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.
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.
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Monday, June 25, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
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...
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...
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
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!
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!
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