Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Family



Thing #7 Communication Tools

Email productivity is something I'm always interested in enhancing and improving. This wonderful communication tool is so readily used that finding ways to maximize and incorporate efficiency are so important.

Instant messaging can be a very useful tool both for work and personal communications. I like the idea of not having to create a user profile and account, so the Google Chat built into gmail is a nice way of achieving an IM environment without all of the extra nonsense that can be part of a larger, open online environment.

Text messaging is something I'm adapt at, and use when needed. Sometimes a call just isn't possible or appropriate, but the need to get a quick piece of info to someone when a call isn't possible can be achieved easily this way. I will text my spouse who may be waiting on me while I'm in a meeting to alert him if it's clear the meeting is going to go over time. A nice, unobtrusive communication when used properly.

Webinar/Opal exercise I chose to visit an archived Opal offering, "A discussion of the book Moth, by James Sallis, conducted on January 30, 2008 in both OPAL and Second Life. This is part of the Mystery Manor book discussion series "Waiting for the Other Gumshoe to Drop" " This was interesting. I am a big fan of online technologies like webinars, online meetings and teleconferences (both live and archived). It surely opens a world of incoming information. I particularly like having the ability to view a session on my terms, on my laptop in bed or at the kitchen table with breakfast. It's a chance to keep current while incorporating work into my personal life in a way that feels "okay."

Thing #6 Using Online Image Generators

My trading card. It's hard for me to conceptualize the actual use of this tool, but perhaps I'm to closed minded. I tend to think about very practical use things, and taking time to learn something new about a particular subject, for example, would be a better use of my time. I suppose if you could incorporate trading card use into some type of class project it may be useful. I don't see myself using this tool again. Oh yes, I'm such an old poop! *grin*



My other designs includes the calendar below. This I enjoyed very much, and can see a variety of applications.

Thing #5 More Flickr Fun


Puzzle fun was my thing as you can see. I used the same process to upload this piece as I did the Flickr pic I found (see below). I think using continuity in how you decide to accomplish a particular task, like uploading, might make things move a little faster. I know that I didn't spend near as much time trying to figure out how to accomplish getting this on my blog. :) On to #6.

Thanks for the Ride po1yester


Thing #4


I spent a lot of time on this Thing! I wanted to create my own little show, but decided to save this for a future activity. I've looked at so many others' blogs that I have all kinds of things I want to do. This picture was selected from a Flickr Explore site based on Months. I chose to look at pictures taken/posted on my birth month and date. When I came across this Elevator, I had major flashbacks from days long gone as a teen. I had to ride a freight elevator numerous times each day while in High School. It wasn't quite as grandiose as this one, but I liked this picture very much.
I managed to find this picture, save it to my own pictures file, then upload it following the instructions. Once I managed to figure it out, it was rather easy. This picture came from a set belonging to po1yester.

Monday, February 25, 2008

#3 Feed Me

I'm feeling a little more educated. Creating and working with the RSS feed feature was fun. I had a little trouble (but then when don't I*grin*) getting started and determining what I wanted there. What I really wanted was to have this information placed somewhere right on my blog, so that I could easily look at it by going to just one place...my blog. I managed to accomplish this, and feel kinda powerful now! If anyone out there takes a moment to look here, please leave a message and let me know what you're up to. I'd be tickled to hear from anyone.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

#2 A Pre-Hearty Treat for Me

Stephen Abram's video was interesting. Challenged me in that I'm not in a "library" environment. So I must be always mindful of how Library 2.0 might/can/will have impact's on multitype organizations, regional system headquarters, even special libraries who may not be "connected" to that traditional library (stacks and books and checkouts) world. Perhaps I'm too narrow minded about my definition of a library?

John Blyberg's blog piece makes an interesting comment on the library "culture." From the patron perspective I have a specific set of ideas and norms I expect to find when I go to the library. The key here is in going to the library. I've just now discovered how to use the library webpage to navigate information and access resources I've heard of but never used, and I didn't have to go to the library to find the book I wanted. I just had to swing by and pick the book up. How will/does this type of patron use change the norms and ideas of the library? How does the library monitor and respond to these types of changes? Personally, I realized I didn't spend the same amount of time in the facility as I normally would have, and this left me feeling more like a fast food patron versus a look around and see what's new patron. My problem?

Monday, January 21, 2008

# 1 An MLK Day Adventure

Whew . . . Thing one done? Is it really possible? If I minus out the time I spent directing the cat to "get out of the way," or the phone interruption, this took me all of about 20 minutes. It helps to read directions, as I kept looking for that "magical" registration site, and instead found that THIS is my registration. I hope to be more attentive and save myself some time on the next Thing. I'm excited about this opportunity and hope to accomplish each step.