#22 R.E.A.D.S. & My Library DVD

This was an interesting exploratory lesson for me, because my son has been using the library downloads since I found out that he, a confirmed audio book man could download books for free.

He laughed as I explored the sites looking for what he said nobody really read anymore!!

I became somewhat frustrated when I could not find authors I really enjoy on R.E.A.D.S. Maybe that means that I need to broaden my reading circle of authors. When you do find something it is very easy to download and start reading away. I did find that one of my favorite types of books comes in the adobe format and not the audio.

I liked the quick start guide and the assistance message. What I didn't like was how long it took me to download.

OK!! MyLibraryDVD..way to go Linebaugh Library System! Right away I found some of my favorite things to relax with. I think I am hooked, if only I had the time!

This lesson I really enjoyed and feel that I can hook patrons on the programs.

#24 or as we say for all good books "The End"

1. What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I enjoyed learning about the how to use Bloglines, so I can bring up my favorite links anywhere. I will keep the account and keep adding to them. I liked playing with FLICKR and exploring the TeVA archives. R.E.A.D.S. and MyLibraryDVD are my favorites.

2. How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

Much more than I thought it would originally. I now feel more connected to the language that our younger users know. I have also found sites that will be useful for me. Also sites that I never want to see again.

3. Are there any tools or programs you plan to continue using after this program?

Google docs. and ZoTo interest me for their organize programs and again the mobility. I can see different applications for these programs that will my quality of life at work home and school.

4. Were there any unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

That I liked and will continue to use parts of what I discovered. Like bloglines.

5. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

I am not sure that I knew enough about the questions that I needed to ask. I liked the fast that we could email Jerianne with questions and she responded so quickly. I also like the way we were encouraged to seek help from co-workers. Some of them are so knowledgeable and were always there for you. Thank you Smyrna Mel, Al, Sandy and my very own Sensei, Andrea.

6. And last but not least... If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?

Sign me up...I love learning! And I hope we do becuase, this is a sensible goal for an in-service program.

And remember try it shaken not stirred for a bit of fun!

#23 Podcasts

I found 2 podcasts that I included on my bloglines.

1. Learn Out Loud I used the American History section and downloaded The Founding documents http://www.learnoutloud.com/

2. The second link I chose was from School Library Journal http://http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheSljPodcast

My son uses Learn Out Loud and enjoys the various historical information that it offers. I find Washington an interesting personage.

I use SLJ for work and school. There is always something interesting to be found with SLJ.

My links will open for use if you have the proper prorgams installed on your computer. All of the links worked on my home computer.

# 21 YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOAFEStgjuU

This is the url for the Salvador Dali Museum in Tampa, FL. This museum is interesting for lovers of this artist. Perhaps this video portrays it in less than favorable form, but it seemed the least distasteful of many that I viewed.

Perhaps, a video demonstrating how to use various library tools would be useful for patrons.

A refresher course for those who took a Microsoft class could be useful.

YouTube is not a site I feel comfortable using at this time.

# 20 other web 2.0 tools

I explored 2 of the winning sites.

Biblio.com
Always looking for a new book a book search and market place for buying books is a "good thing".

The other site I explored was Yelp www.yelp.com
I like the travel information on this site. Which leads you into the restaurants and then onto shopping.

Sites like these would be helpful for people new to the area. Explore the city you just moved to and all roads could start leading to the library.

#19 Social Networks

First I want to say where were these online meeting circles when I was young and on the prowl?

Of course age taught me a few things, but I still can't help but wonder....

Currently I think of FaceBook, YouTube, and My Space as sites for the X & Y generation. So in my searching I choice to explore Bookspoke. http://www.bookspoke.com
I have always been a reader and like most people I have favorite genres. This site will help me find more books that I will enjoy.

I did search for anyone I might know who has joined this site, but found nobody. It also was not easy to search for members. Or it was not easy for me.

I will use this site again. I found the mother-lode on a few subjects! I might even join a reading group.

I can see a link to a site like Bookspoke being useful to our patrons who are always searching a for new books to read in their favorite genre.

#18

I explored Google Docs., because one of my boys said he knew people who used and liked the program. I think I will like using it too.

I can see it as a great tool for moving info from one computer to any computer you may be using.
Especially if you tend to forget your flash drive.

I am currently working on my spreadsheet skills and this program will be useful.

I am also going to explore ZOHO. It has an online organizer that intrigues me.