Well I finally made it to Thing 23 Summarise your thoughts about this learning programme. Its been a really enjoyable experience but I did feel a little pressurised after falling behind by a week or two and became more determined to complete the programme before the deadline expired. I also liked the flexibility of the course in that if you thought something was not that interesting, you could blog about it quickly and move on.
I particularly enjoyed the whole blogging aspect of the programme and at times this site must have resembled the rantings of a lunatic standing on an electronic soapbox.I will definetely try and incorporate or use some of the Things I learned in my work particularly the Web 2.0 office applications. I will go back and explore Flickr and play with image generators in more detail since at the time my digital camera was broken.
In terms of Social Networking sites my Facebook page has just mushroomed, since my brother uploaded a picture of me and all my relatives and old neighbours registered on it began contacting me to become friends. You could say that my facebook page has been hijacked by all these people and they keep providing the content, by posting comments and uploading videos. I must admit that i have a fondness for occassionally logging onto Twitter since I'm curious about what people I know are doing. Its never really that interesting and I have two people following me.
So there you have it the last entry for the 23 Things programme, I hope you have enjoyed and possibly been entertained by some of these posts.
Au Revoir
Jacque Rocard
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
bamboozled by all the photos on Google maps for San Francisco
I came across google maps before since my cousin lives in San Francisco and has a scooter shop over near Berkley called rock ridge two wheels, and there were directions on his website using this technology.
So I thought it might be interesting to see how Google maps would show the path I should take using public transport from Fulton Street near Golden Gate park in the city to rockridge which is located across the Bay near Berkeley.
Whats really interesting is to see all the different photos that I encounter along the route. Google maps even works out the cost of using public transport and compares the difference in price to driving. I suppose you could say that Google maps is like a modern day passepartout.
So I thought it might be interesting to see how Google maps would show the path I should take using public transport from Fulton Street near Golden Gate park in the city to rockridge which is located across the Bay near Berkeley.
Whats really interesting is to see all the different photos that I encounter along the route. Google maps even works out the cost of using public transport and compares the difference in price to driving. I suppose you could say that Google maps is like a modern day passepartout.
Dude Zoho writer Rocks boo hoo for Microsoft Office
Oh no I must have turned into one of those Silicon valley nerds using such a statement to describe Zoho writer. A reason for this could be watching all those online videos about new technology and seeing the presenters become ecstatic about their unrealised potential.
I really like Zoho writer and all its capable of doing and will ultimately supersede Microsoft office. The whole idea of not having to store documents or presentations on a USB stick is just brilliant. I really like the idea that finished documents can easily be published to your blog. It seems a lot easier to prepare a more professional type presentation on Zoho show rather than powerpoint.
Of course there will always be people who will not want to leave the comfort zone of Microsoft office since it took them so long to the master the applications. I suppose thats progress you just feel comfortable with one new technology and other comes along and makes it redundant. Surely Zoho writer will make wiki applications redundant like PBWorks.
I intend stepping out of my Microsoft office comfort zone and utilising all the Zoho writer applications in my work wherever possible.
I really like Zoho writer and all its capable of doing and will ultimately supersede Microsoft office. The whole idea of not having to store documents or presentations on a USB stick is just brilliant. I really like the idea that finished documents can easily be published to your blog. It seems a lot easier to prepare a more professional type presentation on Zoho show rather than powerpoint.
Of course there will always be people who will not want to leave the comfort zone of Microsoft office since it took them so long to the master the applications. I suppose thats progress you just feel comfortable with one new technology and other comes along and makes it redundant. Surely Zoho writer will make wiki applications redundant like PBWorks.
I intend stepping out of my Microsoft office comfort zone and utilising all the Zoho writer applications in my work wherever possible.
Zoho writer document posted to my blog
23 Things Introduction:
The 23 Things is a twelve week learning programme which was by pioneered in 2006 Helen Blowers of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in the USA.
The whole ethos of the programme was to encourage staff to learn and explore web 2.0 technology tools which could enhance both their working and social lives. The programme has been so successful that it has been adopted and modified by several libraries and organisations around the world. The whole idea behind the course is to develop a culture of life long learning among staff by encourageing them to embrace the opportunities new technology offers rather than be intimidated by it.
The 23 Things is a twelve week learning programme which was by pioneered in 2006 Helen Blowers of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in the USA.
The whole ethos of the programme was to encourage staff to learn and explore web 2.0 technology tools which could enhance both their working and social lives. The programme has been so successful that it has been adopted and modified by several libraries and organisations around the world. The whole idea behind the course is to develop a culture of life long learning among staff by encourageing them to embrace the opportunities new technology offers rather than be intimidated by it.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Online gaming and NASA chimps
I was never really interested in online games and always considered them for anoraks and people who never really grew up. My own memories of arcade video games was pumping lots of 10ps into the machine and not being able to master them.
I tried three online games which tested your brain power these were Bejewelled, busy bistro and the juice machine game. I must admit I did enjoy playing busy bistro but the graphics resembled a childs cartoon. Bejewelled was a test of real skill and there was a certain logic to switching the jewels around, but I just kept thinking of the chimps trained by NASA during the apollo space programme, who pressed buttons on control panels. Instead of receiving nuts for pressing the right buttons I got points.
As far as using games in the library maybe a test your brain type one could be developed to direct people around the library. I don't really get the whole avatar and second life thing and how it can be used in library environments. I think these avatar creators just need to get a life go out and walk in the real world and appreciate nature rather than some computer generated environment.
I tried three online games which tested your brain power these were Bejewelled, busy bistro and the juice machine game. I must admit I did enjoy playing busy bistro but the graphics resembled a childs cartoon. Bejewelled was a test of real skill and there was a certain logic to switching the jewels around, but I just kept thinking of the chimps trained by NASA during the apollo space programme, who pressed buttons on control panels. Instead of receiving nuts for pressing the right buttons I got points.
As far as using games in the library maybe a test your brain type one could be developed to direct people around the library. I don't really get the whole avatar and second life thing and how it can be used in library environments. I think these avatar creators just need to get a life go out and walk in the real world and appreciate nature rather than some computer generated environment.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
chirping on about twitter
I suppose the first thing about signing up for a twitter account was the number of people I knew who were members already compared to other social networking sites I had explored. Some of the comments are quite mundane and boring that people post.
I can see how it can be used as a business networking tool or for marketing purposes since a company could build up a large following for a particular brand and then exploit this customer loyalty to launch a new product.
Twitter could be used by the library to inform people about recent developments and contains links to the relevant sources. The only disadvantage I see of the library using twitter is that it has to be constantly updated to keep people interested. The other point to note is that twitter works really efficiently if people use their phones constantly. This could result in the library staff being inundated with an avalanche of tweets from followers.
I can see how it can be used as a business networking tool or for marketing purposes since a company could build up a large following for a particular brand and then exploit this customer loyalty to launch a new product.
Twitter could be used by the library to inform people about recent developments and contains links to the relevant sources. The only disadvantage I see of the library using twitter is that it has to be constantly updated to keep people interested. The other point to note is that twitter works really efficiently if people use their phones constantly. This could result in the library staff being inundated with an avalanche of tweets from followers.
Instant Messaging how it can help
I suppose Instant Messaging makes people feel more connected,and they know immediately the status of their intended recipient whether they are available to reply immediately or currently offline. My own personal experience of using this technology has been for social purposes. Skype has a type of instant messaging service which allows you to still communicate with somebody even though they may not have access to a webcam at that particular moment in time.
In terms of library use this technology has been successfully utilised in training webinars where several people are connected off site and the tutor is alerted to any questions they raise.
I suppose the only downside to instant messaging is that it should not be used for engaging in long conversations. This can result in one individual lagging behind in responses if they have a slow internet connection or are not a fast typist. A consequence of this is the conversation goes completely off the rails.
In terms of library use this technology has been successfully utilised in training webinars where several people are connected off site and the tutor is alerted to any questions they raise.
I suppose the only downside to instant messaging is that it should not be used for engaging in long conversations. This can result in one individual lagging behind in responses if they have a slow internet connection or are not a fast typist. A consequence of this is the conversation goes completely off the rails.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Forced to face facebook
I looked at two Social networking sites Facebook and MySpace and joined the former. I am not interested in social networking sites, but can see the value as a professional networking tool. I had a look through my old Alma Mater, but did not recognise anyone who has a presence on facebook. My brother lives in the US and I can see that he uses facebook to keep in contact with people overseas.
I found the article Social Network Sites Public, Private or What? from the learning tree ejournal quite illuminating. It was interesting the advice dispensed to educators concerning the strategy to adopt when communicating with their students outside the classroom.
In terms of using Social Networking sites in a library context, we could adapt certain aspects of the model used by the British library, but on a much smaller scale. These sites could be a way of keeping the college community informed particularly students about library developments, since more people would be inclined to look at the Library facebook entry than read the newsletter.
I found the article Social Network Sites Public, Private or What? from the learning tree ejournal quite illuminating. It was interesting the advice dispensed to educators concerning the strategy to adopt when communicating with their students outside the classroom.
In terms of using Social Networking sites in a library context, we could adapt certain aspects of the model used by the British library, but on a much smaller scale. These sites could be a way of keeping the college community informed particularly students about library developments, since more people would be inclined to look at the Library facebook entry than read the newsletter.
eaudio books and ebooks
I was never really interested in audio books, since I much preferred to read the text myself and create the voices of the different characters in my own head. However I realise the importance of audio books and some people get immense pleasure out of hearing a renowned actor narrate the story.
I remember my gran as her sight started to detoriate opting for audio books since she found the large print books tough going, and they invention opened up a whole new world for the blind. I have recalled people telling me they enjoyed listening to audio books while driving on long journeys. I personally would prefer to stick on a few tunes and sing along, ah well each to their own.
A lot of the eaudio books offered by Netlibrary for business were more popular rather than academic orientated. I did notice on the library catalogue that in the drop down menu for library collection there appeared to be no option to search for audio books.
I relation to ebooks I am quite familiar with them, but the whole technology is still in its infancy however it does seem the way ahead for most libraries. However there is a hint of the old snake oil salesman mentality by different publishers and distributor peddling a diverse range platforms for content delivery.
I think the printed book will always exist since there are so many bibliophiles out there who just like the smell and texture of a nice book. A printed book can be brought practically anywhere even into the bath , whereas the current ereaders will always need some form of power source. No doubt over time they will evolve to be more adaptable, but people will alway enjoy turning the actual page of a book.
I remember my gran as her sight started to detoriate opting for audio books since she found the large print books tough going, and they invention opened up a whole new world for the blind. I have recalled people telling me they enjoyed listening to audio books while driving on long journeys. I personally would prefer to stick on a few tunes and sing along, ah well each to their own.
A lot of the eaudio books offered by Netlibrary for business were more popular rather than academic orientated. I did notice on the library catalogue that in the drop down menu for library collection there appeared to be no option to search for audio books.
I relation to ebooks I am quite familiar with them, but the whole technology is still in its infancy however it does seem the way ahead for most libraries. However there is a hint of the old snake oil salesman mentality by different publishers and distributor peddling a diverse range platforms for content delivery.
I think the printed book will always exist since there are so many bibliophiles out there who just like the smell and texture of a nice book. A printed book can be brought practically anywhere even into the bath , whereas the current ereaders will always need some form of power source. No doubt over time they will evolve to be more adaptable, but people will alway enjoy turning the actual page of a book.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
