Assignment #23 Is this really the end? Or just the beginning.

Except for a few small bumps in the road, this has been a very worthwhile "learning journey" for me. My favorite exercises were Flickr, YouTube, Del.icio.us, and Rollyo. Participating in this program has given me the confidence to try new software applications and has exposed me to sites that I would not have discovered on my own. Thanks to all that were involved in setting up this OU Libraries Learning 2.0 Project. If another similar program were offered in the future I would definitely choose to participate.

Assignment #22 Face-to-Face: Social Networking Communities

I visited Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster. While these social networking sites are very popular they are not something I would be interested in at work or socially simply because I lack the time. Profiles on these sites should contain limited personal information. I have heard from several sources that employers are checking these profiles of perspective employees. There are several methods of networking that would serve library groups better that these social networking sites.

Assignment #21 Podcasts, Shmodcasts!

I ran searches in the three podcast directories, Podcast.net, Podcastalley.com, and Yahoo Podcasts. Some podcasts can be beneficial but there are many that are just plain bad. However, I did find some that were interesting, funny, and enjoyable. I just could not resist the urge to run a search for horses but there were not many podcasts pertaining to horses. When I searched "library news" in Yahoo Podcasts I was able to open Ohio University Libraries News but was unable to have audio even when I adjusted the volume to maximum. I was unable to open all of the podcasts but overall it was fun searching these podcast directories.

Assignment #20 You too can YouTube

It was fun exploring YouTube but very time consuming. The video I chose was Mighty Mouse Horse Tricks 1 because it was horsey, cute, and short. Enjoy! YouTube could be used by libraries to help explain the features and services offered by the library.

Assignment #19 Discovering Web2.0 Tools

> While exploring the different award categories I noticed that some were
> new Internet technologies that we have studies previously. Since I did
> not want to choose one that was the same or very similar to an earlier
> assignment, I chose books then Blue Rectangle. This site
> http://bluerectangle.com buys and sells all kind of books and textbooks.
> The feature I enjoyed most on this site was watching book reviews on
> video. Both of these activities, buying/selling books and book review
> videos, are of great interest to library patrons.

Assignment # 18 Web-based Apps

I created this document in Google Docs & Spreadsheets. Then I posted it to my blog, by putting my settings in Google. This is all done under the Publish tab. I like the ability to create and share documents over the Internet without the need for installed desktop applications. This type technology is something I will definitely use.

Jobie and my horse Rain.

Assignment #17 Playing Around with Wikis

I played around with wikis and then added my blog to the "Favorite Blogs". This was very entertaining. When I visited "Learning 2.0 Wiki Sandbox", the thing I enjoyed most was reading about peoples favorite vacation spots.

Assignment #16 Wikis

As the text explains, a wiki permits a large group of people to take part in creating and editing a website. However, wikis that are open to everyone can have problems with scammers and people vandalizing entries. Students can use wikis as a space for quick and easy collaborative work. Libraries can use wikis to provide patrons with more information on specific items, such as, subject guides and book reviews. This is another very useful tool that students with group projects should find extremely helpful.

Assignment #15 Web 2.0 and Library 2.0

Libraries are constantly changing. In the perspective on Library 2.0 "Into a new world of librarianship" Michael Stephens talks about libraries and change. He states: "This librarian recognizes how quickly the world and library users change with advancing technology. This librarian understands that the future of libraries will be guided by how users access, consume and create content. Content is a conversation as well and librarians should participate. Users will create their own mash ups, remixes and original expressions and should be able to do so at the library or via the library’s resources." I agree. The library and its staff must continue to adapt and to incorporate new technology so the needs of the patrons can be met.

Assignment # 14 Technorati

Technorati has some interesting features. I especially liked Watchlist. That is where you give Technorati a few words or website URLs that interests you and it will let you knew when they are mentioned. Technorati is on my list to revisit if I can find the TIME.

Assignment #13 Del.icio.us

As the text states, Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking manager which allows you to bookmark a web page and add tags to categorize your bookmarks. This is another organizational tool that I can use personality. Library staff and patrons will find del.icio.us software very useful. I enjoyed seeing how other users have tagged similar links. Plus, while learning Del.icio.us I discovered several interesting sites.

Assignment #12 Rollyo

Rollyo, as the name indicates, permits a person to roll their own search engine. This makes searching a list of specific websites faster and easier. I created an account and a search roll on horse trail riding in Ohio.

Select Search Engine...Horse Trail Rides OHSearch The Web

Powered by Rollyo

Assignment #11 Library Thing

It is always good to learn about new things. Library Thing is a good way to communicate with others that read similar or the same type books. My problem is finding the time to use this technology. Here is the link to my Library Thing account where I listed some of my favorite books.

Assignment #10 Online Image Generator

While trying several different online image generators, I discovered the sketch generator www.dumpr.net/sketch.php which I liked the best. The photo I used to create this sketch was of Cassie Fulk on Cherry, my granddaughter's pony.

Assignment #8 Make Life Really Simple with RSS & a newsreader #9 Finding Feeds

These two assignments were interesting, worth learning, time consuming, entertaining, and a little frustrating. Creating the Bloglines account was not a problem for me. However, the challenging part was finding feeds that were subject specific that did not have irrelevant information. I like this form of gathering information and, with some additional training, this could become a time saving tool for me.

Assignment #7

#7) About Technology

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, I am sure he could not invision how technologically advanced it would become. Some cell phones includes features such as: mobile instant messaging, polyphonic speakers, integrated digital VGA camera, WAP Browser, voice activated dialing and commands, wireless internet express capability, video download and playback. Just think some of the new technology we are learning can be done using a cell phone. Amazing!

Assignment #6

#6) While reading about Flickr mashups I learned about an open Application Programming Interface (API). This permits a person to write their own program and present public Flickr data in a fresh and creative way. Time can get away from a person while viewing the 3rd party sites. They are very interesting and enjoyable

One of the mashups that I found very intriguing was Mappr. The earliest known maps were those found carved on the stone walls of caves. Today you can use Mappr and take Flickr images and paste them on a map. Quite an improvement!

Assignment 5

5) Explore Flickr and learn about this popular image hosting site.

Flickr has some great features. I discovered how tags work. They are like keywords or labels that you add to a photo to make it easier to find later. Groups within Flickr are a way for people to discuss and share information about common interest. These groups usually have a discussion board and a pool for sharing photos.

The assignment was to discover an interesting image and add the image to the post. The photo I found, liked, and uploaded was a picture of a horse. What can I say I have a thing for horses. Here is the link to this image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308592@N03/829306031/

Assignment 3 & 4

3) Set up your own blog & add your first post.

My blog is http://maroge.blogspot.com/ and added my first post.


4) Register your blog and begin your Learning 2.0 journey.

E-mailed information to Whitney Townsend to have my blog registered.

Assignment 1 & 2

1) Read this blog & find out about the program.

Did it and ready to move on.

2) Discover a few pointers from lifelong learners and learn how to nurture your own learning process.

I viewed movie on 7 and 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners.


Easiest - Begin with the end in mind. I begin each project with the end result in mind. Now, if only, I could foresee or at least anticipate the obstacles that will occur, my projects would take less time.

Hardest - View problems as challenges. I strive to face each problem as a challenge. However, keeping that mind set can be difficult depending on the severity and the number of problems to complete a project.