Here is someone's video of one of my favorite fireworks shows at Walt Disney World.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
#20 Playing with YouTube
I really do love this site! There are A LOT of funny things on here. I searched a couple different things that I have interests in and watched some videos. It wasn't that bad from home, the bandwith wasn't an issue. Tip for anyone having trouble; let the clip start loading and then pause it and let the red status bar under the video load all the way. It's then saved to your temporary memory and you can play it without any problems.
I looked up a cartoon from my childhood, Tranzor Z and was able to watch some it. I also found a clip from a comedian showing the "History of Dance" and finally, just for a happy thought I decided to see what was there on Disney World. You can see clips of the rides and much more. I choose one of the fireworks show, Wishes.
I like all the features that are available on YouTube, it's very simple to create an account and save things if you like.
I looked up a cartoon from my childhood, Tranzor Z and was able to watch some it. I also found a clip from a comedian showing the "History of Dance" and finally, just for a happy thought I decided to see what was there on Disney World. You can see clips of the rides and much more. I choose one of the fireworks show, Wishes.
I like all the features that are available on YouTube, it's very simple to create an account and save things if you like.
#19 Award Winning Sites
Alright, for those of you who know me, you could probably guess that I would have tried the games section. I mean, c'mon, it's me we're talking about. Anyway, I wasn't in a serious mood today, so gaming it was. I tried the Guess-the-Google site.
It's a game that shows you a montage of images and you have to guess the keyword search that would have produced those results. The kicker is you have 20 seconds to do that. I found it easy sometimes, but very challenging otherwise. Does this have library applications? Yes, I think it does. It could be put under the games section of TeenZone. It could even be used in a class that teaches about Google. It might make the audience think about their keywords a little more with some prompting. Beyond that, no, it doesn't have much library appeal. But, like I said, I wasn't in a serious mood today. The site was also very visually pleasing, just as a side note. Try it if you get bored.
It's a game that shows you a montage of images and you have to guess the keyword search that would have produced those results. The kicker is you have 20 seconds to do that. I found it easy sometimes, but very challenging otherwise. Does this have library applications? Yes, I think it does. It could be put under the games section of TeenZone. It could even be used in a class that teaches about Google. It might make the audience think about their keywords a little more with some prompting. Beyond that, no, it doesn't have much library appeal. But, like I said, I wasn't in a serious mood today. The site was also very visually pleasing, just as a side note. Try it if you get bored.
#18 Productivity Tools
So, I played with Zoho Sheet and worked on a spreadsheet for our Dungeons and Dragons gaming group. For each adventure we collect "loot" and we send out a table with all the "loot" or magical items etc the adventuring party has collected so that it can be divided up. I just finished up the table from the latest adventure on Zoho. It wasn't bad, it's pretty much like using Excel. This would be a nice feature because then you can share it with everyone and all they would need is access to the Internet. A plus, since the group is divided between a couple states!
I'm going to try and publish my sheet.
I'm going to try and publish my sheet.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
#17 Playing around in the Sandbox
I've had a fun afternoon playing around with PBwiki. I added my blog to the sandbox and then created my own page. There's a link from the homepage and it's called, "Favorite Things to Do in Ohio."
I love editing PBWiki with HTML. I find I don't like the point and click editing style, and would rather utilize HTML. It's not hard to learn some basic HTML and there are plenty of website out there for you to find the code you need and copy and paste it.
I also find that this helps keep my very basic HTML skills going. All in all, a fun time, and don't forget to check out my page in the Sandbox. I added a counter to the bottom, so I can see if anyone besides me looks at it!
I love editing PBWiki with HTML. I find I don't like the point and click editing style, and would rather utilize HTML. It's not hard to learn some basic HTML and there are plenty of website out there for you to find the code you need and copy and paste it.
I also find that this helps keep my very basic HTML skills going. All in all, a fun time, and don't forget to check out my page in the Sandbox. I added a counter to the bottom, so I can see if anyone besides me looks at it!
#16 Learning about Wikis
Alright, I'll admit to being familiar with wikis and editing them already. I find wikis a great resource for sharing and collaboration. They can be visually pleasing and useful at the same time.
I think that all libraries should start using wikis in their committee work. There really is no excuse not too. I mean, you require that your employees have some sort of computer skill, and let's face it, if you can find the website on the internet, login and then click the edit button, you're pretty well set to use the wiki. Group work and projects would be so much simpler, like some of the articles said. There wouldn't be emails and documents flying all over the place.
I like using PBwiki, I have actually created a wiki there for the staff at HCPL to use as a resource from the spring trainings that I put on. PBwiki is very user-friendly and if you wanted to work with HTML, it gives you that option.
In looking at the first 5 wikis in the list, I found they were each different in their own way. Some were more aesthetically pleasing than others...I don't really enjoy looking at ones that are merely a list of topics. Break it up, add some interest, it doesn't take a lot of work. I even found some resources to bookmark for professional purposes, so I was excited. All in all, a useful exercise based on the info I was able to learn that was new to me.
I think that all libraries should start using wikis in their committee work. There really is no excuse not too. I mean, you require that your employees have some sort of computer skill, and let's face it, if you can find the website on the internet, login and then click the edit button, you're pretty well set to use the wiki. Group work and projects would be so much simpler, like some of the articles said. There wouldn't be emails and documents flying all over the place.
I like using PBwiki, I have actually created a wiki there for the staff at HCPL to use as a resource from the spring trainings that I put on. PBwiki is very user-friendly and if you wanted to work with HTML, it gives you that option.
In looking at the first 5 wikis in the list, I found they were each different in their own way. Some were more aesthetically pleasing than others...I don't really enjoy looking at ones that are merely a list of topics. Break it up, add some interest, it doesn't take a lot of work. I even found some resources to bookmark for professional purposes, so I was excited. All in all, a useful exercise based on the info I was able to learn that was new to me.
Monday, July 16, 2007
#15 Perspectives on Web 2.0, Library 2.0
After watching the YouTube video, which I must say, was very cute, if not a little distracting when trying to concentrate (or perhaps that's just because of all the construction noise outside), I read the first three perspectives.
I'd have to say that I agree with them. Libraries do need to get away from the proverbial "icebergs" that our profession persists in hanging on to. Of course, that's always easier said than done. Especially when you take into account the fact that ours is an aging profession that doesn't seem to like change. And seriously, what is our patron to librarian ratio? Wonder if anyone has ever taken the time to consider that. So many times at the reference desk you could be swamped and the you didn't have the time to teach the user how to interface with the system, it was easier, and better customer service to simply do it for them.
I liked the point that the Librarian 2.0 would be a trendspotter and allowed time to play with new technology so as to be familiar with it. Why not have some classes for patrons on some of the new Web 2.0 technology, why not teach them to use flickr?
Finally, it's all about cooperation. To survive we need to think like a business and look for collaboration opportunities. Why shouldn't we? It would be silly to labor out there ourselves, take the time and work with someone, it may save time and money in the long run.
I'd have to say that I agree with them. Libraries do need to get away from the proverbial "icebergs" that our profession persists in hanging on to. Of course, that's always easier said than done. Especially when you take into account the fact that ours is an aging profession that doesn't seem to like change. And seriously, what is our patron to librarian ratio? Wonder if anyone has ever taken the time to consider that. So many times at the reference desk you could be swamped and the you didn't have the time to teach the user how to interface with the system, it was easier, and better customer service to simply do it for them.
I liked the point that the Librarian 2.0 would be a trendspotter and allowed time to play with new technology so as to be familiar with it. Why not have some classes for patrons on some of the new Web 2.0 technology, why not teach them to use flickr?
Finally, it's all about cooperation. To survive we need to think like a business and look for collaboration opportunities. Why shouldn't we? It would be silly to labor out there ourselves, take the time and work with someone, it may save time and money in the long run.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
#14 Technorati
Alright, I enjoyed this website much more than Del.icio.us. I would probably visit this site, without creating an account just to see what people are searching. I think the popular section of it is very interesting. I don't think there was anything surprising on it. You can kind of predict what might be on there is you pay any attention to the news and latest movies. The searches I found pretty much corresponded to those items.
The site is very visually pleasing, much nicer I thought than Del.icio.us. Overall, the site is very easy to understand and use, which was great to me. Sometimes I'm pretty lazy and would just like something easy. I think if I was bored I'd probably visit Technorati to see what was new.
The site is very visually pleasing, much nicer I thought than Del.icio.us. Overall, the site is very easy to understand and use, which was great to me. Sometimes I'm pretty lazy and would just like something easy. I think if I was bored I'd probably visit Technorati to see what was new.
#13 Del.icio.us
Okay, so I watched the tutorial and took a look at PLCM's account. It's interesting, but I don't see myself, at this point moving to a user. It's still a little confusing to me. Tagging just isn't my cup of tea, that doesn't mean it doesn't have its uses though. I know some people who are just nuts about del.icio.us.
This could be very helpful for research though, just like the tutorial said. You can track people in the field who are writing, you can tag everything on that subject you can find. It has it's uses. I just don't see myself being one of those users though. I'm glad that I explored it, I learned a little more about it.
This could be very helpful for research though, just like the tutorial said. You can track people in the field who are writing, you can tag everything on that subject you can find. It has it's uses. I just don't see myself being one of those users though. I'm glad that I explored it, I learned a little more about it.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
#12 Rollyo
This was an interesting exercise, I'm not sure how much I would use it. I suppose if someone put together a really great search roll it's a possibility. With all the technology I use, this isn't something I would use again.
I could see where this would be very convenient for libraries however. If librarians wanted to create different search rolls for popular projects and post them on them on the homework pages for kids and teens this would save time. You could take patrons right to the page and show them the search roll and explain how it works.
I chose to make a search roll for Disney information. I included all the websites I usually go to, and then some. Here is a link to my search roll.
http://rollyo.com/disfan/disney_information/
I could see where this would be very convenient for libraries however. If librarians wanted to create different search rolls for popular projects and post them on them on the homework pages for kids and teens this would save time. You could take patrons right to the page and show them the search roll and explain how it works.
I chose to make a search roll for Disney information. I included all the websites I usually go to, and then some. Here is a link to my search roll.
http://rollyo.com/disfan/disney_information/
#11 Library Thing
So, I've looked at LibraryThing! It's pretty awesome! I wish I actually could catalog all of my private books, however, since their in storage, that is a bit of a challenge. I cataloged the ones I had with me and the others I could remember. I plan on using this site again once everything comes out of storage and I can access all of my material. The site is very simple to use, which I like. It makes it extremely accessible to anyone, you don't need any specific skills.
The tutorials are very straight forward and easy to follow, again, increasing accessiblity for all. I wish this was something I knew about sooner. I certainly plan on keeping up with this, it will make keeping tabs on my collection easy. Plus, it'll be a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon....cataloging!
Check out my library catalog (and keep checking back, hopefully I'll be updating)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/DisFan
The tutorials are very straight forward and easy to follow, again, increasing accessiblity for all. I wish this was something I knew about sooner. I certainly plan on keeping up with this, it will make keeping tabs on my collection easy. Plus, it'll be a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon....cataloging!
Check out my library catalog (and keep checking back, hopefully I'll be updating)
http://www.librarything.com/catalog/DisFan
Friday, July 6, 2007
#10 Playing with Generators
Well, if you scroll up and down my blog you will see that I've played with some different generators! And you better believe that I've bookmarked the sites so that I can have fun later on! Some of the generators were hilarious!!! I did use the sketch generator to turn one of my pics into a sketch, however it was really hard to see on the blog, so I took it off.
However, I did use a badge generator, a diploma generator, a saying generator. Make sure you scroll to the bottom of my blog to see the other images I generated! I really couldn't have had more fun than this! All of these generators were very simple to use!
And gee, I was ahead of the game because I'd already created my avatar and posted it on my blog a couple weeks ago. I love creating avatars, every time you visit the sites there is a new item or two that can be added. It's a lot of fun. And seriously, people wonder why some can spend hours in front of computer. It's not that hard to imagine.
However, I did use a badge generator, a diploma generator, a saying generator. Make sure you scroll to the bottom of my blog to see the other images I generated! I really couldn't have had more fun than this! All of these generators were very simple to use!
And gee, I was ahead of the game because I'd already created my avatar and posted it on my blog a couple weeks ago. I love creating avatars, every time you visit the sites there is a new item or two that can be added. It's a lot of fun. And seriously, people wonder why some can spend hours in front of computer. It's not that hard to imagine.
#9 Exploring Merlin, etc.
Well, Merlin is very intersting, although not quite as important to me anymore since I'm not working in a library in Maryland. However, if I was still there I would be really excited about it! It was a great way to bring together learning information. For instance, I visited the Social Networking links and found many wonderful things. In fact, if SitePal was free (sorry, jumping to the gaming and avatars now) I would totally create one of those. Think of the library possibilities, you could have a virtual librarian talking to patrons who logged on to the library's website! And the Force Food game was very interesting, and could definitely be used by teachers. While at Merlin I also visited the HCPL Technology Plan.
Next I went on to using a couple of the feed search tools. I didn't like Topix at all, in fact, I couldn't figure out how to subscribe to a feed. I did find it interesting that it knew right away what city I was in though! I preferred Feedster! It was easy and I found some additional feeds to subscribe to, I'm up to 17 feeds now! I liked the Widget idea and am thinking of creating one and seeing if I can add it to my blog. If you see it appear, I was successful. As for other ways I found feeds, well, I did it the good old-fashioned way and just visited sites I usually go to and looked for the feed button and then added them!
And now it's time to take a break. More technology on another day!
Next I went on to using a couple of the feed search tools. I didn't like Topix at all, in fact, I couldn't figure out how to subscribe to a feed. I did find it interesting that it knew right away what city I was in though! I preferred Feedster! It was easy and I found some additional feeds to subscribe to, I'm up to 17 feeds now! I liked the Widget idea and am thinking of creating one and seeing if I can add it to my blog. If you see it appear, I was successful. As for other ways I found feeds, well, I did it the good old-fashioned way and just visited sites I usually go to and looked for the feed button and then added them!
And now it's time to take a break. More technology on another day!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
#8 Continued, Public Bloglines
Okay, I think I've figured out how to make my bloglines public. Follow this link to see my feeds.
http://www.bloglines.com/public/DisFan
http://www.bloglines.com/public/DisFan
#8 Bloglines & RSS Feeds
Well, I'm definitely not a newcomer to the world of RSS Feeds. I usually use the live feeds function for Mozilla Firefox. It put the feed right up at the top of your browser and you can click on it and it will drop down the last 10 or so items that have been posted. I also have a "My Yahoo" page that I've used for bringing all of my feeds together. Personally I love the fact that I can bring everything together and see it all at once, it saves time.
I do think that Bloglines is actually a bit easier to use and since it is well supported subscribing is very easy! I've added 12 feeds to my page so far, perhaps I will do more in the future. I've got a wide range of things, from library related, to Disney, to a comic I like (Dungeons and Dragons related).
All in all, this was a very easy exercise. I've been trying to find the tab that says "share" but I can't seem to locate, so I might just have to work on the public part a little later.
I wish that HCPL was using RSS feeds. It would make it so easy for people to subscribe to different areas of the website and receive updates. I mean, just think of all those DVD lovers who could subscribe to a feed for the new movies that are coming in. Or what about all of our fiction lovers who could subscribe to different fiction feeds and receive updates! RSS Feeds would be wonderful and helpful for the library. People would be automatically updated and kept happy! Our programming could also be provided to people through a feed!
I do think that Bloglines is actually a bit easier to use and since it is well supported subscribing is very easy! I've added 12 feeds to my page so far, perhaps I will do more in the future. I've got a wide range of things, from library related, to Disney, to a comic I like (Dungeons and Dragons related).
All in all, this was a very easy exercise. I've been trying to find the tab that says "share" but I can't seem to locate, so I might just have to work on the public part a little later.
I wish that HCPL was using RSS feeds. It would make it so easy for people to subscribe to different areas of the website and receive updates. I mean, just think of all those DVD lovers who could subscribe to a feed for the new movies that are coming in. Or what about all of our fiction lovers who could subscribe to different fiction feeds and receive updates! RSS Feeds would be wonderful and helpful for the library. People would be automatically updated and kept happy! Our programming could also be provided to people through a feed!
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