If I were Steve, I would keep this class pretty much the same. I might consider moving the Boyd readings to earlier in the course because to someone with no understanding of terms like friends and forums and networks, it might be a good introduction to these terms and the readings might set the tone for the rest of what would be covered in the semester which is that the most important part of social software is that it is social.
As many of us have expressed before, I would pass on Brown & DuGuid and Anderson or shorten the number of required readings from those books.
Other than that, I wouldn't change anything. The course is well planned, well designed and structured in such a way as to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social software. It provides the hands on experience necessary to give students the confidence to use these tools on their own outside of class even if they have no prior technological experience.
Amazing job and thanks, Steve!!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I Got Thrown Off the Island...
So I was a little bit nervous about trying out second life and with good reason. I am a failure in my second life. Here is the sad story.
I created my avatar (really, they could give you more choices of avatars). I was quite perturbed to arrive on the Island to find that there were no less than four people exactly the same as me; I mean total clones. I was trying to adjust when I was accosted by someone called "My Brazilian"... great.... then a weirdo in a cape wanted to be my friend. Not a very encouraging start.
I couldn't figure out how to change my clothes, which was really annoying me. People kept flying in and out, which was unnerving and distracting and not helping me to figure out my wardrobe dilema. I asked if anyone knew how to change clothes. They answered me in Spanish. I asked for help in English.
Finally, a nice woman in thigh high boots and a belly top (Felicity) told me she was the help desk. This was a far cry from the uniforms at the travel desk at AAA, but what the heck, I needed new clothes, didn't I? So, off we went to a private chat, in which she set me up with some new duds -- all of which looked like they came from the set of a 70s TV show. But at least I was not dressed like everyone else.
Unfortunately this process took nearly an hour. Meanwhile, I used the time to figure out how to move around in this world. Finally Felicity told me to trasport some free clothes from what I thought was a website. It didn't work, so I told her this. Next thing I knew, Felicity was not happy and she told me to "get off the island." Seriously. Not that I blame her, by this point she had been helping me for an hour and I was still only half dressed. Well, I was dressed, it was just that nothing really matched or anything, I looked pathetic and I was obviously incapable of helping myself.
Next thing I knew there was a message on the right hand side of my screen telling me that Felicity wanted to transport me somewhere. Sounded interesting, so I clicked ok. When I ended up in a warehouse district, I started to think my safety might be in jeopardy and maybe it wasn't a good idea to piss Felicity off. But everything was fine and Felicity said that this was the place where you could get the clothes. Of course, I walked into the place and totally could not figure out how you are supposed to get clothes from the boxes. Felicity had disappeared, probably to help some other loser. So I left the warehouse, still dressed like a loser and quit the game.
Really, if second life is this frustrating, I will just stick with my first life, which is plenty frustrating on its own. Although I have to admit, with time, it did seem like it could be a little bit fun...
Here's an update ... I went back and there must have been some kind of problem with the software when I was playing the first time. The warehouse was full of items this time and it was easy to figure out how to purchase them. When you clicked on them, they immediately populated your inventory and I was finally able to get some jeans. I didn't change the top though. It still screams Starsky and Hutch.
Here is a screenshot of my second life character, Casey Blaisdale (??) in Free Dungeon shopping
I created my avatar (really, they could give you more choices of avatars). I was quite perturbed to arrive on the Island to find that there were no less than four people exactly the same as me; I mean total clones. I was trying to adjust when I was accosted by someone called "My Brazilian"... great.... then a weirdo in a cape wanted to be my friend. Not a very encouraging start.
I couldn't figure out how to change my clothes, which was really annoying me. People kept flying in and out, which was unnerving and distracting and not helping me to figure out my wardrobe dilema. I asked if anyone knew how to change clothes. They answered me in Spanish. I asked for help in English.
Finally, a nice woman in thigh high boots and a belly top (Felicity) told me she was the help desk. This was a far cry from the uniforms at the travel desk at AAA, but what the heck, I needed new clothes, didn't I? So, off we went to a private chat, in which she set me up with some new duds -- all of which looked like they came from the set of a 70s TV show. But at least I was not dressed like everyone else.
Unfortunately this process took nearly an hour. Meanwhile, I used the time to figure out how to move around in this world. Finally Felicity told me to trasport some free clothes from what I thought was a website. It didn't work, so I told her this. Next thing I knew, Felicity was not happy and she told me to "get off the island." Seriously. Not that I blame her, by this point she had been helping me for an hour and I was still only half dressed. Well, I was dressed, it was just that nothing really matched or anything, I looked pathetic and I was obviously incapable of helping myself.
Next thing I knew there was a message on the right hand side of my screen telling me that Felicity wanted to transport me somewhere. Sounded interesting, so I clicked ok. When I ended up in a warehouse district, I started to think my safety might be in jeopardy and maybe it wasn't a good idea to piss Felicity off. But everything was fine and Felicity said that this was the place where you could get the clothes. Of course, I walked into the place and totally could not figure out how you are supposed to get clothes from the boxes. Felicity had disappeared, probably to help some other loser. So I left the warehouse, still dressed like a loser and quit the game.
Really, if second life is this frustrating, I will just stick with my first life, which is plenty frustrating on its own. Although I have to admit, with time, it did seem like it could be a little bit fun...
Here's an update ... I went back and there must have been some kind of problem with the software when I was playing the first time. The warehouse was full of items this time and it was easy to figure out how to purchase them. When you clicked on them, they immediately populated your inventory and I was finally able to get some jeans. I didn't change the top though. It still screams Starsky and Hutch.
Here is a screenshot of my second life character, Casey Blaisdale (??) in Free Dungeon shopping
If Everthing Bad is Good For You, then Libraries Need to be Willing to Take a Walk on the Wild Side
One thing libraries, librarians and educators can learn from Johnson's book, and from history, for that matter, is not to judge the educational merits of new media too quickly. It takes time to see how the industry develops new media and for a response to new technologies to be fully understood. From children's response to a new media, we can learn more about their learning styles and how best to teach them. By being open-minded to new technolgies, however frivolous they may seem to us at first blush, we can provide more authentic learning opportunities for children and at the same time ressusitate young patrons' interest in our libraries.
Playing Games
This screencast records my son and I playing "Let's Get Cookin'" a game we found on shockwave.com. We are both playing, although I guess I am the only one talking (what a surprise!) One player uses the mouse while the other uses the space bar. The players have to work together to prepare a healthy meal.
Unfortunately, since Jing cuts off after 5 mins, you miss the plating of the final product, so I am adding a screen capture of the pasta primavera dinner we created.
Here is the screencapture of the final plated meal:
You view the screencast by clicking on this link:
2008-12-07_1819
Unfortunately, since Jing cuts off after 5 mins, you miss the plating of the final product, so I am adding a screen capture of the pasta primavera dinner we created.
Here is the screencapture of the final plated meal:
You view the screencast by clicking on this link:
2008-12-07_1819
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Mistakes teach valuable lessons about screencasting
The most valuable thing that I learned through the mistakes I made in screencasting is the importance of planning in advance. Since I felt that I knew the subject area of my screencast, it seemed at first like a waste of time to write a script... that is until I made three or four recording attempts with no success. After that,the time writing the script seemed well spent.
I also realized that I needed to plan in advance where I was going to move the cursor, what items I was going to highlight or whether I was going to open another window or not. Leaving these things to be decided on an impromptu basis inevitably led to dead air on the video, a cursor that just zipped around the page aimlessly and a product that with which I was unhappy.
With some forethought and planning, screencasting can be a valuable tool to use for all kinds of tutorials and teaching aids and even for simple day to day among individuals with questions requiring explanations relating to forms, maps, catalogs, indexes, or any other documentation that can be found online.
I also realized that I needed to plan in advance where I was going to move the cursor, what items I was going to highlight or whether I was going to open another window or not. Leaving these things to be decided on an impromptu basis inevitably led to dead air on the video, a cursor that just zipped around the page aimlessly and a product that with which I was unhappy.
With some forethought and planning, screencasting can be a valuable tool to use for all kinds of tutorials and teaching aids and even for simple day to day among individuals with questions requiring explanations relating to forms, maps, catalogs, indexes, or any other documentation that can be found online.
Choosing a Gaming System
If I were choosing a gaming system for our elementary school library, I would probably choose a computer based system, not a console system, since there are already 12 computers in the media center and it would be less expensive to use them than to buy consoles. In choosing software, I would ask students what kinds of games they enjoy playing. I would also read reviews of games. I would talk to teachers about where they think games might be a useful addition to the curriculum and how they could be implemented. I would want to be sure that the games I chose were in an appropriate area and that they reinforced skills that would be valuable and so that they would be actually used by the teachers. I might also talk to the IT person to see what information he had about games and the best way to set them up for students in a classroom/library setting. I would talk to librarians I knew to see if they were using games and if so, which ones, and ask about the benefits and disadvantages and try to find out which games were well received.
I would probably start small. That is, I would probably find one teacher or group of teachers who was willing to try working on a project including gaming. Once the project was successful, I would then approach other teachers about incorporating games into their curriculum (or hopefully, they would approach me) and then, I would purchase more games with their assistance.
I would probably start small. That is, I would probably find one teacher or group of teachers who was willing to try working on a project including gaming. Once the project was successful, I would then approach other teachers about incorporating games into their curriculum (or hopefully, they would approach me) and then, I would purchase more games with their assistance.
Do games "sophisticatedly deliver stupidity?"
It's probably no surprise that I am not a gamer. Never have been, not even as a kid. I find electronic games confusing and even a little stressful, really. So, I never quite understand why my kids and husband find it relaxing to play games that make lots of noise, go so fast and require so much concentration!
I probably did think that games were a form of sophisticated stupidity. Until I read more about them. Now, I would have to say that I value the learning benefits that games have to offer. I agree with Johnson that "it is not what you are thinking about when you are playing a game, it's the way you are thinking that matters." Games allow for collateral learning to take place because the player must make strategic decisions througout the game. Playing the game involves evaluating an objective, analyzing circumstances, weighing evidence, determining goals and making judgments. Any activity that requires all of these functions is fairly sophisticated in my book.
I probably did think that games were a form of sophisticated stupidity. Until I read more about them. Now, I would have to say that I value the learning benefits that games have to offer. I agree with Johnson that "it is not what you are thinking about when you are playing a game, it's the way you are thinking that matters." Games allow for collateral learning to take place because the player must make strategic decisions througout the game. Playing the game involves evaluating an objective, analyzing circumstances, weighing evidence, determining goals and making judgments. Any activity that requires all of these functions is fairly sophisticated in my book.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Add video to your Facebook page
For a simple explanation of how to add video to your Face book page, see my screencast which can be found at
2008-11-17_1126
2008-11-17_1126
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Ning: Advantages and Disadvantages
Ning can be a great service if you have a blog that has a following. Imagine the opportunity to create your own social network for your own interests and ideas! It is easy to use and free. However, Ning only gives you a limited amount of bandwith free. If your readership grows, the likelihood is that your blog with consume a greater amount of bandwith. Once your usage reaches a certain level, Ning requires you to purchase more bandwith incrementally. This can become a costly.
See the article below for more information on this.
http://cutewriting.blogspot.com/2008/10/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-nings.html
In terms of using Ning in a work environment, you could use it as a way of increasing the business contacts of your readers since your readers would have access to one another through the network.
See the article below for more information on this.
http://cutewriting.blogspot.com/2008/10/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-nings.html
In terms of using Ning in a work environment, you could use it as a way of increasing the business contacts of your readers since your readers would have access to one another through the network.
Libraries can learn from Boyd
SNS can tell us a lot about our patrons. Patrons profiles tell us what their preferences are in terms of movies, books, entertainement and activities. This can help libraries in selection of materials and in organizing functions that will draw patrons into the library.
Because SNS are a way of communication for patrons, libraries can use them as a means of improving communication with their patrons on the patrons' own "turf," so to speak. Libraries can make themselves available to patrons, especially the young, in the place where they are most often found: on social networking sites. By having a presence on SNS, libraries can provide reference services by IM, post screencasts or educational videos or simply provide information about the kind of services they provide. Using SNS in this way can work as a valuable marketing tool to a generation that may be viewing libraries as obsolete.
Libraries, through a SNS page can also strengthen their roles in their communities by bringing together those with similar interests. Through library FB pages, for example, those with similar interests in books, videos, gaming, etc., could meet one another to discuss common pursuits. In this way, libraries position themselves as a social hub of their communities.
Because SNS are a way of communication for patrons, libraries can use them as a means of improving communication with their patrons on the patrons' own "turf," so to speak. Libraries can make themselves available to patrons, especially the young, in the place where they are most often found: on social networking sites. By having a presence on SNS, libraries can provide reference services by IM, post screencasts or educational videos or simply provide information about the kind of services they provide. Using SNS in this way can work as a valuable marketing tool to a generation that may be viewing libraries as obsolete.
Libraries, through a SNS page can also strengthen their roles in their communities by bringing together those with similar interests. Through library FB pages, for example, those with similar interests in books, videos, gaming, etc., could meet one another to discuss common pursuits. In this way, libraries position themselves as a social hub of their communities.
Talk about a sticky situation....
Facebook and Myspace really do create a sticky situation for users. Even non-techie, non-computer lover that I am, I find myself drawn to these SNS. I think what is so enveloping about them is a few things. One is that you have an opportunity to be creative and to present yourself to others. Another is that you can interact with others in many different ways. Still another is that you can see and read about what your friends are doing through their posts, comments and photos. Finally, what is interesting is that you can learn about your friends' extended social network and their interests and activities. This can quickly take over and I am finding that it takes quite a lot of discipline to shut it down!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Easy Bib
If you want to teach your students how to use online bibliography creation software, but haven't tried it yourself, watch the following video.
http://screencast.com/t/swF4JbouW
P.S. Note that you do have to spell check. The mistake in the url is my typing error. I didn't re-record the entire jing video because the point of this exercise is using jing, but if you are using Easy bib, make sure you proofread!
http://screencast.com/t/swF4JbouW
P.S. Note that you do have to spell check. The mistake in the url is my typing error. I didn't re-record the entire jing video because the point of this exercise is using jing, but if you are using Easy bib, make sure you proofread!
Bravo!!!
Congratulations on some really creative videos, everyone! I enjoyed all of the ones I had a chance to see. The Palmer video was funny, although also sad, since I never quite learned my penmanship that well! I enjoyed the clever use of music in the coffee video and the overlay of text and video in the crabby patties video. I loved the house cleaning in one minute video, but would like to know if the adorable helpers are available for hire??? I could go on and on. All of the videos were really fun. I didn't get a thing done today thanks to all of you!
To view the videos:
Crabby Patty Cookies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB9S-yubUVw
Palmer video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfiC8c-f9wk
How to make great coffee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKocsUwcZtE
How to clean your house in one minute or less
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FLYRObljBM
To view the videos:
Crabby Patty Cookies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB9S-yubUVw
Palmer video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfiC8c-f9wk
How to make great coffee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKocsUwcZtE
How to clean your house in one minute or less
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FLYRObljBM
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Rock N Roll Chorus at Veterans' Day Memorial Run
This video was taken today at the 3rd Annual Memorial Run for Lt. Dennis Zilinski II. The event was well attended by members of the armed forces, state police, West Point Academy, Rutgers, Christian Brothers Academy, as well as by members of the community. I was not running, but was merely driving my son who was singing the National Anthem, the event was inspiring. To all veterans -- thank you.
Rock N Roll Chorus at Veterans' Day Memorial Run
Click to play
View original video at:
http://blip.tv/file/get/Lascils598f08-RockNRollChorusAtVeteransDayMemorialRun801.wmv
Rock N Roll Chorus at Veterans' Day Memorial Run
Click to play
View original video at:
http://blip.tv/file/get/Lascils598f08-RockNRollChorusAtVeteransDayMemorialRun801.wmv
Friday, November 7, 2008
Welcome to Ancient Rome
These are a few pictures taken during a recent family vacation to Italy. What an incredible place. I tried to add more pictures at first, but it was a total disaster and was much too long. I started with all of Italy, narrowed down to just Rome and finally realized in two minutes, there was really only time for ancient Rome! Hope you enjoy this small segment, anyway!
Original video:
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coPYGssfdFc
Original video:
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coPYGssfdFc
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vive La Difference
Looking at our Flickr posts, what stood out the most to me is that we all love our pets (of course we do; they are all so very adorable!) We also seem to love to travel and share photos of our families and friends. In the educational experience photos, many of us used humor to express the compromises we (or our families) have made as a result of having undertaken this experience and the ability to see humor in this shared experience is a commonality we share.
The photos do show myriad differences, however. We are quite a diverse bunch. We enjoy activities ranging from theater to golf, from cooking to kayaking. We like mountains of snow and beautiful, expansive lakes. We spend time in pubs and in museums. We love our kids, but we also love our cars, plants and birds. We like to read about cows that type, but we also like to play the harmonica. It would be boring if we were all the same. As the French say, "Vive la difference!"
The photos do show myriad differences, however. We are quite a diverse bunch. We enjoy activities ranging from theater to golf, from cooking to kayaking. We like mountains of snow and beautiful, expansive lakes. We spend time in pubs and in museums. We love our kids, but we also love our cars, plants and birds. We like to read about cows that type, but we also like to play the harmonica. It would be boring if we were all the same. As the French say, "Vive la difference!"
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hope for an educational video landslide: "time makes you bolder and children get older"
Right now, the largest population of viewers of educational videos are those aged 18-29. As they should be, their interests right now might are focused mostly on humor and entertainment videos. As they get older and buy homes, have children etc., suddenly they will be searching the web like crazy for videos showing them how to fix a broken dishwasher and what chicken pox looks like. This is when educational videos will take precedence in their lives -- when there is no more time for fun and entertaiment.
As this population, which is comfortable with technology, grows older and replaces the current middle-aged population which uses video less, the use of educational video may begin to close the gap with entertainment video. In addition, as more people of all ages have access to and become comfortable with using the internet for video, they will begin to turn to it for things help in normal every day how-to advice and educational needs from car repair to cooking, homework, investing advice, income tax preparation - the possibilities are endless...
As this population, which is comfortable with technology, grows older and replaces the current middle-aged population which uses video less, the use of educational video may begin to close the gap with entertainment video. In addition, as more people of all ages have access to and become comfortable with using the internet for video, they will begin to turn to it for things help in normal every day how-to advice and educational needs from car repair to cooking, homework, investing advice, income tax preparation - the possibilities are endless...
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Long Tail and Social Software
This book seems relevant for a library management class, but what is its application to social software? I understand that the hypothesis is that the Internet has changed our economy, but how is that that relevant to our focus on the use of social software? These are questions I would ask students to consider if this book remains part of this course.
Now, for some answers. Although I had some ideas, I didn't have what I considered to be a great answer. I looked around online to see what learning there mignt be on this topic and found this blog post by Adina Levin in which she opines that "The Long Tail is social." http://alevin.com/weblog/archives/001663.html
In this post, the author discusses a comment Anderson made while criticizing those who have distorted the term the "long tail" to mean the "fringe" market. According to the author, Anderson said that for long tail business models to be successful, they need to have both popular and niche content in their inventory. The author agrees that this works for Amazon and others, but points out that combining popular and niche markets is not always necessary, particularly in the arena of social software markets.
In social software markets, purely niche markets are successful. This is because social software does not rely on content for success, but instead is fueled by its users. To support her thesis, the author point to Flickr, a network people join to share photos and to Live Journal, which draws people looking to socialize with friends and family members.
Another connection that I can see is that the introduction of social software as much as the introduction of the Internet has affected this evolution in the economy toward the long tail. As people are able to communicate easily with those with similar niche interests, the demand for easily obtainable niche products and services increases. As time goes on, social software will provide more opportunities for individuals with very specific and niche interests to meet one another and share those interests.
Now, for some answers. Although I had some ideas, I didn't have what I considered to be a great answer. I looked around online to see what learning there mignt be on this topic and found this blog post by Adina Levin in which she opines that "The Long Tail is social." http://alevin.com/weblog/archives/001663.html
In this post, the author discusses a comment Anderson made while criticizing those who have distorted the term the "long tail" to mean the "fringe" market. According to the author, Anderson said that for long tail business models to be successful, they need to have both popular and niche content in their inventory. The author agrees that this works for Amazon and others, but points out that combining popular and niche markets is not always necessary, particularly in the arena of social software markets.
In social software markets, purely niche markets are successful. This is because social software does not rely on content for success, but instead is fueled by its users. To support her thesis, the author point to Flickr, a network people join to share photos and to Live Journal, which draws people looking to socialize with friends and family members.
Another connection that I can see is that the introduction of social software as much as the introduction of the Internet has affected this evolution in the economy toward the long tail. As people are able to communicate easily with those with similar niche interests, the demand for easily obtainable niche products and services increases. As time goes on, social software will provide more opportunities for individuals with very specific and niche interests to meet one another and share those interests.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Podcasting vs Blogging: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
I just listened back to my podcast and there are parts of it that I am categorizing in there with the "ugly," including my voice. I was sure that I had a refined goddess thing going on and not a nasal Brooklynese thing. Oh well.
As a producer, blogging is easier for me. That is because I write easily and speak poorly (notice all the ummms in my podcast???) It would take lots of practice for me to improve or lots of editing. To create a successful podcast requires a well-written, well-planned script, whereas blogging is more spontaneous. Since blogs can be edited more quickly as you go, they require less planning in advance. I think that this is part of what makes blogging so attractive for personal use. It is an easy and convenient way of social interaction on the web. I am not saying podcasting is hard, only that it requires more effort and planning.
As a consumer, though, I love podcasts. I love the fact that they are portable - that I can listen to things that interest me in my car while I am driving or walking or doing just about anything. I also like the feeling of connection it gives you to the individual speaker. It is much more personalized than a written posting. A voice creates a more vivid image of the person who has created the work. Podcasts also hold my attention better than reading certain subject areas. It helps to have a podcast to listen to in following instructions, for example. For all these reasons, podcasts have great applications in education, business and in the public sector.
As a producer, blogging is easier for me. That is because I write easily and speak poorly (notice all the ummms in my podcast???) It would take lots of practice for me to improve or lots of editing. To create a successful podcast requires a well-written, well-planned script, whereas blogging is more spontaneous. Since blogs can be edited more quickly as you go, they require less planning in advance. I think that this is part of what makes blogging so attractive for personal use. It is an easy and convenient way of social interaction on the web. I am not saying podcasting is hard, only that it requires more effort and planning.
As a consumer, though, I love podcasts. I love the fact that they are portable - that I can listen to things that interest me in my car while I am driving or walking or doing just about anything. I also like the feeling of connection it gives you to the individual speaker. It is much more personalized than a written posting. A voice creates a more vivid image of the person who has created the work. Podcasts also hold my attention better than reading certain subject areas. It helps to have a podcast to listen to in following instructions, for example. For all these reasons, podcasts have great applications in education, business and in the public sector.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
For my first, wildly anticipated podcast, I am going to explain to you the art of making the perfect spaghetti sauce. Italian cooking is especially meaningful to me since it brings back memories of times spent on Sundays and holidays in crowded kitchens with boisterous, funny women making simple dishes with aromas that could knock you out. I hope you enjoy the recipe and the side explanations that go with it.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
It's Been an Experience
Well, there are experiences and then there are experiences. It all began in the Summer of 2006 with one class in Young Adult Literature. I hadn't formally applied to the SCILS program yet, but I was testing the waters to see whether this "librarian thing" was as interesting as I thought it would be. It was love at first sight. Since I had zero computer skills, the online learning experience was a small adjustment, but the course itself was great. The next class, Children's Literature was just as enjoyable, so I decided to apply to the SCILS program.
I formally began in January 2007 and that's when it hit me... this is serious work. Suddenly, I found the classes intense and demanding. I found myself writing 40 page research papers and reading many times late into the evening. More challenging than learning theory and searching principles, were struggles with new concepts like excel, access, html, CSS which all should be, as far as I am concerned, four-letter words.
Over time, the strain has become evident -- I have begun to let things go, nothing important, just things like housework, health and personal hygiene. Takeout has been a dietary staple. My brain has lost its ability to keep everything all in one place and speaking coherently is impossible. Thank goodness my children are older and don't need much attention, because they wouldn't be getting it from me. My husband, God bless his Swedish roots, is stoic, but my dog, already a separation anxiety sufferer, is crippled with loneliness.
Do I regret my decision? Not for a minute. Really. I have learned so much and met so many interesting people through these classes. I would never trade this experience and I am going to be sorry to see it end in the Spring.
Go to my Flickr page to see my educational experience up close and personal. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lascils598f08/
See my classmates photos and learn about their experience
http://www.flickr.com/groups/scils598f08-edexperience/
I formally began in January 2007 and that's when it hit me... this is serious work. Suddenly, I found the classes intense and demanding. I found myself writing 40 page research papers and reading many times late into the evening. More challenging than learning theory and searching principles, were struggles with new concepts like excel, access, html, CSS which all should be, as far as I am concerned, four-letter words.
Over time, the strain has become evident -- I have begun to let things go, nothing important, just things like housework, health and personal hygiene. Takeout has been a dietary staple. My brain has lost its ability to keep everything all in one place and speaking coherently is impossible. Thank goodness my children are older and don't need much attention, because they wouldn't be getting it from me. My husband, God bless his Swedish roots, is stoic, but my dog, already a separation anxiety sufferer, is crippled with loneliness.
Do I regret my decision? Not for a minute. Really. I have learned so much and met so many interesting people through these classes. I would never trade this experience and I am going to be sorry to see it end in the Spring.
Go to my Flickr page to see my educational experience up close and personal. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lascils598f08/
See my classmates photos and learn about their experience
http://www.flickr.com/groups/scils598f08-edexperience/
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Librarians: new producers, new markets, new taste makers
Chris Anderson has some interesting ideas about how our culture and economy are changing. Specifically, he opines that the economy is moving away from a small number of mainstream products and markets to a large number of niches. He identifies three forces that are creating new business opportunities in these new niche-driven markets:
- Democratization of production;
- Democratization of distribution; and
- Connection of supply and demand.
Democratization of production facilitates production because it extends the ability to create to individuals. An example of this is the personal computer, which has provided individuals with the opportunity to self-publish materials. For librarians, opportunities to be new producers also exist, although many libraries may not yet be capitalizing on them. Libraries and Friends groups can now publish their own Patron Bill of Rights, Strategic Plan, Fair Use and other Policies, Bylaws, Minutes of Meetings, etc. and publish these documents on their websites or wikis. Libraries can also encourage businesses and individuals to publish their work by hosting workshops in Word, Excel and Microsoft Publisher or on how to use social software. They can also teach individuals about self-publishing programs available on-line through software like LibraryThing or Greatreads.
Democratization of distribution opens up new markets by cutting costs. Libraries have already done this by creating consortia for the sharing of some resources. However, libraries should also consider resource sharing for items like DVDs, music and computer games to enlarge selection at less cost.
Librarians can be vital in providing the last function cited by Anderson, that is, connecting supply and demand. They are constantly asked for recommendations by patrons. From working with other patrons, they develop a sense of what books are sought after by patrons. In this way, it is not really the librarians, but the patrons, that become the taste makers. In addition to informal methods, librarians can use surveys, either on-line or in the library. They can ask patrons to write reviews of books and post them on-line. They can also provide rankings of books based upon the data they receive.
All in all, librarians can make changes in the library based upon Anderson's insights that can benefit patrons and improve their experience with their library.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Analyzing You with Google Analytics
So here is the Google Analytics analysis of the traffic on this "oh-so-exciting" blog. Try to calm yourself...
Most of you are using Internet Explorer as your browser. In fact, 67.68% of visits used IE when visiting this site. Firefox was used for 27.94% of the visits. Here's a "shout-out" to those using a browser that I have personally never heard of (although that is not saying all that much, since we all know that I am a tech-spazz). For 4.41% of the visits a browser, named Chrome, was used.
In accessing this blog, the most used connection speed is T1, followed by cable. Although this statistic can be somewhat misleading because there is a higher percentage of new viewers using cable than using T1. Dialup and DSL use are approximately equal.
Now wake up and go back to whatever it is you were doing.... :-)
Most of you are using Internet Explorer as your browser. In fact, 67.68% of visits used IE when visiting this site. Firefox was used for 27.94% of the visits. Here's a "shout-out" to those using a browser that I have personally never heard of (although that is not saying all that much, since we all know that I am a tech-spazz). For 4.41% of the visits a browser, named Chrome, was used.
In accessing this blog, the most used connection speed is T1, followed by cable. Although this statistic can be somewhat misleading because there is a higher percentage of new viewers using cable than using T1. Dialup and DSL use are approximately equal.
Now wake up and go back to whatever it is you were doing.... :-)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Libraries' Long Tale
Libraries have always understood the concept presented in Anderson's book. In developing collections, libraries choose both best sellers and books in specialized areas that fill out their collections. They seek to provide a well rounded and varied collection that meets the needs of a diverse group of readers. Even if books rarely circulate, if there is no other book in the library on that topic, the library will maintain that book in its collection.
One of the ways that the changing economy may affect libraries is that the public will expect a greater amount of information to be available at their library digitally. This will be costly for libraries not only in the cost of the online services, but also in hardware and staff training expenses. It will cause libraries to have to rethink and reorganize their space, staffing needs and budget allocation.
One of the ways that the changing economy may affect libraries is that the public will expect a greater amount of information to be available at their library digitally. This will be costly for libraries not only in the cost of the online services, but also in hardware and staff training expenses. It will cause libraries to have to rethink and reorganize their space, staffing needs and budget allocation.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Collaborative Technologies: Convince the Profs, "Persuade" [i.e., strong-arm, if necessary] Students
Here's the deal as I see it:
Google Docs and Spresent could be great for college and graduate students who as a result of conflicting schedules, find projects requiring collaboration difficult to accomplish.
The disincentives of these tools come out of the fact that students are basically shortsighted. If something doesn't make their life easier right now for this project, they may not want to use it. Although Google Documents and SPresent are easy to use, there is always a learning curve with a new program. Students may be reluctant to take the time to try something new now unless they perceive a benefit now. Second, students would need to be convinced that the prof was tracking student contributions. In collaborative situations, it is easy for one person in a group to take on more responsibility than others. Since there is no authorship in a Spresent or Google Docs., it might act as a disincentive to students concerned about receiving credit for their fair share of the work.
Both of these issues could be overcome if you could get the faculty on board. If the faculty required use of these collaborative tools, then students would have to learn how to use them. Further, if faculty reassured them that their work was being monitored, students would understand that their contributions were being acknowledged by the grade-giver.
Google Docs and Spresent could be great for college and graduate students who as a result of conflicting schedules, find projects requiring collaboration difficult to accomplish.
The disincentives of these tools come out of the fact that students are basically shortsighted. If something doesn't make their life easier right now for this project, they may not want to use it. Although Google Documents and SPresent are easy to use, there is always a learning curve with a new program. Students may be reluctant to take the time to try something new now unless they perceive a benefit now. Second, students would need to be convinced that the prof was tracking student contributions. In collaborative situations, it is easy for one person in a group to take on more responsibility than others. Since there is no authorship in a Spresent or Google Docs., it might act as a disincentive to students concerned about receiving credit for their fair share of the work.
Both of these issues could be overcome if you could get the faculty on board. If the faculty required use of these collaborative tools, then students would have to learn how to use them. Further, if faculty reassured them that their work was being monitored, students would understand that their contributions were being acknowledged by the grade-giver.
The question then becomes, whether professors would be comfortable using these programs? I think that depends upon how accepting of how open to technology they are. Most of the professors that I have had at SCILS have been very willing to employ technology in the classes and have encouraged us to use it whenever possible. I think that they would be willing to utilize and encourage these kinds of collaborative tools if they understood how to use them. In addition, exposing students to these collaborative tools before they graduate will yield more productive and knowledgeable media specialists. These graduates will continue to enhance Rutgers' reputation within the library community, a win-win for everyone, don't you think?
Wiki-ing away the day
So, I started this morning playing around with these wiki programs and next thing I new... the dog was carrying in his bowl for dinner! These programs are really fun! After a completely "lost" day, here are my thoughts (and please note that my brain feels like it is on the "snow channel after a day of wiki-ing"):
PB Wiki:
What's Nice:
PB Wiki:
What's Nice:
- Easy to use
- Easy to set up
- Easy to invite friends
What's Not so Nice:
- Not as much opportunity for creativity
- No instructional video
Wikispaces:
What's Nice:
- Can design the wiki pages with color and templates
- Creative Commons License
- Informative video explaining how to use the program
- Easy to Use and invite friends
What's Not so Nice:
- Program froze while I was using it causing loss of work
- Program seemed to run slow
- Advertising
All in all, using them only briefly, the services seem relatively interchangeable to me. Since I have used PB wiki for another class and am more familiar with it, I would probably stick with it out of sheer laziness. There you have it.
Oh my! Lookee What We Did!
Wow! I can't believe how diverse our interests are and yet, they do overlap quite a bit too!
I like the idea of using booking marking a "getting to know you" exercise. I do think we can learn a lot about one another from seeing what websites interest us. This is the only problem (and this could be my lack of computer skills), when I was looking at our postings, they were mixed up, i.e., all the web sites posted by one person did not appear together. That makes it more difficult to distinguish and really get to know people. Even so, I think this kind of an exercise would be beneficial because it would serve the purpose of teaching about bookmarking and of introducing students to one another.
I also would have liked it if the bookmarking unit was earlier on in the semester. Steve introduces so many valuable sites during the course, it would be great to be able to bookmark them as we go along.
I like the idea of using booking marking a "getting to know you" exercise. I do think we can learn a lot about one another from seeing what websites interest us. This is the only problem (and this could be my lack of computer skills), when I was looking at our postings, they were mixed up, i.e., all the web sites posted by one person did not appear together. That makes it more difficult to distinguish and really get to know people. Even so, I think this kind of an exercise would be beneficial because it would serve the purpose of teaching about bookmarking and of introducing students to one another.
I also would have liked it if the bookmarking unit was earlier on in the semester. Steve introduces so many valuable sites during the course, it would be great to be able to bookmark them as we go along.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Brown and Duguid Implications of the Conclusions Drawn in the Readings
What interested me the most about the conclusion drawn by the authors was the change that they predict for universities as a result of the digital age. Some of these technologies supplement traditional learning environments and provide additional opportunities for construction of knowledge or collaboration among students. Many of these technologies have been or are being implemented in colleges and universities around the world.
The interesting question is whether these technologies could replace the college campus altogether? I don't think that they could.
The authors cite several reasons that digital technology would not replace the physical presence of universities. They reason that knowledge has a social component and that face to face interaction between the faculty and students better promotes learning. However, a more compelling reason for maintaining campus life exists, in my opinion.
College in the United States is not just about learning what is necessary to pursue a career; it has become, for a certain sector of our population, part of a rite of passage from youth to adulthood. For many teenagers, not yet ready to face the adult world, it is not only a semi-adult, fairly safe environment in which to pursue academics, but also an environment in which they are able to live independently with other students their own age, while still receiving financial support from home. For their parents as well, it is a solution for children too old to continue to live at home, yet too young to be "thrown to the lions" of the real world.
Moreover, distance learning, while it has been positive for me, a middle-aged woman changing careers, can’t replace the social aspect of learning needed for younger students just out of high school. It can’t replace the knowledge and maturity gained through living away from home and being mentored by peers and professors, while still enjoying the financial "safety net" of your family. It can’t replace the camaraderie and the academic influence professors exercise just by being available to chat in the dining hall or at football game. These issues are less important to older students who have already developed these social skills.
I sincerely hope that asynchronous learning continues to be used by universities as a supplement to their rigorous academic programs and that new technologies, as they develop, will also be incorporated. I also hope that administrators and scholars use restraint in allowing these technologies to replace what is so vital and unique to the college experience for undergraduate students, the social contact in a fairly encapsulated environment between students and their mentors.
The interesting question is whether these technologies could replace the college campus altogether? I don't think that they could.
The authors cite several reasons that digital technology would not replace the physical presence of universities. They reason that knowledge has a social component and that face to face interaction between the faculty and students better promotes learning. However, a more compelling reason for maintaining campus life exists, in my opinion.
College in the United States is not just about learning what is necessary to pursue a career; it has become, for a certain sector of our population, part of a rite of passage from youth to adulthood. For many teenagers, not yet ready to face the adult world, it is not only a semi-adult, fairly safe environment in which to pursue academics, but also an environment in which they are able to live independently with other students their own age, while still receiving financial support from home. For their parents as well, it is a solution for children too old to continue to live at home, yet too young to be "thrown to the lions" of the real world.
Moreover, distance learning, while it has been positive for me, a middle-aged woman changing careers, can’t replace the social aspect of learning needed for younger students just out of high school. It can’t replace the knowledge and maturity gained through living away from home and being mentored by peers and professors, while still enjoying the financial "safety net" of your family. It can’t replace the camaraderie and the academic influence professors exercise just by being available to chat in the dining hall or at football game. These issues are less important to older students who have already developed these social skills.
I sincerely hope that asynchronous learning continues to be used by universities as a supplement to their rigorous academic programs and that new technologies, as they develop, will also be incorporated. I also hope that administrators and scholars use restraint in allowing these technologies to replace what is so vital and unique to the college experience for undergraduate students, the social contact in a fairly encapsulated environment between students and their mentors.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Why, Thank you, Thing
LibraryThing allows book lovers to catalog their collections for free, well almost. Two hundred books are free, after that, the cost is $25 for all the books you can catalog during your lifetime. Where does Librarything get its information? It gets some information from Amazon, but imports MARC records from over 680 library resources including library of congress and many academic libraries both in the US and around the world. It is not difficult to find the correct edition of the resource you are looking for, but if you cannot find it, you can add your resource manually. Otherwise, adding a resource to your library is as easy as clicking on the record once it is located. Records can also be imported from the catalogs of other members. Once you add your books, you can tag them any way that makes sense to you.
If the need to catalog your books at home is not compelling to you, and I admit, as much as I like the idea of an organized life, spending my free time cataloging, no matter how easy it is, kinda makes me twitch, Librarything is still a really cool website. It has some fun social features that made me take notice and made me lose track of time too. There are many different categories with suggested books to browse through. There is a feature that recommends books similar to those in your catalog and another that shows you libraries similar to yours. You can leave comments for other members and join book groups in every kind of category from young mothers reading children’s books to a “pub group” to political activist groups to fantasy readers groups. There were so many groups to choose from, that if I joined them all, I would be reading 24/7, which would be bliss. There are forums in which people post questions or topics for discussion. These are particularly good areas to ask for reading recommendations or for opinions on books. The topics covered in the forums range from Plato to Agatha Christie. Another interesting thing: you can sign up to be a reviewer of new books. You receive advance copies of new books to read and review – how cool is that?
Librarything has so many opportunities to make connections with other people who like to read. You never again have to ask the question what should I read next?
If the need to catalog your books at home is not compelling to you, and I admit, as much as I like the idea of an organized life, spending my free time cataloging, no matter how easy it is, kinda makes me twitch, Librarything is still a really cool website. It has some fun social features that made me take notice and made me lose track of time too. There are many different categories with suggested books to browse through. There is a feature that recommends books similar to those in your catalog and another that shows you libraries similar to yours. You can leave comments for other members and join book groups in every kind of category from young mothers reading children’s books to a “pub group” to political activist groups to fantasy readers groups. There were so many groups to choose from, that if I joined them all, I would be reading 24/7, which would be bliss. There are forums in which people post questions or topics for discussion. These are particularly good areas to ask for reading recommendations or for opinions on books. The topics covered in the forums range from Plato to Agatha Christie. Another interesting thing: you can sign up to be a reviewer of new books. You receive advance copies of new books to read and review – how cool is that?
Librarything has so many opportunities to make connections with other people who like to read. You never again have to ask the question what should I read next?
Delicious Satisfying but Ma.gnolia Really Blooms
The funnest part of this blogging stuff is coming up with corny titles, don't you think? Well, here's my cut on Delicious v. Ma.gnolia. Both seem to have all the basic functionalities needed to bookmark pages for future use. From a quick review of both services, Ma.gnolia seems to have some advantages over Delicious. First, it's easier to read. For those of use getting older, this is an issue. The layout is cleaner and less confusing, the font is larger and the colors are brighter. Delicious uses a various shades of greys and blues which, at least for me are hard to distinguish. There are also a lot of things on the page, which makes it confusing.
Ma.gnolia builds upon the social aspect of bookmarking by creating and allowing others to create groups. People in these groups share their bookmarks. While there are networks on Delicious, they are not grouped and given names with explanations of what their interests are in this same way. Because magnolia takes this type of an approach, it encourages people who do not necessarily know one another but have similar interests to join groups and share resources.
Finally, I liked the fact that Magnolia had easy access to the most popular tags and the recently tagged items. I thought at first that Delicious had a similar function, but could not find it later.
Ma.gnolia builds upon the social aspect of bookmarking by creating and allowing others to create groups. People in these groups share their bookmarks. While there are networks on Delicious, they are not grouped and given names with explanations of what their interests are in this same way. Because magnolia takes this type of an approach, it encourages people who do not necessarily know one another but have similar interests to join groups and share resources.
Finally, I liked the fact that Magnolia had easy access to the most popular tags and the recently tagged items. I thought at first that Delicious had a similar function, but could not find it later.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Bakespace continued
I received a thoughtful comment from Bakespace giving me directions for signing up to the site. I just want you all to know that I really did NOT mean to imply that it is difficult to sign up for Bakespace because it is, in fact, very easy to sign up. Takes two minutes, really. However, since I am doing this blog as part of a graduate school library class, I didn't have two minutes at that time. Since, it is now the weekend and I have finally finished all the homework, I went back to spend a little more time with Bakespace.
There are even more features than I gave the site credit for in my earlier post. To begin with, there is a video that explains each part of the set up procedure, so when I say it is easy, it is really easy. When you first join, you go to "my kitchen," where you have this really neat option to choose from a huge list of categories of recipes that interest you. Since I am unfortunately on a diet, I chose, low-calorie, weight watchers and southbeach. A mini-feed appeared in my kitchen which showed recipes from those categories that might interest me. I am going to try a chicken salsa recipe that sounds easy.
I still have many more features to explore, like the mentors, adding and bookmarking recipes, etc., but I didn't want to leave you with the impression that it was difficult to sign up for this service. Give it a try, it will solve that daily conundrum, "what should I cook for dinner tonight?"
There are even more features than I gave the site credit for in my earlier post. To begin with, there is a video that explains each part of the set up procedure, so when I say it is easy, it is really easy. When you first join, you go to "my kitchen," where you have this really neat option to choose from a huge list of categories of recipes that interest you. Since I am unfortunately on a diet, I chose, low-calorie, weight watchers and southbeach. A mini-feed appeared in my kitchen which showed recipes from those categories that might interest me. I am going to try a chicken salsa recipe that sounds easy.
I still have many more features to explore, like the mentors, adding and bookmarking recipes, etc., but I didn't want to leave you with the impression that it was difficult to sign up for this service. Give it a try, it will solve that daily conundrum, "what should I cook for dinner tonight?"
Saturday, October 4, 2008
RSS is Really Super Stuff
If anyone is ever going to be overloaded by information provided by technology, it's me. Since I have so little experience with technology (seriously, I did not know what a url was until two years ago) just hearing the term RSS, made me quiver in my boots. So if I can do this without being overloaded, I think just about anyone can. I am a convert. I love, love, love RSS! I can see how it could get overwhelming if you signed up for too many sites, but if you like to read a lot of blogs or look at a lot of sites on a regular basis, this seems to me to be a great time saver. I would have loved this for professional journals and magazines when I was practicing law. It would have made the reading so much easier to keep up with!
I love the productivity part of RSS. It was so much fun adding websites to our blogs and wiki page. Knowing that the tools are out there to do these things when we are working in a library allows us to have another option to bring some creativity into our jobs and our projects. I think RSS has huge possibilities, but can be controlled so that those of us who are not too technical can still enjoy it and reap its benefits.
I love the productivity part of RSS. It was so much fun adding websites to our blogs and wiki page. Knowing that the tools are out there to do these things when we are working in a library allows us to have another option to bring some creativity into our jobs and our projects. I think RSS has huge possibilities, but can be controlled so that those of us who are not too technical can still enjoy it and reap its benefits.
Baking Web 2.0 Style
Anyone else like to bake? Bakespace.com is standing around the kitchen talking and cooking together, web 2.0 -style. Individuals who like to cook post their recipes, but it is more than just a a recipe bank/exchange. It features blogs in which new products and techniques, nutrition and other things relevant to cooking and baking are discussed. A forum section, reminiscent of kitchen gatherings, creates a space where participants talk informally news of the day, such as the government bail out of Wall Street.
But let's talk about the recipe collection. It is as diverse as the people who join the group. The recipes are classified into the course for which they would be served, into holidays, gift ideas, etc. There are often notes from the cooks explaining the recipe's history or serving ideas. A comment area allows others who have tried the recipe to weigh in so that before trying the recipe yourself, you have someone else's experience with the recipe. The site has a recipe box in which you can maintain favorite recipes. Of course, the down side of using the recipe box is that if you have lost your Internet connection and need a recipe, it is not available, you are out of luck. The good thing about it, is that you can obtain your recipes anywhere you are, even if you are away from home or shopping and have forgotten your recipe book.
This kind of a site is better than Epicurious, in my opinion, because you get to know people more personally. Once you know whether you enjoy the same foods that they do, you can determine whether you are likely to enjoy the same recipes.
I would definitely use a site like this one in the future, although I did not take the time to set up a profile at this point. But, someday, when I need a recipe and can't find it or want to know how to smoke a turkey or something, I will use this site! Visit yourself at http://www.bakespace.com
But let's talk about the recipe collection. It is as diverse as the people who join the group. The recipes are classified into the course for which they would be served, into holidays, gift ideas, etc. There are often notes from the cooks explaining the recipe's history or serving ideas. A comment area allows others who have tried the recipe to weigh in so that before trying the recipe yourself, you have someone else's experience with the recipe. The site has a recipe box in which you can maintain favorite recipes. Of course, the down side of using the recipe box is that if you have lost your Internet connection and need a recipe, it is not available, you are out of luck. The good thing about it, is that you can obtain your recipes anywhere you are, even if you are away from home or shopping and have forgotten your recipe book.
This kind of a site is better than Epicurious, in my opinion, because you get to know people more personally. Once you know whether you enjoy the same foods that they do, you can determine whether you are likely to enjoy the same recipes.
I would definitely use a site like this one in the future, although I did not take the time to set up a profile at this point. But, someday, when I need a recipe and can't find it or want to know how to smoke a turkey or something, I will use this site! Visit yourself at http://www.bakespace.com
Thoughts on Feed invading my brain
So, I’m getting dressed this morning, listening to the Today show and a woman is on promoting a book--- something like Everything Goes with Green. The book is about small steps each of us can take to protect the environment and to protect ourselves from the effects of harmful chemicals in our everyday lives. Apparently, this woman’s young son became extremely ill (I only caught the end of the story) as a result of chemicals that are in all of our homes –cleaning, personal care and home maintenance. She discontinued use of the products and he has been healthy since. The EPA gave a statement that it cannot be determined what quantity of the chemicals is dangerous to human health. As if that is supposed to make this mother feel better – obviously some quantity is bad for human health we just are not sure what that quantity is yet.
This got me thinking about Feed and the environment it portrays. The forests are gone. The ocean is toxic. You have to wear a protective suit to play in the sand on the beach. People are developing lesions as a result of the toxic environment. Are we headed in that direction? Would our government hide from us the obvious dangers caused to the environment by our consumerist behavior? Would we, as a society, be blind to the danger preferring to pursue pleasure and economic gain?
Feed may be a hyperbole, but if we believe Al Gore, it’s not that far from where we are headed. We, as a global society, are consuming our natural resources without replenishing them. Despite efforts by public watch groups and government agencies, corporations still are allowed to pollute the environment because it is economically not feasible for them to operate in an ecologically safe way. Our government assures us with platitudes such as those provided to the author cited above … everything is being done to protect us, there is no evidence of what quantity of these chemicals are bad for human health… the same 1984-style doublespeak used in Feed to keep people from becoming overly concerned about their world’s problems.
In Feed, Anderson pokes fun at our gullibility, not only in our belief in our government but also in our trust in corporate America. Through his use of the lesions, for example, Anderson shows the influence of advertising through the media and the influence of celebrities. Instead of an extremely frightening epidemic, the feed, through the use of popular celebrities and advertisement, turned the lesions into a fashion statement. This reduced public fear and made desirable and otherwise unattractive condition. In the same way, Anderson seems to say that if the advertising is good, society will accept just about any unacceptable condition more readily.
I see more people than ever trying to do the right things to protect our environment whenever they can. I hope that this helps. I hope our government does what it is supposed to do with regard to enforcing environmental regulations and I sincerely hope that at least some corporations put the environment before the bottom line at least some of the time.
This got me thinking about Feed and the environment it portrays. The forests are gone. The ocean is toxic. You have to wear a protective suit to play in the sand on the beach. People are developing lesions as a result of the toxic environment. Are we headed in that direction? Would our government hide from us the obvious dangers caused to the environment by our consumerist behavior? Would we, as a society, be blind to the danger preferring to pursue pleasure and economic gain?
Feed may be a hyperbole, but if we believe Al Gore, it’s not that far from where we are headed. We, as a global society, are consuming our natural resources without replenishing them. Despite efforts by public watch groups and government agencies, corporations still are allowed to pollute the environment because it is economically not feasible for them to operate in an ecologically safe way. Our government assures us with platitudes such as those provided to the author cited above … everything is being done to protect us, there is no evidence of what quantity of these chemicals are bad for human health… the same 1984-style doublespeak used in Feed to keep people from becoming overly concerned about their world’s problems.
In Feed, Anderson pokes fun at our gullibility, not only in our belief in our government but also in our trust in corporate America. Through his use of the lesions, for example, Anderson shows the influence of advertising through the media and the influence of celebrities. Instead of an extremely frightening epidemic, the feed, through the use of popular celebrities and advertisement, turned the lesions into a fashion statement. This reduced public fear and made desirable and otherwise unattractive condition. In the same way, Anderson seems to say that if the advertising is good, society will accept just about any unacceptable condition more readily.
I see more people than ever trying to do the right things to protect our environment whenever they can. I hope that this helps. I hope our government does what it is supposed to do with regard to enforcing environmental regulations and I sincerely hope that at least some corporations put the environment before the bottom line at least some of the time.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Bloglines vs. Google Reader
Both Bloglines and Google Reader are relatively easy to set up and easy to use. The have easy to read displays and are easy to navigate. The difference that would probably sway me toward Google Reader is that I already use Google for other services, so it would make GR the more convenient choice. Bloglines, as Gabrielle points out, requires another stop.
Response to Feed
I loved this book when we read it for YA literature. The whole 1984 thing sparks my imagination. I definitely think that at some point in time, science and technology could develop to make it possible for computers to be incorporated into the brain. The idea that computers could ascertain our interests and then develop a profile of us that would then inform the kind of information we receive in the future is a scary thought. It happens somewhat already when we shop on Amazon. We are given choices of others things to buy based upon what other shoppers making the same purchase also bought. However, if this filtering were to limit information relating to news, education, public affairs, social interests, the impact would be for someone else to be deciding for us the total context within which we live. That would be scary stuff....
Social Software: It's all new to me
I will admit that I am a social software novice. I have never blogged. I thought only birds tweeted, and I have rarely IM'd. So it was with great trepidation that I signed up for this class, viewing it kind of like I view exercise ... I'd be in pain at first, but once I got through it, I would be glad that I did it.
What strikes me most about all of the software that we have been using is that for the most part, it creates a greater sense of connection among online classmates. In other classes, we got to know classmates through asynchronous posts. Social software, such as IM and even to a certain extent Twitter, promotes a type interaction that is more spontaneous than the well thought-out, well articulated comments of the traditional on-line class posts of most classes. This kind of interaction feels more genuine and more closely simulates, for me, a traditional classroom experience.
Blogs add yet another dimension because they provide a forum for classmates to express themselves more fully and less formally. Usually in an online class post, students try to be succinct, knowing that others, including the teacher, have the entire class' posts to read. In the blog format, students follow only the blogs to which they are assigned or those that interest them, so there is less concern about length and therefore, more freedom of expression for the writer. Classmates get a better view of one another thought these more detailed blog postings.
I definitely think that when I am school librarian, I will utilize these technologies as much as possible. They have so much potential for augmenting the learning process and for making learning more fun and interesting for our students. Whether I blog or tweet with my friends, who are mostly older and not very technologically savvy, is another story, ie., probably not going to happen, but who knows, never say never, right????
What strikes me most about all of the software that we have been using is that for the most part, it creates a greater sense of connection among online classmates. In other classes, we got to know classmates through asynchronous posts. Social software, such as IM and even to a certain extent Twitter, promotes a type interaction that is more spontaneous than the well thought-out, well articulated comments of the traditional on-line class posts of most classes. This kind of interaction feels more genuine and more closely simulates, for me, a traditional classroom experience.
Blogs add yet another dimension because they provide a forum for classmates to express themselves more fully and less formally. Usually in an online class post, students try to be succinct, knowing that others, including the teacher, have the entire class' posts to read. In the blog format, students follow only the blogs to which they are assigned or those that interest them, so there is less concern about length and therefore, more freedom of expression for the writer. Classmates get a better view of one another thought these more detailed blog postings.
I definitely think that when I am school librarian, I will utilize these technologies as much as possible. They have so much potential for augmenting the learning process and for making learning more fun and interesting for our students. Whether I blog or tweet with my friends, who are mostly older and not very technologically savvy, is another story, ie., probably not going to happen, but who knows, never say never, right????
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Blogger v. LiveJournal
Blogger features:
- Can use with mobile phone
- Has chat rooms for collaboration
- Can download pictures and video
- No voice or IM communciation
- Has Blogger Buzz feature which has blogs of interest and recent updates on Blogger.
LiveJournal features:
- Can use with mobile phones
- Has posting communities for collaboration
- Can download pictures, but no video
- Gizmo Project = voice and IM client for LJ talk so people can communicate in real time
- Has an "Explore LJ" feature that categorizes blogs by subject
- Has a to "do list" feature
- Provides faster service for paying customers
Monday, September 15, 2008
School Library Blogs
I was looking for a good elementary school blog and it wasn't easy. Many of them were not updated. Some were not all that creative. One was even a venting place for the MS frustrations with her job (ugh). I found this blog
http://www.grandviewlibrary.org/StudentBlogs.aspx . What I liked about it was that it was the only one that I found that allowed elementary level students to blog. This is part of a third grade experimental project. The students' names are not being used, but they are being given numbers instead. They are talking about books they are reading. I think this is a great idea. The website clearly set out "blogging rules" and as long as teachers explain and enforce those rules, I think this can be a great experience for the students in another form of collaboration.
http://www.grandviewlibrary.org/StudentBlogs.aspx . What I liked about it was that it was the only one that I found that allowed elementary level students to blog. This is part of a third grade experimental project. The students' names are not being used, but they are being given numbers instead. They are talking about books they are reading. I think this is a great idea. The website clearly set out "blogging rules" and as long as teachers explain and enforce those rules, I think this can be a great experience for the students in another form of collaboration.
Messages for Librarians from Brown & Duguid
Technology has great possibilities for the information industry. However, in order for technology to reach its full potential its designers must be mindful of its social context and must incorporate its social resources. For librarians, this means that in employing technology in our libraries, we must always be sensitive to the specific needs of the users and the unique environment of the library in which the technology will be used.
One way librarians accomplish this is by OPACs more user-friendly and compatible with the way an average user searches. Librarians can also use social software tools to make their services more available to the public. For example, IM brings reference services to their patrons outside of the library building. Further, blogs could be used not only to keep patrons informed, but to solicit their opinions and ideas, thus giving them a stake in the direction of library development. By using interactive technology in this way, technology becomes a means to of drawing patrons into the fold of the library and its programs. It thereby solidifies the library's role in the community.
One way librarians accomplish this is by OPACs more user-friendly and compatible with the way an average user searches. Librarians can also use social software tools to make their services more available to the public. For example, IM brings reference services to their patrons outside of the library building. Further, blogs could be used not only to keep patrons informed, but to solicit their opinions and ideas, thus giving them a stake in the direction of library development. By using interactive technology in this way, technology becomes a means to of drawing patrons into the fold of the library and its programs. It thereby solidifies the library's role in the community.
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