Thursday, September 27, 2007
Last but not least
Yes, I did take the survey. There was only one problem--we weren't asked what we'd like to learn next, only if we'd like to learn. Soooooooo, I have a suggestion. How about web page design. Huh, Nancy? Huh, huh? I'm ready!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
#23--It's all downhill from here!
WooHoo--the light at the end of the tunnel was NOT a freight train, but the beautiful light of an open laptop computer! Yes, all you Webolutionists, I definitely see a laptop in my future!
This whole Webolution idea has been fun, interesting, and definitely a learning experience for this over-the-hill (Hill? What hill? I didn't see any hill!) mom and grandma. I most likely would not have explored half of these things if not "forced" into it by the lure of a laptop and a chance to learn something new.
Just learning how to blog has been exciting and useful. Once my novels get published, I can see the benefit of not only having a web page, but a blog to go with it. The possibilities are endless.
I have to admit that, except for things like the ATS Wiki which allows for signing up for computer classes, I basically have no use for wikis. I see too many problems (or is that my conservative nature coming through) associated with being able to change, add, etc. to someone else's work. I doubt I'll pursue wikis much further than what I did here.
I struggled the most with Flickr and Del.icio.us. It took me a while to figure out how to add tags and organize them, but once I figured it out, WOW. Now when I'm working the ATS desk and need to access some of the ILL bookmarks that are on my office computer, I can. I have tags that are shared and tags that cannot be shared, such as my Illiad requesting sites at DU and CU.
Although I was mostly familiar with the Ebsco databases, I enjoyed that exercise. Making myself familiar with the Ebsco "family" is extremely helpful and useful with Interlibrary Loan. I have filled several article requests by using Ebsco.
I loved YouTube and Image Generator. I'd like to experiment more with Image Generator. But my very favorite, oddly enough, was the podcast. When we first started this adventure, I couldn't have told you what a podcast was. Now I have two that I've added to my bloglines account and will access them on a regular basis--not necessarily daily, but definitely weekly. One of the podcasts is a humorous NPR program that really brightens up the day. The other is a podcast on writing, with "classes" and interviews of authors, instructors, and other related subjects. I can never learn too much about writing.
When I took the challenge, my only goal was to win that laptop. Having completed all the tasks, laptop or not, I consider myself a winner. Now when someone mentions RSS feeds, podcasts, YouTube, Flickr, etc., I'll at least be able to relate and understand most of what is said.
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! Bring 'em on!
This whole Webolution idea has been fun, interesting, and definitely a learning experience for this over-the-hill (Hill? What hill? I didn't see any hill!) mom and grandma. I most likely would not have explored half of these things if not "forced" into it by the lure of a laptop and a chance to learn something new.
Just learning how to blog has been exciting and useful. Once my novels get published, I can see the benefit of not only having a web page, but a blog to go with it. The possibilities are endless.
I have to admit that, except for things like the ATS Wiki which allows for signing up for computer classes, I basically have no use for wikis. I see too many problems (or is that my conservative nature coming through) associated with being able to change, add, etc. to someone else's work. I doubt I'll pursue wikis much further than what I did here.
I struggled the most with Flickr and Del.icio.us. It took me a while to figure out how to add tags and organize them, but once I figured it out, WOW. Now when I'm working the ATS desk and need to access some of the ILL bookmarks that are on my office computer, I can. I have tags that are shared and tags that cannot be shared, such as my Illiad requesting sites at DU and CU.
Although I was mostly familiar with the Ebsco databases, I enjoyed that exercise. Making myself familiar with the Ebsco "family" is extremely helpful and useful with Interlibrary Loan. I have filled several article requests by using Ebsco.
I loved YouTube and Image Generator. I'd like to experiment more with Image Generator. But my very favorite, oddly enough, was the podcast. When we first started this adventure, I couldn't have told you what a podcast was. Now I have two that I've added to my bloglines account and will access them on a regular basis--not necessarily daily, but definitely weekly. One of the podcasts is a humorous NPR program that really brightens up the day. The other is a podcast on writing, with "classes" and interviews of authors, instructors, and other related subjects. I can never learn too much about writing.
When I took the challenge, my only goal was to win that laptop. Having completed all the tasks, laptop or not, I consider myself a winner. Now when someone mentions RSS feeds, podcasts, YouTube, Flickr, etc., I'll at least be able to relate and understand most of what is said.
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks! Bring 'em on!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
#22--Podcasts
This is amazing and exciting. I successfully added FictionRight and NPRs "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" podcasts to my Bloglines account, with some interesting results.
FictionRight is a series of lessons and interviews on writing. The first one I tried to listen to sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks and I couldn't figure out how to slow it down. The second one was the right speed, so maybe this will work. The podcasts include lessons on dialog, plots, and ideas, and interviews, including one with Connie Willis.
NPRs "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" is a humorous look at news events.
I'm going to try to subscribe to Radio Time Zone which is a podcast of old radio programs, but I needed a yahoo account and didn't want to take the time right now.
I could see where podcasts could get addictive. This one was fun!
FictionRight is a series of lessons and interviews on writing. The first one I tried to listen to sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks and I couldn't figure out how to slow it down. The second one was the right speed, so maybe this will work. The podcasts include lessons on dialog, plots, and ideas, and interviews, including one with Connie Willis.
NPRs "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" is a humorous look at news events.
I'm going to try to subscribe to Radio Time Zone which is a podcast of old radio programs, but I needed a yahoo account and didn't want to take the time right now.
I could see where podcasts could get addictive. This one was fun!
Addendum
It worked! I'm actually listening to "One For the Money" by Janet Evanovich as I'm typing this. I'm officially part of the "audio" generation, providing there is such a thing. Who'd have guessed?
Friday, September 21, 2007
#20 & #21--Downloadin' and Listenin'
I successfully, I think, downloaded "One For the Money" by Janet Evanovich to my home computer from Netlibrary. I haven't had a chance to listen yet, as it downloaded overnight, but it's showing in "My Documents" so I'm assuming it's there. I chose Netlibrary for this experiment, as I didn't want to download the program needed to download an Overdrive book. I haven't tried to burn a CD. Maybe in the future. This was fun, and it took me more time to remember my Netlibrary log in and find a book, than it did to download. Okay, maybe not quite, but seemed like it.
#18--Down and Dirty
I have successfully posted to the Webolution Wiki. WooHoo! Only a few more tasks to go and a new laptop in my future. Stand back, I'ma comin' through.
Friday, September 14, 2007
#17--Library Wikis
Okay, so a wiki is a tool where people can add and/or change what's already posted. There seem to be two types of wiki generators--Wiki Farms which does not require a server, but one has less control over content; and DIY Wikis, which require having your own server, with control and flexibility over content. I would much prefer the second generator. I have a bit of a problem with wikis with no control over content, as all kinds of misinformation can result. I checked out several library wikis and most of them require registration to post and the post must be approved by the "owner" of the wiki. This is good.
Discoveries--Book Lover's Wiki is great. You can find a review in any genre, some posted on the same book by several different reviewers. I found two books that piqued my interest and one of which I've already checked out. The other is on hold. BTW, who is Francesca B? Her reviews seem to appear most often and are well written. Some of the reviewer, however, lacked umph in their writing, which did not spark any interest in the books they reviewed, even though the reviews were positive.
Some of the other wikis I visited:
Library Success: a best practices wiki--This included readers' advisory and marketing, and required an email and login for posting.
Did a Google search for "library wikis" and found ACRL Wiki which had a distance learning forum; Bibliotherapy Wiki dedicated to "reading to heal" for chronically ill, etc.; Radical Reference Wiki that promotes "Green Librarianship" (eco-friendly libraries--I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting a bit tired of the "green" and "eco-friendly" fad/catch-phrase-happy bandwagon" going around and applying to absolutely everything) and travel guides to cities hosting ALA events.
'Nuff said.
Discoveries--Book Lover's Wiki is great. You can find a review in any genre, some posted on the same book by several different reviewers. I found two books that piqued my interest and one of which I've already checked out. The other is on hold. BTW, who is Francesca B? Her reviews seem to appear most often and are well written. Some of the reviewer, however, lacked umph in their writing, which did not spark any interest in the books they reviewed, even though the reviews were positive.
Some of the other wikis I visited:
Library Success: a best practices wiki--This included readers' advisory and marketing, and required an email and login for posting.
Did a Google search for "library wikis" and found ACRL Wiki which had a distance learning forum; Bibliotherapy Wiki dedicated to "reading to heal" for chronically ill, etc.; Radical Reference Wiki that promotes "Green Librarianship" (eco-friendly libraries--I don't know about anyone else, but I'm getting a bit tired of the "green" and "eco-friendly" fad/catch-phrase-happy bandwagon" going around and applying to absolutely everything) and travel guides to cities hosting ALA events.
'Nuff said.
Friday, September 7, 2007
#16--Plateau Valley Voice
From the Nov. 2, 1923 Plateau Valley Voice front page--
"Legal Fight of the Cattle and Sheep Men
Bloodshed is feared, according to local federal officials, says the Denver Post, at the trial in Grand Junction on Nov. 5 of Ray Janes, Thomas and Frank Berry, William James, and 'Shorty' Chambers, prominent cattlemen of Rio Blanco and Moffat counties on charges of conspiracy to obstruct sheepmen in the lawful use of public lands."
My interest in the "cattle and sheep wars" stems from having a great uncle--a bit of a renegade (okay, he was 3/4 American Indian and 1/4 French--we think) who admitted he knew the names of the men who ran the herd of sheep off a cliff into Lake Fork Canyon near Gunnison, Colorado. He refused to identify by name any of the culprits, as some of them, according to my uncle, were still alive. We've often speculated that he could have easily been one of the culprits.
"Legal Fight of the Cattle and Sheep Men
Bloodshed is feared, according to local federal officials, says the Denver Post, at the trial in Grand Junction on Nov. 5 of Ray Janes, Thomas and Frank Berry, William James, and 'Shorty' Chambers, prominent cattlemen of Rio Blanco and Moffat counties on charges of conspiracy to obstruct sheepmen in the lawful use of public lands."
My interest in the "cattle and sheep wars" stems from having a great uncle--a bit of a renegade (okay, he was 3/4 American Indian and 1/4 French--we think) who admitted he knew the names of the men who ran the herd of sheep off a cliff into Lake Fork Canyon near Gunnison, Colorado. He refused to identify by name any of the culprits, as some of them, according to my uncle, were still alive. We've often speculated that he could have easily been one of the culprits.
Ebsco video and Consumer Health Database--#s 14 and 15
The Ebsco video was very basic, but easy to follow. No probs.
Conusmer Health Complete is fun and informative. I looked up information on epilepsy and pregnancy. Very informative. Also looked up information on "setting the standards for supplements" and the benefits of increasing Vitamin D intake.
Conusmer Health Complete is fun and informative. I looked up information on epilepsy and pregnancy. Very informative. Also looked up information on "setting the standards for supplements" and the benefits of increasing Vitamin D intake.
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