Reflect and Relax

Well, this topic is quite a misnomer, in that the drive to get the assignments completed was anything but relaxing. That being said, I think the series itself has been very important, both personally and professionally.



There are a few of us, I suppose, who are techno-geeks, and will seek out new opportunities to find their way in the rapidly changing world of technology. I'm guessing, though, that most of us in library land are not inclined this way by nature. Therefore, having a mandatory assignment has been a way for me to be dragged into the fray. I've benefitted from it from a personal perspective, particularly with regard to Overdrive, which I use to download books.

I think the real value will be demonstrated in the future if customers need help with aspects of technology, such as setting up a WIKI. Time will tell on this.

As far as what the team can do for trainings in the future, my suggestions giving more advance notice that training is coming up and what the expectations will be so that we can better prepare our time, and also in my opinion there should be at least some human interaction along the way for those of us who fall behind due to lack of understanding. In our branch, we were able to fumble along, like the blind leading the blind, but it didn't always seem like the most efficient way to learn. There were times that each of us struggled with the same things independently; we could have saved time and avoided frustration if we had a better way to merge thoughts, ideas, and strategies as we went along.

Thank you for all the hard work you endured to get us all through the Web 2.0 training. It was definitely worth the effort, and I look forward to more training in the future.

Gaming

I'm not much of gamer myself, but I can see that the next generations really are, so I understand the value, or rather, interest the library system would have in having some familiarity with the gaming world. Also, our reality is that the Internet is a wide-open medium, so trying to keep someone from playing games on a library computer would be like spitting into the wind, even if we had such an interest. The idea that we would try to monitor what people are viewing on the Internet also goes against one of our fundamental values as a library system. Therefore, it behooves us 'old folks' to have some familiarity with gaming. Besides, if approached with an open mind, it can be fun, at least for some.

I practiced with Yahoo games; I chose the Mah Jong puzzle. It was mildly entertaining, but I was glad it only took five minutes. I like the idea that a person can try out games to see if they like it or not before they purchase. I am a puzzler myself (shout out to Will Shorts, the Puzzle Master), but not everyone likes puzzles. That's what makes the trials a nice way to approach gaming.

I also practiced with one of the children's games from funbrain so that I can help families choose sites they may like for trying educational puzzles. I didn't get the gist of the particular game I tried; I think I need to get my grandson to help me with that one. My experience is that many children find technology to be much more intuitive than I. So my grandson is often my technological tutor. I encourage everyone to find a youngster to help them navigate the changing world of technology.

Google Earth: Mapping

I actually experimented with earth.google.com a few weeks ago, and even before we received this assignment. My experience with SILS computers is that they were not really fast enough to explore Walt Disney World in google earth in 3D. However, it just so happens that a new computer magically appeared at my house one day this summer, and it's a fast little hummer. We've had lots of fun looking at all things WDW in preparation for our upcoming trip.

Google earth is just fine when searching for a street, etc, but when you want to search for something as sophisticated as 3D imaging, my advice would be to make sure you have one powerful pc.

Also, we were a little stunned to find just how much information one can get to specific US military installations, both here and abroad. Hmmm...

AVATARS

Today's lesson was on creating an avatar, which I was able to do successfully on my second try. On the first computer I used, I had some trouble reading their security word to their satisfaction. The 'they' I'm referring to is, of course, http://www.doppleme.com/.

http://www.doppleme.com/userarea/ this is the link to my avatar.

I'm not sure when I will ever use an avatar, but there you go. At least I know how to do it if I have to help someone else who wants to make one.

Maps and Geomapping

Okay, so maybe this one wasn't so much for me. Or maybe it's made for super-fast computers; maybe it's the 64-bit, 32 bit issue. But this was s-l-o-w and cumbersome for me.

I have used google maps before. Before we went to Disneyland last year, we got a street shot of what was on the road between our house and the park.

I did download Google earth to the particular computer I was using; no problem so far. But when I got to Google earth, the place to click to 'fly' somewhere was not evident at all. I finally figured it out, though I'm not sure I really know how I did it.

I guess I picked the wrong place to fly to, which was Walt Disney World. They've been touting that you can go right down Main Street, USA, though I never figured out how to do that, either from the offical Disney website or Google earth. They say you can see 3D images, but I didn't really see that, either, unless they are considering a photo of a resort '3D'. It took FOREVER to get from one place to another, too. Maybe it was because WDW has lots of graphics, etc.

So, I went to my house, which I found fairly easily, but when we got to my street, we got pretty fuzzy. They say you can 'swoop' down the street, but I didn't have much luck with that. I think I'm going to have to spend some time on the tutorial.

When I tried to print my house, what I got was a black rectangle on the sheet about three inches high and 7 1/2 inches across.

I guess it just wasn't my day.

Online Apps & Tools

I had used the google spreadsheet before to make a shared document for a football pool.

I tried the Zoho, which has lots more features, which is good, but it can be a bit overwhelming. Therefore, I would say that I would choose one or the other for my football pool depending who was playing with me and how savvy they are.

This afternoon I learned about search engines. I think most people stop at google.com and yahoo.com, so it was good to learn of a couple others.

I was most impressed with Mamma. I chose a topic to search with which I am somewhat familiar. The words I used were 'Disney cruise line vacation'. On Mamma, several sites appeared that I knew gave good information and had lots of resources available. I will plan to use Mamma the next time I'm planning a vacation! :-)

Podcasting, Library Style

I didn't spend much time on this section because I already know about podcasting. I've created a podcast for a storytime, which was added to the website. I have RSS feeds at home and have some podcasts that I listen to regularly, so I don't need the extra practice here.

One thing that did help was the podcast directory sites. I can never have too much to listen to. Oops! Overload! Overload!

Image Generators

Today's lesson was about image generators. I didn't see a specific assignment, but thought I'd take a moment to add an image I quickly created. I imagine there's lots to explore with mashing images, but I only had a few minutes today. Maybe someday...

Overdrive Downloads

Yes! Finally one where I am ahead of the game!

I had already put a book on hold to download. My book was Peter and the Secret of Rundoon. My hold came in yesterday, and I was notified via email that it was ready and that I would have TWO days to download it before it went to the next borrower. Here's my experience:

I had no trouble following the directions to install Overdrive, but it turned out I already had installed it; we just weren't certain whether we had the newest update on it. Anyway, I was able to download it to my MP3 player without difficulty.

I have a chapter splitter installed on my home pc, but I was not able to split my sections on my MP3, which makes it a little more difficult to listen to it if I should have to back up for any reason. I also have some other podcasts downloaded on it, and those things split just fine.

One thing that came up just yesterday was when a customer came into the library and said she was notified she had a hold and it wasn't on the shelf. My co-worker investigated, and didn't find it on the shelf OR on her record. When he asked her exactly what the email said, she said it said she had two days to pick it up. He said that didn't make any sense. It was only later, when I told him about my experience with my own download that morning, that we realized she had an audio download, not a physical hold. Nothing on her record indicated that, so as staff we'll have to be careful in investigating those incidents when they occur, at least until customers are used to the audio download system.

I think this is an important note, so I am inclined to mention it on the main comment page.

It's Delicious!

Today we learned about del.icio.us. One thing that I've increasingly enjoyed are the Common Craft Show segments. This is a quick, efficient, and fun way to learn the basics of whatever technological device is the topic of the day. It really helps to get this quick overview before we begin to try to wrap our minds around the ways we may implement the concepts in our daily lives.

Also, I have discovered that the best way for me, as frontline staff, to complete the assignments is to do them as two-step assignments. Step one: read about the assignment and view the video, if there is one. Think about it overnight, etc. The second day, practice the assignment and then write my blog. If I have to do it in three steps, as I have for the del.icio.us assignment, then I do the blog on the third day. This way I find I can still move forward on the assignments, but I don't have to rush through them so fast that I'm not really learning anything.

I signed up for my del.icio.us account this week. I plan to share my account with my grandson. This way, his favorites will be available to him whether he's at his house or my house AND I can help guide him in his selections. (Maybe he'll guide me, too!)

Wikis

Today I learned about Wikis.

I'm thinking that we can use Wikis effectively in this library system for things which connect us together library to library in this system, such as in Summer Reading.

Say we decide to do a summer reading program next year (as it might be too late for planning purposes this year). We could build a wiki and let the various branches enter what kind of program they are planning to do and what kinds of materials they think they may need to complete it. We can also add helpful hints and tips about decorating, raising sponsors, etc. For example, last year I found out by attending WLA that Kathy Bullene had asked to have decorative signs created using the theme at the time, which was 'Get a Clue @ Your Library'. She had her posters printed on card stock so they were attractive and would last. I liked her idea so much I used it in Oak Harbor. These are the kinds of things we should all know about.

I can see how a wiki could be useful for any group trying to put together a project, whether it's for school, work, or just plain fun.

YouTube

Today I viewed YouTube, Hulu, and Fancast.

Here's a link to an interesting YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiyOYuim71k

This is an imaginative nine-minute video about the Disney ride, the Hollywood Tower of Terror. What makes this video unique is that the videographer, George J Holmes, has added computer enhanced imagery as well as audio to give you the idea of what the fictional hotel would have looked like 'back in the day'. This enhances the experience in a very fun and creative way.

I also searched for YouTube videos for Oak Harbor Library, Sno-Isle Libraries, some Michigan libraries, etc. The only one that matched was a Sno-Isle Library video about a series of programs where teens learn to make videos. Unfortunately, there was no sound to the video.

As far as Hulu and Fancast, I may use them some day when I want to view a program but neither has my favorite 'out of print' program, which is Newhart. (What is up with that!?!?!) Since we are considering getting rid of regular tv, Internet tv may fill the gap on those occasions when we wish to watch a program.

Facebook

Today I signed up for a Facebook account.

Here's a link to it:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1312061874

It was fairly easy to sign up, but at work we have been signing up for a lot of things; I'm not certain how easy it will be to get back to all these things we try. That being said, it was easy to sign up for the account. Mine is pretty bare bones at this point. Maybe someday I'll get around to adding nice features.

I found some Disney related people on Facebook, so I asked to be added to their network of Friends. I knew about them from a podcast that I listen to on my way to work. There are two accounts; Ricky Brigante is the host of a show called Inside the Magic. I asked Ricky to add me to his Friends list, and on Inside the Magic, I became a 'fan'. There are lots of other cool sites related to Inside the Magic elsewhere, including forums, Twitter, YouTube, and so on, which are all related to Disney in one form or another.

Flickr

Today is the day I created a Flickr account. I had been meaning to do it before, anyway.

I only had a few minutes to spare, so I was hoping it would be quick and easy. So far it seems to be just that.

Let's see if I can include a photo from my account.

Well, you can see my first try was unsuccessful, but I read some of the comments from others, then I was able to create a photo. Whoopee!

Pandora's Radio

I had heard about Pandora through a SILS report by Cheryl which was posted on the staff bulletin board and created an account about six weeks ago. I was originally looking for music to accompany a video I created for the annual Friends of the Library Tea. I didn't find the music I wanted, but it was fun looking for it.

When I went back to Pandora today, it remembered my requested music types I had entered before. That part was good. But you can't download the music, so you have to just listen to it right when you are near your computer.

The selection of audio streaming for SILS is very, very limited. Hopefully as we progress, many musical styles will be included.

RSS Feeds & Feed Readers

Today's lesson has been RSS Feeds & Feed Readers. People can subscribe to sites so they can find information they want fairly quickly. We use an RSS feed at our house when we are planning our Disney trip. We have certain sites where we get our information, such as Inside the Magic, http://www.distantcreations.com/insidethemagic/. I get Ricky's podcasts and listen to them while I am walking, which is another step in preparing for a Disney trip. Then I download the podcast on my mp3 players and listen to it while I exercise. The episodes are about one hour long.

Libraries can use RSS feeds to let customers know what is happening at the library. People can subscribe to a regular announcement about library events, say, for example, a podcast or even a list of events. When events are updated, a message can be generated to your home to let you know a program is coming up. Maybe we can describe some details. In other words, it's like the phone announcement except it comes to you, rather than you calling it.

We can use blogs and RSS feeds when it comes time to pass a library levy in the same way. Let customers subscribe to updates and information about the levy. We can include FAQs one week, and a town forum style podcast another week.

Someone asked whether it is useful to get posts right when they are published. It depends. Yes, on time sensitve things, such as ride refurbishments if I'm about to make a trip to Disney World. Not really, if I've just been and have not started to plan my next trip yet. Some of that information is good anytime.

I also subscribe to Dave Ross' podcasts and those are good anytime!

7 Habits of a Lifelong Learner

After finishing the quick tutorial, I can tell you that my favorite tip was #6: Use technology to your advantage. Here's how it worked for me this week:

My mother is very sick and in ICU and has been there for several weeks. While she was sedated, several family members visited her, but, of course she was asleep. When she woke up, we were able to show her the people who had visited her in her hospital room. Also, I took pictures of all the equipment used for her care; the respirator machine, her various IVs, even her catheter tubes. When she had questions about where all the tubes and the hoses connected to her were going, I was able to show her where they went and how they were helping her. Most of her machines are behind her head, so she doesn't know what they look like or how they work. But I was able to describe them to her as she looked at the pictures. Because the camera is digital, I could take more pictures and show them to her immediately.

Our next step is to print the pictures of family and friends on self-adhesive paper and post them all over her hospital room. We'll wait a little, since she is due to get out of ICU soon.

What I've learned from IM

IM means "instant messaging". We use it to chat with people in 'real time' (but not necessarily 'real space'). I have used IM in the past with my 20something children and my brother. I have found it useful since I usually rise at 0500, and not many people enjoy being called at that hour. When I log on, I can see who else may be up for whatever reason, and we can chat. It means that I can know that someone is actually in a good place to talk right now. When you telephone someone, you never know if you're interrupting something important.

The one thing that surprised me about the way IM is set up through my google account is that it's not very intuitive, I didn't think. Perhaps that will improve in time. Probably in a little time at the rate technology is changing around us.

Helpful Sites for Kids

Are you planning a Disney trip with children? You may want to check out the following websites:

http://mouseforless.com/downloads/kids/journal.shtml

Disney journal for kids from Mouse for Less

This is a fun journal for kids to take on a Disney trip, particularly if you child has to write a report about their trip for their class. Otherwise, it's a fun keepsake.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/Just_for_kids/gacooking.htm

Disney World’s cooking program

Does your child like to cook? Walt Disney World has a cooking program at Epcot. Details are at the website above. I do not know of a similar program in Disneyland? Do you? Blog here!

http://www.mouseplanet.com/index.php

Mouse Planet

This is another perspective on the comings and goings in the world of Disney.

http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/kids.html

Tips for Kids at WDW: uk

If you're from one of the British Isles, you may be interested in the link above. There are also helpful tips for the rest of us.

Next up: time and money saving tips for your Disney trip.

Thoughts and Findings

Wow. Today is the day we begin to post our thoughts and findings about all we are learning from our Big Experiment, the 20 for 2.0 training. This will be a departure from the Disney part of the blog, so if you came here looking for Disney info, let's get that out of the way first.

The best single place I've found to go for Disney information is by a fellow named Ricky Brigante, who has a weekly podcast called "Inside the Magic". Ricky lives in the Orlando area, so his main discussion is about Disney World, but each week he will also tell what is happening in Disneyland, including refurbishments, etc. You can get more information at the link below:

http://www.distantcreations.com/insidethemagic/

Now, to 20 for 2.0 thoughts:

I'm no computer expert to be sure, but I can usually find my way around with a bit of assistance here and there. So far, in the first three weeks, many of the staff in the branch where I work have found the instructions to be confusing. We spend a good amount of time pooling our ignorance until we ask the one person in our branch with the unofficial moniker 'most likely to know computer junk'. This method of learning is frustrating at times. For example, in the instructions for lesson 3, we are told, "To use the log, simply sign in with your staff I.D. in the same way you access other Intranet applications such as Tech Reports and RINC. Once you’ve signed into the log you can mark off the things you’ve completed, add the permalink for your blog posting, and then click submit to save your progress." However, we are not given the link for how to accomplish that for four more paragraphs. Some of my co-workers and I spent a good bit of time trying to look on the Intranet for the progress log. It wasn't until we asked yet another co-worker before we discovered that if we read to the bottom of the page before we attempt to do anything, the link is there.

Besides isssues of understanding the basic instructions, the training is going just fine. I would also say that many of us just don't find the time available at work for this project. I added my pictures to my post from my home computer. This is because the blogger only lets me add pictures from certain sites, such as flickr, and my pictures are not posted on a website, but rather housed in a computer file at home. I understand that before we're finished, that situation may change.

I wish I had more availability to the blogs of my coworkers and the time to check in with some of them from time to time, but maybe as we progress we can find a way to make that happen. I'm sure we would all learn a lot!

What's Your Disney Goal?

My goal for this blog is to provide information so that whether you are a first time user or a seasoned Disney traveler, everyone will have learned something by the time they have read the ideas and comments from everyone who visits this blog. I hope to add more pictures, particularly of things you may see during your trip to a Disney park. I hope to keep abreast of ride refurbishments, upgrades, and other Disney news. It will be a daunting task.

I plan to use some tools in the blog to organize myself, and can use tips and suggestions as we go along. Are you game? Here we go!