Thing #16-Wikis

Since I am a huge fan of language, I found the origin of the word very interesting! It's fascinating to learn that "wiki" originates from the Hawaiian language. Well, I have to start by saying that I feel so "left behind," I mean so many librarians have already started wikis, or are involved with a wiki. I am glad I have a better understanding, but I am a bit overwhelmed with the number of wikies out there. I can say that I found myself liking Joyce Valenza's wiki very well. I hope to join that wiki.

Will I use wikis as a librarian? Yes, I probably will. How? I plan to start using it with the upper grades. I hope to discuss a social studies concept on our wikis. I find that students tend to get really bored with social studies because it can be too abstract sometimes for them.

Thing #15-Web 2.0, library 2.0, and the future of libraries

Library 2.0 is about responding to the way things are today. It is about taking the technology we have coming at us and using it to the best of our abilities. Students today process and use information differently from the more conventional paper and pencil way. So, libraries should be prepared to serve their patrons in a way that is best for the patron. library 2.0 is also about making library services available to the patron everywhere and not just physically in the library. Here's the catch, we must do all this while still incorporating our special librarian expertise because if not, we could find software/computer engineers trying to do our job. Yikes!

Thing #14-Technorati and how tags work

I have one question for everybody? Am I the only one being sucked into these blogs and articles. I simply clicked on some of the "tags" that I thought sounded interested an the next thing you know, I was reading article after article about that given topic. Wow! Well, what can I say, the tags are like a Type A personality's dream come true. I may not be Type A, but I am still darn excited about getting organized lists/tags. I did notice a difference in search results depending on where I ran my search.

Thing #13-Learn about tagging and discover Delicious

This thing has proven very useful for me. I created my own delicious account and have enjoyed having all my bookmarks "everywhere" instead of on one computer only. In the past, I've had to compare folders and update them as I continue to find new websites. In addition, I like taking advantage of everyone else's tags. I can see myself using this in education to help me organize the various websites and resources I find for the library and the classroom.

Thing#12-Creating Community Through Commenting

The first point that has stuck with me during this thing is the fact that when you do comment, it should be about something you you are passionate about and that you genuinely care about. I think readers will be able to sense whether or not your tone is natural or forced. So, although commenting is important, it is more important to care about what you are saying. I totally agree with this...the best public speaking advice anyone ever gave me was to focus and care about what I was saying instead of worrying about what people think. I think this somewhat transfers into virtual "speaking."

I also like the point made about inviting comments. I know I am a lot more likely to comment when someone has made a direct invitation, or has posed a question. These types of posts just lend themselves for more interaction.

Thing #11-Library Thing

Wow! I really like Library Thing. I think Library thing could be very useful for various book clubs. For example, I know my book club sometimes isn't sure what we should read next. Well, with the various suggestiong provided by Library Thing, we could easily come up with a title. I also think that highly motivated students could keep track of what they have read and what they think about the various books. Again, it would be a good place for readers to get other suggestions for reading. In addition, reluctant readers sometimes get "hooked" onto reading because of one particular title, and it just excites me to think that they could independently find other titles similar to that one book.

Thing #10-On-line Image Generators

I was a bit frustrated with this thing. Some of the generators often directed me to other generators. Most of my photos were too big for upload when using the comic strip generator. I was so excited about using it too. I did manage to complete an Elvis cartoon comic strip. I turned out to be a much bigger fan of bighugelabs.com. It was very user friendly and I loved the puzzles! Check out my little Boston Terrier's puzzles. His name is Memphis and soon he will be a dog model!