Kickin' Librarian

double dutch

2008-03-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

Shuffle anyone???

2008-01-24T10:47:00.001-06:00

Just FYI...

2008-01-23T09:29:00.000-06:00

Problems with YouTube and Society

2008-01-22T18:06:00.000-06:00

I just read Puppy Papers post about Flikr and I had told her a few days ago about a video that almost made me cry. Of course I always look up karate and it had a young man very overweight doing a grappling match. It was a competition and so the event lasted a long time...too long for me to even finish watching. The young man had messed his gi(uniform), and of course they are white. The person video taping made a comment that this will be on YouTube tomorrow and they just laughed and laughed. They shot closeups as the young man was competing. Luckily, what I saw never showed his face, but I turned it off. I won't watch it again to see if it does. Meg told me to flag it, but I haven't tried yet. But an innocent high school boy could be traumatized by this and it's NOT fair. As much as I enjoy technology I also see the evils of it.

It's All Over Now!!

2008-01-21T16:19:00.000-06:00

1. My favorite discoveries...Animoto, wiki, myspace...learning how to set up a myspace account and then embed videos and music was way cool. Then setting up the wiki, which I am still developing my personal one, was interesting. Finally putting still pictures to a video is something I have wanted to do for a long time...it was great fun!

2. Lifelong learning goals? Well, I have found out the hard way that learning and not using is the best way to forget, so I think I'll be using these features a lot and hopefully as I do I will learn new stuff.

3. Take-a-ways? Yes, the wiki seems to be something I will use and actually help me grow as a person.

4. Improve the program? Maybe encourage small group get togethers. Puppy Papers and I sat at Panaera bread and really worked through some mental blocks. Sometimes it's nice to know you're not the only one having problems.

5. Participate in another program like this? ABSOLUTELY! I am so proud of myself for learning what all the kids already know:)

6. Influence practice as a librarian? Well, I am the type to master stuff in my personal life and once I have a hang of it I can better figure out how to incorparate it into the workplace. Maybe that's backwards, but for some reason that's how it works for me. I have already started doing some things and as I understand them better and I'm hoping to be able to figure out how to use it in the library...like the wiki and blogspot.

Thing # 23

2008-01-21T16:05:00.001-06:00

I was new to the term Creative Commons and think I understand it...to some extent anyway. It allows owners a little bit of a gray line to the black and white copyright laws. With information so easily accessible on the Internet I think some creators don't mind their work being used they just want to determine what it can be used for and if they are part of Creative Commons they have that power. I guess those not in favor of Creative Commons think this might loosen the power of copyright laws which are already being terribly abused.
I really enjoyed the Disney video clip explaining copyright laws...think maybe we should use that for our teachers. I'm not sure if that's the video you wanted us to comment on as far as telling if it was altered? But it's obvious that clips were taken from several movies....so I think I might be on the wrong track on that question.

Thing # 22 cont'd

2008-01-21T00:48:00.000-06:00

Animoto. This was easy to do and fun. Well, I said it was easy, I made lots of errors at first and that slowed things down a bit, but knowing so many others had already posted theirs I knew I could do it. It makes you want to start finding old pictures and creating lots of these movies.
I think in high schools and middle schools where the kids probably already know how to do these or something pretty similar this would be a good tool to use as final projects in research units. I think 5th and 6th grades could do it too, but I think they would need a lot of direction. It kind of makes you want use a class and experiment on some of these tools and see how they catch on. In my school there are still so many kids that do not have Internet access at home. A lot have cell phones and can text and share pics and videos that way, just not computers at home.
It would be fun to try anyway.

Thing # 22

2008-01-21T00:37:00.000-06:00

Les Mis

2008-01-18T18:34:00.000-06:00

Okay Puppy Papers had her favorite musical on...well here's mine!! I saw Colm Wilkinson in Toranto...

Thing # 21

2008-01-18T18:04:00.000-06:00

Podcasts. I had the best luck with the education podcasts. The only problem was that they were not up to date. I looked at several and I left my notes at work, btu I think Extreme Team was one of the names and it was a 6th grade class that did monthly podcasts. That was pretty cool and I can see how we could do that maybe for a book club sharing reviews. But the problem with podcasts is just like the workshop we had said....don't do it unless you intend to stay with it. Well, that's quite a commitment when you're not really sure what you're getting into.
When I searched the non-education sites there were even more that were several years old or didn't even exist any more. I looked at the sports one and typed in Dallas Cowboys and the most recent was 2006. Also several I tried to listen to never would come up. Before this assignment I had gone to several sites and listen to podcasts and even subscribed to some on iTunes, but I don't really keep up with it.

2008-01-18T18:02:00.000-06:00

Thing # 20 YouTube

2008-01-17T23:50:00.000-06:00

You Tube

I'm already pretty familiar with YouTube. Some great videos on that site. My dad, who is 86yrs old, sends me SMU clips and even Ed Young the Sr. Pastor of Fellowship church puts videos of meetings, messages etc...

I'm not sure how to make the video itself appear in the blog as opposed to having the link. Mary did it on her myspace with the Tom Cruise spoof and Puppy Papers did it on myspace too. Someone tell me how to do it.

Thing # 19

2008-01-17T23:31:00.000-06:00

I set up an account with Gliffy Flow Chart and with bubbl.us mind map. The Gliffy was pretty cool to work with and I pretty much understood how to use it. I set up a double bubble thinking map and compared Punk Farm with Stanley's Party. I had done these during read alouds last year so I was familiar with the information I wanted to use. It was easy changing colors and drawing the lines connecting the bubbles and putting in the text was easy too. With the thinking maps you really want it to be more interactive, so I was thinking how could I get the students to help create the chart. I wonder if you could develop it and use it with the promethian board???
The bubbl.us was not as fun to explore. It would be great for a family tree. But it seems a little limited. Guess that's the difference between the two. One you can do most anything and the other is more of a brainstorm in a tree map way. It would be good for classifying and organizing information. And the collaboration aspect of both of these sites allows you to have help designing the charts. The tutorial for Gliffy said you could put it in a wiki and others could edit and add information.

# 18 cont'd

2008-01-17T15:31:00.001-06:00

I looked at peertrainer....anyone want to try it with me???

Thing # 18 Cont'd

2008-01-17T15:22:00.000-06:00

Oh my, I am an idiot! I played guess the google and I thought I might be pretty good at it....not so much. But if you could find an easier version it would be good to use with kids (and me:). It's really a good way to think in reverse while trying to search keywords.

Thing # 18

2008-01-17T15:03:00.001-06:00

Zillow is a blast! I had fun searching people's houses...but I'm not very sure how accurate it is as far as the estimates. I looked at my very first house growing up and although it's in North Dallas, it's not $122,000. It's now in a very poor neighborhood. And there's no way they can get that price. But what do I know about real estate. It's cool to have the satellite view of the homes. I haven't ever looked at those before, so I think I'll be doing some more playing. Right now I'm going to explore some of the game sites...I'll check back in a bit if anything is worth blogging about.

...oh how could I use this in the library setting? This one, I'm not sure other than maybe looking up where people lived. Of course doing a technology lesson it would be easy to use, just teaching students how to explore sites much like we're doing right now.

Thing # 17

2008-01-17T14:22:00.000-06:00

I used the word processing and it was easy. I emailed it to myself, but never got it. Then I tried to send it as a blog to this blog and that didn't work either. I'm sure with some more practice I will be able to do it.

I really liked the idea of online word processing because I am forever needing a document I have saved on another computer. If I can get in the habit of doing my work online and figure out all the ins and outs I think it would be great to use. So many times I have to get to work early to finish a document that needs to go home in folders. I really like the idea of being able to have one place to store everything. I printed my document and it turned it into pdf and printed beautifully. I didn't have to tell it what printer either...whew!

Thing # 16

2008-01-17T13:41:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I am my worst enemy. Thinking I know all about wikis I jumped into the add a post on #16. It said the password was wiki-wide and I "assumed" that meant my password from my wiki would work...wrong, but only after I tried and tried and tried...thinking I was remembering mine incorrectly. Okay, then I saw the password given.
So, on to my post...easy breezy. I really want to get mine up and going, and as soon as I finish my 23 things I will attempt to finish developing the theme. Mine is a good idea, but don't want to share it yet because it's not developed enough...does that make sense?

Thing # 15

2008-01-16T10:15:00.000-06:00

Wiki's...Well, I looked at several sites and I even created my own. I did one called HisWord and my intentions are to do one like I saw with book reviews, but with Bible verses. That part is still in the air though. I have lots of thoughts, but really no time to develop it right now. I really like the idea and enjoyed looking at the sites and the creativity. Sometimes I get an idea and really run with it and other times I get stuck! I'm stuck right now:)

As far as using it in my school setting, I don't think that's something I would use right now or maybe ever on the elementary level. When I did my library certification I did it online through UNT. That was several years ago and I think this would have been good for that type of learning. We had to 'chat" back then, but I'm curious about what technology they are using now.

Once I get my wiki up to par I'll let you guys know.

Thing # 14

2008-01-10T09:58:00.000-06:00

Library 2.0 What does it me to me?
Well, I read 3 articles "Library 2.0", "Away from the Icebergs" by Rick Anderson and "Into a New World of Librarianship", by Michael Stephens. The first one was just defining the concept of Library 2.0, much like Web 2.0. There are two schools of thought about if the concept is new or have libraries always been at the breaking edge. I don't think the concept is different it's just that technology has made it seem different. So, what's that mean to me??? Just what we're doing, keeping up with technology. And luckily, I think our district is more than willing to allow us to break from the norm and try some innovative strategies for learning.

What does it mean for the school library? If you get a chance read the article
"Away From the Icebergs". The thoughts about the "collection" is something that really makes sense and yet is a little scary. But boy does it make sense. Think about how much money we as a district could save if we narrowed our in house collection and spent money on online databases and more computers.
I also like the article "Into a New World of Librarianship", it basically says we have to buy into the Library 2.0 and be Librarians 2.0...good point!

Thing # 13

2008-01-10T09:37:00.000-06:00

I'm getting back on a roll now:) Some of you guys worked hard over the holidays...not me! Puppy Papers and I did, however, work well into the evening and shut down Panera Bread! Great place to work on the laptops...no overrides!

Now on to del.icio.us At first I thought there's no way I'm going to use this...but after messing with it for a couple of days I now have a pretty good list of karate websites. I tend to work better under pressure and I had to get a list of addresses for a mail out and also an email list together for some promotions. Now I can click the del.icio.us button and I have those sites right in front of me.

Now on to school related uses...hehehe. As I look at my "favorites" bookmarked sites I see "TAKS" sites, Landforms Face of the Earth, Inventors(3 sites), book club sites, etc... All of these are in random order as I have bookmarked them. When I think "oh I bookmarked that"...it takes me several moments to find it as I scroll down the list...passing things like Credit Union of Texas and Southwest Airlines. Now when I find a site I want to bookmark I can click on my del.icio.us button and tag it...karate, research, travel, etc...I think once I get the research list going I will have separate ones for each grade level. Pretty cool!

2008-01-09T20:32:00.000-06:00

Just had to say for all to see that "Making the Word Pretty" is doing a great job and is on # 23. Her posts are awesome...so be sure and take a look!

Disregard Help...got it!

2008-01-09T13:58:00.000-06:00

Help!

2008-01-08T09:56:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to add the buttons to del.icio.us and they won't come up...it says they were added successfully and if you don't see them click view etc...but they still won't show. The tutorial page isn't working either. So that didn't help much--ha!

Try again

2007-12-05T23:24:00.000-06:00

Try this link

Not sure why the other one didn't work, but this one seems to work.

Thing # 12

2007-12-04T14:37:00.000-06:00

Fun, but all-consuming!! And it's a tad hard to figure out. I now have a myspace page and I also joined the one Mary sent out.(Mesquite Librarians and Friends)
Today I worked (or played) through lunch to get this done. I will add more photos to myspace and try and figure out how to add music.
I'm not sure how I would use this in the library as I'm not really sure I'd want kids visiting my page. Not that I would worry about anything I have there, but my friends??? Well, that's a different story:) Just keeping up with technology is the biggest advantage of learning how to do this.

Here's my link.

Library Thing

2007-12-03T13:28:00.000-06:00

Here's the link...hopefully:)

Thing # 11

2007-12-03T13:17:00.000-06:00

Well, I joined Library Thing last week and read some of their blogs. I cataloged some books, but not really sure if it's the end all for me. Now, my sister, who has read every historical novel ever made? She needs this, but would have to pay the lifetime fee:) I think it's $10 or something like that.
It was very easy to navigate and add titles...it even helped me remember names of books. You could seach different ways and since I like John Grisham I did an author search on that one and the others I did title search. Then the name of the book comes up and all the info and you just add to your library...simple!

Moving on...

2007-11-30T11:59:00.001-06:00

Thing # 10 part 3

2007-11-29T14:54:00.000-06:00

This was easy too, just a little different language. I could use this on my library webapge...maybe marking new arrivals or interesting things going on or for info on the book club meetings etc...

Thing 10 part 2

2007-11-29T14:12:00.001-06:00

I got image from the comic one...it was easy. Still looking.

Thing # 10

2007-11-29T11:38:00.001-06:00

Well, it's trial and error. Before Thing 10 was posted I tried on my own to look at online image generators...not really having any idea what they were. This 3D site came up and I downloaded a 15 day trial and my time is almost up, so I thought I'd try it...hmmm guess it didn't work:) Sure looked good on my computer screen. Now I guess I'll try some of the ones that were posted for us. I'll be back soon...

Test

2007-11-29T11:12:00.000-06:00

Thing # 9

2007-11-12T11:46:00.000-06:00

I think I need a another group discovery day. You know where we're all working and searching, but Debbie and Mary are there to tell us what we're doing wrong. I have been trying to search for library blogs. I have subscribed to two library related blogs...Brian Unbound and Not So Distant Future. The news feeds were easy and I am enjoying reading those. I didn't really think any of the ones listed on # 9 were easy to search. One was under construction and the others I found info, but not info about being able to subscribe to them. When I did think I found something it was an email update link.
I must not quite understand which ones can be subscribed to, or maybe there are a bunch out there that you can't. So, this post is part one of #9...just so you know I'm working on it and my next post will be when I figure out what's going on:)

Video Mash Up

2007-11-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

Here it is....Video Mash Up

Fun Mash Up

2007-11-01T23:01:00.001-05:00

I just did a fun mash up on the Law and Order CI website (click here)
It was fun putting it together...try it. Mine is named My Favs by Margaret. They were supposed to send me a link, but I haven't gotten it yet. Once I do I'll post it for all to see.

Thing # 8

2007-11-01T09:06:00.000-05:00

I set up my RSS on Google Reader, on my own I set up the DallasNews and tried to do my church and a couple of other websites I like, but they didn't have the link. So, I went ahead and the the pre-arranged ones and yes, I got stuff I didn't want. There is a way to remove the unwanted subscriptions. I went to the link for Library Journal and only found the page to subscribe to the magazine, not the link for RSS. If anyone can help me with that I'd appreciate it. Once I get that I could use it to keep updated on reviews and trends that would help me with keeping the collection up to date.
The personal links like sports, you tube, entertainment etc...will waste my time I'm sure:)
BTW...my daughter is the top sales rep for the Dallas News so far in 2007. Right now she's in recruitment advertising, but will move to a different dept. next month.

Thing # 7

2007-10-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

I have been taking my time trying to really get a handle on each tool before I post...whew! I am worn out...and don't really have a great handle. I am trying to set up a calendar and google alerts, but I'm having trouble setting up a Google account which is weird because I thought I did that...but it's not working. I am also trying to perfect a Photo Story (which was one of the sessions I went to Friday)and I want to post it for all to see. I have found when you work (and play) on different computers the things you need are ALWAYS on the other computer...another one of Murphy's laws. I have been impressed reading everyone's blogs and I'm keeping an eye on LibraryMarn because she's kind of paving the way for all of us...keep it up!

...still tryng to reply to google's email that says you have to reply to, but guess what? No email yet and they do have my correct email address...hmmmm? Guess the calendar will have to wait until I have time to figure out what's going on. Not like anything important is due this week:)

Magazine, again

2007-10-25T14:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how to change the pic so the Rookie's head will show...just too tall!

My magazine

2007-10-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

Testing links

2007-10-25T11:59:00.001-05:00

Look at my Website

Test Post

2007-10-24T13:13:00.000-05:00

This is a test to see if my comments window shows up. I messed around with my settings and not sure what's happened:)

Thing # 6 Mashup and tools

2007-10-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

I had a very hard time navigating through these sites. I had no idea what they were all about. The Flickr color pickr was pretty cool, but not sure how I would use it. The most fun was exploring the trading card site. I did make my own card, but need to figure out how to edit the picture and size it correctly. I also looked at the magazine cover and calendars. I think I could use them in the library with research units for example to do research on an inventor and do a trading card about that inventor as a final product. The magazine cover might also be a fun way to do it.
Even though I'm already making this post I'm not through exploring the sites and want to become more familiar with all these tools. I have been a bit reluctant to open an account with every site, but think that's what I'm going to have to do in order to truly "play".

flickr post

2007-10-22T15:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally posted a picture and after several tries I realized it's really pretty easy. It's a bit overwhelming, but hopefully after I understand more about how to tag pics it will be much easier to browse. I'm amazed at how many people post on flickr...makes me think I've been living in the Dark Ages.

More Cliffs of Moher

2007-10-22T14:18:00.001-05:00

More Cliffs of Moher
Originally uploaded by daftdog77

Hey, this is where I'm going this spring to a tournament...Ireland!!

Flickr

2007-10-22T14:14:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Thing #3

2007-10-22T13:55:00.000-05:00

Wow! That was fun:) Creating an Avatar was pretty cool and I look better than I thought...oh wait, that's not really me. I guess this is just a small first step in the process of the 23 things. I've already looked at some pics in flickr and can't wait to upload some of my own.

Thing #4

2007-10-22T12:47:00.000-05:00

I think I'll be able to use my blog for my book club. That would be a great way to discuss the readings and interact with the book club members. Another use would be to interact and collaborate with my fellow librarians. I'm sure once I get a little more familiar with it, I'll find lots more uses.

Thing #2

2007-10-22T10:58:00.000-05:00

Of the 7 1/2 habits the easiest will be to play! The hardest might be to begin with the end in mind because I'm not sure what it's all about.

Thing #1

2007-10-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

I want to learn the language of web 2.0. I want to be able to create a podcast and understand more about its uses. I also want to create a myspace account so I can better understand what the students are doing.

Getting Started

2007-10-22T10:27:00.000-05:00

Whew! So much to think about. I can't wait to learn as I play!