(#26 No, seriously, Tell Us What You Think)
http://kcls27things.blogspot.com/2007/05/26-no-seriously-tell-us-what-you-think.html
Write whatever comes to mind, though try to touch on the following questions:
(My answers follow the italicized posted questions)
How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
The older I get, the more important it is to be aware of the world constantly changing around me, and a large part of that is due to the phenomenal growth of technology. I have found it difficult to keep pace of that change and welcomed this opportunity to have a directed course of "study".
What were your favorite Learning 2.0 discoveries or exercises?
While I was please to try out all of the sites listed (plus a few others) my favorites were YouTube, LibraryThing, and MySpace. I also enjoyed the Mashups. I am not particularly fond of blogging, however, I do see the value of it.
Did anything surprise you?
I was constantly surprised at how something seemingly so simple could become so complex if just one small step was forgotten or misunderstood - obviously, I am not of the generation that finds Web 2.0 stuff intuitive. If I asked my daughter for help, I almost always heard "MOM, that's so easy! Just do this . . ." And my adult children were surprised at my new "presence" on the web! Now if I can just find the time and resources to keep it going.
Was there enough help available when you needed it?
I found that many of our staff had the same dilemma: we were trying to do bits and pieces at different times, fitting it in around our regular duties. It was not always possible to find the person that could help you available during the limited time you were working on a particular exercise (imagine telling a patron "Excuse me while I go help this staff member on the Web - they only have a limited time to get this exercise accomplished before they're needed somewhere else." For me, as a part-timer, HELP was not the issue as much as TIME. It's much easier to find an hour or two a week to accomplish the exercises when you're 40 hours than when you're at work only 20 hours. I found that many staff wanted to participate, however found it much easier to do the exercises on their own time when they did not feel pulled in so many directions. I know that this was not the intention of those who put together this great program, but that's what happened for some staff anyway. Our managers were very encouraging - however I believe they were having some of the same frustrations as the rest of the staff. There is only so much time available.
What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
I do know that much work was put into these exercises by many people and I do applaud your efforts!
One thing I would like to see modified is the format of the exercises. While most of the exercises were simple for those staff members already somewhat familiar with Web services, I watched the staff that truly needed the gentle "push" to try new things become quite frustrated as they struggled with the same processes that were somewhat intuitive for others. I know many of those individuals just gave up. For those people we need a more specific step-by-step guide (preferably with illustrations) that they can use to help them feel comfortable with the exercises and use as a reference to refresh their memories when necessary. Along that same thought, it took much more time than anticipated to accomplish the exercises (let alone blog about them in a significant way) again frustrating those that thought they should have been able to accomplish the exercise much more quickly, and fast eroded what fragile confidence they might have had. It also took much more time to help those staff members having a difficult time. Which brings me to my next item. I truly appreciated the "CramJam" session instituted by our cluster! What a great opportunity to not only gather together and help one another (while solidifying your own skills), but also to have some "bonding time" with your fellow staff members, some of whom you seldom see, and with whom you certainly don't have time to "chat" (wow - the things I learned about my co-workers!). Please incorporate that valuable concept into the regular format (preferably more that once)!
Would you like to see similar training opportunities as new library-relevant technologies emerge?
YES, please! This is one of the few ways I have to "force" myself to try to keep up with some of the many changes in relevant technologies. I usually have the best intentions but find myself bogged down in the daily tasks that it takes to make our library run smoothly, and so forgo the explorations needed to keep at least somewhat up to date on what's available.
And, last one, if you could go back in time and tell yourself to either participate in the program or skip it, what would you do?
Participate, participate, participate (and encourage others to do so)!
KCLS Post:
Monday, May 7, 2007
#26 - No, Seriously, Tell Us What You Think
We're almost done - just today and tomorrow's lesson before we start talking about this learning program in the past tense. For the next two days, though, we're still in the present. Today we'd like to hear your thoughts on participating in Learning 2.0 and tomorrow we'll share some of ours and talk about what comes next.So, please, jump straight into today's Reflective Exercise.
Create a blog posting that reflects on your experiences with Learning 2.0
Write whatever comes to mind, though try to touch on the following questions:How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?What were your favorite Learning 2.0 discoveries or exercises?Did anything surprise you?Was there enough help available when you needed it?What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?Would you like to see similar training opportunities as new library-relevant technologies emerge?And, last one, if you could go back in time and tell yourself to either participate in the program or skip it, what would you do?Feel free to write about whatever else comes to mind. And come back tomorrow for the last of our 27 things.Next up: this is the end...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 5:32 PM 0 comments
Tags: Lifelong Learning, Wrap-Up
(#27 This Is The End, Sort Of)
Thanks so much for the opportunity to try so many things new to me! Even though this represents just a small example of what's out there, I had a blast! And I have already had the chance to use some of my new-found knowledge with a few patrons and anticipate many more opportunities in the future. Thanks again!
KCLS 27 Things Post:
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
#27 - This Is The End, Sort Of
Upon reflecton of yesterday's reflection, we do have one more question for you - was there anything else you thought we should have covered?Please let us know if something comes to mind. You are welcome to ammend yesterday's blog posting or create a final short one. No need to worry, though, if nothing comes to mind.Okay, now to the 27th thing...The 27th ThingYes, you're looking at it, the 27th thing, what comes next.Let's change the punctation and make the last part a question. What comes next?First, the Return of the PodcastWe couldn't close shop without one final podcast. In today's podcast, David and Laurel seek closure and talk some about that very question, what comes next?
Click the Play button aboveto hear this week's Podcast (3:06)And what else comes next?Your mp3 playerDon't worry - we haven't forgotten about your mp3 players. I've started shopping around (please email me if you see a good deal) and we expect to get your players out to you by the end of June. Many many thanks to the KCLS Foundation for providng the funding.Now, why so long?We want to get the best players possible and that means we are waiting to see how many of you complete the entire program before making our final purchase decision. Flexibility, afterall, is the 2.0 way...So please make sure you submit your week 12 Learning 2.0 Progress Log entry - we don't want anyone to miss out. And more globally, what's next at KCLS?Web 2.0 at KCLSWe've already started - nearly 500 of you started blogging through Learning 2.0 and well over 300 of you are on track to complete the entire Learning 2.0 program. That would be you, reading this blog entry.What comes next is creating KCLS services that take advantage of web 2.0 technology. If we do this right, we'll do an even better job of serving our communities (quite a lofty goal when you consider how excellent a job you all do already) and of working with one another.More formally, a plan needs to be in place. The KCLS Blogging Committee distributed its recommendations for Web 2.0 services to APT and cluster managers just yesterday (5/7) and we hope to present them to all staff before the end of May. Expect to see Memo articles, emails, and meeting presentations on this topic throughout the early summer.We don't want to overwhelm anyone - our staff or our patrons - and will roll new services out in waves, a few at a time. You'll see opportunities to participate explained in greater detail as we move forward organizationally.It is going to be an incredibly rewarding (and fun) summer and beyond - we hope that you'll take part.The End, Part 1: Thank YouIt hasn't been easy, I know - you've stayed up late cataloging your books on Library Thing, watched countless new wave music videos on YouTube, sought out old friends on MySpace, shocked and/or impressed your kids with your new knowledge and lingo. And if none of the above applies, well, we hope that you learned at least something new.Thanks to your energy and willingness to explore, our collective staff knows so much more. We'll help more patrons, we'll improve organizational processes, and we'll be much more confident when still more new technology comes our way (cause it isn't going to stop). Thank you. Seriously. Thank you for doing this.The End, Part 2: The Shot OutsOne last round of thanks - anyone on this list went above and beyond to make this program happen.
Bruce Schauer, our project sponsor, enthusiastically gave the go-ahead and provided continuous support.Lisa Hill created the Learning 2.0 Progress Log and gave us all the tools we needed to administer this program. This was no small feat.KCLS Graphics created our logo and the outstanding check-list brochure many of you picked up at our kick-off event.Myra Basden videotaped that presentation (it will get on the intranet soon).Helene Blowers, at the Public Library of Charlotte-Mecklenberg County, provided a wonderful idea and everything we needed to get started.Our speakers, Stephen Abram and Aaron Schmidt, helped us think outside the box.Darlene Pearsall created a participation option for staff working fewer than 20 weekly hours.KCLS Cluster Managers and department heads did their utmost to find time for you to take part.Learning 2.0 Advocates provided guidance when you needed it.The KCLS Foundation provided funding for mp3 players.And to anyone I've inadvertendly left off this list, no harm intended - thank you thank you and thank you again.Okay, I'm done.
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 3:58 PM 20 comments
Tags: Wrap-Up
Monday, June 18, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Audio, Video, Podcasts (#23, 24, 25) - Week 11
(#23 Video in the Post Beta-Max World)
http://kcls27things.blogspot.com/2007/05/25-something-to-do-with-that-mp3-player.html
I could play on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/ all day! I found quite a few library postings, many of them hilarious. And people certainly love to post about their pets. I also enjoyed finding so many old TV commercials (boy, they made me feel old, especially when I shared them with my younger co-workers!).
YouTube has serious stuff in addition to all the funny/outrageous postings. I was pleased to find a video posted by Adam D. Vasquez, a Mt. Rainier High School student. "With Sympathy" was featured in the Images of Youth 2007 Video Festival, April 20, 2007 and depicts a teen fed up with all the violence around him. Check it out. Well done Adam!
With the popularity of YouTube, and it's use by many facets of today's society, I can see an enormous potential for use by KCLS. What a great way to promote programs, services offered by the library system, and even some "helpful hints" about how to use those services. And with inventive tagging, it's easy to target those groups that might be interested in specific services. I look forward to the time when my searches turn up lots of KCLS related videos.
(#24 Podcast, Podcasts) http://kcls27things.blogspot.com/2007/05/24-podcast-podcasts.html
I enjoyed finding different library-related podcasts, however, I found it very frustrating to find the time to listen to the many items I discovered! I did try to listen to several of the podcasts from http://mrniceguy.org/ and plan to try more later. http://feeds.feedburner.com/MrNiceGuyShow
KCLS Post:
#24 - Podcast, Podcasts
Today we look at podcasts and podcasting.If these words are new to you, let me back up - a 'podcast' is a non-music audio or video recording that is distributed over the internet. The distribution is what makes a podcast unique. It's also what makes a podcast powerful - interested listeners or watchers can receive updates through RSS when new content is posted.VarietyPodcasts come in many shapes and sizes. They can be brief (like those you've seen in Learning 2.0) or considerably longer (interviews, panel discussions, radio shows, etc). They can be slickly produced radio broadcasts or home-grown recordings done with a $30 microphone and free software.And, despite the name, you don't need an iPod or a MP3 player to listen or watch - all you need is a computer with headphones or speakers.Find a podcastiTunes, free software from Apple, is the directory finding service most commonly associated with podcasts. It's tied to their online store but everything is free - you can browse by topic or search by keyword. iTunes also includes an amazing capacity for actually downloading the content you subscribe to automatically. And anyone can submit content for inclusion.But what if you don't use iTunes? There are plenty of other options.Podcast.net is one - try a search on 'library.'Podcastalley.com is another - try a search on 'library 2.0.'Yahoo Podcasts is still another - try a search on something that has nothing to do with libraries.Many podcast creators also post links to their podcasts on their websites. The NPR radio show Radio Open Source, for example, just featured an excellent program on web 2.0 tagging, classification schemes, and libraries. I missed the show but downloaded and listened to the podcast.Be the podcasterThe first thing I noticed when producing the first Learning 2.0 podcast was how remarkably simple it all was - all I needed was a microphone, some free editing software (I've been using Audacity), and a site to host the finished product (I've been using Twango).Don't believe me? Or do you want to learn more? Take a look at these links solely if you are interested - a Beginner's guide to Podcasts & Creating Podcasts or a 'How to podcast tutorial.'But now to the doing - today's Discovery Exercise.
Take a look at one of the three podcast directories:- Podcast.net- Podcastalley.com- Yahoo Podcasts
Take a look around
Locate some interesting library-related podcasts
Add the RSS feed for the one you like best to your Bloglines accountDid you see any library podcast ideas that would be worth trying at KCLS?Next up - ebooks, yes, KCLS ebooks...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 7:30 AM 4 comments
Tags: audio, itunes, podcasting, podcasts, video
(#25 Something to do with that MP3 Player) http://kcls27things.blogspot.com/2007/05/25-something-to-do-with-that-mp3-player.html
I am pleased with the variety of ebooks available through the KCLS catalog. I look forward to trying out some of them! Thanks!
KCLS Post:
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
#25 - Something To Do With That MP3 Player
To my surprise, we're almost done - today's lesson marks the end of our next-to-last week of Learning 2.0. This also means it's time to go mp3 player shopping. Thanks again to the KCLS foundation for funding this program completion reward.But with mp3 players on the brain, mine at least, today's lesson offers a perfect excuse to focus on our most popular free Audio eBook service, the OverDrive Audio Book collection.Ladies and Gentlemen, the Overdrive Download CollectionThere's a wonderfully wide range of audio books in the Overdrive Download Collection. Popular fiction, history, young adult, you name it.Overdrive, though, isn't just audio ebooks. Keep an eye out for different formats (text ebooks, video, classical music) in your search results - some of your favorite titles will not be available as audio downloads.You should also know that most downloads (all but the text ebooks) ask you to install the Overdrive Media Console. This is free software, worry not, but you're not going to be able to install it on a KCLS staff computer.How, then, do you download audio books?If you've got a computer and high speed internet at home, it's easy - install the Overdrive software and have at it.And if you don't have a computer and high speed internet at home? You'll be able to use one of the new public PCs (the thin client replacements) in our branches. Talk to your LTA to find out if your branch has added one or more of these new computers.Explore the collectionOkay, so where do you find Overdrive downloadable audio books?First off, there's an Overdrive catalog on our website - ebooks.kcls.org will take you straight in. You can also get there via the ebooks-Audio link found on our main website menu.Overdrive titles are also in our OPAC and in Catalog Explorer. It's especially easy to limit your search results in Catalog Explorer - choose 'e-book - audio' from the format refinement option on the right side of the screen.Today we'd like you to focus on the Overdrive catalog - get a feel for the collection and get ready to download ebooks on your new mp3 player in just a few weeks' time.So, straight off, to our low-key Discovery Excercise
Head over to our Overdrive Catalog
Explore - search for your favorite authors
Explore some more - browse a few subjects that interest you
Make a mental list of the titles you'd like to listen to once you get your mp3 player
That's all.Or, unless you need a visual kick-start - should you be having trouble making sense of our ebook site, feel free to take a look at this hastily-produced 3 and a half minute demonstrationPost-script: a number of you have run into error messages when installing the Overdrive software on your home computers. Read the comments to this posting for suggestions on dealing with 'parameter' and 'security upgrade' problems.Next up - the wrap up...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 4:20 PM 9 comments
Tags: ebooks, mp3 player, overdrive
KCLS Post:
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
an Update on Learning 2.0 Presentations
For those of you who were not able to attend or for those of you who want to relive the experience, the slides from both of our Learning 2.0 guest speakers are now online - Stephen Abram's February Talk and Aaron Schmidt's April Talks.
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 10:16 AM 1 comments
http://kcls27things.blogspot.com/2007/05/25-something-to-do-with-that-mp3-player.html
I could play on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/ all day! I found quite a few library postings, many of them hilarious. And people certainly love to post about their pets. I also enjoyed finding so many old TV commercials (boy, they made me feel old, especially when I shared them with my younger co-workers!).
YouTube has serious stuff in addition to all the funny/outrageous postings. I was pleased to find a video posted by Adam D. Vasquez, a Mt. Rainier High School student. "With Sympathy" was featured in the Images of Youth 2007 Video Festival, April 20, 2007 and depicts a teen fed up with all the violence around him. Check it out. Well done Adam!
With the popularity of YouTube, and it's use by many facets of today's society, I can see an enormous potential for use by KCLS. What a great way to promote programs, services offered by the library system, and even some "helpful hints" about how to use those services. And with inventive tagging, it's easy to target those groups that might be interested in specific services. I look forward to the time when my searches turn up lots of KCLS related videos.
KCLS Post: Sunday, April 29, 2007
#23 - Video In The Post-Betamax World
We've come a long way since the Betamax-VHS format wars of the 1980s. It's no longer about the shape of your video cassette. No, it's about how easily you can copy your files to your computer and save them to your preferred video sharing site.Online video has improved by leaps and bounds in the last few years - there's more of it, for sure, but the quality is much much higher (bigger screen sizes, fewer pauses when watching). This change is largely about improvements in technology - digital video cameras are much more common (including on standard digitial cameras and cell phones), highspeed internet access is much more common (important for watching videos but also for uploading them to the internet), video editing software has become far less expensive (often free online or pre-installed on newly purchased computers), and online storage (server space) has dropped dramatically in price.That last one, the price of online storage, has been revolutionary - without it, companies like YouTube would not be able to host videos from millions of users without charging them a dime.The (relative) ease of creating video, uploading it to the web, and storing it in an easy-to-access environment is starting to impact the way our society gets its news. Think about it - anyone with a digital camera can capture a news event on their cell phone video camera and save it to a YouTube account. Anyone remember the 2006 senate race in Virginia? The popular incumbent running for re-election started to lose steam after a YouTube video showed him insulting his oponent's campaign worker. He later lost the election. The video spread like wildfire in large part because of YouTube's video embedding function.Video EmbeddingAll YouTube videos offer code that allow you to embed a video (it doesn't have to be yours - you can embed any video you find on YouTube) on your website or blog. Look below where I've embedded an outstanding video on Web 2.0 - click on the play icon to start it up, press pause to make it stop.
ContentNow, please understand that it's not just serious stuff - reporting, politics, web 2.0. There's thousands and thousands of fun, even useless, videos on YouTube for your watching pleasure. Me, I'm big on nostalgia and found some old commercials (Life Cereal, Colgate Toothpaste), local history (anyone remember the Kingdome?), and a bit of classic Seattle hip-hop before I even ate breakfast today.But what about public libraries?How about showcasing the opening of new facilities? Or storytimes? Author interviews? There are many opportunities to use video out there. There's even library dominoes...Social Networking?YouTube employs many of the social networking components we've seen in previous Learning 2.0 lessons - all videos are tagged (you can't upload a video without adding at least one) and video watchers are able to comment on what they've watched (they can type their comments or leave a video response). YouTube has also introduced an online video editor which is perfect for making simple edits to cell phone videos.Google. Again.YouTube is no longer the fresh-faced start-up company it was two years ago - they become part of the Google empire in 2006. Google paid $1.6 billion (yes, billion) for the company. You see, even Google slips up sometimes - they got into the video game too late and decided it was smarter business to acquire their main competitor.Enough about Google, though. Time to search YouTube.Discovery Exercise.
Look for something that interests you on YouTube - spend a few minutes (and we mean just a few - it can get addictive) exploring.
Write a blog posting about your experience - what's your take on YouTube? Do you see any other possible uses for YouTube at KCLS?
Optional Last Step: try embedding the video you found in your blog. You'll need to use Blogger's Edit HTML tab when pasting this code.That's it for today, everyone, thanks for reading and doing.Next up - podcasts...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 10:23 PM 7 comments
Tags: video, youtube
(#24 Podcast, Podcasts) http://kcls27things.blogspot.com/2007/05/24-podcast-podcasts.html
I enjoyed finding different library-related podcasts, however, I found it very frustrating to find the time to listen to the many items I discovered! I did try to listen to several of the podcasts from http://mrniceguy.org/ and plan to try more later. http://feeds.feedburner.com/MrNiceGuyShow
KCLS Post:
#24 - Podcast, Podcasts
Today we look at podcasts and podcasting.If these words are new to you, let me back up - a 'podcast' is a non-music audio or video recording that is distributed over the internet. The distribution is what makes a podcast unique. It's also what makes a podcast powerful - interested listeners or watchers can receive updates through RSS when new content is posted.VarietyPodcasts come in many shapes and sizes. They can be brief (like those you've seen in Learning 2.0) or considerably longer (interviews, panel discussions, radio shows, etc). They can be slickly produced radio broadcasts or home-grown recordings done with a $30 microphone and free software.And, despite the name, you don't need an iPod or a MP3 player to listen or watch - all you need is a computer with headphones or speakers.Find a podcastiTunes, free software from Apple, is the directory finding service most commonly associated with podcasts. It's tied to their online store but everything is free - you can browse by topic or search by keyword. iTunes also includes an amazing capacity for actually downloading the content you subscribe to automatically. And anyone can submit content for inclusion.But what if you don't use iTunes? There are plenty of other options.Podcast.net is one - try a search on 'library.'Podcastalley.com is another - try a search on 'library 2.0.'Yahoo Podcasts is still another - try a search on something that has nothing to do with libraries.Many podcast creators also post links to their podcasts on their websites. The NPR radio show Radio Open Source, for example, just featured an excellent program on web 2.0 tagging, classification schemes, and libraries. I missed the show but downloaded and listened to the podcast.Be the podcasterThe first thing I noticed when producing the first Learning 2.0 podcast was how remarkably simple it all was - all I needed was a microphone, some free editing software (I've been using Audacity), and a site to host the finished product (I've been using Twango).Don't believe me? Or do you want to learn more? Take a look at these links solely if you are interested - a Beginner's guide to Podcasts & Creating Podcasts or a 'How to podcast tutorial.'But now to the doing - today's Discovery Exercise.
Take a look at one of the three podcast directories:- Podcast.net- Podcastalley.com- Yahoo Podcasts
Take a look around
Locate some interesting library-related podcasts
Add the RSS feed for the one you like best to your Bloglines accountDid you see any library podcast ideas that would be worth trying at KCLS?Next up - ebooks, yes, KCLS ebooks...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 7:30 AM 4 comments
Tags: audio, itunes, podcasting, podcasts, video
(#25 Something to do with that MP3 Player) http://kcls27things.blogspot.com/2007/05/25-something-to-do-with-that-mp3-player.html
I am pleased with the variety of ebooks available through the KCLS catalog. I look forward to trying out some of them! Thanks!
KCLS Post:
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
#25 - Something To Do With That MP3 Player
To my surprise, we're almost done - today's lesson marks the end of our next-to-last week of Learning 2.0. This also means it's time to go mp3 player shopping. Thanks again to the KCLS foundation for funding this program completion reward.But with mp3 players on the brain, mine at least, today's lesson offers a perfect excuse to focus on our most popular free Audio eBook service, the OverDrive Audio Book collection.Ladies and Gentlemen, the Overdrive Download CollectionThere's a wonderfully wide range of audio books in the Overdrive Download Collection. Popular fiction, history, young adult, you name it.Overdrive, though, isn't just audio ebooks. Keep an eye out for different formats (text ebooks, video, classical music) in your search results - some of your favorite titles will not be available as audio downloads.You should also know that most downloads (all but the text ebooks) ask you to install the Overdrive Media Console. This is free software, worry not, but you're not going to be able to install it on a KCLS staff computer.How, then, do you download audio books?If you've got a computer and high speed internet at home, it's easy - install the Overdrive software and have at it.And if you don't have a computer and high speed internet at home? You'll be able to use one of the new public PCs (the thin client replacements) in our branches. Talk to your LTA to find out if your branch has added one or more of these new computers.Explore the collectionOkay, so where do you find Overdrive downloadable audio books?First off, there's an Overdrive catalog on our website - ebooks.kcls.org will take you straight in. You can also get there via the ebooks-Audio link found on our main website menu.Overdrive titles are also in our OPAC and in Catalog Explorer. It's especially easy to limit your search results in Catalog Explorer - choose 'e-book - audio' from the format refinement option on the right side of the screen.Today we'd like you to focus on the Overdrive catalog - get a feel for the collection and get ready to download ebooks on your new mp3 player in just a few weeks' time.So, straight off, to our low-key Discovery Excercise
Head over to our Overdrive Catalog
Explore - search for your favorite authors
Explore some more - browse a few subjects that interest you
Make a mental list of the titles you'd like to listen to once you get your mp3 player
That's all.Or, unless you need a visual kick-start - should you be having trouble making sense of our ebook site, feel free to take a look at this hastily-produced 3 and a half minute demonstrationPost-script: a number of you have run into error messages when installing the Overdrive software on your home computers. Read the comments to this posting for suggestions on dealing with 'parameter' and 'security upgrade' problems.Next up - the wrap up...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 4:20 PM 9 comments
Tags: ebooks, mp3 player, overdrive
KCLS Post:
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
an Update on Learning 2.0 Presentations
For those of you who were not able to attend or for those of you who want to relive the experience, the slides from both of our Learning 2.0 guest speakers are now online - Stephen Abram's February Talk and Aaron Schmidt's April Talks.
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 10:16 AM 1 comments
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Online Applications and Tools (#20, 21, 22) - Week 10
(#20 - Online Software)
Google Doc's and Zoho's productivity software packages are a wonderful addition to Web services! No more compatibility issues. Access documents from any computer with an Internet connection. And people with permission can share programs online and work "together" on projects with relative ease. Sure, they're not as powerful as some of the other programs (Microsoft, anyone?), however, they have a lot going for them and are definitely worth a try!
Google Docs: https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=writely&passive=true&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F<mpl=homepage&nui=1
Zoho: http://zoho.com/
I actually prefer Google docs for easy of use. However Zoho seems to have more powerful programs available.
KCLS Post: Friday, April 20, 2007
#20 - Online Software
This week we'll spend our first two lessons with at least one familiar friend - Google. Today we look at online software (specifically 'productivity software' - word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) and tomorrow the Google development lab.But don't worry, we aren't on the Google payroll - we'll also be looking at another productivity software option today, Zoho.Productivity softwareWord processing, spreadsheets, calendars, you name it - thanks to our very local company (hello Microsoft), much of the world uses productivity software loaded on individual computers or, as is the case with KCLS thin clients, a shared server.Online versions of productivity software offer many of the same features yet are quite different from what is installed on your computer. How so?PriceThe online software we're looking at today is quite inexpensive - it's free. And there's a reason for this - it doesn't do nearly as much as the software installed on your computer. But how many of you use the power features in Excel (say, complex graphing) or Word (say, mail merge)? The core features you see in Google Docs and Zoho Writer match up surprisingly well.Software InstallationThere is none - all you need is a web browser and an internet connection. Working on a computer that doesn't have Excel? No problem.CollaborationIt's much easier to work on projects with others - colleagues, community group members, family, friends, whomever. Say, for example, you are working with your neighborhood community council to secure city funding for a project. You post the first draft of a letter, your neighbors make edits or add text to the document, and you bring the completed letter to your next meeting. Much like using a Wiki, the 'shared workspace' means noone is accidentally looking at out-of-date content. Freedom From File FormatsHave you ever helped a patron who can't open the resume they created on a friend's computer? Very often it's a file format problem - a document created in the word processing software that came pre-installed on the computer, for example, may not open in Microsoft Word. Online productivity software offers another way to solve this problem - you can open a wider range of file formats.Even Better Than The P: DriveThe documents you create with Google Docs and Zoho are saved to an online account and can be accessed from any computer with internet access - disks and/or flash drives are not required.Discovery ExcerciseBest, though, to see for yourself - try out Google Docs and Zoho and see if they work for you.Part 1: Google Docs
Take their quick tour to learn more.
At the end of the tour, click on 'try it out.'
Login with the Google account you've used for previous Learning 2.0 exercises (or, if you are already logged in, skip to the next step)
You choose - create a new document (for word processing) or spreadsheet
Add some quick text and save your document (there's a big 'save' button in the top right corner of the screen).
Take a look at the collaborate options (notice the 'View RSS feed of document changes' link?) and whatever else interests you.
Take a deep breath and move on to Part 2.Part 2: Zoho
Head over to Zoho and take note of the wider range of software they offer.
Try the same type of software you used in Google Docs - click on the 'Try Now' link.
Sign up for an account (and don't worry about the email confirmation unless you want to keep the account up - if you don't respond your account will be deleted in 7 days)
Add some quick text and save your document (there's a 'save' button similar to what you see in MS Word)
Take a look at some of the options (share, history, etc) located just above your text.Part 3: What do you think?
Let us know in your blogNext up: Google Labs...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 12:39 PM 2 comments
Tags: Collaboration, google, Online Software, Zoho
(#21 - the Labs of Google)
http://labs.google.com/
Apparently Beta testing can be fun! I played with
Google Reader https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?nui=1&service=reader&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Freader%2F
Google Notebook https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=notebook&passive=true&nui=1&amp;amp;amp;continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fnotebook%2Fdownload%3Fcontinue%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252Fnotebook%252F%26hl%3Den&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fnotebook%2Fdownload%3Fcontinue%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252Fnotebook%252F%26hl%3Den&hl=en
Google Video http://video.google.com/
Google Mars http://www.google.com/mars/
Google Suggest http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en
and my favorite Google Trends (loved that one) http://www.google.com/trends It was interesting to note the popular searches and to see the stories that might have inspired them.
I'll go back to Google Labs whenever I get the chance to see whats new.
(#22 - Choose Your Own Adventure)
Web 2.0 Awards http://www.seomoz.org/web2.0/
In this site I checked out http://odeo.com/ which lists podcasts and compared it with http://www.podshow.com/
Webware http://www.webware.com/8300-1_109-2.html
I much preferred using Web 2.0 Awards. I found it much easier to navigate with many wonderful web options. I will visit this site often.
Google Doc's and Zoho's productivity software packages are a wonderful addition to Web services! No more compatibility issues. Access documents from any computer with an Internet connection. And people with permission can share programs online and work "together" on projects with relative ease. Sure, they're not as powerful as some of the other programs (Microsoft, anyone?), however, they have a lot going for them and are definitely worth a try!
Google Docs: https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=writely&passive=true&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F<mpl=homepage&nui=1
Zoho: http://zoho.com/
I actually prefer Google docs for easy of use. However Zoho seems to have more powerful programs available.
KCLS Post: Friday, April 20, 2007
#20 - Online Software
This week we'll spend our first two lessons with at least one familiar friend - Google. Today we look at online software (specifically 'productivity software' - word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) and tomorrow the Google development lab.But don't worry, we aren't on the Google payroll - we'll also be looking at another productivity software option today, Zoho.Productivity softwareWord processing, spreadsheets, calendars, you name it - thanks to our very local company (hello Microsoft), much of the world uses productivity software loaded on individual computers or, as is the case with KCLS thin clients, a shared server.Online versions of productivity software offer many of the same features yet are quite different from what is installed on your computer. How so?PriceThe online software we're looking at today is quite inexpensive - it's free. And there's a reason for this - it doesn't do nearly as much as the software installed on your computer. But how many of you use the power features in Excel (say, complex graphing) or Word (say, mail merge)? The core features you see in Google Docs and Zoho Writer match up surprisingly well.Software InstallationThere is none - all you need is a web browser and an internet connection. Working on a computer that doesn't have Excel? No problem.CollaborationIt's much easier to work on projects with others - colleagues, community group members, family, friends, whomever. Say, for example, you are working with your neighborhood community council to secure city funding for a project. You post the first draft of a letter, your neighbors make edits or add text to the document, and you bring the completed letter to your next meeting. Much like using a Wiki, the 'shared workspace' means noone is accidentally looking at out-of-date content. Freedom From File FormatsHave you ever helped a patron who can't open the resume they created on a friend's computer? Very often it's a file format problem - a document created in the word processing software that came pre-installed on the computer, for example, may not open in Microsoft Word. Online productivity software offers another way to solve this problem - you can open a wider range of file formats.Even Better Than The P: DriveThe documents you create with Google Docs and Zoho are saved to an online account and can be accessed from any computer with internet access - disks and/or flash drives are not required.Discovery ExcerciseBest, though, to see for yourself - try out Google Docs and Zoho and see if they work for you.Part 1: Google Docs
Take their quick tour to learn more.
At the end of the tour, click on 'try it out.'
Login with the Google account you've used for previous Learning 2.0 exercises (or, if you are already logged in, skip to the next step)
You choose - create a new document (for word processing) or spreadsheet
Add some quick text and save your document (there's a big 'save' button in the top right corner of the screen).
Take a look at the collaborate options (notice the 'View RSS feed of document changes' link?) and whatever else interests you.
Take a deep breath and move on to Part 2.Part 2: Zoho
Head over to Zoho and take note of the wider range of software they offer.
Try the same type of software you used in Google Docs - click on the 'Try Now' link.
Sign up for an account (and don't worry about the email confirmation unless you want to keep the account up - if you don't respond your account will be deleted in 7 days)
Add some quick text and save your document (there's a 'save' button similar to what you see in MS Word)
Take a look at some of the options (share, history, etc) located just above your text.Part 3: What do you think?
Let us know in your blogNext up: Google Labs...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 12:39 PM 2 comments
Tags: Collaboration, google, Online Software, Zoho
(#21 - the Labs of Google)
http://labs.google.com/
Apparently Beta testing can be fun! I played with
Google Reader https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?nui=1&service=reader&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Freader%2F
Google Notebook https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=notebook&passive=true&nui=1&amp;amp;amp;continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fnotebook%2Fdownload%3Fcontinue%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252Fnotebook%252F%26hl%3Den&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fnotebook%2Fdownload%3Fcontinue%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252Fnotebook%252F%26hl%3Den&hl=en
Google Video http://video.google.com/
Google Mars http://www.google.com/mars/
Google Suggest http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en
and my favorite Google Trends (loved that one) http://www.google.com/trends It was interesting to note the popular searches and to see the stories that might have inspired them.
I'll go back to Google Labs whenever I get the chance to see whats new.
KCLS Posts: Monday, April 23, 2007
#21 - The labs of Google
You may have noticed that some of the web 2.0 services we've looked at are more complete than others. In the case of the later, most of the expected service features work but the overall service has yet to be perfected. Welcome to perpetual beta, a frequent occurance in the world of Web 2.0 where services are in a constant state of improvement.Perpetual BetaTim O'Reilly, originator of the 'web 2.0' moniker, describes it this way:
the product is developed in the open, with new features slipstreamed in on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis. It's no accident that services such as Gmail, Google Maps, Flickr, del.icio.us, and the like may be expected to bear a "Beta" logo for years at a time.
(the relevant section of this article is great, though long and technical)Google and BetaToday we look at the officially sanctioned world of Google beta products. Why Google? They're doing some wonderfully interesting things and most of the customization functions will work with the Google ID you set up for your Learning 2.0 blog.Yes, I'm finally learning - we're trying to save you from password fatigue.Google's beta world is officially labeled Google Labs.This is where you can go to see their new ideas, some old ideas that were never-quite-completed, and a list of 'graduates' that are now in wider use.Though some of the products you'll see in Google Labs are quite complex, today's lesson and Discovery Exercise are nice and simple.
Head over to Google Labs
Play around with 2 or 3 of the services listed - I highly recommend Google Trends which analyzes (instead of searching) occurances of your search terms
Blog about your experiences, what worked, what didn't work, what was potentially usefulAnd then give yourself some silent applause - you are halfway through the third to last week of Learning 2.0.Next up: Web 2.0 Award Winners...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 1:30 PM 2 comments
Tags: beta, google
(#22 - Choose Your Own Adventure)
Web 2.0 Awards http://www.seomoz.org/web2.0/
In this site I checked out http://odeo.com/ which lists podcasts and compared it with http://www.podshow.com/
Webware http://www.webware.com/8300-1_109-2.html
I much preferred using Web 2.0 Awards. I found it much easier to navigate with many wonderful web options. I will visit this site often.
KCLS Post:Tuesday, April 24, 2007
#22 - Choose Your Own Adventure
We're getting closer and closer to the conclusion of our Learning 2.0 program - this is the 22nd of 27 things we'll be looking at.But what if we were going to do 28? Or 37? Or 239?Okay, there's no way we'd do 239. But 28 or 37? That wouldn't be a problem - there's lots out there that we simply don't have time to explore in great detail.Today you get to choose - pick a web 2.0 service that is new to you and give it a try.But from where?Lists and Lists of Web 2.0The first place to consider is the 2007 Web 2.0 Awards (this is an update as of 5/9/2007 - this lesson originally pointed to the 2006 awards). These were choosen from an extensive list of category-arranged nominees. You'll see familiar services listed (ie Flickr, Technorati) but many more we've not looked at yet - try something that is new to you.You might also take a look at Webware. Webware documents newly released and newly updated web 2.0 services - postings focus on individual services, service categories, and/or related news of the day.And the Discovery Exercise?
Pick one of the sources mentioned above - the Web 2.0 Awards or Webware
Did you choose the Web 2.0 Award nominees? Select a category that interests you (ie 'Books' or 'Personal Organization') and take a look at one of the listed nominees. If your first choice isn't interesting, head back and try another.
Did you choose Webware? Select a category that interest you (ie 'Education and Reference' or 'Productivity and Business') from the category list on the right side of the screen. Investigate one of the web 2.0 tools mentioned in this category. If your first choice isn't interesting, head back and try another.
Blog about your experiences - tell us what you looked at and what you thought. Is this something that might prove useful at KCLS? Please make sure you include the service name and URL in your blog entry.That's all for today. Two more weeks to go...Next up: video...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 3:23 PM 1 comments
Tags: Web 2.0
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Library 2.0 (#19)
http://www.oclc.org/nextspace/002/1.htm
New styles of libraries and new ways for libraries to reach patrons are on the horizon (and in some cases are here), as exemplified in the readings attached to the previous link.
Libraries are changing. With the proliferation of Web services, our patrons expect more and more of library staff. Not only are we expected to maintain and expand our present extensive collections, we are also expected to be the ultimate purveyors of information of all types, and to be able to teach our patrons how to use all the technology that we "must" provide for them so that they may access that information. We must also be prepared to help our patrons when things don't go exactly as they planned. And, heaven forbid, what to do if the computers go down and the patrons panic? We must also have basic troubleshooting and repair skills. Staff has to constantly evolve to keep pace.
As a whole, our staff is exceptionally well prepared. And I am pleased that our library system is venturing into addressing the needs of the "new" patron in our Web-conscious society.
That said, I hope we don't forget those patrons who are not as comfortable with many of the Web services as exemplified in many of these Web 2.0 lessons. We have a large senior population by our branch, and many of them are struggling with basic technology issues, let alone trying to understand the various opportunities now available on the Web. In addition there are the many people that depend on our library for many of the services that they cannot otherwise afford and are just trying to learn basic computer and traditional library skills.
As we strive to address the future of libraries, let's also remember to maintain what's the best of our past.
KCLS Post:
Monday, April 16, 2007
#19 - Library 2.0
Today we focus on the 2.0 part of Learning 2.0. The 2.0 is, you may have guessed, what links our program to the broader entity known as Web 2.0. The 2.0 also links our program to what many in the library world are calling Library 2.0.A popular definition of Library 2.0 is provided by Sarah Houghton:
Library 2.0 simply means making your library’s space (virtual and physical) more interactive, collaborative, and driven by community needs. Examples of where to start include blogs, gaming nights for teens, and collaborative photo sites. The basic drive is to get people back into the library by making the library relevant to what they want and need in their daily lives…to make the library a destination and not an afterthought.Library 2.0 is also big on offering customization - new services and/or reworked existing services should meet our patrons in their spaces (aka their computers, their cell phones, their blackberries, etc.) as well as in our spaces (aka our library buildings and websites).Some argue that Library 2.0 is nothing more than a convenient catch phrase for new technology. Others say it's a semantic waste of time - libraries have always been about collaboration and customer service.There's been lots (and lots) written about Library 2.0 in Library Journals and the blogsphere. So much that we're going to ask you to read from just 1 source - the OCLC Next Space Newsletter. They recently published a collection of short articles under the banner "Where will the next generation Web take libraries?"And now, more formally, today's Discovery Exercise.
Read the introduction
Read at least 3 of the 5 articles (or all 5) - these are:- Away from Icebergs- Into a new world of librarianship- To more powerful ways to cooperate- To better bibliographic services- To a temporary place in time
Let us know what you think - blog a bit about Library 2.0That's all for this week - thanks for keeping at it.Next up: Online applications and tools...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 6:55 PM 2 comments
Tags: Library 2.0, Web 2.0
New styles of libraries and new ways for libraries to reach patrons are on the horizon (and in some cases are here), as exemplified in the readings attached to the previous link.
Libraries are changing. With the proliferation of Web services, our patrons expect more and more of library staff. Not only are we expected to maintain and expand our present extensive collections, we are also expected to be the ultimate purveyors of information of all types, and to be able to teach our patrons how to use all the technology that we "must" provide for them so that they may access that information. We must also be prepared to help our patrons when things don't go exactly as they planned. And, heaven forbid, what to do if the computers go down and the patrons panic? We must also have basic troubleshooting and repair skills. Staff has to constantly evolve to keep pace.
As a whole, our staff is exceptionally well prepared. And I am pleased that our library system is venturing into addressing the needs of the "new" patron in our Web-conscious society.
That said, I hope we don't forget those patrons who are not as comfortable with many of the Web services as exemplified in many of these Web 2.0 lessons. We have a large senior population by our branch, and many of them are struggling with basic technology issues, let alone trying to understand the various opportunities now available on the Web. In addition there are the many people that depend on our library for many of the services that they cannot otherwise afford and are just trying to learn basic computer and traditional library skills.
As we strive to address the future of libraries, let's also remember to maintain what's the best of our past.
KCLS Post:
Monday, April 16, 2007
#19 - Library 2.0
Today we focus on the 2.0 part of Learning 2.0. The 2.0 is, you may have guessed, what links our program to the broader entity known as Web 2.0. The 2.0 also links our program to what many in the library world are calling Library 2.0.A popular definition of Library 2.0 is provided by Sarah Houghton:
Library 2.0 simply means making your library’s space (virtual and physical) more interactive, collaborative, and driven by community needs. Examples of where to start include blogs, gaming nights for teens, and collaborative photo sites. The basic drive is to get people back into the library by making the library relevant to what they want and need in their daily lives…to make the library a destination and not an afterthought.Library 2.0 is also big on offering customization - new services and/or reworked existing services should meet our patrons in their spaces (aka their computers, their cell phones, their blackberries, etc.) as well as in our spaces (aka our library buildings and websites).Some argue that Library 2.0 is nothing more than a convenient catch phrase for new technology. Others say it's a semantic waste of time - libraries have always been about collaboration and customer service.There's been lots (and lots) written about Library 2.0 in Library Journals and the blogsphere. So much that we're going to ask you to read from just 1 source - the OCLC Next Space Newsletter. They recently published a collection of short articles under the banner "Where will the next generation Web take libraries?"And now, more formally, today's Discovery Exercise.
Read the introduction
Read at least 3 of the 5 articles (or all 5) - these are:- Away from Icebergs- Into a new world of librarianship- To more powerful ways to cooperate- To better bibliographic services- To a temporary place in time
Let us know what you think - blog a bit about Library 2.0That's all for this week - thanks for keeping at it.Next up: Online applications and tools...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 6:55 PM 2 comments
Tags: Library 2.0, Web 2.0
Custom Search Engines (#18)
I found the Google Custom Search Engine much easier to use and understand than Rollyo Search Roll. Didn't have time to play around with them too much (although I did a little). I decided to go right into creating my own custom engine with Google. This was much more difficult for me than I anticipated from the instructions. Part of my problem was trying to figure out which URL's to include in my search engine. I didn't want to include many of the larger ones as I thought that might defeat the purpose. And I had a difficult time with search engine key words (I plan to add more later). So this is what I came up with:
Places to Nosh in Seattle (courtesy of Google)
http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=016727378492053632594%3Anolxlfcpkam&hl=en
I tried searching the name of a particular restaurant and it worked!
KCLS Post:
Friday, April 13, 2007
#18 - Search What You Like
This week's lessons are not linked very well thematically - we look at custom search engines today and at the broader themes of 2.0 tomorrow. It is with this in mind that we've decided to skip our regularly scheduled weekly podcast and head straight to the lesson-at-hand.Today's lesson: search what you likeDo you have a group of websites that are your favorites? Or a set of online resources that are similar in scope, that you frequently use to answer homework or reference questions? If you answered yes to either question, a custom search engine may be the tool for you - they search the websites you tell them to search. Nothing more.In today's lesson we'll be looking at two services - Rollyo and Google Custom Search Engine.RollyoFirst off, the originator - Rollyo.It's easy to use - you go to their website, you set up a profile, you add the websites you want to search, you get a permanent URL for your new search engine (these are called 'search rolls'). You can even invite friends or colleagues to add sites to the search engine. Or add a search box to your blog.The drawback? Rollyo is funded by sponsored search results - you'll see these in your results. There are hundreds of interesting Rollyo search rolls out there already. These range from the library-centric (Library Organizations, Public Domain eBooks), to the politically-charged (the left and the right), to the utterly obsessive (Everything Star Wars), to just about anything else.Google Custom Search EngineAnd then there's this little software company in California - it's called Google. Google has a relatively new service they're calling the Google Custom Search Engine. The concept is the same - you set up an account, create a custom search, add sites to it, and receive a permanent URL for easy access. Their service carries a pleasant benefit for we Learning 2.0 participants - you can use the same Google ID you've already set up for blogging.Some existing search site examples include an Independent Film Search, a Wine Search Engine and quite a few others.But which one should you use? That's what today's Discovery Exercise is all about - it's a custom search engine show-down...Part 1: Compare the resultsWe've created a 'KCLS & Neighbors' search in Rollyo and Google - both search the KCLS website as well as those of neighboring library systems (SPL, Sno-Isle, and Tacoma Public).
Head over to our Rollyo Search Roll (this will open in a separate window) and try a few searches. On what? How about library card applications or branch locations or gaming programs.
Head over to our Google Custom Search Engine (this will open in a separate window) and run the same searches.
Which did you like better?Part 2: Make Your OwnChoose the custom search tool you like best and create your own.If you choose Rollyo:
Register
Create a search roll for any subject you like.If you choose Google Custom Search Engine:
Sign in with your Google ID and set things upIn both cases:Create a post in your blog about your experience and link to your search roll. Can you see a potential use for tools like this?And that, everyone, is all for today - have fun searching.Next up: More 2.0 than you ever imagined...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 2:53 PM 0 comments
Tags: custom search engines, google, rollyo, search
Places to Nosh in Seattle (courtesy of Google)
http://www.google.com/coop/cse?cx=016727378492053632594%3Anolxlfcpkam&hl=en
I tried searching the name of a particular restaurant and it worked!
KCLS Post:
Friday, April 13, 2007
#18 - Search What You Like
This week's lessons are not linked very well thematically - we look at custom search engines today and at the broader themes of 2.0 tomorrow. It is with this in mind that we've decided to skip our regularly scheduled weekly podcast and head straight to the lesson-at-hand.Today's lesson: search what you likeDo you have a group of websites that are your favorites? Or a set of online resources that are similar in scope, that you frequently use to answer homework or reference questions? If you answered yes to either question, a custom search engine may be the tool for you - they search the websites you tell them to search. Nothing more.In today's lesson we'll be looking at two services - Rollyo and Google Custom Search Engine.RollyoFirst off, the originator - Rollyo.It's easy to use - you go to their website, you set up a profile, you add the websites you want to search, you get a permanent URL for your new search engine (these are called 'search rolls'). You can even invite friends or colleagues to add sites to the search engine. Or add a search box to your blog.The drawback? Rollyo is funded by sponsored search results - you'll see these in your results. There are hundreds of interesting Rollyo search rolls out there already. These range from the library-centric (Library Organizations, Public Domain eBooks), to the politically-charged (the left and the right), to the utterly obsessive (Everything Star Wars), to just about anything else.Google Custom Search EngineAnd then there's this little software company in California - it's called Google. Google has a relatively new service they're calling the Google Custom Search Engine. The concept is the same - you set up an account, create a custom search, add sites to it, and receive a permanent URL for easy access. Their service carries a pleasant benefit for we Learning 2.0 participants - you can use the same Google ID you've already set up for blogging.Some existing search site examples include an Independent Film Search, a Wine Search Engine and quite a few others.But which one should you use? That's what today's Discovery Exercise is all about - it's a custom search engine show-down...Part 1: Compare the resultsWe've created a 'KCLS & Neighbors' search in Rollyo and Google - both search the KCLS website as well as those of neighboring library systems (SPL, Sno-Isle, and Tacoma Public).
Head over to our Rollyo Search Roll (this will open in a separate window) and try a few searches. On what? How about library card applications or branch locations or gaming programs.
Head over to our Google Custom Search Engine (this will open in a separate window) and run the same searches.
Which did you like better?Part 2: Make Your OwnChoose the custom search tool you like best and create your own.If you choose Rollyo:
Register
Create a search roll for any subject you like.If you choose Google Custom Search Engine:
Sign in with your Google ID and set things upIn both cases:Create a post in your blog about your experience and link to your search roll. Can you see a potential use for tools like this?And that, everyone, is all for today - have fun searching.Next up: More 2.0 than you ever imagined...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 2:53 PM 0 comments
Tags: custom search engines, google, rollyo, search
Friday, May 11, 2007
Play . . . Generators (#17)
Music please . . .
"You make me feel like dancin' - Dancin' the night away . . ."
I had a great time playing with some of the Generators! However, saving my creations to my blog was another thing. If I ever have some more time to "play" I do plan on going back to http://generatorblog.blogspot.com/ to try some more sites (and to share these with my kids). What fun!
KCLS Post:
Friday, April 6, 2007
#17 - Play, then catch up or take a break
This week we slow things down a bit - we've got just one lesson, a fast and fun one at that, and then time for you to take a break and/or catch up on previous lessons.But first an update on the state of Learning 2.0 - David and Bruce Schauer fill you in on a few of the details in this week's podcast.
Click the Play button aboveto hear this week's Podcast (1:42)Now on to this week's lesson - we'd like you to take a look at some image and text generators. These are minor feats of programming that have resulted in fun, sometimes silly, ways to spend a few minutes.And how do these affect libraries?Well, I'll be honest, my answer is going to be something of a stretch. Libraries and these image generators, broadly speaking, encourage you to keep an open mind...So, with an open mind, let's get to today's Discovery Exercise.
Take a look at some generator-themed sites:The Generator Blog lists many. Take a look at the descriptions and see if something interests you. Me, I'm a big fan of the Nietzsche Family Circus Generator.FD Toys works with Flickr or other photos you may have saved on your computer to create faux posters, magazine covers, and (some of you may have even looked at these during our Mashups lesson).You as a South Park Character - join me, take the plunge:(be warned - these are a bit difficult to save)You as a Simpsons Character(clearly, I need to stay away from Springfield)
Create an image from any of the above and, if possible, save a copy to your blog (first save the image to your computer, then use the blogger 'add image' button) or link the image to your blog.And that's all for the week. Enjoy your break (or catch-up) and we'll be back with a full week of Learning 2.0 next Monday.PostscriptMany of you have braved the complex maneuver of saving your South Park and Simpsons images. If you are still having problems, here's one way to do it:
Open up the 'Paint' program (Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > Paint)
Go back to the webpage with your finished character
Press the PrtSc button on your keyboard
Go back to Paint
Go under the 'Edit' menu and choose 'Paste.' This will paste the entire screen
Crop the image down (to show just your character), click on the box icon in the top left corner of your screen (it looks like a square with dotted lines)
Drag a box around the part of the screen you want to KEEP
Go under the 'Edit' menu and select 'Copy to...'
From the resulting menu, save it to your computer's desktop
The image is now ready for uploading via your blogger 'Add Image' button Next up: searching and more 2.0 concepts...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 2:50 PM 5 comments
Tags: Image Generators, Mashups
#17 - Play, then catch up or take a break
This week we slow things down a bit - we've got just one lesson, a fast and fun one at that, and then time for you to take a break and/or catch up on previous lessons.But first an update on the state of Learning 2.0 - David and Bruce Schauer fill you in on a few of the details in this week's podcast.
Click the Play button aboveto hear this week's Podcast (1:42)Now on to this week's lesson - we'd like you to take a look at some image and text generators. These are minor feats of programming that have resulted in fun, sometimes silly, ways to spend a few minutes.And how do these affect libraries?Well, I'll be honest, my answer is going to be something of a stretch. Libraries and these image generators, broadly speaking, encourage you to keep an open mind...So, with an open mind, let's get to today's Discovery Exercise.
Take a look at some generator-themed sites:The Generator Blog lists many. Take a look at the descriptions and see if something interests you. Me, I'm a big fan of the Nietzsche Family Circus Generator.FD Toys works with Flickr or other photos you may have saved on your computer to create faux posters, magazine covers, and (some of you may have even looked at these during our Mashups lesson).You as a South Park Character - join me, take the plunge:(be warned - these are a bit difficult to save)You as a Simpsons Character(clearly, I need to stay away from Springfield)
Create an image from any of the above and, if possible, save a copy to your blog (first save the image to your computer, then use the blogger 'add image' button) or link the image to your blog.And that's all for the week. Enjoy your break (or catch-up) and we'll be back with a full week of Learning 2.0 next Monday.PostscriptMany of you have braved the complex maneuver of saving your South Park and Simpsons images. If you are still having problems, here's one way to do it:
Open up the 'Paint' program (Start Menu > Programs > Accessories > Paint)
Go back to the webpage with your finished character
Press the PrtSc button on your keyboard
Go back to Paint
Go under the 'Edit' menu and choose 'Paste.' This will paste the entire screen
Crop the image down (to show just your character), click on the box icon in the top left corner of your screen (it looks like a square with dotted lines)
Drag a box around the part of the screen you want to KEEP
Go under the 'Edit' menu and select 'Copy to...'
From the resulting menu, save it to your computer's desktop
The image is now ready for uploading via your blogger 'Add Image' button Next up: searching and more 2.0 concepts...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 2:50 PM 5 comments
Tags: Image Generators, Mashups
Join the Wiki Collective (#16)
I found joining the Wiki fairly easy given the detailed instructions provided.
KCLS Post:
Monday, April 2, 2007
#16 - Join the Wiki collective
In today's lesson you'll get to join the collective.Okay, not the collective (that's the last Borg joke I'll make, promise), but the Learning 2.0 collective - you'll get to add content to the Learning 2.0 Wiki.Wikis, as we've already discussed, come in many shapes and sizes. Still another variation in the world of wikis is where your wiki lives - you can install wiki software on a server at your institution (like what we do with our website and email) or you can use a service that hosts the wiki for you. For today's exercise, we'll be doing the later - our Learning 2.0 wiki was set up with a service called PB Wiki.Which is why you should take their quick quick PB Wiki Tour (this will open in a separate window). They'll detail the service and fill you in on a number of intersting ways to use wikis - keep clicking on the 'next' button to get to the next screen. Once you run out of 'next' buttons, you've come to the end of the tour.We're moving quickly today - we're already up to today's Discovery Exercise where you'll become a contributer to the Learning 2.0 Wiki.
Head over to the Learning 2.0 Wiki (link will open in a separate window).
Read the main page and follow instructions for making your way to the 'best blogs ever' wiki page.
Add your blog to the 'best blogs ever' wiki page - instructions will be at the top of the page. Make sure you include your blogging name in the appropriate space so that we know it was youAnd you're done - thanks for becoming a Learning 2.0 wiki contributor.Up next: play and catch up...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 11:37 AM 7 comments
Tags: pbwiki, wikis
KCLS Post:
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
an Update on MySpace Friends and Email Verification
A number of you have reported problems with the MySpace friending process. You'll be asked to verify your email, you try, but it doesn't work.The problem, I fear, lies with MySpace - you are doing nothing wrong.If this is happening to you, please don't worry about it. Give it another try later in the week but, should you continue to get the cold shoulder from MySpace, consider lesson #11 complete. Just make sure you do two things when you submit your Week #5 progress log: leave a checkmark next to the 'friend' box (#11) and enter your MySpace URL in the appropriate slot (so that we know you really are our 'friend').
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 1:48 PM 1 comments
KCLS Post:
Monday, April 2, 2007
#16 - Join the Wiki collective
In today's lesson you'll get to join the collective.Okay, not the collective (that's the last Borg joke I'll make, promise), but the Learning 2.0 collective - you'll get to add content to the Learning 2.0 Wiki.Wikis, as we've already discussed, come in many shapes and sizes. Still another variation in the world of wikis is where your wiki lives - you can install wiki software on a server at your institution (like what we do with our website and email) or you can use a service that hosts the wiki for you. For today's exercise, we'll be doing the later - our Learning 2.0 wiki was set up with a service called PB Wiki.Which is why you should take their quick quick PB Wiki Tour (this will open in a separate window). They'll detail the service and fill you in on a number of intersting ways to use wikis - keep clicking on the 'next' button to get to the next screen. Once you run out of 'next' buttons, you've come to the end of the tour.We're moving quickly today - we're already up to today's Discovery Exercise where you'll become a contributer to the Learning 2.0 Wiki.
Head over to the Learning 2.0 Wiki (link will open in a separate window).
Read the main page and follow instructions for making your way to the 'best blogs ever' wiki page.
Add your blog to the 'best blogs ever' wiki page - instructions will be at the top of the page. Make sure you include your blogging name in the appropriate space so that we know it was youAnd you're done - thanks for becoming a Learning 2.0 wiki contributor.Up next: play and catch up...
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 11:37 AM 7 comments
Tags: pbwiki, wikis
KCLS Post:
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
an Update on MySpace Friends and Email Verification
A number of you have reported problems with the MySpace friending process. You'll be asked to verify your email, you try, but it doesn't work.The problem, I fear, lies with MySpace - you are doing nothing wrong.If this is happening to you, please don't worry about it. Give it another try later in the week but, should you continue to get the cold shoulder from MySpace, consider lesson #11 complete. Just make sure you do two things when you submit your Week #5 progress log: leave a checkmark next to the 'friend' box (#11) and enter your MySpace URL in the appropriate slot (so that we know you really are our 'friend').
Posted by KCLS Learning 2.0 at 1:48 PM 1 comments
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