Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thing #20 Libraries and Social Networks
Young people all over use FaceBook and MySpace. Gradually, teachers and librarians are becoming familiar with these and other social networks. I appreciate Librarian Meredith Farkas' discussion of pros and cons of FaceBook and MySpace and agree that these social networking sites offer great opportunites as well as great problems for their subscribers and for libraries. She says that if library patrons are visiting these sites, libraries may want to have a presence there as well, and they should build the library presence effectively. For example, Denver Public Library's MySpace page for teens includes many resources, including a Poem of the Day podcast. The Hennepin County Library MySpace page lists the top ten books for 2007 and asks for added comments.
Thing #19 Podcasts
There's a wealth of information available on podcasts. Directories like Podcast.com list many. One example is NPR Books, now linked to my GoogleReader account. I'm also pleased to learn about telephone-based Gcast, for easy podcast-creating.
Occasionally I listen to MPR podcasts when I miss a show or want to listen again to something of interest. Today I found MPR's "Grammar Grater," Episode 41, which reminds us to say, "I feel bad," rather than "I feel badly." American RadioWorks' Catherine Winter explains how people overcorrect, trying hard to be grammatically correct by saying "badly" when they should say "bad." She emphasizes, "There is no circumstance when you should say 'I feel badly.'" This retired English teacher says thank you so much, Catherine.
Occasionally I listen to MPR podcasts when I miss a show or want to listen again to something of interest. Today I found MPR's "Grammar Grater," Episode 41, which reminds us to say, "I feel bad," rather than "I feel badly." American RadioWorks' Catherine Winter explains how people overcorrect, trying hard to be grammatically correct by saying "badly" when they should say "bad." She emphasizes, "There is no circumstance when you should say 'I feel badly.'" This retired English teacher says thank you so much, Catherine.
Thing #18 YouTube and other Online Videos
YouTube and other onlinevideos entertain and instruct, with a variety of topics, including musical performances, yoga demonstrations, and news broadcasts. I have used them at home and at school and continue to be amazed at how much is available. Today's video is perfect for such a rainy day.
"Time Lapse Blooming of a Geranium"
"Time Lapse Blooming of a Geranium"
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Thing #17: ELM Productivity Tools
The ELM Productivity Tools include several databases plus web page and notes features to help a person research efficiently. After watching the video and trying unsuccessfully to get the RSS feed for my EBSCO search on youth smoking onto my Google Reader page, I looked at the comments for Thing 17. Thanks to step-by-step directions from "Julie's 23 Web Activities on a Stick," it worked. I created an EBSCO Host folder a few days ago and already found two new articles in the folder.
For Step Two, I created a web page for sock knitting, including text, links, and an illustration. The web page feature would work well for any teaching unit. I sure wish I'd investigated it a few years ago. Step Three's email and downloading of the web page of the refined search about social networking worked well too.
Step four: I created an account in NetLibrary and found the title 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site but got this messge: We're sorry, your library's copies of this eContent are currently in use. I used another ebook about web pages and made a note.
I agree that if I want to help others use the databases, I need to learn to use them efficiently. These exercises are a good way to try out a variety of the ELM resources and extra features.
For Step Two, I created a web page for sock knitting, including text, links, and an illustration. The web page feature would work well for any teaching unit. I sure wish I'd investigated it a few years ago. Step Three's email and downloading of the web page of the refined search about social networking worked well too.
Step four: I created an account in NetLibrary and found the title 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site but got this messge: We're sorry, your library's copies of this eContent are currently in use. I used another ebook about web pages and made a note.
I agree that if I want to help others use the databases, I need to learn to use them efficiently. These exercises are a good way to try out a variety of the ELM resources and extra features.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Thing #16 Student 2.0 Tools
The Research Project Calculator is an excellent step-by-step guide for secondary students to prepare essays, slide presentations, and videos. Very similar material is found in English textbooks, but the Calculator offers lots in one place. I like the precise directions and links to more help right on the screen, as well as the set schedule and availability of email reminders. Student Resources include a rubric, glossary of terms,and more. The Teacher Resources include a variety of printable support materials to help guide students as well as to help the teacher monitor and evaluate student progress. The "No Time? Suggestions for Condensing the Process" section accommodates scheduling and individual differences.
The University of MN Assignment Calendar could be a great help to college students, particularly freshmen as they work on their first papers or other big assignments. Again, the step-by-step guidance could really boost a student's confidence as he or she progresses and succeeds. It's so easy to procrastinate. The availability of email reminders on both of these Student 2.0 Tools is just one of their many effective aspects.
With access to both of these Student 2.0 Tools, librarians may be able to help patrons who are struggling with a variety of projects, in and out of school.
The University of MN Assignment Calendar could be a great help to college students, particularly freshmen as they work on their first papers or other big assignments. Again, the step-by-step guidance could really boost a student's confidence as he or she progresses and succeeds. It's so easy to procrastinate. The availability of email reminders on both of these Student 2.0 Tools is just one of their many effective aspects.
With access to both of these Student 2.0 Tools, librarians may be able to help patrons who are struggling with a variety of projects, in and out of school.
Thing #15 Online Games and Libraries
Though I am a proficient computer solitaire player, online gaming is new to me. After some reading and exploring, I can see that it's useful for librarians to understand Second Life and online gaming. I read about the ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium in Chicago last year, where participants looked at the role of libraries in hosting and / or being informed about online gaming.
I found the video tour of Second Life colorful and lively. There's even a library in Second Life. The Ohio State U. video clip provides interesting information about classes and meetings held in Second Life.
Puzzle Pirates looks like a good place to try out online gaming. I got pretty good at bilging. It seems a bit overwhelming as I begin. I'm glad to see help available in various places.
I found the video tour of Second Life colorful and lively. There's even a library in Second Life. The Ohio State U. video clip provides interesting information about classes and meetings held in Second Life.
Puzzle Pirates looks like a good place to try out online gaming. I got pretty good at bilging. It seems a bit overwhelming as I begin. I'm glad to see help available in various places.
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