The Last Task

So our last task is to look back and talk about what we learned and how it can affect our learning goals. I've always made it a point to try and learn something new everyday, and to use that new information or skill as often as possible. Something I learned early on was that technology was here to stay. That it's an ever evolving medium with new ideas and pathways that can sometimes be mind boggling. Just thinking about the new technology presented in these tasks can give you a head (and headache) full of new ideas and possibilities.
* Using Flickr to show online customers about our display's and our library.
* Giving virtual tours through YouTube.
* Visual and virtual step by step instructions on how to use our services.
* Having an online book club.
* Podcasts of reviews on the top circulating books in our collection or a new service offered.
Just some of the tons of ideas out there that can expand on the services we have. In a way, just taking it one more step from what we do now.
Can it be intimidating? Oh yes. Scary in some ways, but new things can be that way.
It's a matter of stepping up to the plate and doing it.
Besides. I don't want to be called a Noob.
It's bad for my image.

Overdrive Audiobooks

A great service to use. Anyone that's been in a hospital knows that the endless hours can be boring. Books go a long way to alleviate that boredom, but if your eyes aren't working that great to begin with, then audiobooks are the way to go.
When my Mom was in the hospital, and later in the nursing home, one of the many ways I kept her busy was through the audiobooks offered through Overdrive. I went out and purchased an MP3 player and then loaded it up with hours and hours of books. She was able to catch up on a lot of "reading" that she couldn't have done any other way. It helped to reduce her stress levels and kept her entertained.
I still have that MP3 player and the last books she listened to.
It makes it easier.

Podcasts

This week had to get some podcasts. Naturally I looked up some gaming podcasts and then listened in for all I was worth.
I can see the appeal. Now that I think about it my husband listens to Rush for the entertainment factor. Sometimes he's said that he wishes I had heard something that was said in a show. I did some looking and what'ya know, he's got podcasts.
I can see where libraries would benefit from having podcasts about certain topics, such as popular books, or specific genres. I love sci-fi, but don't have time to look at all the new stuff coming out. I can't read all the reviews, but listening to them would be easy. Hook up my ipod to the radio in my car and good to go.
Hmmm.....I like it.

YouTube

Ok, to say I love YouTube is light. I browse it every night for something new to watch. I send friends and family stuff all the time, to the point where some of them have had enough. Their nice about it tho.
Since I love cats I browsed for that and found
The Engineers Guide to Cats

Great stuff. He's even made a video for Doritos that could be part of the Super Bowl commercials we all watch each year.
It's great. :)

Web 2.0 Tools

So we had to look at some of the award winning 2.0 tools. I was looking through and found a site called doof. Great place. Social site along with games. I'm officially hooked on Rat Maze. Cheese! Creating an account is super easy and once that's set up, your ready to go. Don't play gem swap if you are crunched for time. It's a hard game to lose. Sounds silly until you play it.
It's a great place to play a game by yourself or to challenge someone else. Anytime anyone logs in a little bubble pops up letting you know. Between contact lists and what not you never lack for someone to play with. I haven't gone in depth with it, but I will stick around to see what the site has to offer.

Google Docs

I've been using Google docs for a while. In the beginning I had to get used to the subtle differences between Word and Docs, but now I'm thrilled to have it.
The main reason I use it is to translate stuff for people and send them the doc and not have to worry if they can see it.
I decided to make my Xmas list with it this year.
I'm not asking for much.


Dear Santa,

I want one of these

and this

of course this

and finally a friend.

I assure you that all of my requests are vital for my health and happiness.

Sincerely,

-Carrie

PB Wiki

So now that we know about wiki's here our in depth exercise with it. Have to list our favorites. Movies, music, books and more. It's great to only have to go to one place and list all the things you like and at the same time discover the things that others consider their favorites. Now I know about a great beach if I ever visit Hawaii. New ideas in music to check out, and movies to watch that I am curious about.
How can this be used?
For some reason all that comes to mind, (Right now. It's early, cut me some slack) is that time when your in grade school and that girl is passing around a folder that has that quiz in it. You know. The one that asks about your fav (list something). Then all of the sudden you have a new best friend, but then, another folder comes around, expanding a bit on said theme, and you fill it out because if you don't you'll make your current BF really mad, but you have to be careful in what you say because your new BF might get mad because your current BF has better questions, then you get confused because you can't remember what you wrote in the first quiz, then the boys start passing around their quiz and it's just gross.
Make a wiki! Then you can keep track.