Thing #18

I didn't want to explore Open Office because I don't like to download stuff that I have no intention of using. (Sorry!) However, in looking at Google docs, I think that it is very comparable to Microsoft Office and the suite that I use on my Mac. Basically, if you can function with one type, you can function with any of the suites. A definite advantage to using an online productivity tool like Google docs, is being able to collaborate much more easily than through email.

Thing #17

I chose to create my custom search on U. S. Presidents. This is very similar to all of the hot lists that I have created, trying to guide student research. I like Rollyo because it would be very useful to be able to add or delete to searches that have already been created. That would be a great time saver compared to starting from scratch.

Thing #16

Wikis suddenly make more sense to me! The guy at Common Craft is very gifted at being able to explain technology. I agree that email isn't the best method for coordinating. NEISD librarians use wikis to share ideas. In fact, several middle school librarians have been working on a project all summer long that could have been improved through the use of a wiki! Oh well, live and learn. I have learned that wikis would be great for group projects. Students can truly collaborate.

Thing #15

Library 2.0 means learning to change and adapt to all the changes that technology brings. I understand that our students have access to a multitude of information that was never available to me as a kid. Maybe that is why I kind of fear for my job. One of the articles that I read said that there was no point in collection development because we will never be able to satisfy the customers needs. I struggle constantly with getting kids to take advantage of databases that provide them with authentic, relevant and factual information. I have tried to steer kids away from Wikipedia because the postings aren't necessarily factual. I guess maybe I need to make some changes in my attitudes, too.

Thing#14

I thought that the video about Technorati was very informative. I liked that the stakeholders were so passionate about their product and all that tagging can do. I like the idea of being able to see who's linking to you and growing conversations. As librarians, we are a bit of an "island" on our individual campuses. Even though we get together with other librarians from our district and professional organizations, I like the idea of being able to "reach" out to others who have similar goals and issues. Tagging makes that easier. Tagging also makes it easier to research topics of interest!

Thing #13

I was easily able to export my bookmarks to Delicious. I thought that I was able to share my list by adding a list gadget, but I didn't see it when I previewed my blog.

Most of the tags that were used on Delicious were intuitive.

While Delicious is a great way to be able to access bookmarks from either school or home, I really like the idea of teachers and students being able to share information for research purposes. I'm not quite sure how I would utilize a site like Delicious, but I look forward to hearing your ideas.

I thought that diigo was a super social bookmarking site, particularly for research purposes.

Thing #12

There were a couple of points that really spoke to me. One was from Blue Skunk who said that writers like to know that they have been read. Most of us need to feel validated when we are communicating. Having someone read and comment provides that validation. Another point that was made was that we should be gracious, when someone points out an error. It never really easy to have someone point out our mistakes, but I know that I am embarrassed when an error gets past me. I would rather someone point it out so I can correct it, rather than appear dumb.

There are many great ideas that are circulating on the Library2Play blogs, so the challenge became making good, hopefully, pertinent comments.

Michael Jackson's death was the impetus for my personal interest. I watched so much of the coverage of his memorial and when I got back on track, I was interested in seeing what people had to say about the coverage. I wanted to chime in with other fans.