Beyond Method #3

I think that the map mashups are pretty interesting.  I liked the vacation example from the first video clip of creating a travel map and collaborating with friends to make it.  I really don't think that I would use this professionally, but may use it personally when going on vacation.  I think that the goole maps site was really easy to use following the method's directions.


Just for practice, I created a map to my school.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=202135474700664129938.0004a9149730a6e950976&msa=0&ll=30.228029,-97.790578&spn=0.001706,0.003484

Beyond method #2

I really like the idea of creating a homepage for the library.  Often when students open up a web browser on the computer, they have a hard time finding the catalog book mark and other book marks, a home page would make these things easier to find and link to right from the page. I think that it would also be fun for them to be able to quickly link to book reviews or to open a link where they can input their own book review. 

I think that the Netvibes site seems easier to use than the iGoogle site.  This is definitely a method that I will use, and I will try to implement it this coming school year.

method 12

I've really enjoyed getting better acquainted with some of the Web 2.0 tools that I have heard about but not explored.  I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about and explore these tools.  A couple that I will explore and hopefully apply to my library program are some of the photo and imaging sites as well as podcasts.  I was surprised in going through the exercises about how much I am already using, I always ranked myself as middle of the road when it comes to technology and now I find that I'm a little more advanced than I thought.

The format and pacing of the program was spot on.  I liked the short video explanations, followed by more in depth articles and then a chance to practice. I will definitely participate in future programs.

method 11

Podcasts are a fun way to get information across. I found some foodie ones that were informational and fun as well as some news related ones. 

I could see the library using podcasts as a way to promote up-coming events, as a venue for students to share their book reviews or as a way to have a virtual story time.  This might be something for me to consider starting as an addition to my website, the biggest constraint will be time. 

method 10

I have embraced the wiki.  I began looking at wiki last year and at first was very intimidated by the blank page.  A couple of teachers on my campus were using them in their classrooms to display student work and as a place for students to comment on each others' work.  The library tech team for my district also created a wiki that is a store house for library info, lesson plans and a place for us all to put our ideas out there.  After seeing these different uses for a wiki, I decided to jump right in and created a wiki for my library where I house my schedule, lesson plans, book club information and various other things.  It is an open space that teachers can access to see what I am doing and I have linked it to my library website so that parents can also see what is going on in the library.  I haven't up-dated it since the summer began, but here is the link:

joslinlibrary.pbworks.com

method 9

I frequently chat with friends on Facebook.  It is a fun way to keep in touch, especially with someone that you don't get to talk to all of the time.  Although fun, I also find it frustrating waiting for a reply, or I'm typing and they are typing at the same time and the conversation can get confusing.  One really cool thing is that I have had 2 or 3 conversations going on at once. 

I really don't see my library using IM, since again I am the only librarian and it would really eat into my time.  I think that IM would be great for college libraries especially in the research department, where students could get real time assistance.  The only drawback would be having someone constantly monitoring for IM requests.

method 8

I do have a Facebook page that is private.  I have had students send friend requests, but I don't accept because I feel that there should be a line between my personal and professional lives.  Plus, I usually only accept friend request from people that I am truly friends with.

I have considered creating a professional page where I can friend students, but time is a big issue with that.

I can see some benefits for public or college libraries for using this type of network. However I really can't see its potential to my elementary school library, mainly because I am already responsible for 3 websites, as well as all of the regular library duties, there is only so much one person can do.  I feel that the information that I would put on this type of site is the same info that I am putting on the library website.