I am glad to see that this topic was included, because there is a dark and insidious side to the internet. There is unfortunately an abundance of malware, phishing, Trojans and worms just waiting to destroy your hardwork and even your livelihoods.
As the Mum of a Marvel devotee, I often have the words of Uncle Ben (Peter Parkers uncle) from Spiderman echoing in my head, saying ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’
This quote rings true, as we apply this to the internet and our duty of care to our library patrons.
Be vigilant and careful as the internet does have a dark side, but also remember it can bring wonder and amazement to your life.
As this is the final post attached to Learning 2.1 … thanks for reading.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Week 23 Mashups revisited
The topic Mashups Revisited filled me with great expectation and trepidation, as last year my inaugural experience with mashups went quite well; and this year was just as exciting.
Exploring the Mashup Australia entrants from last year, it was refreshing to see their use in everyday situations, compared to some of the crazy and creative mashups presented by local staff.
Thank you to NSW State Library for including Mashups once again.
Exploring the Mashup Australia entrants from last year, it was refreshing to see their use in everyday situations, compared to some of the crazy and creative mashups presented by local staff.
Thank you to NSW State Library for including Mashups once again.
Week 22 Instant communication
Instant communication is the reactive result of demand from our Y and younger generation, but has found a place in the hearts of many including the Grey Nomads.
IM (aka Instant Messaging), Skype and Twitter certainly have many benefits. When IM was originally just typing I wondered about the lack of human expression and infliction that the written word in this environment would deliver – allowing for miscommunication, etc, but with the advent of video and audio option hopefully the human essence of interaction can be preserved.
I must admit to being a Skype fan. With family overseas and many of our younger patrons at the library utilising Skype it seems to be a sagacious and cost effective method to communicate with people across the globe.
Instant messaging in the library could be a priceless tool to advise of activities, discussions and to generate feedback on what the public need.
IM (aka Instant Messaging), Skype and Twitter certainly have many benefits. When IM was originally just typing I wondered about the lack of human expression and infliction that the written word in this environment would deliver – allowing for miscommunication, etc, but with the advent of video and audio option hopefully the human essence of interaction can be preserved.
I must admit to being a Skype fan. With family overseas and many of our younger patrons at the library utilising Skype it seems to be a sagacious and cost effective method to communicate with people across the globe.
Instant messaging in the library could be a priceless tool to advise of activities, discussions and to generate feedback on what the public need.
Week 21 More with Google docs
Google Docs was my all-time favourite discovery from Learning 2.0 last year; I must have told so many colleagues, family and friends that I’m surprised the serve didn’t crash, so you can imagine my delight at seeing Google Docs included in Learning 2.1.
Unfortunately very few people can simply work from the one device and not all are online, so what I find most useful is the ability to work offline.
Perusing the 100 Tips for Google Docs section is very well set out and while many of the first 40+ tips are probably common knowledge for any computer savvy/desktop publishing geek, I think that it was clever and showed true commitment from Google to include this information for all levels of computer expertise.
Unfortunately very few people can simply work from the one device and not all are online, so what I find most useful is the ability to work offline.
Perusing the 100 Tips for Google Docs section is very well set out and while many of the first 40+ tips are probably common knowledge for any computer savvy/desktop publishing geek, I think that it was clever and showed true commitment from Google to include this information for all levels of computer expertise.
Week 20 Event management
Doodle delivers much more than the name implies. As part of the Event Management unit in Learning 2.1 I have discovered a new favourite tool, that is so user friendly there should be no excuses why people don’t utilise it more !!!
What I loved about Doodle is that by simply clicking a few buttons and adding data, you (almost) instantly have a poll to generate via email for any gathering you can imagine.
Just when you think this application can’t get any better, you are sent email updates on who has accepted your invite. How absolutely brilliant !!!
What I loved about Doodle is that by simply clicking a few buttons and adding data, you (almost) instantly have a poll to generate via email for any gathering you can imagine.
Just when you think this application can’t get any better, you are sent email updates on who has accepted your invite. How absolutely brilliant !!!
Week 19 Productivity - doing more with rss
Through Learning 2.0, I first discovered the amazing world of RSS feeds; this knowledge has been improved due to Learning 2.1. Again the opportunity to have information dropped at your doorstep, but the problem comes with the 21 century issue of information overload. Therefore the greatest advent for me has been to utilise FeedSifter so that I can filter my feeds.
The other issue I have is with the numerous sites and applications in use; I don’t have time to daily check the blogs I subscribe to, or Facebook, or Twitter, etc, so having my RSS feed sent directly to my inbox has been a gift from the Time Saving Gods and as any time deprived Mum knows … Time is the most precious component of Life.
The other issue I have is with the numerous sites and applications in use; I don’t have time to daily check the blogs I subscribe to, or Facebook, or Twitter, etc, so having my RSS feed sent directly to my inbox has been a gift from the Time Saving Gods and as any time deprived Mum knows … Time is the most precious component of Life.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Week 18: Learning 2.1 – Slideshows, Screencasting and Digital Story Telling
Another amazing site to join, but the repetition of completing your personal details becomes annoying in the end. Wouldn’t it be great if through Google you could create your website and then just tick a few boxes to join the various sites that interest the user. Each site I have joined holds great interest, so you certainly do not begrudge the chance to utilize their site … just the paperwork to become a member.
With that said, I am now also a member of SlideShare. I was a bit disappointed that the site requires your slide show to be already for upload, as opposed to having the chance to upload photos and create the slide show directly on the website. Therefore, I will have to put these pics into eg: Powerpoint, etc and then upload. I’ll also embed links into my blog page (Manilla Mayhem) and Twitter.
With that said, I am now also a member of SlideShare. I was a bit disappointed that the site requires your slide show to be already for upload, as opposed to having the chance to upload photos and create the slide show directly on the website. Therefore, I will have to put these pics into eg: Powerpoint, etc and then upload. I’ll also embed links into my blog page (Manilla Mayhem) and Twitter.
Week 17: Learning 2.1 - Nings
Joining Library 2.0 Ning seemed to be an easy process on the surface; the problem arose when I tried to active their generated email within 13 minutes of receiving it and was denied the chance to activate the account, with claims that the time had expired. Despite a lot of fluffy around, I was unable to get the system to generate another email alert.
Also the fact that each membership must be approved, results in time delays (of around 24 hours apparently), this is counter-productive to the ‘instant’ style of applications on the internet. Therefore I was not able to join more groups, leave comments, add the Ning badge to my blog, etc.
I was able to upload a photo for my account, add links to Twitter, my blog, etc. AND voice my frustrations about they whole process.
Also the fact that each membership must be approved, results in time delays (of around 24 hours apparently), this is counter-productive to the ‘instant’ style of applications on the internet. Therefore I was not able to join more groups, leave comments, add the Ning badge to my blog, etc.
I was able to upload a photo for my account, add links to Twitter, my blog, etc. AND voice my frustrations about they whole process.
Week 16: Learning 2.1 - Evaluation
Google Alerts: what a brilliant way of finding out what people are doing, saying and thinking about a specific topic. I was able to set up alerts on horse training, Manilla Library and Learning 2.1 … all delivered directly to me !
Burnfeeder: Entering the feed source for Manilla Mayhem was very easy again. It has been surprising how exciting and easy all this training has been. I already had an RSS feed set up, so it’s been so simple to organize http://feeds.feedburner.com/ManillaMayhem.
I have also been able to redirect my blog (Manilla Mayhem) to my Feedburner feed; publish a chicklet to display my Feedburner feed (widget) and offer blog updates via email.
Got to love technology !!!!
Survey Monkey was easy to create but there was a little confusion on just how it would be linked to the blog. Crisis averted and it looks great. Test drove the link and the survey presented itself !!! Yipee.
Burnfeeder: Entering the feed source for Manilla Mayhem was very easy again. It has been surprising how exciting and easy all this training has been. I already had an RSS feed set up, so it’s been so simple to organize http://feeds.feedburner.com/ManillaMayhem.
I have also been able to redirect my blog (Manilla Mayhem) to my Feedburner feed; publish a chicklet to display my Feedburner feed (widget) and offer blog updates via email.
Got to love technology !!!!
Survey Monkey was easy to create but there was a little confusion on just how it would be linked to the blog. Crisis averted and it looks great. Test drove the link and the survey presented itself !!! Yipee.
Week 15: Learning 2.1 - Delicious
I was not a fan of Delicious in 2.0 but linking it to my Twitter account was relatively easy. I didn’t realize the simplicity that Delicious brings to social bookmarking whether you are tagging, managing or sharing. The user forum in Delicious was also very helpful.
Week 14: Learning 2.1 - Twitter
Well I am finally a Twit and part of Twitter. While I had good intentions of following other Tweets on #nswlearning2.1, the first task was to select 10 Tweets to follow. In the beginning it was very difficult to try and isolate what subjects to search, but once I started with Keith Urban and started searching my main interests … the 10 slots were easily filled.
I’m surprised that Twitter is so much fun. I love micro-blogging and the fact that you are restricted to 140 characters, despite the fact it requires some editing to comply. I have been able to Update my profile, add a photo and link my Twitter account to my blog page of Manilla Mayhem.
The only criticism I have, is that you can’t go in and edit after posting, which you can on your blog page.
I could imagine that Twitter would be great to use with library as a quick way of informing the public that eg: Storytime will features unicorns or pirates today, or reminders of special visitors and talkers, etc.
I’m surprised that Twitter is so much fun. I love micro-blogging and the fact that you are restricted to 140 characters, despite the fact it requires some editing to comply. I have been able to Update my profile, add a photo and link my Twitter account to my blog page of Manilla Mayhem.
The only criticism I have, is that you can’t go in and edit after posting, which you can on your blog page.
I could imagine that Twitter would be great to use with library as a quick way of informing the public that eg: Storytime will features unicorns or pirates today, or reminders of special visitors and talkers, etc.
WEEK 13: Learning 2.1 - New Beginnnings Again (Blog Refresher)
It's hard to imagine that it has been just over 2 years since I was last on this Blog site. I had such wonderful ambitions for its creation and while in the moment of undertaking study it was brilliant … after its conclusion, I found it difficult to maintain the enthusiasm to continue.
Today I have resurrected Manilla Mayhem, with a brand new look … it is exciting all over again.
Today I have resurrected Manilla Mayhem, with a brand new look … it is exciting all over again.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture - a must view!
I was cleaning up my emails when I rediscovered this. I've read the transcript, watched the full length video - crying and laughing - so I Googled to see if the inevitable had occurred and it had on 25th July 2008 (Randy ended up living for ten months not just six).
I got so much out of his lecture I wanted to share it on my Blog.
Here is a brief on what it is all about:
Randy Pausch's Last Lecture
With his life drawing to a close, Professor Randy Pausch, a father of three, reveals what matters most.
Many universities ask beloved professors to give their version of a "last lecture" – what they’d say if they were summing up a lifetime of learning and teaching. But at Pennsylvania’s Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh on September 18, 2007, Randy Pausch gave a last lecture unlike any other. A year earlier, he’d been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a deadly, fast-moving disease. Just weeks before the lecture, he had learnt that cancer had attacked his liver and spleen. The prognosis: Pausch had less than six months to live. For most people with three children under six, that death sentence would have killed all optimism. But in his talk, the distinguished professor of computer science, human-computer interaction, and design touched only briefly on his achievements, most notably as founder of the Alice Project, which lets young students tell their stories in three dimensions. (The name was inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.) Pausch acknowledged his disease but refused to dwell on it. Instead, he delivered a stunningly upbeat, joke-filled lecture about the importance of achieving your childhood dreams, managing time and, above all, loving every minute of life. Millions have watched his lecture on the internet and TV.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Week 13: What a ride ! (Post Learning 2.0)
Establishing this blog originally for work purposes, it would seem that I just can’t stop.
I thought it might be appropriate to write about life after completing Learning 2.0.
This course was one of those life changing experiences.
Since completing the work, I have found myself still utilising the many sites, waiting for my RSS feeds and even setting up a slideshow for friends and family to see how my little mare (whom is green broke) is getting along.
I have spoken with professional colleagues, citing all the merits of applications such as Google Docs and so forth.
The course was exhilarating and refreshing.
Thanx for reading.
I thought it might be appropriate to write about life after completing Learning 2.0.
This course was one of those life changing experiences.
Since completing the work, I have found myself still utilising the many sites, waiting for my RSS feeds and even setting up a slideshow for friends and family to see how my little mare (whom is green broke) is getting along.
I have spoken with professional colleagues, citing all the merits of applications such as Google Docs and so forth.
The course was exhilarating and refreshing.
Thanx for reading.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Week 12: Social Networking and the final entry (for now)
Social networking services are increasing in popularity and any medium that gets the word of the library out to the community should be considered.
Albeit, I’m not sure that the Manilla Library should feature in Second Life, mind you my Avatar would definitely be younger and thinner!
It amazes me in a society where the spoken word is decreasing through email, texting and so forth that we are still embracing opportunities to interact and communicate.
The experts will also debate at length the pros and cons of social networking online … accusing bloggers of being introverted and avatars as those seeking escapism, but is it really so bad. Surely it isn’t, if it's not detrimental to others.
In the great words of Marvel writer Stan Lee from 1962, ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ While this was written for Peter Parkers (aka Spiderman’s) Uncle Ben, it is still true. The internet creates great power and opportunity for many people; it also provides a platform of interaction and socialisation … with this power comes great responsibility.
While I see many applications and possibilities as highlighted through this course, I feel both excitement and trepidation. The world wide web could not have been a more accurate description of the internet, as you traverse a labyrinth of links, paths and sites. As a parent, you worry about the carefree exchange of information and as a librarian with many young borrowers looking to you for guidance – you again, feel incredible responsibility for their safety and wellbeing.
In conclusion, the best decision is to lead the masses to the cyber pool and see if they drink.
Thankfully technology has arrived and so let’s utilise what it has to offer.
Only being in the position at Manilla for the past six months, I have been spinning and implementing ideas at a rapid rate – now I have completed this course look out, cause there's more to come.
As I have stated throughout my many blogs … buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride!!!
Albeit, I’m not sure that the Manilla Library should feature in Second Life, mind you my Avatar would definitely be younger and thinner!
It amazes me in a society where the spoken word is decreasing through email, texting and so forth that we are still embracing opportunities to interact and communicate.
The experts will also debate at length the pros and cons of social networking online … accusing bloggers of being introverted and avatars as those seeking escapism, but is it really so bad. Surely it isn’t, if it's not detrimental to others.
In the great words of Marvel writer Stan Lee from 1962, ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ While this was written for Peter Parkers (aka Spiderman’s) Uncle Ben, it is still true. The internet creates great power and opportunity for many people; it also provides a platform of interaction and socialisation … with this power comes great responsibility.
While I see many applications and possibilities as highlighted through this course, I feel both excitement and trepidation. The world wide web could not have been a more accurate description of the internet, as you traverse a labyrinth of links, paths and sites. As a parent, you worry about the carefree exchange of information and as a librarian with many young borrowers looking to you for guidance – you again, feel incredible responsibility for their safety and wellbeing.
In conclusion, the best decision is to lead the masses to the cyber pool and see if they drink.
Thankfully technology has arrived and so let’s utilise what it has to offer.
Only being in the position at Manilla for the past six months, I have been spinning and implementing ideas at a rapid rate – now I have completed this course look out, cause there's more to come.
As I have stated throughout my many blogs … buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride!!!
Week 11: Google Docs versus Zoho
Setting up a free Zoho account was very easy and it was great to see that you had the option of using either your Google or Yahoo email accounts.
Unfortunately, that is where the praise ends. If given the choice, I would definitely opt for Google Docs as opposed to Zoho, which seemed limited.
The Google Doc is clear, precise and comprehensive; offering a very large assortment of templates (for those inclined).
Unfortunately, that is where the praise ends. If given the choice, I would definitely opt for Google Docs as opposed to Zoho, which seemed limited.
The Google Doc is clear, precise and comprehensive; offering a very large assortment of templates (for those inclined).
Week 11: Google Docs
Just when you think there can’t be any more amazing finds, you come across Google Docs. I can see so many applications for this streamlined facility.
Manilla Library is increasing numbers and services. For example, with the new Manilla Book Lovers Club we have a staggering 15 members; at the last meeting it was suggested that review be organised and published. Imagine, how easy it will be to have one document and share it with the Book Lovers members. When it comes time to printing, I’ll know that the most update copy is available and everyone who wanted to comment will have!
The scope of applications is not just limited to borrowers. Currently I use my flash drive to alternate between two computers at the library which are unfortunately located at opposite ends of the office. Now, instead of flash drive in and flash drive out, it will be as simple process of accessing it online … that’s less time consuming.
Who knows where this will end!
Manilla Library is increasing numbers and services. For example, with the new Manilla Book Lovers Club we have a staggering 15 members; at the last meeting it was suggested that review be organised and published. Imagine, how easy it will be to have one document and share it with the Book Lovers members. When it comes time to printing, I’ll know that the most update copy is available and everyone who wanted to comment will have!
The scope of applications is not just limited to borrowers. Currently I use my flash drive to alternate between two computers at the library which are unfortunately located at opposite ends of the office. Now, instead of flash drive in and flash drive out, it will be as simple process of accessing it online … that’s less time consuming.
Who knows where this will end!
Week 10: Mashups (adventure)
There are so many mashups from calendars to my favourite which is a cube of pics. It would be exceedingly appropriate to utilise mashups in the workplace, as long as guidelines were met eg: approval for photo use, nothing defamatory or misleading, rude, insensitive or inappropriate – but these guidelines are simply being sagacious.
Mashups are fun, inspiring and educational … all vital attributes for the Manilla Library.
Mashups are fun, inspiring and educational … all vital attributes for the Manilla Library.
Week: 10 Mashups
Gosh what can you say about mashups – except they are maximum fun!
Mashups could be used at the Manilla Library in a number of instances from simple certificates of participation or appreciation to promotional and marketing campaigns.
Everyone is time poor and financially limited, so libraries as every other business are competing for patronage. The more information we can share and the possibilities we offer, make libraries the best choice.
The mashup I have included is a photo of our cat Tiggah. Now this strapping ginger boy arrived at our house about 12 months ago and despite desperately trying to find his family – it was to no avail. My 14yo took this photo – I had put half the wash in the machine and went to get the remainder but this very large kitty decided it was the perfect hiding spot. This photo is a classic and featured in the first movie my 14yo made and uploaded to You Tube, so perhaps Tiggah is famous – he certainly is a funny puss.
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