Beyond Method #12

This is a good program, and I enjoyed it.  My eyes were opened a bit regarding the balance that libraries face with proving ebooks for patrons - quite interesting.

I can't tell you the last time I've been inside a public library - shame, I know. I've also gained more insight as to how each one helps serve a community. It must be a challenge to helping those using computers to search for jobs, create email, and other computer-related skills.  Teaching and helping students is one thing, but I continue to struggle when working with adults.

Beyond Method # 11

These are some great tools, and I've used several of them at school. Principals have asked me to create campus climate surveys and others for various feedback. I've used Survey Monkey and Poll Daddy as well as Google Forms for these, both paid and free versions at times depending upon the request.  All are fairly simple to create and use, and the data collection/analysis provided with some can be really helpful.

For classroom and other student services, I've used and helped teachers use several including Poll Everywhere, Wiffiti, and Google Forms. There always seems to be a need or demand for these tools in the library and classroom; many education versions are also available now, and they make getting instant feedback so easy. Here's one I created for a teacher as an exit ticket in an Algebra class based on the new STAAR test:

Beyond Method #10

I have had the opportunity to participate in video conferencing in the past; however, I still can't believe that I have never Skyped - not even personally! It's on my bucket list for 2012. My coworkers and I have had online conferences before using Elluminate, and I've attended countless webinars that have used Go To Meeting, Web Ex, and others. I really like the concept especially for training purposes. Because the option of recording and playback is available, these meetings allow participants to revisit the conference. And the cost savings is enormous. I definitely see a place for more video conferencing in libraries and hope to extend beyond authors and into virtual guest speakers with say - a marine biologist, a cake decorator, and others - real world views.

Beyond Method #9

I've used almost all of these tools before for personal projects or helping students with theirs.  This time I used one of my absolute favorites - Animoto.  Such a great product, and "the guys" continue to make it better all the time.

No problems telling my story, and students don't seem to have any either. Digital storytelling is a must have in libraries. With the technology that's available, it has the power to transform history and memories, entertainment and fun.  Many of these tools will revamp themselves over the years and allow users to bring words to life.

Beyond Method #8

Screencast-O-Matic is my tool of choice.  I had bookmarked this site a while back, but because I use Jing when I need to screencast, I never got around to giving it a try. It was very easy to use, and unlike Jing, I like how the screencast highlights my cursor with a yellow circle making it easier for the user to follow.  Will have to give it some more practice to see which one I like better.  Didn't notice a way to embed though.  Here's my example:

Attach File to Email

Beyond Method #7

I've used all of these tools before, so I chose my favorite from the list - Prezi.  I really like it. Kids really like it. Now I'm just working on teachers and staff to see its potential when conducting presentations.  Few have and lots more aren't willing to try something besides PowerPoint.

What I like about Prezi is its non-linear concept.  Because it is a canvas, I think it really allows users to create a more dynamic presentation when used correctly.  You can view one of many that I've created.

Washington, D.C. 2013 on Prezi

All of the online tools offer so much more in terms of collaboration and sharing; they make for a much better platform for uses in education. And even though all a slightly different and offer various features, pricing levels, it would be easy enough to recommend a tool to anyone looking for something new and effective.

Beyond Method #6

Learned quite a bit from this exercise.

It will be really interesting to follow the "life" of eBooks in the future with regards to libraries.  eBooks seem the perfect fit for the paying consumer, but there is a delicate balance of how libraries and their patrons can benefit the most from them.

At Project Gutenberg, I explored Frederick Douglass' My Bondage and My Freedom, a book (hardcopy) that I happen to have in my personal collection.  Various downloads are available and the Kindle version was easy (for me) to detect.  Trying to read this via the HTML version wasn't pleasant.  I dislike reading any plain text for an extended period of time on a computer. The format provided page number indicators in the left margin as well as chapter links at the beginning, but this certainly lacks the tools and functions available in other formats via eReaders.

The site is simple enough to use and can very well serve a great purpose for many. I like the QR code link. With many classics still required readings in schools today and available at PG, it makes sense to introduce students to this site. For those with eReaders and the ability to use them in class, who wouldn't want to use this free service? And yes, I could easily show them how.

Beyond Method #5

Well, I already had established a Shefari account (don't really use it), but had been meaning to check out Goodreads after recommendations from friends.  So, I created an account to give it a whirl.

Here's the deal: LibraryThing may have all the bells and whistles to help users establish a true library catalog (and I do like its mobile possibilities); however, it LOOKS terrible. If the interface isn't welcoming, I'm out - plus I think for my needs, it packs a much bigger punch than necessary.  For libraries and those of the Thomas Jefferson home collections, it may be a better fit.

I like how Goodreads allowed me to select my favorite genres immediately. Afterwards, many of the books I had already read appeared in the database, and I was quickly able to rate some of those.  I'll continue to see if I like it any better than Shefari.  Who knows...

Beyond Method #4

This was definitely another eye-opening experience.  I had spent a little time on job-seeking sites with family members, but this task can be extremely overwhelming even for someone experienced with using a computer and the Internet. 

To find specifically what you're looking for, a person must have basic, sometimes, even advanced search skills; otherwise, you'll be left with hundreds or even thousands of meaningless job "hits." Most sites also require or encourage you to create an account to take advantage of all the functions of the site.  That requires having an email address - something that even today not all adults have and utilize.

The GCF's page is a good start for those new to using computers; however, who really "studied" computer basics? More interactive and even videos tutorials would be better. Most computer users learned by doing, so with these kind of resources in hand, the best practice is to provide patrons with hands-on learning opportunities.  This can be done in sync with searching for a job.  Dive right in - it's 2012!

Beyond Method #3

I created a Where I've Taught map.  It highlights the two schools where I have spent my entire teaching career.  Well, 17 of the 18 years have been at one school, but since they're right down the street from each other, it made for a compact little map.  I also included one of my favorite lunch digs when I can get away for a "grown up" lunch.

Google Maps is very easy to use.  I could easily create one for the library, but I'd much rather see students  create them for class lessons and activities. Lots of options are running through my mind!

Beyond Method #2

Well, is this assuming that we're only comparing iGoogle and Netvibes?  I use My Yahoo for personal use, but I suppose iGoogle would work just fine. 

On an instructional media site, it would make sense to include the following:

1.  A calendar.  This would include, of course, all scheduled dates of professional development sessions that would be available for faculty and staff throughout the year.  
2. RSS feeds - and probably several grouped in categories of various edtech blogs that I think would be beneficial for teachers.  Definitely each core content area would have a section, and then I'd probably include several others for fine arts, health and P.E. and others.  With a personal page, there's room for lots.
3. A picture & video module to showcase & highlight student work. Probably several for various topics and special selections.
4. Social media widgets for Facebook, Twitter, and others for sharing content.  There's no reason not to include them.
5. Modules for web tools. This may be for general use or again content specific for classroom integration ideas.
6. Modules for "hot links" to all kinds of resources - creation tools, research sites & tools.  There are lots of possibilities.

What to Expect

So this blog I created to assist me through all the classes, workshops, forums, webinars, etc. that I'll participate in over the years. A good place to reflect on what I learn about learning in the 21st Century - an amazing place with so much unknown.  I named this blog after my niece, Addisyn.  Love her!  And, I love watching her learn and explore new things in our digital world.  She's 2 1/2 and has her own iPad - and I know she's not alone.  Discovering and sharing new things will be a fun ride.  First up is an online activity titled Beyond Two-Steppin'. I'll be sharing some thoughts about libraries and related instructional technologies. Stay tuned . . .