Library Learning 2.0

This class has been the most frustrating and the most interesting class I have ever taken. Sometimes I thought a brain transplant would have been easier. I would love to have all the knowledge that Myra has, she is amazing. It is not only all that she did to put this class together, without her enthusiasm and passion for what she was teaching us, I would have never made it through this class.

A whole new world opened up to me and even with all my complaining, Beckie our librarian wants to now take some classes in all that we learned. I was so amazed at what all is available for free to those of us with computers, and with the time to search it out. I think that was one of the frustrating things, time, do we ever have enough? We work, put in a full day, family, and then whatever is left over I personally don't like to spend by myself on the computer. I found I was dragging myself in there more times than not.

Would I do it again? yes, and especially now that I have been introduced and had my appetite wheted. I would like to concentrate on some specifics so I could feel a better sense of mastery.

How has this added to my job skills? I think I understand a new language, computer, blogs, twitter, rss feeds, google apps etc. the list goes on. I know a lot more than I did coming in.

I feel there is such a gap between the world the students live in, technology and the world most of us oldies live in. I think if we could do a better job of integrating technology into their classrooms, it would expand learning in a way that they can relate to. I think it would make learning more exciting. However, we need to get our teachers up to date first, too many have no clue the different resources that are out there.

What did I learn about myself? I learned that my first reaction is to balk at anything that means I have to really be patient and take my time, and trial and error. I found I was impatient, and wanted to throw up my hands and quit rather than hang in there. My husband was very helpful in encouraging me.

Thank you Myra, and you do not get paid nearly enough!

Thing 23 Expand Your Mind

I have learned so much and definitely have had my mind expanded! Some of my favorites was creating my blog, I think it was so great to read others blogs and use this as a method of staying in touch and seeing how each thing was perceived. I like the Podcast creating the avatar, that was also fun, a little too time consuming, but the end product was really fun. I know I will use Library Thing to keep my books in order, and depending on where I land next year, hopefully in a Library, it will be a useful tool. Google Apps, was a great way to keep information coming to me.
I have throughly enjoyed being a part of this class, and seeing all the amazing cool things there are available. I definitely want to continue to expand my mind, and dig deeper into the things that I want to learn how to do better.

Thing 22 Cell Phone

After looking at some of the links on using cell phone at school, I was very impressed. I didn't even know all thse things existed. I also am quite aware that the students use and understanding of cell phone use far exceeds my own. I think for some students using the cell phone to create and display information might really help, and it could be a wonderful tool for students who have learning disabilities. However, we get back to the fact that they are not allowed in school, and they are difficult to monitor. How can we know how they are being used? It would create much more work for the teacher to monitor the use and abuse of cell phone use in the classroom. I think a lot of what was presented would work better in the upper grade levels. Or, the student would have to show the teacher what they worked on before leaving class, again more monitoring.

I liked the questions; What technology do you use outside of school that would be good for the classroom? Why? How would that work? I am going to ask a teacher to pose those questions and see what responses they get.

Our school is 1/2 free and reduced lunch, most of them do not have computers at home, but most have cell phones. I think this again would be a dividing point between those who have access, and those who do not.

I do think that students love technology, and they are adept at learning how to use it. They might find school a lot more interesting if technology was a bigger part of the process.

Thing 21 Copyright & Freedom of Information

We have an ongoing problem with students misusing copyright laws. They really do not understand, and some do and choose to ignore because of their own needs. I thought the Disney video was great, you had to really pay attention, but it was done so well that you were definitely drawn in. I learned some things I didn't know. So, I think it would be excellent for a teacher before, during and after an assignment was given to play a video, and have some dialogue about the Copyright laws.

Thing 20 Social Networking

I found the social networking site fascinating, so much to look at. I think the Denver Public Library My Space was up to date, interesting, with so much to look at. I think the younger population would love going to that site and connecting. It was creative, colorful, and had hip music playing while visiting. I think our libraries would get a lot more activity if we updated our web pages, and went to a my space format. That being said, we need the personnal to run the libraries and make them more up dated and user friendly. If we want to compete with the market of technology, and individualism with myspace and the internet we really need to get with it, spend more money and time fixing our libraries so they come up to date.
I looked at Myspace with teens, another interesting site, librarian bloggers where you can connect with libraries around the world, incredible.
All in all an interesting site, but again needing a lot of time to look around.

Thing 19 Microblogging

I looked at the twitter video. I think it will be a way for me to stay in contact with my friends who live in other states, and with the people I will no longer be working with. It will give them quick opportunities to give me updates on how things are going, and to let me know if there are any job opportunities instantly. I like the fact that it is quick small entries, rather than lengthy conversation. I am not a phone talker, and this would eliminate long conversations to get to the meat of the conversation. I also don't like being at the computer for long periods of time, so this would be an instant way of knowing what is going on, or what the needs might be of friends.

Thing 18..You Tube, Teacher-tube - User Generated Video

In viewing some of the videos on You tube and teacher tube I thought some of the videos were silly, and did not make sense at all, and some were insightful. The one I watched on Oprah's religion gave me information on her new book club that she is doing on the internet. I had been wondering what it was all about. I think it is an excellent way to obtain information, and hear it from the horses mouth so to speak. It is a unique and creative to get your ideas across, whether or not anyone understands them or not.
I like some of the resources and will explore more. I also think it is a great tool to be used by teachers who want there students to explore and create ways to communicate with the class, their interests and their personality.
More and more I see technology used in ways to help students express themselves creatively.