I have turned in my final assignment for my classes and am now awaiting my grades. I completed my course work for my graduate degree, yipee! I enjoyed my classes through Florida State University College of Information. Getting my master's degree while begining a career as a library media specialist has prepared me with both the theory and practical skills for life in the library.
Virtual reference environments was an interesting class. The assignments and class time gave me information and experience with online tools. Now that class is done, and I'll have more time, I can't wait to expand my understanding further of online services like Second Life and Facebook. I haven't set up a MySpace account yet, but I'd like to, and I'll continue to stay in touch with people via Facebook. Talking with friends and colleagues about this class, I have gotten people to check out what is available online beyond Google. Overall, this class have been a great introduction to virtual reference services and I'll explore it further in the future as more and more of what I offer in the library moves to having an online component.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Privacy rights for Facebook Users
Here is an interesting article I read today about Facebook. It brought up the issue of Facebook partnering with advertising companies and reporting purchasing to friends for "trusted referrals". It is part of a "social ads" program.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=50771;_hbguid=298ab158-0eaa-45b0-9e1d-c23d63c8cce7
I recognize that advertising is a necessity if internet sites are free--revenue has to come from somewhere, but I hate the idea of being tracked and my information shared, even, and maybe especially, with people I know. It is a huge violation of my privacy. If I want to tell someone what I am shopping for, or what movie I am going to, then I will tell them. Otherwise, the purchases I make, movies I watch, or items I view online are my personal buisiness.
I have to figure out where this opt in is so don't accidently opt in when I am not meaning to.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=50771;_hbguid=298ab158-0eaa-45b0-9e1d-c23d63c8cce7
I recognize that advertising is a necessity if internet sites are free--revenue has to come from somewhere, but I hate the idea of being tracked and my information shared, even, and maybe especially, with people I know. It is a huge violation of my privacy. If I want to tell someone what I am shopping for, or what movie I am going to, then I will tell them. Otherwise, the purchases I make, movies I watch, or items I view online are my personal buisiness.
I have to figure out where this opt in is so don't accidently opt in when I am not meaning to.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
My Presentation--audio online
I presented for the class this week and I think it went well. I am pretty confident when it comes to speaking in front of a class or in front of my peers, and have not problem presenting in Blackboard Chat, but it was a new experience presenting in audio via elluminate. This was a great vehicle for presenations, rather than in chat where people are waiting for you to type unless you have prepared it before hand (which I always appreciate). I also like that there is the white board where you can write, post websites up, or show a powerpoint.
In my other class we are creating podcasts to give a tour of websites we developed. I think this would be another great tool to use in Virtual Reference Enviroments and one that many libraries and school are using for everything from virtual tours to class instruction to student presentation. I was surprised how easy it was to make a podcast at podcastpeople.com and am going to see if it is a blocked site at work. If it isn't, or if I can find another podcast creation site (where i only need a microphone), maybe that is the next thing I will do with my 8th grade students.
In my other class we are creating podcasts to give a tour of websites we developed. I think this would be another great tool to use in Virtual Reference Enviroments and one that many libraries and school are using for everything from virtual tours to class instruction to student presentation. I was surprised how easy it was to make a podcast at podcastpeople.com and am going to see if it is a blocked site at work. If it isn't, or if I can find another podcast creation site (where i only need a microphone), maybe that is the next thing I will do with my 8th grade students.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
21st Century Kids
In the last few weeks I have been watching children use online virtual worlds. My nieces, 5 and 7, could navigate the mouse and keys around Webkinz better than some adults I know. They could explain to me features of the world, how to earn money, and how to take care of their webkinz animals. Even though they can't read yet, they navigate the site with ease and without any help.
The girls also told me about a war going on between Webkinz and Neopets. According to them, they know people who have had their Webkinz killed by invading Neopets. One niece is considering sending one of her Webkinz off to war. I haven't done the research yet to know if this war is real, but it is surely real to these kindergarten and first grade girls. An older girl at camp told them about the war so it must be true. I wonder if this type of rumor (or actual virtual war) is helpful to children as they try to make sense of real world violence and war, or if it just adds to the stress and anxiety some children feel about life, based on news, overheard conversations, or personal experiences.
I also had a 4th grader show me life in Club Penguin. His mother said that their house is the place to be because they have a computer and Internet. There are days she has to time the kids on the computer, rotating turns because all the neighborhood kids (kindergarten through 8th grade) come to use the computer. Their favorite places are Club Penguin and Webkinz. The 4th grader introduced me to his Penguin, some of the club's features, and his igloo, complete with a drum set like he plays in school.
I can't imagine what things are going to be like when my 14 month old is in school. Perhaps he'll just go to class virtually, have friends online (all our West Coast baby friends) and we'll all feel safer that our kids are locked in the house sitting on the computer. I am sure that is part of the appeal for parents. Virtual worlds and video games are more interactive than sitting in front of the TV, but it is keeping kids at home or at a friends house where you can keep an eye on them and know they are safe.
I thought about what hooks children in to these virtual worlds. Other than them being fun (My husband and I had a good time on Webkinz playing the games). For my nieces, and many children, the virtual worlds are where they can have control. In a time where many activities are planned and children are moved from one structured activity to another, having a place where they make the decisions, choose what to do, and how to do it, must be liberating. Parents are happy because kids are safely at home and occupied, kids are happy because they are playing, thinking, and choosing.
For Christmas my son is getting is first video game console, designed for babies and toddlers. My presents to others include MP3 players, digital cameras, and DVD players. I am hoping for a new computer soon. I think our world has become technologically interactive, and we must brace ourselves for the wave of the future. Preparing children, teaching them how to be on the Internet safely and appropriately is important, because whether or not we have a computer at home, kids are flocking to the nearest one to hang out with their friends and explore the virtual world.
The girls also told me about a war going on between Webkinz and Neopets. According to them, they know people who have had their Webkinz killed by invading Neopets. One niece is considering sending one of her Webkinz off to war. I haven't done the research yet to know if this war is real, but it is surely real to these kindergarten and first grade girls. An older girl at camp told them about the war so it must be true. I wonder if this type of rumor (or actual virtual war) is helpful to children as they try to make sense of real world violence and war, or if it just adds to the stress and anxiety some children feel about life, based on news, overheard conversations, or personal experiences.
I also had a 4th grader show me life in Club Penguin. His mother said that their house is the place to be because they have a computer and Internet. There are days she has to time the kids on the computer, rotating turns because all the neighborhood kids (kindergarten through 8th grade) come to use the computer. Their favorite places are Club Penguin and Webkinz. The 4th grader introduced me to his Penguin, some of the club's features, and his igloo, complete with a drum set like he plays in school.
I can't imagine what things are going to be like when my 14 month old is in school. Perhaps he'll just go to class virtually, have friends online (all our West Coast baby friends) and we'll all feel safer that our kids are locked in the house sitting on the computer. I am sure that is part of the appeal for parents. Virtual worlds and video games are more interactive than sitting in front of the TV, but it is keeping kids at home or at a friends house where you can keep an eye on them and know they are safe.
I thought about what hooks children in to these virtual worlds. Other than them being fun (My husband and I had a good time on Webkinz playing the games). For my nieces, and many children, the virtual worlds are where they can have control. In a time where many activities are planned and children are moved from one structured activity to another, having a place where they make the decisions, choose what to do, and how to do it, must be liberating. Parents are happy because kids are safely at home and occupied, kids are happy because they are playing, thinking, and choosing.
For Christmas my son is getting is first video game console, designed for babies and toddlers. My presents to others include MP3 players, digital cameras, and DVD players. I am hoping for a new computer soon. I think our world has become technologically interactive, and we must brace ourselves for the wave of the future. Preparing children, teaching them how to be on the Internet safely and appropriately is important, because whether or not we have a computer at home, kids are flocking to the nearest one to hang out with their friends and explore the virtual world.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Non Web Tools
Last week, right before class, I was at the Doctor's office. We realized that the visit was going to run in to class time, we were getting hungry, and there was nothing at home to heat up fast. So, a pizza sounded like a good idea. My husband asked the receptionist for a phone book, but she never brought it to him. He thought of using his cell phone to call information, but at about $1.50 for each call, it didn't seem worth it. If only we had a way to get the pizza place's phone number.
Instead of calling ahead, my husband ended up driving to the pizza place, placing the order, and waiting. Thanks to what I learned in class though, we now won't have to do that...
Google, who I think must have marketing geniuses, has entered the world of 411 and text messaging . For only the cost of a text message or cell phone call (of which I rarely go over my limit) I can now text or call Google for phone numbers, the weather, or to answer simple questions. I now have my local pizza place's number, and address, saved as a text message, along with a couple of other local pizza places. As someone who depends on her cell phone as her main means of communication, I really appreciate ways that I can incoporate it in to my daily needs-I use it for phone calls, to text a friend, share pictures of my son, and record interesting events. It is my main address "book", photo album, and watch. I am exciting that now, without paying an extra fee, I can also use it as my yellow pages.
Mind you, Google isn't the only way you can get free information. I have used 18005551212 for years for free 800 numbers. My father told me today about an information phone number you can call that is free, provided that you listen to some "brief" advertisments first. He said he uses it a lot, but wonders sometimes if it would be cheaper to just pay the $1.50 rather than spend the airtime and personal time to listen to ads (what is my time worth?).
My first cell phone, in 2000, was basic. It didn't even have a headphone jack or a vibrate option. My current cell phone, almost 2 years old, has video, a 2 MP camera, the ability to play music, as well as the basics like speaker phone, voice operated dialing, and, most importantly the ability to make phone calls. I have gone through 4 models in 7 years, and can't wait to get a new one in a few months. I don't need all the bells and whistles, but I would love something I can use for everything from texting, to pictures, to music, as well as have reception in Vermont. As we continue to expand the use of cell phones--Googling for info, responding to radio contests, checking in with airlines, staying in touch with people around the world, we will continue to demand better service and better phones. I can't imagine what my phone will look like in a couple of years--how much can we expect or need from a little portable phone?
I expect reliable service, my husband expects a 24 clock (we haven't found a Verizon cell phone yet that will change from 12 hour mode), and my 14 month old son expects noise-beeping, and images. I expect that I will continue to use a cell phone for communcating, sharing ideas and my life, as well as integrate it further in to work, play, and planning. We are a portable age--and the cell phone in my pocket is here to stay.
Instead of calling ahead, my husband ended up driving to the pizza place, placing the order, and waiting. Thanks to what I learned in class though, we now won't have to do that...
Google, who I think must have marketing geniuses, has entered the world of 411 and text messaging . For only the cost of a text message or cell phone call (of which I rarely go over my limit) I can now text or call Google for phone numbers, the weather, or to answer simple questions. I now have my local pizza place's number, and address, saved as a text message, along with a couple of other local pizza places. As someone who depends on her cell phone as her main means of communication, I really appreciate ways that I can incoporate it in to my daily needs-I use it for phone calls, to text a friend, share pictures of my son, and record interesting events. It is my main address "book", photo album, and watch. I am exciting that now, without paying an extra fee, I can also use it as my yellow pages.
Mind you, Google isn't the only way you can get free information. I have used 18005551212 for years for free 800 numbers. My father told me today about an information phone number you can call that is free, provided that you listen to some "brief" advertisments first. He said he uses it a lot, but wonders sometimes if it would be cheaper to just pay the $1.50 rather than spend the airtime and personal time to listen to ads (what is my time worth?).
My first cell phone, in 2000, was basic. It didn't even have a headphone jack or a vibrate option. My current cell phone, almost 2 years old, has video, a 2 MP camera, the ability to play music, as well as the basics like speaker phone, voice operated dialing, and, most importantly the ability to make phone calls. I have gone through 4 models in 7 years, and can't wait to get a new one in a few months. I don't need all the bells and whistles, but I would love something I can use for everything from texting, to pictures, to music, as well as have reception in Vermont. As we continue to expand the use of cell phones--Googling for info, responding to radio contests, checking in with airlines, staying in touch with people around the world, we will continue to demand better service and better phones. I can't imagine what my phone will look like in a couple of years--how much can we expect or need from a little portable phone?
I expect reliable service, my husband expects a 24 clock (we haven't found a Verizon cell phone yet that will change from 12 hour mode), and my 14 month old son expects noise-beeping, and images. I expect that I will continue to use a cell phone for communcating, sharing ideas and my life, as well as integrate it further in to work, play, and planning. We are a portable age--and the cell phone in my pocket is here to stay.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Students using Social Networks
We have a policy at the K-8 school I work at that students may not log on to any site that requires a username and password unless instructed to, and monitored by, a teacher. When we created this policy, we did it with thoughts on MySpace (which is now blocked by our filter) and email. However, now that many sites require usernames and passwords, we may need to reconsider this policy.
As the library media specialist I get asked at least once a day by a student if they can get on to a site that requires a password--"it's harmless", "it's safe", "I am picking from a username so I'm not really logging on" are some of the arguements they give me, and that is just the 1st graders. Sites include Webkinz (which our filter seems to block surprisingly), Club Penguin, and Garbage Pail Kids. Older students want to log on to MySpace, Facebook, and game sites like Yahoo/Yahoo Kids Pool.
Where do we draw the line? What is acceptable use, at a school, for the internet during free/afterschool/choice time? How safe are children's social sites? What are the ramifications for a school if students use these networks at school and do inappropriate things on them (or are exposed to inappropriate things).
As the library media specialist I get asked at least once a day by a student if they can get on to a site that requires a password--"it's harmless", "it's safe", "I am picking from a username so I'm not really logging on" are some of the arguements they give me, and that is just the 1st graders. Sites include Webkinz (which our filter seems to block surprisingly), Club Penguin, and Garbage Pail Kids. Older students want to log on to MySpace, Facebook, and game sites like Yahoo/Yahoo Kids Pool.
Where do we draw the line? What is acceptable use, at a school, for the internet during free/afterschool/choice time? How safe are children's social sites? What are the ramifications for a school if students use these networks at school and do inappropriate things on them (or are exposed to inappropriate things).
Friday, October 26, 2007
AASL Conference: Connecting to Free WiFi
The conference provides free internet access. Luckily I finally went to an area that had instructions and support to get it working. I just overheard that there are more than 250 people trying to access the free wireless at the same time, and it is slowing down the connection and sometimes not makeing it work. It is a great resource though, and now that it is working (thanks tech support) I can access handouts, resources, and online sites (like this blog). Yeah to free wireless.
This is the first conference that I've been to that there are so many laptops out, with people taking notes during sessions, but also blogging, accessing materials, and sharing resources. For me, I know taking notes on the computer is a lot more effective than having scraps of paper around. I will more likely review the notes, share them, and use them this way.
This is the first conference that I've been to that there are so many laptops out, with people taking notes during sessions, but also blogging, accessing materials, and sharing resources. For me, I know taking notes on the computer is a lot more effective than having scraps of paper around. I will more likely review the notes, share them, and use them this way.
AASL Conference Sessions
I went to a great session this morning titled: Empowering Boys: Books and Strategies to Attract Boys to Literacy. The presenter pointed out that we need to let boys choose the books and and reading materials that they are interested in, including informational books (gross, adventures, cars, military, facts: non fiction), adventure stories, and non fiction. We are not supporting our boys when we expect that they will read a book just because we liked it--engage them where they are at and with what they like, whether it is wrestling magazines or books about body functions. I will need to download it, but there was a great list of books for boys provided. One of my favorites that she mentioned was The Lightening Thief. It is the first in a series of great books about modern day. half gods. I love this series, my middle school students love it too. Another great one is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. A new one for me that I need to take a closer look at is Encyclopedia Horrifica.
I enjoyed this session and now have a great list of books to add to my library. I also have some great strategies to use. The idea I will try out is to create powerpoints with high interest books for boys. This will be accessible and hopefully will lead the students to more books.
I enjoyed this session and now have a great list of books to add to my library. I also have some great strategies to use. The idea I will try out is to create powerpoints with high interest books for boys. This will be accessible and hopefully will lead the students to more books.
AASL Conference has gone green
I am at the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) conference in Reno. I am excited to be hear, connect with other school librarians, check out some vendors, and even go to a session with some FSU professors (I'll finally meet F2F professors I have had in class or listened to lectures from).
This conference has gone green, which means that handouts are online instead of handed out. This is a great start, but there is still TONS of paper that is being used. At registration I was given a book with the program descriptions and vendor information. There were also handouts, vendor ads, and contest forms. Walking through the conference center, I was given the conference newspaper, ads for ALA president, and more vendor news. Sessions still have paper evaluations (why not an online survey?) I wonder how "green" this conference really is. The daily news could easily be posted on the website (I haven't checked yet to see if it is) and shared digitally more than printed. The vendors should be giving out less paper and directing people to their websites (that is what most people use now anyway). Not having handouts is a start, but it only a beginning. There is a lot more that can be done, so hopefully that will be next.
This conference has gone green, which means that handouts are online instead of handed out. This is a great start, but there is still TONS of paper that is being used. At registration I was given a book with the program descriptions and vendor information. There were also handouts, vendor ads, and contest forms. Walking through the conference center, I was given the conference newspaper, ads for ALA president, and more vendor news. Sessions still have paper evaluations (why not an online survey?) I wonder how "green" this conference really is. The daily news could easily be posted on the website (I haven't checked yet to see if it is) and shared digitally more than printed. The vendors should be giving out less paper and directing people to their websites (that is what most people use now anyway). Not having handouts is a start, but it only a beginning. There is a lot more that can be done, so hopefully that will be next.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Computer based Communities
This week I am in California, driving past all of the major dot com players, seeing the communities and lifestyle that the industry created in the last few decades. Although some of the companies have closed up shop since the industry's bubble burst, there are still many companies around, and with it the wealth that goes with it, like Lamborghini dealerships and clothing boutiques.
It has been a couple of years since I lived in Silicon Valley, and it is always interesting to see how much technology is integrated in to life out here compared to Vermont. Where I worked, you can see 4th graders working together on claymation videos, 8th graders building and programming robots, children in the courtyard eating school lunch that they ordered online, teachers posting their homework to the school's website, and the school photographer documenting it all with a digital camera. In town you see moms walking their babies while working from their palm pilot and there's at least one cell phone in every car. There is free wifi in community parks, coffee shops, and even McDonald's. The air, the people, and life seeps with computers and technology.
5 years ago when we were planning additions and changes to the school I taught at, one of the parents suggested that we should spend less money on the library's books and building, and instead invest in technology and databases--that children wouldn't be wanting to read a physical book, and instead would want hand held devices for reading digital text. At the time we argued the point, but perhaps he was right. The children of today and tomorrow, especially in an affluent dot com area, need the opportunities and experiences that bridge the real world with the digital one. In a place where you are just as likely to make purchases via the computer as go to a store, and spend hours a day attached to a device of some sort (computer, cell phone, PDA, etc), it is critical that we teach students how to be responsible citizens of the digital community.
I expect that regardless of age restrictions, many dot com children social network pages, including myspace and facebook. Speaking with children and parents here and at home in Vermont, it is accepted that children want to share about their lives and created online identities to communicate with their friends. It is acceptable to many that children will lie about their age, location. This is done both in the name of safty and to be allowed on networks (many middle schoolers just lie about their age to be on Myspace. ) I think that there really needs to be a network for children and middle schoolers that would give them a space online to create community and interact honestly. I know that safety is the main concern, so perhaps it will end up being another expectation of a school--to have an online community area for students that is only accessible to those school community members- Regardless of how it is created, I think that there really needs to be something to support the children and teens who are immersed and embraced in technology. Like so many other things, we have to change what we think and do to meet the needs of youth, rather than expecting them to just wait until they are grown up, or times change, or trends die out.
It has been a couple of years since I lived in Silicon Valley, and it is always interesting to see how much technology is integrated in to life out here compared to Vermont. Where I worked, you can see 4th graders working together on claymation videos, 8th graders building and programming robots, children in the courtyard eating school lunch that they ordered online, teachers posting their homework to the school's website, and the school photographer documenting it all with a digital camera. In town you see moms walking their babies while working from their palm pilot and there's at least one cell phone in every car. There is free wifi in community parks, coffee shops, and even McDonald's. The air, the people, and life seeps with computers and technology.
5 years ago when we were planning additions and changes to the school I taught at, one of the parents suggested that we should spend less money on the library's books and building, and instead invest in technology and databases--that children wouldn't be wanting to read a physical book, and instead would want hand held devices for reading digital text. At the time we argued the point, but perhaps he was right. The children of today and tomorrow, especially in an affluent dot com area, need the opportunities and experiences that bridge the real world with the digital one. In a place where you are just as likely to make purchases via the computer as go to a store, and spend hours a day attached to a device of some sort (computer, cell phone, PDA, etc), it is critical that we teach students how to be responsible citizens of the digital community.
I expect that regardless of age restrictions, many dot com children social network pages, including myspace and facebook. Speaking with children and parents here and at home in Vermont, it is accepted that children want to share about their lives and created online identities to communicate with their friends. It is acceptable to many that children will lie about their age, location. This is done both in the name of safty and to be allowed on networks (many middle schoolers just lie about their age to be on Myspace. ) I think that there really needs to be a network for children and middle schoolers that would give them a space online to create community and interact honestly. I know that safety is the main concern, so perhaps it will end up being another expectation of a school--to have an online community area for students that is only accessible to those school community members- Regardless of how it is created, I think that there really needs to be something to support the children and teens who are immersed and embraced in technology. Like so many other things, we have to change what we think and do to meet the needs of youth, rather than expecting them to just wait until they are grown up, or times change, or trends die out.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
To learn how facebook works and create the IPL group page, I spent some time this week working on my personal facebook page and exploring some of the existing groups. On my personal page, I found that I could upload pictures, video, and information about myself. I made connections with friends and relatives that I haven't talked to in years. Groups really vary, with people networking about everything from TV shows to sports to favorite resturants. From what I understand, it is really a fabulous way to connect with people with common interests and stay connected to those you know or knew.
I can image Facebook being used as a communication place for IPL volunteers. It would be great for airing concerns, sharing experiences, and networking. It woud also be useful for sharing websites or other resources that help in the job of reference services. Lastly, it will bring together like minded individuals and provide an online hang out for those interested.
I can image Facebook being used as a communication place for IPL volunteers. It would be great for airing concerns, sharing experiences, and networking. It woud also be useful for sharing websites or other resources that help in the job of reference services. Lastly, it will bring together like minded individuals and provide an online hang out for those interested.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Elluminate's Advantages, SL challenges
After last week's class I decided that elluminate is my favorite of the distance learning models I have had experience with.
Here are a list of the reasons why I like Ellumiate:
Here are a list of the reasons why I like Ellumiate:
- It has text and voice, so people can respond in a way they are most comfortable. The voice aspect is good for those who type slowly. Hearing a voice also makes it seem more real. Having a text option, however, is great for those who aren't comfortable speaking up verbally and for messaging single or groups of people rather than addressing the whole group.
- There is a visual opportunity with the white board. I love that you can view websites, powerpoints, or write on it. This seems to work well for guided lessons instead of everyone opening a different browser and trying to follow along on their own.
- You can do simple responses with the build in features on the roster list.
- It is the most like a face to face class. since you are seeing, hearing, and reacting.
I know that Second Life has some of these features, as does blackboard chat or classroom. However, I found that Second Life could be distracting, and my mind wandered wanting to look and explore, figure out how I fit in to it, and even wondering about other people in the class and what other people in my class thought of me (my avatar). One of the things I like about distance learning is that the physical things of like, like looks, body type, and clothing/style aren't getting in the way. You are only being judged by what you say and how you act in class and on blackboard. However, with second life, those components are back and it seems almost more so, because you are choosing how you look, what you are wearing, and how/where you are standing in relationship to others. What you choose about your avatar says things about you and your inner self.
I think Second Life is an interesting concept, I enjoyed using it for class, and will go off and explore in it, but I think it is a difficult tool to have a structured class in, unless there were specific rules about sitting, staying still, raising hands, ect. Our second life experience reminds me of a middle school class when I have a lesson to teach, but also want to give them options and freedom of movement and choice. It ends up that some are listening, but others are wandering, talking to friends, or zoning out. It seems like this is easy to happen in SL. Maybe I am more tradional than I thought, and I just have to expand my mind, knowing that I, as well as others (including middle schoolers in the "real" world and master's students in the virtual world) can stare at a windmill, wonder about a setting sun, and still follow what a teacher is discussing.
After posting, I thought of the following and just had to come back and add them...
I like, in many ways, that with distance learning you are experiencing and learning as a name and brain, instead of a physical person. On the other hand I met one of my classmates this summer, and it was really interesting to get to know more about the person behind the brain and words. It made her, and in turn the class, seem more real. I like the classes I have taken that require us to post a paragraph or two about us personally. Including a picture helped too, making more of a human connection and letting us get to know each other a little better. So, with that reflection, perhaps Seond Life is a good way to teach, providing classes with a way with connecting physically, even though it is virtually, in a way that is almost cooler-because we can connect with our dream selves, having the body, the clothes, and the actions that we image ourselves to have.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Week 5 continued: Face Book
I have been playing with Facebook during the last week, in preparation for my creation of an IPL page. First I set up a facebook for myself. Immediately after sending friend requests to my old college and high school buddies, they friended me and posted messages. I was impressed with the capabilities and what my face book page COULD become, although it isn't there yet.
I have been checking out other organizations on facebook to get ideas for IPL. There is a lot that can be done, and my focus will definitely be for current and past volunteers. I can imagine that a lot of IPL volunteers spend time on the computer and facebook and would expect that some may enjoy the networking that could happen with a common themed page. I am excited to create something and just need to sit down and get started creating the IPL meeting place on facebook.
I have been checking out other organizations on facebook to get ideas for IPL. There is a lot that can be done, and my focus will definitely be for current and past volunteers. I can imagine that a lot of IPL volunteers spend time on the computer and facebook and would expect that some may enjoy the networking that could happen with a common themed page. I am excited to create something and just need to sit down and get started creating the IPL meeting place on facebook.
Sharing life via the Computer
Here is a post for week 5, although we have really moved in to week 6. The two classes I have this semester have different dates for the week to start and assignments due, and for some reason I am losing track. I think I have senioritis. Good thing I am graduating in December.
I love the social aspect of the internet. It is a great way to catch up with old friends, see what people are doing, and find out about life. A friend of mine had a baby this week. Although she is 3000 miles away, she and her husband were able to share their experience and excitement with friends and family via livejournal and fickr. We could see pictures the next day, post reactions and well wishes. They have considered having a website with a video feed for the grandparents to log on and watch the baby sleep, play, and grow. Maybe we'll meet in Second Life pass out virtual new baby cigars (much safer and healthier than the real thing). We've embraced the internet as our means of sharing news, spreading information, and staying in touch with the world. Is it a good thing? I think it brings the world together, but I sometimes miss voice converstaions, printed photographs, and sitting at a table sharing a cup of coffee with a friend. I am happy though that we live in a time of virtual interconnectivity.
I love the social aspect of the internet. It is a great way to catch up with old friends, see what people are doing, and find out about life. A friend of mine had a baby this week. Although she is 3000 miles away, she and her husband were able to share their experience and excitement with friends and family via livejournal and fickr. We could see pictures the next day, post reactions and well wishes. They have considered having a website with a video feed for the grandparents to log on and watch the baby sleep, play, and grow. Maybe we'll meet in Second Life pass out virtual new baby cigars (much safer and healthier than the real thing). We've embraced the internet as our means of sharing news, spreading information, and staying in touch with the world. Is it a good thing? I think it brings the world together, but I sometimes miss voice converstaions, printed photographs, and sitting at a table sharing a cup of coffee with a friend. I am happy though that we live in a time of virtual interconnectivity.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Week 4: Second Life Class
Wow. When I got in to class tonight I felt like I was in a dream. There were my virtual classmates, who I only know by name-not face, decked out in ball gowns, t-shirts, and pirate costumes. It was an interesting class, and I can see the value that second life could bring to distance learning, once people are comfortable and able to function in that environment.
Like any new tool or complex learning activity, the teacher needs to set the stage, prepare the room, and make sure that the students are comfortable and ready to learn. I am continually impressed with Dr. Mon's prep work for our class sessions. By posting on the DB, sending us messages, prepare links, folders, and connections within second life, and even transporting us when we're lost, she is making a new different world understandable and exciting. I really appreciate how organized and on top of things she is. This class is one that really takes me outside my realm of understanding, and I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't guided as well.
The one difficulty I had with having class in Second Life is that I wasn't quite sure at times what we were supposed to be doing. For example, after buying (for free) the prepared boxes, some people were trying out what was inside, while others asked questions, and others walked around. I wasn't sure what we were supposed to do then, and got distracted by the fireworks, bubbles, etc. On the other hand, I am glad we were able to have exploration time for the new clothes and toys. The class tonight was a good introduction for how to use Second Life.
Like any new tool or complex learning activity, the teacher needs to set the stage, prepare the room, and make sure that the students are comfortable and ready to learn. I am continually impressed with Dr. Mon's prep work for our class sessions. By posting on the DB, sending us messages, prepare links, folders, and connections within second life, and even transporting us when we're lost, she is making a new different world understandable and exciting. I really appreciate how organized and on top of things she is. This class is one that really takes me outside my realm of understanding, and I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't guided as well.
The one difficulty I had with having class in Second Life is that I wasn't quite sure at times what we were supposed to be doing. For example, after buying (for free) the prepared boxes, some people were trying out what was inside, while others asked questions, and others walked around. I wasn't sure what we were supposed to do then, and got distracted by the fireworks, bubbles, etc. On the other hand, I am glad we were able to have exploration time for the new clothes and toys. The class tonight was a good introduction for how to use Second Life.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Week 3: Projects
Project proposals are due tomorrow. I didn't respond to my group until tonight. It seems like we have similar ideas for projects, so we may team up for part of it, and then do individual projects as well, or perhaps just individual projects. I like working with others, but it definitely makes things harder when you have to arrange to meet, work collaboratively, and rely on others to do part of the work. I think though that when it works, a group can really enhance learning.
Week 3
This week seemed to fly by before I had a chance to breath. Virtual reference is one of the more interesting, but harder, classes I have taken for FSU. I am stuggling my way through orientation on Second Life. I realized I finally learned all I could from the island, and have started to explore the world. It is an interesting place. From the list of favorite places I landed myself on hippie island (or something like that) where I supposedly could earn money taking surveys. Instead I am just wandering. I will check out info island next, and hopefully have a message back from Dr. Mon.
I think that Second Life is facinating, and really want to explore the concept of alternate worlds, social networks online, and how the growing virtual world will impact the lives of people in the real world. How will it effect people emotionally, physically, and developmentally, when we no longer need to leave the house to have a life, and there is less expectation of truth and honesty when you are using online systems that require a user to have a different name, allow them to look like anything they want, and explore a world where anything goes (or so I hear). I talk with my middle school students about social network sites, and many have them, and think nothing of lying about their age, name, and location--they are even encouraged to do this by thier parents. I love the internet and all of the opportunities, connections, and communities we can have because of the internet, but I also fear that we may become a society that relies on the internet for communication, friends, and fun rather than actually experiencing life.
I think that Second Life is facinating, and really want to explore the concept of alternate worlds, social networks online, and how the growing virtual world will impact the lives of people in the real world. How will it effect people emotionally, physically, and developmentally, when we no longer need to leave the house to have a life, and there is less expectation of truth and honesty when you are using online systems that require a user to have a different name, allow them to look like anything they want, and explore a world where anything goes (or so I hear). I talk with my middle school students about social network sites, and many have them, and think nothing of lying about their age, name, and location--they are even encouraged to do this by thier parents. I love the internet and all of the opportunities, connections, and communities we can have because of the internet, but I also fear that we may become a society that relies on the internet for communication, friends, and fun rather than actually experiencing life.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Driving along....
The school I am the librarian at is a little over an hour away from my home. This means I spend a lot of time in the car listening to music, audiobooks, and talking to my 1 year old son. It is also the time I spend thinking about what I am teaching and learning, what I need to do for classes, and loftier lifetime goals. Last Thursday my thoughts were all about virtual reference class. Finally, I am getting a chance to read my messy driving notes and put down the ideas in my blog...
1. Getting the message out about the IPL: If there isn't one already, I think it would be useful to have a message that could be sent to teachers, sent on listservs, and shared around as a FYI memo to teachers and librarians. I am working on one to use, at least for the teachers at my school and the Vermont School Library Association listserv. At schools, often teachers will use what they are directed to, especially when it is a great resource. Pointing out the IPL will turn lots of people on to the website.
2. Developing an IPL search button that could go on school websites for students that would link to the KidSpace and TeenSpace (depending on the grades at the school) and search the IPL. It would be like a Google search box, except go the the IPL. What I'm learning in my design and production of multimedia class will help me develop this if this is something that I decide to work on.
3. I would like to work on outreach for students/teachers since that is what I'm most familiar wtih. I think that students need to know more about sites like the IPL, so we need to come up with exciting ways to get them on it. Maybe doing something with Facebook/Myspace/Xanga (three social sites my 7th grade students were all talking about today) would be good to reach the kids out there who need some guidance and a push in the right direction for quality online sites.
1. Getting the message out about the IPL: If there isn't one already, I think it would be useful to have a message that could be sent to teachers, sent on listservs, and shared around as a FYI memo to teachers and librarians. I am working on one to use, at least for the teachers at my school and the Vermont School Library Association listserv. At schools, often teachers will use what they are directed to, especially when it is a great resource. Pointing out the IPL will turn lots of people on to the website.
2. Developing an IPL search button that could go on school websites for students that would link to the KidSpace and TeenSpace (depending on the grades at the school) and search the IPL. It would be like a Google search box, except go the the IPL. What I'm learning in my design and production of multimedia class will help me develop this if this is something that I decide to work on.
3. I would like to work on outreach for students/teachers since that is what I'm most familiar wtih. I think that students need to know more about sites like the IPL, so we need to come up with exciting ways to get them on it. Maybe doing something with Facebook/Myspace/Xanga (three social sites my 7th grade students were all talking about today) would be good to reach the kids out there who need some guidance and a push in the right direction for quality online sites.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Types of class meeting formats
I have been in the FSU program since Fall of 2005 and I find it interesting to see how teaching and learning have changed since I started the program. Prior to this class, my classes have all been held in chat, with the exception of 1 class meeting last summer that we attempted to use the virtual classroom and it failed to work for us. This year, however, I am in two classes that we'll be using Elluminate and Second Life as class meeting places. I don't mind chat, and there are features I like, such as the speed at which you can skim back at a transcript for information, or quickly respond to something that a professor has said, without interrupting verbally. On the other hand, there are limitations that I think are addressd by changing the format and meeting in a format like Elluminate.
There are times that I feel like I am taking classes with the computer, not real people. It was refreshing to listen to information audibly and be able to ask questions, have things clarified, and be shown examples. Although some professors have given powerpoints or audio lectures to listen to before class, having someone live presenting information was more like the traditional classes I was used to from teaching and from undergraduate school.
I really like Elluminate, althought it took some getting used to. After 2 years of classes where I could reread a sentence if I missed it the first time, it was hard to remember that I had to listen to every word that was said or I would miss something. It made it much harder to help my 11 month old son and participate in class--it would have been even harder if I had my microphone on! I loved the format though, especially with the ability it has for the person presenting information to actually link to his or her computer and give a demonstration or point out websites.
Overall I am excited to use the Elluminate classroom this semester, along with Chat and Second Life (that is a whole different post). I think the varying formats are an exciting new way to approach distance learning and will really enhance class.
There are times that I feel like I am taking classes with the computer, not real people. It was refreshing to listen to information audibly and be able to ask questions, have things clarified, and be shown examples. Although some professors have given powerpoints or audio lectures to listen to before class, having someone live presenting information was more like the traditional classes I was used to from teaching and from undergraduate school.
I really like Elluminate, althought it took some getting used to. After 2 years of classes where I could reread a sentence if I missed it the first time, it was hard to remember that I had to listen to every word that was said or I would miss something. It made it much harder to help my 11 month old son and participate in class--it would have been even harder if I had my microphone on! I loved the format though, especially with the ability it has for the person presenting information to actually link to his or her computer and give a demonstration or point out websites.
Overall I am excited to use the Elluminate classroom this semester, along with Chat and Second Life (that is a whole different post). I think the varying formats are an exciting new way to approach distance learning and will really enhance class.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
August 29th Class
We had our first class of Virtual Reference Environments on August 29th. As a class we discussed some of the projects and activities that we will be completing this semester. During this semester we will be running the Internet Public Library. Throughout the summer semester I answered reference questions for the IPL as part of Introduction to Information Services. I am excited to have the opportunity this semester to continue working with the IPL in a different capacity. In class we broke in to small groups based on the different roles necessary to run IPL. I chose to be part of the community outreach team. I hope to work with this team as a writer and researcher, getting the word out about the IPL.
For my project I would like to focus on promotion and outreach that would help teachers and students in K-12 schools learn about, and learn how to use, the IPL, and specifically the IPL Kidpace. I haven't decided how this would look yet or what online resources would be the best for promotion/outreach to teachers/students, so if anyone has ideas, I'd love to hear them.
For my project I would like to focus on promotion and outreach that would help teachers and students in K-12 schools learn about, and learn how to use, the IPL, and specifically the IPL Kidpace. I haven't decided how this would look yet or what online resources would be the best for promotion/outreach to teachers/students, so if anyone has ideas, I'd love to hear them.
First Post
This blog will be for my thoughts, starting with my thoughts and reflections about Virtual Reference Environments, one of my FSU courses this fall.
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