Thing 9: eBooks

I found using ebooks on my computer to be pretty straightforward- no big challenges. I do not own a Kindle or other ebook reader device, so I have not had experience with such. I know those who do use them seem to enjoy them very much. I found it a little confusing trying to access a “free” ebook to read- I am not sure if it was operator error and I did something wrong or if it is tricky on some of the sites to figure out what is “free.” The Gutenberg page was easy to use.

I have mixed feelings about ebooks personally. I enjoy the variety of books that exist- the physical characteristics of books and the sense of “individualism” of books as they have traditionally existed. I am not sure I like the ideas, as presented in some of the articles, about users being able to change books so much through the use of technology. It seems to me that then the whole essence of a book is lost to this continually evolving creature. Perhaps it is just my old-fashionedness. I have not had a great deal of experience using ebooks- something that I am sure will change in time. I can see the advantage of one over the heavy textbooks that students currently have to lug around- certainly will help the back issues being suffered by children from heavy bookbags!!

Thing 8: Video

This was an enjoyable excercise. There are so many videos out there, and many good ones to use in various ways. I opted to copy and paste a video from You Tube because I didn’t want to run into any problems with having students on the video. The use of video for the library is endless- anything from booktalks to demonstrations of various sorts are all great ways to incorporate video. The problem I have run into, especially being in charge of a video production class in my school, is the issue of permission to video and who and what you can legally include in a video that is published on a website, etc. There are many issues when it comes to including people on a video that you put out in public view and one must be very careful.

Thing #7:Productivity Tools

Wow!!!  So many different tools out there to explore!!  This is where I become very overwhelmed!!  I don’t even know where to begin with so many options, and then I often try them out but unless I get into the habit of using them regularly, I forget about them.  I chose to use Zotero and Workflowy.

I found Workflowy really easy to use and think this is one I will keep using.  It is great for getting my ideas down in front of me.  I am a great list maker for trying to organize myself- using this tool allows that and without the actual list that I may lose along the way!  I can see this being in the user tab whenever I am on the computer, ready to allow me to jot down any needed ideas, to-do’s, etc.

I got started with Zotero, too, but found this one a little more confusing to understand.  I had trouble getting it to load with Explorer, so I set it up in Foxfire.  However, I traditionally use Explorer, so that in itself may be a problem . I really like the possibilities with it and like that it allows accessibility to website lists,etc.  from any computer.  I am going to have to spend more time with it, however, to really understand all of its functionality.  I am also going to look at Evernote to see if it might offer me similar features but from Explorer as my browser.

Thing #6- Webinars

I really like webinars.  I have participated in several- the last was an art webinar I enjoyed over Spring Break.  I live in the country and it is often difficult to get to professional development opportunities.  These have allowed me to take part in various professional development activities/trainings that I otherwise would not have been able to complete.  The biggest problem I have found with these is that they are often offered at a time in the afternoons when I cannot participate because I am at work.   It is great, however, to have access to such a diverse array of learning opportunities from your computer.

Thing #5: Reflection

I have enjoyed this course and the way it has progressed.  It is nice to have someone guide us through these different technologies at a pace that is relaxed enough that I feel I can complete each week’s assignments without being overwhelmed.  Technology changes so much and so fast that I feel the biggest challenge for me is to try to become familiar with each of these technologies and complete all of the other daily responsibilities between work and home.  It is also overwhelming to try sort out how to use each of these technologies on a day-to-day basis.   This course is workable by addressing one technology each week so it is not so overwhelming.