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.

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.

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!!!

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).

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!

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.

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.