As with the first Two-Steppin', I really enjoyed this one. It opened my eyes about a lot of cool technologies I would not have known about otherwise, mainly Prezi and Smilebox.
I was surprised that so much of this stuff was so easy to grasp and understand. So much technology out there requires advanced knowledge or a manual, but the tips and tools presented here are straightforward and anyone can make use of them.
There's not much I would do differently. The modules are formatted the way I like: background, examples, independent work. I get background, see how others are using it, and then I get to use it myself. That's the best way to learn.
I would definitely participate again!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Beyond Method #11 (Online Surveys)
Most of the time I have to complete and online survey, I usually feel that it's a waste of time because you don't really feel as if your answers matter. The survey creators never come back to you and say, "these were the results of our survey." I can't see the end result, so I feel like there was no point in taking the survey.
Our library does not conduct very many surveys. The city usually conducts surveys and library stuff is included with it, but our library does not use dedicated surveys. I don't see a need for tools like Poll Everywhere because I don't know of any topic that we would need to use it for. Customer satisfactions surveys are good, but I don't know if the patrons would take it seriously or even bother to fill it out.
Surveys and polling will definitely change with the invent of these new tools. I think that it would have to be a very important poll for someone to access it via a cell phone or IPad, because people have so many apps and gadgets on those things already. They won't want to waste their time for something trivial. These new methods are sure to reach a larger number of people. Anything accessible through a text message or online is sure to reach a larger number (and wider variety of people), which has the potential to get better results.
Our library does not conduct very many surveys. The city usually conducts surveys and library stuff is included with it, but our library does not use dedicated surveys. I don't see a need for tools like Poll Everywhere because I don't know of any topic that we would need to use it for. Customer satisfactions surveys are good, but I don't know if the patrons would take it seriously or even bother to fill it out.
Surveys and polling will definitely change with the invent of these new tools. I think that it would have to be a very important poll for someone to access it via a cell phone or IPad, because people have so many apps and gadgets on those things already. They won't want to waste their time for something trivial. These new methods are sure to reach a larger number of people. Anything accessible through a text message or online is sure to reach a larger number (and wider variety of people), which has the potential to get better results.
Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.
Beyond Method #10 (Online Conferencing)
I've used online conferencing/meeting software in distance learning courses before, and it was interesting. The one we used was through BlackBoard, but I'm not quite sure of the exact name of the software. There were often delays and the awkwardness of not being able to see the person face to face, but those negatives were outweighed by the fact I was able to connect with others from a distance.
Our library does not currently use these types of tools, and I don't see a need for them in the future. It might be cool to try to set up some sort of online book club program using this software, but I don't know if patron interest would be high enough.
Our library does not currently use these types of tools, and I don't see a need for them in the future. It might be cool to try to set up some sort of online book club program using this software, but I don't know if patron interest would be high enough.
Beyond Method #9 (Tell a digital story)
I chose to use Smilebox because it was the most basic software to use. I decided to create a story about the library's courtyard renovations. It was so much fun. I would love to use this software to make more dynamic presentations of the events we do for Summer Reading Club and share them with the community. The software was very easy to use and understand. I just chose a theme and chose my pictures, then added a bit of text. Very simple, yet beautiful.
I hope this works!
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| Photo album generated with Smilebox |
I hope this works!
Beyond Method #8 (Screencasting)
This reminds me of the GoToMyPC software that lets someone (hopefully someone you gave permission to) take control of your PC and you can see the mouse moving around and them fixing your computer while you just watch.
I always wondered how the TSL and Webjunction were able to create their webinars and presentations, and now I know!
I chose to use ScreenJelly, which was very simple to use. I just went to the webpage and the interface was ready for me to use right away. I just had to hit record. I think setting up and preparing for the presentation itself would take longer than the actual recording process. I wasn't able to do too much, because as soon as I began to record, my computer began to move very, very slowly. The lag time was terrible. If I were to create a presentation on this computer, I would be afraid I'd constantly have to apologize for a slow computer. This probably wouldn't happen using a faster computer with a lot of bandwith, but for the average smaller library, it might be a problem.
I definitely see a use for screencasting at our library. Using our online catalog, walking a patron through the TexShare databases, using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Office, just about anything. They could access it from anywhere and it would always be available to them (as long as the library would maintain it). Patrons could sign up to use our computers and take these little screencasting quizzes and sharpen their computer skills, without being embarrassed about having to ask for help or take up the librarians time (which many people don't want to do).
I always wondered how the TSL and Webjunction were able to create their webinars and presentations, and now I know!
I chose to use ScreenJelly, which was very simple to use. I just went to the webpage and the interface was ready for me to use right away. I just had to hit record. I think setting up and preparing for the presentation itself would take longer than the actual recording process. I wasn't able to do too much, because as soon as I began to record, my computer began to move very, very slowly. The lag time was terrible. If I were to create a presentation on this computer, I would be afraid I'd constantly have to apologize for a slow computer. This probably wouldn't happen using a faster computer with a lot of bandwith, but for the average smaller library, it might be a problem.
I definitely see a use for screencasting at our library. Using our online catalog, walking a patron through the TexShare databases, using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Office, just about anything. They could access it from anywhere and it would always be available to them (as long as the library would maintain it). Patrons could sign up to use our computers and take these little screencasting quizzes and sharpen their computer skills, without being embarrassed about having to ask for help or take up the librarians time (which many people don't want to do).
Beyond Method #7 (Next Generation Presentations)
I think I just fell in love with Prezi! I first tried to upload the dummy presentation, but I couldn't figure out how, so I just started one from scratch. The program is very easy to use, and I like the fact that everything you need is there in front of you. Prezi gives you so many different choices for customizing your presentations, lots of vibrant colors, cool geometric shapes. And it is very fast. I loved the hand-grabbing tool (is that the technical name) that allows you to rotate the page just by moving the little hand around (it is kind of tedious trying to scroll through slides using PowerPoint). It even lets you upload videos from youtube. For me, using the software was basically straight-forward and simple to do. Every gadget you might need to create a presentation is there and labeled for you to point and click.
I have no experience with Next Generation Presentations, but as I read about them, I realized that they are similar to PowerPoints based on the internet. By making them internet-based, it is possible for a presenter to reach a larger group of people than someone using a PowerPoint presentation on a laptop hooked up to a projector screen. This is definitely something I could recommend to our patrons, although I don't know how our library could utilize Next Generation Presentations. It would be great to use for fundraising (giving a really cool presentations to the Friends group) and things of that nature, but otherwise, I'm not sure.
I have no experience with Next Generation Presentations, but as I read about them, I realized that they are similar to PowerPoints based on the internet. By making them internet-based, it is possible for a presenter to reach a larger group of people than someone using a PowerPoint presentation on a laptop hooked up to a projector screen. This is definitely something I could recommend to our patrons, although I don't know how our library could utilize Next Generation Presentations. It would be great to use for fundraising (giving a really cool presentations to the Friends group) and things of that nature, but otherwise, I'm not sure.
Beyond Method #6 (Ebooks)
I will go on record and admit that I am one of those backward people who like print books. I have a coworker who has a Kindle, and I looked at it one day and had trouble reading the print. Anytime I have to read large blocks of text online (like long scholarly articles, etc.), I have trouble reading it. So, I don't think I will catch on to the trend. I think it's funny that the module mentioned that Project Gutenberg had been around since the 1970s, but people somehow think that eBooks are some kind of new phenomenon.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/102/102-h/102-h.htm
I chose to look up "The tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson" by Mark Twain. I found the text hard to read. Each time I tried to scroll to put more text on the screen, I lost my place or would scroll too far down. I was, however, impressed at how fast it loaded. Usually these things take much to long, but this one was pretty fast.
When someone comes in looking for an older book and we don't have it, we suggest Project Gutenberg, but most patrons either don't have access to the internet (other than the library) or they don't feel comfortable reading books via the internet.
I don't think I would have any trouble helping a patron download a book from Gutenberg to an eReader. Most of the time the software gives you pretty good instructions on how to do it, which is a good thing.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/102/102-h/102-h.htm
I chose to look up "The tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson" by Mark Twain. I found the text hard to read. Each time I tried to scroll to put more text on the screen, I lost my place or would scroll too far down. I was, however, impressed at how fast it loaded. Usually these things take much to long, but this one was pretty fast.
When someone comes in looking for an older book and we don't have it, we suggest Project Gutenberg, but most patrons either don't have access to the internet (other than the library) or they don't feel comfortable reading books via the internet.
I don't think I would have any trouble helping a patron download a book from Gutenberg to an eReader. Most of the time the software gives you pretty good instructions on how to do it, which is a good thing.
Beyond Method #5 (Social Cataloging)
I've used Shelfari via my facebook page before, so I've had limited experience with Social Cataloging (I didn't know that was what it was called at the time, though). I loved the Shelfari setup, but I just used it for my own benefit, not to meet other people or compare books I've read with others.
Libraries could find a lot of use with the social cataloging tools. We have many patrons who come in and have trouble keeping track of all of the books they've read. The need us to scan each copy (usually 4 or 5 at a time) to verify whether they've read it or not; it's not usually a problem, but it's frustrating for them when they've read every book they've asked you to scan.
Tools like LibraryThing and GoodReads would allow them to keep track of what they've read, and categorize them in any way they wish. Because our collection is so small, it's not unusual for people to have read all of our books (or all the books on a certain subject or by a certain author). Social cataloging would allow them to find books suggestions from other patrons who have similar reading interests (patrons who wouldn't mind going public with their reading interests). Librarians have specific literary interests, and sometimes when a patron asks, "have you read anything good?", I'll know that what I think is good is definitely not his or her cup of tea. Through social cataloging, librarians can get help from patrons' virtual bookshelves on what someone else might like to read. It is a definite must for libraries that can maintain it and have patrons willing to participate.
Libraries could find a lot of use with the social cataloging tools. We have many patrons who come in and have trouble keeping track of all of the books they've read. The need us to scan each copy (usually 4 or 5 at a time) to verify whether they've read it or not; it's not usually a problem, but it's frustrating for them when they've read every book they've asked you to scan.
Tools like LibraryThing and GoodReads would allow them to keep track of what they've read, and categorize them in any way they wish. Because our collection is so small, it's not unusual for people to have read all of our books (or all the books on a certain subject or by a certain author). Social cataloging would allow them to find books suggestions from other patrons who have similar reading interests (patrons who wouldn't mind going public with their reading interests). Librarians have specific literary interests, and sometimes when a patron asks, "have you read anything good?", I'll know that what I think is good is definitely not his or her cup of tea. Through social cataloging, librarians can get help from patrons' virtual bookshelves on what someone else might like to read. It is a definite must for libraries that can maintain it and have patrons willing to participate.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Beyond Method #4 (Employment)
Our library's experience with job seekers mostly involves them using the computers to fill out applications. This modules gave me some good links and resources to present to our patrons in the future.
The Texas Workskills Development page was pretty straight forward for me (someone with computer experience), so I don't think a person with limited computer experience would have a problem. The format was divided in a logical way (resumes, searches, etc), and then it was a matter of clicking links.
The Computer Basics page provided by the Goodwill was SO helpful. I know this would be a tremendous benefit for our patrons who don't have much computer experience. The language was easy to understand and the pictures were relevant. I'm definitely bookmarking the site and plan to tell our patrons about it.
At our library we allow patrons extra time on the computer (they are usually limited to one hour) when completing applications or job searching, and when they have a question about something on an application we try to help as much as we can. We help with resumes as much as we can (formatting and printing), but we can't type it up for them (which most want us to do). We could be doing more I suppose.
The Texas Workskills Development page was pretty straight forward for me (someone with computer experience), so I don't think a person with limited computer experience would have a problem. The format was divided in a logical way (resumes, searches, etc), and then it was a matter of clicking links.
The Computer Basics page provided by the Goodwill was SO helpful. I know this would be a tremendous benefit for our patrons who don't have much computer experience. The language was easy to understand and the pictures were relevant. I'm definitely bookmarking the site and plan to tell our patrons about it.
At our library we allow patrons extra time on the computer (they are usually limited to one hour) when completing applications or job searching, and when they have a question about something on an application we try to help as much as we can. We help with resumes as much as we can (formatting and printing), but we can't type it up for them (which most want us to do). We could be doing more I suppose.
Beyond Method 3 (Geography and Travel 2.0)
Since the day I searched Google Maps for my home address and found a picture from 2 years ago that showed my clothesline full of clothes (if you get my meaning), I have always been leery of the who virtual map thing. But in this situation I can see a benefit because our library always gets phone calls from people wanting to know our location, and I have trouble explaining it to them because I'm naturally bad with directions. But having this option available would be cool. We have lots of retirees that travel through town, and if they could access our webpage and find a map of our location before they left home, I'm sure it would cut down on the stress of having to stop or call and ask for directions.
It would also be helpful in creating maps of key locations in our city (like the courthouse, hospital, schools, etc.) Patrons could just log on to our site and find the map, rather than having to log on to Yahoo or Google to find the same information.
Google Maps was extremely easy for me to use. Even though I've used before, I think that if I'd tried to use it with no prior knowledge of it, it would have been easy.
It would also be helpful in creating maps of key locations in our city (like the courthouse, hospital, schools, etc.) Patrons could just log on to our site and find the map, rather than having to log on to Yahoo or Google to find the same information.
Google Maps was extremely easy for me to use. Even though I've used before, I think that if I'd tried to use it with no prior knowledge of it, it would have been easy.
Beyond Method 2 (iGoogle vs NetVibes)
I've tried to create a homepage for our Friends of the Library group using Microsoft Publisher and it was NOT a fun experience. I've used Google (for blogging) before and I always try to stick with what I know and have experience with, so going into this exercise I was certain that iGoogle would be the best.
After looking at NetVibes, it seems to have the upperhand over Google. I think the main reason for this is that Google has so much going on already, that it hasn't really focused too much attention on making this particular aspect great. NetVibes focuses all of it's attention on dashboards, etc, so they can develop a superior product.
First and foremost, NetVibes is very pretty...prettier than iGoogle. NetVibes is pretty even before you try to make it pretty. This is good for librarians because as smart as we are, some of us are not as computer-HTML-design savvy as others, so having things be sleek and vibrant straight away is great. iGoogle just seems very boring to start, and that let's everyone know that it will take a good deal of manipulation to make it someone patrons will want to access.
NetVibes allows you to check email, access Facebook (which is still huge with everyone, young and old), find weather reports and much more. Librarians could create communities with patrons via Twitter, Facebook, etc, that go beyond the library building itself. This is imperative with focus shifting toward Virtual Libraries. When looking at iGoogle customization settings, there are so many options to choose, and many of them are too unfamiliar and a librarian would need to do research before choosing things that might work, and a busy librarian might not want to do all that.
NetVibes just seems more straight forward and user-friendly. I didn't feel intimidated with NetVibes, and I just felt very overwhelmed and cofused with iGoogle.
After looking at NetVibes, it seems to have the upperhand over Google. I think the main reason for this is that Google has so much going on already, that it hasn't really focused too much attention on making this particular aspect great. NetVibes focuses all of it's attention on dashboards, etc, so they can develop a superior product.
First and foremost, NetVibes is very pretty...prettier than iGoogle. NetVibes is pretty even before you try to make it pretty. This is good for librarians because as smart as we are, some of us are not as computer-HTML-design savvy as others, so having things be sleek and vibrant straight away is great. iGoogle just seems very boring to start, and that let's everyone know that it will take a good deal of manipulation to make it someone patrons will want to access.
NetVibes allows you to check email, access Facebook (which is still huge with everyone, young and old), find weather reports and much more. Librarians could create communities with patrons via Twitter, Facebook, etc, that go beyond the library building itself. This is imperative with focus shifting toward Virtual Libraries. When looking at iGoogle customization settings, there are so many options to choose, and many of them are too unfamiliar and a librarian would need to do research before choosing things that might work, and a busy librarian might not want to do all that.
NetVibes just seems more straight forward and user-friendly. I didn't feel intimidated with NetVibes, and I just felt very overwhelmed and cofused with iGoogle.
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