Sunday, November 29, 2009

Finished!

Finished in the nick of time. So much to contemplate and delve into. This has been a real eye-opening experience and at least now I have some idea of the huge potential that Web 2 technologies hold. Now time is an even bigger enemy. (although Google reader and blog following could actually help with this.)

Task 22 and 23

These are of great interest to me as a Teacher librarian. Librivox looks like a hugely valuable site for all sorts of classics like Shakespeare and for poetry. I'll have to try it at school.
With student laptops now in operation the availability of e-books is also something that has been widely discussed. Our introduction to Google Reader rings bells here and in fact I directed a Year 12 English Extension student to it only this week.
Alternate media open a whole new kettle of fish!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Task 21 Teacher tube

I think there are probably lots of good little clips that I can use to promote library and information skills but having the time to find them may be a problem. I did find this one on explaining the Dewey system and it might be more fun than my traditional method of explaining it!

Task 20 Podcasts

At a recent Teacher librarian meeting we looked at podcasts, so I had a bit of an idea about this. I liked the look of some of the ABC programmes and think some faculties may find this source of information a change for their classes and very up-to-date. I found it easy to work with which was also a pleasant surprise.
I'm a firm believer in developing listening skills in students as I see my Year 7's struggle to engage with listening to to an audio book. It takes practice!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Task 18 and 19

I have had some experience with Wikis and their educational applications and would like to spend more time investigating the potential. Not sure whether to go with blogs or wikis for things like book review etc.
Had trouble with Rollyo - maybe had something to do with the computer playing up in the extreme heat! Will have to have another go at this as it looks like my attempt to set up a search wasn't successful.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Task 17

Lots of things to look into with Delicious. A few years ago I used a web-based book marking tool - can't remember the name but it didn't seem to have the features that appear here. The most obvious advantages are being able to access your bookmarks from wherever (work or home) and being able to share them with others. This will need a lot more time spent on it!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Task 16

Realised this should have gone with Task 15! Tried to edit that post but didn't seem to be able to do that. Anyone have any suggestions about that?
I found some really interesting sites and blogs following the suggested links. Will definitely go back and investigate some, especially some of the tools listed.

Task 15

This RSS looks like it has huge potential for a busy librarian trying to keep up with lots of varied sites etc, for updated information. My biggest problem will be finding the time to go through all the valuable information that will now come to my google reader account. If only we could get the DET to allow us easier access to Google tools!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Task 13 and 14

I'm not a fan of Facebook and Myspace. My son's "adult" friends thought it would be funny to make a profile for him and add some unflattering pics. He was not impressed and is concerned about who may see them. As he didn't have the passwords, etc he couldn't remove the page. What stops this from happening???
Also when I had a look at MySpace the first people I found where some students. The pictures, details about their profiles (they all claim to be older than 18) and the "friends" where somewhat worrying.
On the other side I do see my daughter and her friends keeping in touch and sharing their photos in a very positive way.
I registered with a Librarians group on Ning but have to wait - my membership is pending! Will make a comment in a later post.

I can see some merit and I know it is popular with teens etc (although at a conference yesterday I was told Myspace and Facebook are already outdated - not sure by what??) but I still need to be convinced about control issues.