23 Things in BWCA Country: July 2008

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Thing 7 - Web 2.0 Communication Tools

In the library, I use email to communicate to all of the staff, as a group. If I have new books, or if there is something of interest media, or technology, -wise that I want everyone to know. The problem is that not all staff use email. Even at this point in time!

We don't have staff meeting too often, and email has been the most timely form of communication for me. However, I still prefer to make contact with people in person. For example, if a teacher is doing a project on a certain topic, and I know we have a few really good books/reference materials/website that would be beneficial to him/her, I might stop them on their way through (or track them down) and actually show them the book/other material and tell them, or show them, a bit about it. In that way, they actually "get" the info. Sometimes when I am in a hurry, I skim emails from people and then "push the info into the back folder in my brain" until I find time to digest it. Of course, many times, I never get back to it. :(

I do use email many times each day to keep in contact with friends and family. Otherwise my long distance bill would be sky high. That, and it is very convenient to write a quick note and they can read it when they have time. I have used IM, but not very often. I like using, but time can go quickly and before you know it, it is hours later! I do not text message. IT takes too much time!

I have done a few phone/web conferences. The most recent being training from Follett. I like the fact that I can see what the trainer is doing, but still feel a little "distanced" and less likely to ask questions. I guess I still like face-to-face communication.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Thing 6 - Photosharing and Editing

Very Funny... I went to Image Chef and did some playing around with the different templates. Then I clicked on the Create Your Own Layouts link. I got a message that said "Someone has a crush on you". Don't I wish!!! :) :)

I can see many ways that all of these image generators would be fun in the library. We've come a LONG way from Print Shop! I'm not sure how we could print banners - but if I have time down the road, and would like a banner, I will be sure to check it out!

Thing 5 - Photosharing and Editing

Flickr Fun was quick and easy thanks to the post from Charmed One. Finally, a Thing that took me less than an hour! I can imagine that if I had lots of digital images, I could spend a LOT of time playing with all of these options. I think Spell With Flickr would be fun for making interesting poster for the library promoting upcoming events or new book releases! Fun!

Thing 4 - Photosharing and Editing

Flickr could be a wonderful way to keep backups of your photos, or sharing them with others. It is quite easy to upload the files. I think I should have created new accounts on Google and Yahoo though - for all of these Things.

I'm not sure I trust putting anything too personal on the account, though. Yes, I can imagine that this site would be wonderful to share pics of a new baby, etc., with family and friends. But how do we REALLY know if someone else doesn't have access to our account? The Flickr server has to know our password, or it wouldn't let us in. What if someone hacks into their server? Or someone captures our password online? OK... I sound like a Conspiracy Therorist... I just have a bit of trouble with all of the privacy that we are throwing to the wind in the name of "social networking". When thieves can swipe a card into a gas pump, and learn private data about the person who just paid by credit card, it scares me. Identity theft is a big issue right now, and yet, we think nothing of posting personal information online.

I do think it would be a good way for teachers to post pictures for teaching topics - especially as creative writing prompts. So, I guess I like Flickr for educational uses, but don't know if I would use it personally. I just really don't want to give up my 35 mm film camera, and kodak paper! Which is why my Flickr pic comes from my computer camera. I don't own a digital camera (yet).