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.