Thing# 8

I developed a poor slide show presentation using Thumbstacks. After producing the document, it said I had to log in to save or load. Once I created my account, I was unable to go back to my original document so I had to create it anew. Perhaps, I should have read the site directions first! I was able to save the slide show to my desktop, however when I tried to post it here, it said their was an error. I could see how this would be a very effective tool for presenters who travel to many locations. Most locations do not have the exact same software and many presentations are too big for flash drives, etc. It would be nice to have another backup copy available wherever you are. I will try to work with this a little later. I really have no need for it at this time.

Thing#7

Of course, we have all used most of the communication tools listed in this "thing". Email has become the greatest time saver/time waster of all time. When I was first offered an email account, I didn't see the use for it. I didn't know anyone with an email address that I wanted to communicate with. WOW, have things changed! I do not believe I could do my job without the use of email. Almost all of our requests come through email. I also appreciate being able to reply on "my time" rather than by phone where you are interrupted. I also appreciate having written documentation of memo's sent. It is also detrimental with the amount of spam and forwards. The amount of information we receive is often overwhelming.

IMing is a means of instant communication but seems less effective for work use. I don't like having to set up more accounts to IM with people.

I initially thought text messaging was useless. Why not email or call? I do occasionally use text messaging with my daughter because we have prepaid cell phones and it is cheaper to text. I also like the fact that I can text something for them to read after school when they can turn their phones on again. It is very dangerous while driving!

I have taken several MINITEX webinars. These are very useful in that it is very difficult for many educators to get release time and/or substitutes. With the rising costs of fuel, it is nice to be able to sit at your desk rather than driving to specific locations. I'm not certain you get as much out of this content as person to person interaction, but it is very useful. As far as OPAL and other groups, I have seen them in action but never participated in meetings this way.

Thing#6

I posted my trading card using a picture of the 23 Things on a Stick participants at the MEMO Mid-winter conference. This was easy to generate too. I'm not sure I really like having open access to all of my photos however. I believe I will set my Flickr account to private after all of the 23 Things projects. I think kids may really enjoy this for History Day projects and/or biography studies. I would say there would have to be a lesson on copyright and posting images before this could be used.

Thing#5

This was really cool. I remember my Grandmother always made puzzles of our school pictures. It is nice to be able to purchase these if you choose too. This is a picture of my daughter in Canada. I bet she would actually enjoy getting this as a puzzle. I think many of these mashups are neat and can apply in various library settings. If only one had a creative mind! I will certainly look into more of these free sites.

Thing #4

I was able to post the CMLE logo to my blog. It wasn't as simple as I thought. I have a couple of pictures in my Flickr account but it seems you have to open Flickr, Bloglines as well as your own blog to upload. I will keep puttering with this.

I think the CSB/SJU idea is great for libraries. Especially, in the event of certain topic studies. Students appreciate getting a view of the covers (even though we shouldn't judge a book by its cover!) as well as seeing if the item is available instantly. I think this may be more user friendly in children's collections. I wonder if circulation will increase with the increased visibility?