Wordle? Wonderful!

Oh, I can see so many ways to use this in a classroom, a library, in life.... Who comes up with these things? (I know. We read it in 2.0) What a gem!

Web 2.0 Awards List

This was an interesting exercise for me. I spent quite I while perusing the award winners from Web 2.0. For me, this reinforced the idea that I feel like I not made to be a part of this on-line world. I tend to get my entertainment from in-person sources. I prefer a live concert, a conversation around the table, and games played with real people. Honestly, I don't think I am into on-line social networking. I'm sure this is directly related to my age and to the way I like to spent my time.

Still, I was interested in Lulu, the site devoted to publishing your own books. The reason? My husband had a book contract with Farcountry Press (a publishing company he's worked with before) to publish a Cache Valley book. Because the economy is in its current state, that book project was cancelled. Cache Valley residents would absolutely love this book, so I am interested in self-publishing. While I think Lulu is too expensive for this particular project and Cache Valley wallets, I'll continue looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use, self-publishing company. I'm glad Lulu showed me what was possible.

Web 2.0

I spent quite a bit of time looking at the award-winning sites posted on Web 2.0. Several of the sites listed I have visited and have used through Learning 2.0: Bloglines, Technorati, Zoho Writer (where I am now), Flickr, Rollyo, and Del.icio.us.

Some I have actually used in real life: YouTube, Flickr, Librarything, Kayak (a travel site, but I think Cheapo Air is better) and WorldCat. My teacher friend has used Donors' Choice, a site for teachers to post their needs. Others visit the site and donate to specific teachers based on the need. (I love the idea and it has helped at least two teachers that I know.)

As far as social networking goes, and it seems like many of these sites are just that, I just don't participate in that use on the internet. I prefer real life as opposed to virtual life. However, I'm very glad I know about these sites and as well as a place that rates them. Cool

Library 2.0

I've always believed service agencies should reflect the needs of their clients. To me, a library is a service agency, and it is funded by tax dollars. If the outcome of Library 2.0 is to create a library that responds to the needs of it patrons, I'm all for it. If many of a library's users are senior citizens, then shouldn't the library have the resources that population needs and wants? However, this should not override the needs of other patrons in as much a library should represent the entire community it serves. I like the concept of Library 2.0. I'd like to see it in action.

RSS / newsfeeds

The whole concept of getting news from the internet is something I've thought about a bit already because I can't afford to subscribe to every newspaper out there. I wouldn't have time to read them even if I had the money. Basically I read the Salt Lake Tribune and listen to NPR. My husband and I subscribe to all kinds of news-type magazines - Orion, Progressive Populist, The Hightower Lowdown (basically a bunch of left-leaning, liberal rags. But I think everyone already knows that about us). We don't watch television and don't have time for it anyway.

Using Bloglines would be a great way to get news quickly because I could sign up for the specific organizations that interest me, but I know I won't do it. I'm already spending far too much in front of a screen.

Still I signed up for news about cat and news about animals. I think students are always interested in things like that, so I thought I'd follow along. I also signed up for a quote of the day. When I was teaching, I had a quote posted on the board every week. Students enjoyed reading them even though that was basically all I did with the quote - post them. Once I didn't post a quote and several students asked about it.

Many of my student teachers use quotes as bell-ringers. I really like the idea. When I'm a librarian, I'm going to post quotes about reading, books, learning, etc. I'm hoping this feed will be useful.

Delicious and a Macho Computer Geek

I have spent far too many hours today investigating Delicious and Technorati. Once again I am amazed by the amount of information available in the blogosphere. I can't wrap my head around all of the possibilities. How could a teacher possibly have enough time to learn how to apply all of this to the classroom experience. Still, I can see that a well-versed librarian, or even a neophyte, could introduce various aspects of technology to his/her colleagues.

While I was learning about Del.icio.us, I realized my husband, the Macho Computer Geek I've mentioned before, would be able to use the tagging features with his bookmarks. Of course, when we discussed the possibility today, he already knew about Del.icio.us. I convinced him he should give it a look. I'm sure he will get to it eventually.

See! A librarian in class and at home. Hooray!

What a "well-trained" husband says...