Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Reflections Upon 27 Things

What would you like to learn more about?

I am interested in Second Life in terms of how it relates to libraries. We practiced a bit when I was in Tucson for library school orientation, but I'm still not entirely familiar with navigating the program.
It would be really interesting to check out one of the virtual libraries or classrooms in Second Life. It might even be a good way to offer online staff or patron trainings at KCLS.

How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

I have definitely felt the need to further my knowledge of technology in libraries, but I never thought that Web 2.0 could be a way to do this. In addition to the blog I created for KCLS 27 Things, I also created another blog addressing the issues and concerns of public and staff members. It is very exciting to think that each day we are more connected digitally, and that each exercise has helped up to achieve an overall goal of better communication and understanding throughout library world.

What were your favorite Learning 2.0 discoveries or exercises?

I have enjoyed all 2.0 activities, but probably the most fun for me was to be able to find and upload my favorite music videos to my blog. I think many things can be done with music, especially when thinking about ways to connect with diverse communities.

Did anything surprise you?

I was surprised at how fun and creative these activities were. It's actually pretty addicting.

Was there enough help available when you needed it?

Every time I had a question, David was very helpful.

What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

Actually, I think the format of this program was very useful and well organized. Also, it allowed staff to participate remotely.

Would you like to see similar training opportunities as new library-relevant technologies emerge?And, last one, if you could go back in time and tell yourself to either participate in the program or skip it, what would you do?

I think blogs represent a valuable format for training purposes. It is often difficult for branch staff to leave libraries in order to attend trainings, so instead of bringing staff to the trainings, such things as blogs and podcasts can bring the trainings to the staff. In terms of going back in time, I would most definitely encourage myself to participate. There is always something to be learned from advances in web-based technology, especially since libraries are headed in this direction.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Podcasts. etc.

Since my degree work is primarily online, I have listened to several podcasts of letures. The most interesting of which was from Luciano Floridi, Oxford University professor of philosophy.
Since I could not attend his in-person lecture at the University of Arizona, I was able to listen to the podcast of his lecture on the origins of information. I was also able to visit his blog
and interact with him personally through e-mail. It seems that podcasts and programs such as Second Life are revolotionizing education. There is still no comparison to learning in person, but how wonderful it is to be able to learn about anything anytime, from anywhere.
I have not experimented with Overdrive software because I already have I Tunes installed on my computer. I'm concerned that loading another music program may not be the best idea since I've also had difficulty with sound. I know that most libraries utilize Over Drive software, but I wonder if some thought has been given to partnering with I Tunes since many people use I Tunes already.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

de rodillas te pido

Los Alegres de la Sierra

Monday, May 7, 2007

Podcasts

On the forefront of concern in Spanish speaking community is the issue of immigration. I tried to find a Podcast that included frequent questions and answers that many people have. I found Viernes de Inmigracion Preguntas y Respuestas de los Oyentes. In this particular episode, Lawyers David J. Hart and Andrea Olivos-Kah answer questions of a listener from Colombia with regards to obtaining a transit visa. There are also other podcasts of this nature available.
Since I am not equipped to answer in depth questions regarding immigration, I have suggested lawyer's blogs, radio podcasts, and the INS website en español to better assist people with their concerns.
Most information regarding immigration on the internet is more up-to-date than the books we carry in the library.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

la mentira

O.K. uno nada mas..
Pero que bonita voz tiene (o mas bien tuvo porque fallecio hace mas de 50 anos) Don Javier Solis. "Pues llevamos en el alma cicatrices, imposibles de borrar...." ay que romantico, no? ( ;
Feliz Cinqo de Mayo a todos y arriba el inmigrante....

Kenan Dogulu - Cakkidi

I'm having so much fun with YouTube I decided to post yet another video by Turkish pop singer Kenan Dogulu. It's a good indication of what Turkey is really like, as opposed to the extremities we see in the media here.