Week 3: Online Meetings. Brenda, this week's leader, introduced us to webinars (specifically Wimba and Opal). Up to this time I was unaware as to what the online tools to conduct webinars were called--just knew they worked. I've booked marked Infopeople (http://www.infopeople.org), the George Needham and Joan Frye Williams sessions(http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/list/archived), the SirsiDynix Institute archived webinars (http://www.sirsidynixinstitute.com/archive.php), and BCR (http://www.bcr.org/training/archives/f3-archive.html) so I can have easy access to a number of online webinars later long after Kansas 23 has ceased.

This week I didn't actually view one of the above archived webinars as I had another one I needed to view: "What's New in Destiny 9.5?" conducted by Follett Software Company. The actual online webinar took place January 19, 2010. Since our district just updated our software catalog I wanted to refresh my knowledge on all the enhancements added. I love webinars as one can view a number of the archived ones on his own time schedule. I've taken part in a couple of live webinars and, although there was a bit of a connection problem the one time in particular, we did finally get going. It's a great way to learn a new concept, procedure, etc. without having to travel outside the classroom to gain the knowledge. An added perk is that one can ask questions and get immediate answers right online and if one's questions isn't interpreted correctly that, too, can be voiced over the lines. With limited funds and limited time I see this Web 2.0 as an excellent tool for now and in the future. Webinars won't go away -- they will just become more popular.

23 Things Kansas Reflections--Week 2

I chose Facebook as my Online Community mainly because I already had a page. It's easy to use and since I have trouble even checking it every day I thought it best not to create yet another site for me to feel compelled to check on a daily basis. Up to this point I've mainly used Facebook to stay in touch with friends and family--mainly those I don't see on a regular basis. I'm fairly selective in who I choose to share the information with as I don't want to have students, etc. having access. I do see a possible Facebook page for the library but that will probably have to be a district decision. There could possibly be a change as we do have a more "progressive" technology director on board now.

How might I use a Library Facebook page? To share daily information about library events, new books, any information one wants to get out to the student body

An interesting week so far. I feel a bit fragmented but that feeling is becoming quite normal to me. It just wouldn't be right to actually complete a job in one day, now would it? I had not used our Flip Video so was able to do so yesterday. Actually I now have a "loaner" from ESDC. I couldn't figure out why my batteries kept going dead--one use for the day and next day every thing was dead again. Of course, I thought it was something I was doing wrong. Finally I had a change to call around and then determined I had a "faulty" camera. This loaner is great and I'm now a huge fan of the "flips."

I also just taped a class using the digital video camera and prior to this day have not tried sending the video via e-mail so that teacher doesn't need to have the camera to play back. Not even sure it will work (will probably be too much data space for me) but I'll try the plan out tomorrow. Wish me luck....Feel free to offer any pointers.

Week One: Blogging

I'm a librarian in a 7-9 junior high in Lawrence. I think our enrollment is around 550 or 600. This is my 19th year at South and prior to that I was at Felten Middle School in Hays for 11 years. It was fun to read that the librarian from my alma mater school in Larned was also participating. I'll be commenting on her site tomorrow (It's past my bedtime now as it is. Ha). I'm participating in 23 Kansas Things to force myself to at least sample some of the other Web 2.0 avenues and then be able to recommend which ones I think would work for my staff to use as well. I currently use Facebook regularly but worry that "information overload" will overtake me. Good night to all as I've got to get some shut eye. One last comment: A huge thanks to all of you who organized this means for librarians to communitcate and learn together. We owe you "big time." Marcia

Am I the last to post???

Here it is Saturday evening, nearly 8:30 and I'm just now creating my blog and getting ready to post. Where does the time go? It's been another one of those weeks. I know you know what I'm talking about as it happens to many of you, too.

On Monday and Tuesday I was without a computer at home (felt almost like there had been a death in our household). Then I began stewing about the fact that I didn't have a computer and wouldn't be able to get my blog set up. Wednesday evening our household was once again in the 21st century and up and running. Did I create the blog then?? Oh, no. I was too tired. Keep in mind I'm also an American Idol fan and the new season is just beginning--wasn't too tired to watch this for 2 hours. Too tired Thursday night to open a blog. Could it be that Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice were on my radar?? Friday night my excuse was I needed a break from any thing that might make me think of school. Saturday I did an excellent job of proscratinating as well: had to clean the house, take down the Christmas tree, go to Dillion, go to HyVee, go to Walmart, go to Target -- all under the guise of avoiding what I was almost certain would give me problems--setting up a blog! I should have listened to Erin. She said if was easy and I didn't believe her. Sorry Erin. I should have known you "would tell it like it is."

Later, Marcia