Wrap up

The last module.....and very interesting!
After exploring Facebook, I actually registered! Haven't contacted anyone yet, but know of several friends that are also in "Facebook". This gives me another medium to "keep in touch" with others.
I was particually impressed with Teen Second Life. After exploring and reading the information for parents and community standards I felt that security appeared to be taken very seriously. I think that this site would be great for teens, who have to be aged between 13 and 17 years to register. To be able use it in the library would, I believe, encourage teens to utilise libraries a lot more. The problem could be access and this depends on the individual library internet setups.
I registered with Second Life and although I spent all afernoon exploring the site, still don't fully understand what it's all about! I see that it could possibly cost a lot of money though!
Well that's all folks!!
It's goodbye 'till next time.

Online Applications and Tools

View Upload your ownhttp://

View Upload your own

......Free!!
I didn't realize how many free applications and tools are available on the web! I can see lots of uses for Google Docs, etc. particularly in rural and remote areas.
Conferences, distance Education.... using telephone and or video conferencing with online presentations...not having to travel large distances....imagine the fuel savings! There seems to no end of possibilities.....and mostly FREE!!!!
I spend a lot of time exploring Slideshare.....there are fabulous slides, etc. I have embedded one of my favourites into my blog.

Mashups for me!

Again I've spent several wonderful hours.....including coffee breaks.....exploring Star Viewer, Google Maps and creating mashups on Bighugelabs!
I had a problem adding the mashup to my blog. Eventually I added a page element and posted it into that.
Google maps seem to be great to find various places around the world. I searched for towns in England, where our ancestors lived, and was able to find not only the location, but got an idea of the terrain as well!
I can see mashups being used in libraries. The maps are excellent for students, travellers and genealogy research. Bighugelabs provide many project options for everyone.....I loved that site!!
I will keep exploring Star Viewer....fascinating!

Podcasts

Having spent over three hours, (just stopping for a coffee break), browsing through and listening to some podcasts, I believe they would be a great asset for libraries, particularly smaller rural libraries.
I can see lots of uses for this medium.......book reviews, storytime, learning modules and of course, the experts....... teens podcast!
I enjoyed listening to various podcasts ranging from ABC Correspondents, poetry by school students, health reports and childrens' stories. I am amazed at the variety of podcasts and although I am not willing to subscribe to some sites, because of the possiblity of viruses, etc, will continue to use podcasts for information and entertainment.

Q & A

I have never seen these Answer Boards, (other than on Ebay), before! I think they would be of great value for all users.
I can imagine all types of questions......."what 7 letter word means 'useless medicine' and "who invented peanut butter" etc...etc...? The mind boggles!
Now I know where to find questions for trivia night!
I have posted a question on Yahoo7 Answers and eagerly await an answer!

Deliciously easy!

I found it quite easy to set up accounts on both Delicious and LibraryThing. As I didn't fully understand bookmarking and tagging I haven't used it very much. I can see the benefits in using these tools in a library. I found it difficult to add the links to my blog but finally did it!
I really like LibraryThing......so much information.....check out "Zeitgeist Overview"!!

Me and YouTube

No Cookies in the Library

Wow!! It worked!! After much deliberation and effort I have managed to embed a video into my blog! The hardest part was picking out a video from the thousands available.

Wiki Wonders

Wiki!! What a revelation......I've been using it and didn't know it!

So much for 15 mins a day on this course.....I've spent hours just searching wiki sites and have found heaps of interesting stuff!

I looked at Book Lovers Wiki and enjoyed reading book reviews by readers. Another site I looked at was the Winconsin Heritage Wiki, and, after following the link to collections, I found quilts dating from 1777.
I also found the Yarra Plenty Libraries and Sutherland Shire Libraries, (unfortunately I can't remember where), my home town, (which has some information that is not quite correct), and of course, Wikitopia.
I explored NSW Learning 2.0 Wiki and, after obtaining an "Invite Key", added some information. I was surprised how easy it was to do!

Once a Wiki site is set up, library customers would be able to use it to comment on library resources, book reviews, make suggestions and general feedback, with relative ease.

Understanding RSS

It's taken a while, but I've finally managed to understand RSS.......I think!!

I've signed on to several sites and have listed some of my favourites. I particularly like Annabel Crabb blogs.

Genealogy is another favourite so it's great to find sites that can cater for Aussies as well.

And simply recipes.....great for a time-strapped recipe seeker!

So....I watch these blogs with great interest!!

Welcome to the creek

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1041/951380166_52f2b90678_m.jpg

(Photo by gijabba)

Welcome to the creek!

I was amazed when I searched Flickr and found photos featuring our small town, including this one of the creek!

I didn't realise the amount and variety of pictures there are on Flickr and similar sites, in fact, I didn't know about Flickr at all before I started this course! I am often looking for graphics to insert into projects and usually use a Graphics CD to get them. What an opportunity to use a different medium with an amazing range of pictures!

I am a bit confused regarding the copyright of these pictures. After reading through the Creative Commons I was not able to find the meaning of "This Photo is Public". I hope by providing a link and the name of the owner of the photo I have fullfilled my obligation regarding copyright.

Enjoy the photo and the serenity it promises.

Living and learning by the creek

I have started a course online - NSW Public Libraries Learning 2.0.
What a difference between this course and courses I have previously completed! No classrooms, no face-to-face tutor, no timetables....I can complete this course at my leisure.
As I work as part time library assistant I have chosen to do this course at home....by the creek. I am a member over the over 50's, and relish the opportunity to learn about the latest internet tools available....if only to keep up with my grandchildren!
I found the learning about and setting up my blog as fairly easy....the hardest part being deciding on a name and, of course, passwords.......ah....the bane of my life passwords!!
I am looking forward to completing the course and and blogging my family! They are, of course, my greatest critics!