Thing #8

I like RSS feeds and newsreaders because it sends updates quickly and easily. It eliminates going to many web sites to get information. The Google Reader is set up so that it is easy to skim for information and articles that are interesting.

I am subscribing to eschool news which sends updates on education around the world. With our crisis funding in Texas, I think it is good to be informed as well as how other schools are being funded.

I received a grant for alternative energy resources, specifically wind power. My objective is to raise student awareness of our energy crisis, and the feeds will give more background knowledge to share with the students.

Thing #7

Using Google Tools has limitless possibilities, but you need a lot of computer time to take advantage of all they offer. I know we can pick and choose, but, for example, I chose iGoogle and set up a page. Of course, I personalized the page, but I think it will be difficult to take full advantage of it every day. I guess the attitude is when you need it, it is there.

I also downloaded and explored Google Earth, which will be great for explaining the setting of a story. Taking students to Canada to explain how important the setting is for Hatchet would give them background knowledge before they read the story. During a videoconference about sled dogs, the host took the class to Google Earth to point out the distance between our location and their location.

Thing #6

The Flickr tools provide endless possibilities. Library Trading Cards could be used as a "getting to know you segment" at our orientation meetings. The Big Huge Lab could be used to promote a theme in your library. For example, I want to introduce the concept of alternative energy resources, and the mosaic could be used for that.

Thing #5

Flickr is an amazing tool. I am brainstorming with Louise (librarian facilitator in our district) how to use it at our district library meetings. I have heard my daughter talking about it, and how she uses it with her friends. It is exciting!

Thing #4

At this point, even remembering what was needed in the email was too much. At the moment, I have blurred vision and a neck ache. I am thrilled I made it through Thing #4.

Thing #3

Creating a blog and an avatar with the directions was not hard, but it did seem foreign to me. I usally don't have a lot to say about a topic, so it must be easier for some people than for others. The avatar was fun. The reason that it seemed foreign was because I don't usually think this way. It was mind stretching.

Thing #1

Thank you for making Library 2.0 tools available to any librarian. I think it is important to be informed about new developments in technology and how to use them when teaching students.

Thing #2

What stands out in my mind about the 7l/2 Habits of highly successful people is part 1. I think it is important to "create your own luck." You can do this in many ways. Taking a proactive stance to life makes me feel that I am more prepared and informed about situations around me. It gives me the tools to make better decisions about my life, and it makes me feel that I am doing something positive.

The hardest thing for me to do is to allow myself to play. It seems that everything I do must have a purpose and an accomplishment tied to it, and I do enjoy this. However, just to play does not have much meaning attached to it.

Renew LMS@work

I am renewing my committment to 23 Things. I started this in December, but I think I will have more time to devote to Library2Play this summer. I am excited to learn more about Library 2.0 and to share this with my colleagues.