Week 9 - Thing 23 - Summary

It's hard to believe - I reached the end of the journey. Success!
What are my thoughts and feelings?

What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?
First, it was just a thrill to create my own blog. The image generator was great fun and I found Flickr useful to find images and publish photos for family use. YouTube was a blast; online productivity helpful and I will be using Overdrive a great deal.

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
It has given me more enthusiasm and self-confidence to explore computer technology and all its possibilities.

Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?
I am surprised that I found more information, tools and applications that will be helpful, both professionally and personally.
Working on my own at home, I am pleased that I finished the project with only a few calls for help from coworkers. On the other hand, I missed the camaraderie experienced with a joint effort.
I also realize that I spent way more time than expected on the various exploratory exercises - by my own choice.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
For novices like me it would have helped to have a little more computer technology, such as how do you move an image from one place to another without losing your mind. Simple steps for the initiated, but...

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?
I certainly would.

How would you describe your learning experience in a few words or a few sentences, so we can share our successes and promote this program?
It was an exciting, fun, challenging and at times frustrating journey well worth the time invested.

Week 9 - Thing 22 - Project Gutenberg and Overdrive

This was very useful. I first explored possibilities with Project Gutenberg and was delighted to find that I can download books in German, French and Spanish. A great tool for the future.
I downloaded the Overdrive Media console, checked the CCPL website and downloaded a Spanish Language audiobook.
Great. Now I know what I am talking about if a customer needs more detailed instructions.
Next I will learn to burn a CD since that particular audiobook publisher allows it.

Week 9 - Thing 21 - Podcasts

After looking at some of the directories to find podcasts, I added the Merlin learning link to my blogline account.
As in previous exercises, I have found that one has to be quite selective to find podcasts that fit specific interests. There is so much available.
I see the advantage of libraries using podcasts for booktalks, storytimes and training programs.

Week 8 - Thing 19 - Web 2.0 awards list

After looking at a variety of categories, such as Travel, Fun and Music, I concentrated on Library Thing. Within the groups category, I found non-fiction, adult fiction and YA fiction. These can be very helpful for Readers' advisory as well as personal use. I am planning to let more patrons know about this site and ask them to give me their feedback.

Week 9 - Thing 20 - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY9qcDCFeVI

I watched "Create a Lemon Battery" among many other short pieces of various French Chansonniers and humorists. A great way to watch and listen to old favorites like Edith Piaf.

Libraries could use this tool for short "how-to" instructional videos, especially when introducing a new electronic feature or other new feature at the library.

Week 8 - Thing 18 - Online productivity

With my existing Google account, I explored Google docs and created a document, listing all my 23 Things accounts with IDs and passwords.
I found this site easy to use and like the idea of having documents available online, without the need of a floppy or other device to save my documents.
This is certainly a great tool for teams and other cooperative efforts and projects.

Week7 - Thing 17 - Sandbox Wiki

Not too hard. I signed up at maryland sandbox, followed the prescribed steps and - voila - my blog is added to Favorite Blogs.
Now, if you will excuse me, I will go and play some more in the sandbox.