis more useful since all members can add and modify the content as needed. However, I do appreciate learning about this option and will keep it in mind for future reference.

Thing 25 - bloggers' toolkit

Wow - there are so many options out there now. I could spend a great deal of time trying out all these different tools. My solution to keeping these many choices under control is to link to this wiki page and reference the tools as the needs come up. The gadgets I added to my blog were "search this blog" and feedjit. I also tried out the Typealyzer (Myers-Briggs of your blog site). Apparently my blog is typical of an ISTP or Mechanic. Hmmm... As I said, I could spend a many hours on this wiki page alone. Thanks for putting so many interesting gadgets in one place.

http://morethingsonastick.pbworks.com/Thing-25-Bloggers-Toolkit

Thing 24 - refresh your blog

I finally took the time to create an avatar. I looked through a few sites - there is so much to choose from! I was just thinking that using the avatar sites is a great segue for lessons and talking about Internet safety - discussing with students about not using real photos of themselves online. I also like the flexibility and ease of use of Blogger. I have tried other blog sites, but have not found any as user friendly. So, here we go again!

Thing 23 - final thoughts

I have taken away many useful tools from 23 Things on a Stick. But more importantly, I have taken away some great resources for organizing this information and helping me to educate staff and students on these many wonderful options. Before 23 Things on a Stick, I was feeling that I was falling behind with keeping up on all the Web 2.0 resources. While I know that there are still many more "things" to learn, I do feel that I am now better prepared work with staff and students. 23 Things on a Stick has been a great experience, and I look forward to learning about more "things" in the future.

Thing 22 - what did I learn today

As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, I need to make time to keep up with all this great information. I am happy to hear that the 23 Things on a Stick resources will remain up indefinitely. I have created a link to Thing 22 and hope to take some time to explore the many resources listed. I have also found that if I focus on a few items, rather than trying to keep up with many resources, I am much more likely to follow through. I have to say, the focus of 23 Things on a Stick has been ideal for me since I could go to one place for so much great information!

http://23thingsonastick.blogspot.com/2007/10/thing-22-lifelong-learning.html

Thing 21 - other social networks

I think that the concept of social networks is a great idea for people with common interests to have a way of connecting. I have yet to find a site/group that has resonated with me though. However, it has been great learning about Gather - I had not heard of it before. I have heard of Ning and have kept it in mind for small group discussions. There are so many options to choose from - blogs, wikis, collaboration tools, etc. - that I believe it is very important to match the tool with the purpose of the event. I also think that it is important to recognize what tools work for you and/or your library but continue to stay of aware of what else may be out there. Thanks 23 Things on a Stick!

Thing 20 - libraries and social networks

I think that the one thing we need to remember as librarians is that patrons no longer have to come to the library to use resources. We must go to them. Today, there are so many ways that patrons can access libraries - websites, chat and now social networks. I think it's great that major organizations such as ALA and other libraries have a presence on these sites.

Call me a bit old fashioned, but I still like getting a personal email from a friend. But I find the concept of the Facebook wall interesting and certainly have been checking out mine. I can see that I will probably not spend as much time in Facebook as some of my friends, but it is fun watching the activity.

For a social network safety lesson, I opened accounts in both MySpace and Facebook. What I noted is that the default settings for Facebook appear to be somewhat more secure - not everything is open to everyone like MySpace. In addition, not all of my students knew how to make their accounts more secure, or even that they could change the settings. So, while these tools are a great way to get connected, we still need to educate users (adults included) on how to use them in a safe way.

Thing 19 - podcasts

I know that there are many worthwhile podcasts out there. I have not taken the time to really take advantage of these many resources. With regard to the time factor mentioned in my first post, it would be helpful for me to start listening regularly to just one podcast. However, I also find that unless I am driving in the car or doing some other activity, I'm not good at just sitting and listening to something. Since many learners are not usually auditory, this is interesting to note for students as well. I can see having students fill in notes or answer questions as they are listening to a podcast.

I have collaborated with a teacher for students in the class to make podcasts of essays they had written. The students did a great job and seemed to enjoy working with the technology (Audacity). I'm not sure if I'm ready to make a podcast of my own yet...

Regarding resources, iTunes has a whole library of free podcasts for educators as well. I can see using these podcasts for lessons and for learning about a particular topic for me. I will have to get back to this Thing.

Thing 18 - online videos

Of course I couldn't resist embedding Conan the Librarian into my blog. I have been on YouTube for both work - I have used clips in classes - and just plain entertainment. It is amazing what you can find on YouTube both current and vintage. YouTube does a great job of tagging, so it's hard to stop following the trail of other possible related videos. I have also posted educational videos to TeacherTube. I have noticed that TeacherTube does not seem as robust - it sometimes freezes and can also take a long time to load. But I do like that there are less worries with TeacherTube for student use. I have found that students enjoy watching and definitely making their own videos. To then be able to post them to a site is a great 2.0 option.

Thing 17 - ELM productivity tools

I have used some of the ELM tools for research and found them very helpful. I know I have only scratched the surface. ELM is a great resource that I have been promoting to my students as well. I have not introduced them to all of the features, but I am glad to see them use this resource as opposed to going directly to the Internet. I talk to new students about the ELM databases during my library orientations. I have also made quick links available on the first page of our website in order to further encourage them to use this resource. I can see how it would be beneficial to offer additional instruction to patrons who are or will be performing in-depth research so that they can take advantage of these many features.

Thing 16 - student 2.0 tools

I have used paper versions of these tools to help students break down a project into manageable chunks. Any time a tool such as this is online, with an option to print, I think that students tend to be more engaged. Both resources are a great way to introduce students to the concept of time management of a project. Large, undefined projects can certainly be intimidating for any student. These tools offer students a manageable way to plan a project first hand, rather than having the teacher do it for them. In addition, students with special needs will benefit as well since the tools can help to break down a project into smaller, more simplified parts.

As for project management in the library, I can see where tools like this can help to improve communication. These tools offer a starting point for discussion as well as getting something on paper in order to review and refine what steps might still be needed. I will certainly keep these tools in mind for both student and staff projects.

Thing 15 - online games in libraries

I have been looking into Second Life and other possible gaming scenarios for ways of using them in education. I think that the format is a great way to engage students. I also listened to a speaker that pointed out how gamers use many important skills while playing such as writing, problem solving, collaboration, etc. One difficulty is finding a format that is safe and appropriate for a school setting. An issue that I came across with Second Life is that there is an age limit for use of the student site. Some of the students I work with are "super seniors" - older than 18 - so they would not be able to use the student version of Second Life.

I still believe that MMOPRGs have a place in education. I also think that it will only be a matter of time before someone comes up with a format that is better geared toward educational settings. My other barrier has been time. But I am excited about the possibility of using gaming in the classroom, and I will continue my investigation.

Thing 14 - LibraryThing

I have actually sent out information on LibraryThing to my staff. A number of teachers have classroom collections, so I thought this site would be useful for helping them track their books. I find it interesting that smaller libraries are using this site for cataloging. Once again, it is interesting how Web 2.0 tools are beginning to replace large, costly systems that are not a good fit for smaller settings. I also like the search features on LibraryThing. Using the tag clouds I have been able to find categories that are just gaining in popularity in more traditional book resource lists such as "street lit". Finally, I think that sites such as this are a great way to bring people together with similar interests.

Thing 13 - online productivity tools

I like the arrangement of PageFlakes the best. I also like that so many resources can be brought together in one space. I am hesitant to have other private accounts (email, Facebook, etc.) connected to site such as this - I think that security risks can be minimized by not having all accounts interconnected. Since I started my career in corporate world, I found the BackPack site very interesting. When I left my marketing position a number of years ago, the company was spending a great deal of money to develop an in-house customer management system. Now it appears that BackPack can provide some of the same services for a nominal fee. It's amazing the progress that has been made in Web 2.0 tools in the last few years. However, I have yet to find a productivity tool that works for me personally. But I am definitely enjoying the process of learning about all the tools that are currently out there. As for my library, I found that setting up a blog has been most helpful. It has allowed me to provide resources and tools for students and staff as well as quickly add information for lessons or whatever need I may have.

Thing 12 - social media

I think that social media sites have a place in education, but students need to understand the difference between them and other news and information resources. If students are educated on the many different sources available on the web or through other media, they can make better decisions regarding what sources to use for different purposes.

While browsing the social media sites, I felt that they tended to have more stories about interesting topics that weren't necessarily news worthy. As a librarian, I also wondered about their reliability. From this perspective, I felt that these tools could be productivity detractors - who hasn't clicked into an interesting sounding story, dug a bit further only to realize 20 minutes later that the particular story was not the reason for going online in the first place? This scenario is why I believe it is important to educate students about social media sites so that they can make informed decisions on whether or not to pursue a topic online, thereby enhancing their productivity.

For me, I am much more likely to look for news on BBC World (I think this site gives more well rounded news coverage) or one of the other major news outlets. While the social media sites are interesting, I don't feel that I have the time to spend on them.

Thing 11 - tagging and Del.icio,us

Del.icio.us at a minimum is a great way to make favorites available anytime and anywhere. I don't know how many times I've heard, "I've lost all my favorites"... or, "all my favorites are on another computer"... This is a very frustrating situation for users. Del.icio.us certainly addresses this issue.

But what I find most interesting about sites like Del.icio.us, or Amazon for that matter, and functions such as tagging is the unique social data they generate. I know that I have specifically used this type of data as a part of my buying decision process. I find it helpful to know that many people have purchased/tried out a product (that it's popular). Combine this with a high favorable review, and one can get an understanding of top performing products rather than having to rely on just the manufacturer's information.

On a social level, it's just plain interesting that we now have this capability to instantly capture and continually update this type of information - and it's all public! I think that this data has significant implications for many disciplines. For example, marketing can not ignore this new avenue for buyers to find out about products. Information professionals must consider the availability of this data along with the traditional methods used for accessing information. As librarians, we must continually review our approach to assisting our patrons and take advantage of these new tools where they fit - as can be seen in the examples for this Thing. As always, it's there are a great deal of new ideas to consider. But if we don't, we will become obsolete.

Thing 10 - wikis

I have used wikis for collaborating as well (see last post). I found that it was a great communication tool for discussions rather than trying to have a group all meet together. With regard to privacy, I did find some differences between the two that I tried - PB Wiki and Wikispaces (free versions). Both were fairly straight forward to use. However, it seems that PB Wiki offered a bit more security in that users could better designate searchability, etc.

I also used wikis for communicating information to staff. It was quite easy to create a wiki page with links to Web 2.0 tools that they could use. I then added my wiki page to my media center blog and used it for a training. It worked very smoothly to be able to make information readily available so quickly!

When discussing the use of wikis and blogs with staff in their classrooms, I like to let teachers know that they typically have better monitoring capabilities with a blog since they can have all posts go through them for approval, versus a wiki where the teacher usually monitors the input after the fact. However, all activity on the wiki is tracked, which does help teachers out in this regard.

As for Wikipedia, I was at first skeptical about its content. As librarians, we are always emphasizing credible sources. So how could a website where pretty much anyone can contribute be credible? But as I started looking at the entries on Wikipedia, I found them to be pretty well documented. Not to mention the fact that Wikipedia tends to come up first on searches. So I have changed my opinion somewhat. I find Wikipedia to be a good first overview on a topic. But I still like to find a few more resources to back up any Wikipedia information.

Thing 9 - online collaboration tools

Having completed my MLIS degree not that long ago, I am reminded of the dreaded group project where members were combined randomly and then had to overcome wide spread locations in order to collaborate on a project. We had Blackboard, which helped with discussions, but we still couldn't all see and edit what each individual was working on unless we met at a central location.

More recently I have used Google docs to work on projects remotely with coworkers. Google docs made collaboration so much easier! We could all view a common document, edit it, see the history of the edits, etc. Our group used both the spreadsheet and the word processing options. While they were not quite as friendly as working with the common programs such as Microsoft Office, it was still a much better experience then what I recall from school. Google docs is just one of many great options now available. If only they had been around when I was in school...

Thing 8 - sharing creations

I have already introduced a number of these tools to my staff, who in turn have used them with students. A few sites that have been popular are Tel.A.Vision and One True Media. These sites have been part of the classroom projects as well as school gatherings. The students have really liked being able to document their thoughts and experiences using these tools. Staff have been able to showcase student activities and work with them.

I tried Picture Trail and found it very easy to navigate. I uploaded photos from a recent vacation and created a picture montage in a short period of time. It was fun deciding on what options to use as well. I would definitely recommend this site to others.

On a professional level I have used Google Docs, PB Wiki and Wiki Spaces for sharing information. These sites made it very convenient for all users to access and edit information. They also minimized the need to get everyone together, which can be very challenging with many busy schedules.

Thing 7 - web 2.0 communication

I do not currently use email to communicate with my students. However, I think that it can eventually be a great way to reach individuals who may not want to physically visit the media center. Staff definitely take advantage of email. So much information is now readily available in electronic formats (booklists, database resources, etc.) that I can easily fulfill requests from staff in very little time and without them having to leave their classrooms. This process saves paper too.

With regard to other online tools, I think that as the articles suggest, it is important for libraries to keep up to date and communicate with patrons in their preferred format in order to stay relevant. I had the opportunity to observe IM reference services at a local library. The requests were nonstop. On an interesting note, answering the many different questions appeared to require definite skills in being able to respond quickly to the highly varied requests.

I am not currently a power user of text messaging or IM. But I have introduced blogging and web conferencing tools to my school. The students have liked both. The web conferencing was especially popular - the students participated in a hip hop dance class for the phy ed class. I think this tool is a great way to bring new experiences to students without the expense of busing, missing other classes, etc.

I have had the opportunity to participate in many webinars ranging from using video conferencing equipment to Skype. It is quite amazing to see the progression in this type of communication. As Tom Peters mentions, video conferencing used to be something that only businesses could afford due to the expensive equipment required. Now, resources like Skype have made this communication tool available to anyone with an Internet connection, a microphone and a webcam. I hope to use this type of tool more in my own media center. What a great way to bring the world to students that may not normally have these opportunities.