Goodbye~Adios~Bye Bye Birdie~TaTa~The End~See Ya Later....

It isn't possible! How could something so terrific be at an end?! I mean that, without one bit of reservation!

Participating in Learning 2.0 has been an experience I didn't expect when I began my wonderful position with KCLS. The opportunity to FINALLY acquire a bit of knowledge most of our 'young people' understand as just 'part of living today', makes me feel as though there might be hope for me at this late stage. At this point, I feel as though there is so much more I want to explore. What an exciting time!

Learning goals.... Wow! I've always believed that as one ages, knowledge and interest in lifelong learning is an important key to the Fountain of Youth. In today's world, the ability of continual learning is only limited by one's attitude. Hopefully, the opportunity presented in Learning 2.0 will only be the beginning for me as I continue my exploration with today's technology.

It's hard to pinpoint what areas were my favorite exercises. I loved each and every one, with the exception of MySpace. While I'm glad to know and understand a bit more about some of these social connection places, I just don't think they're for me. Actually, I wonder if they are the best place for social interaction between some of our youth. Perhaps I'm 'showing my age' in this area, so best end my discussion on this one.

"KCLS Learning 2.0 - 27 Things" was put together so professionally! A huge thank you to David Wasserman and all the staff who worked so hard to make the program such a success. I can't think of one thing to improve the program. It was really just great! I'm hoping that the future may allow more training, perhaps Learning 2.0 -Part 2. As has been pointed out, technologies are changing and being added every day. I'm ready for more!

One more thought ...... I'd love to see programs like Learning 2.0, made available Online to our KCLS Patrons. The ability for anyone to explore technology in our fast moving world through online computer education is just as important as the beginning computer classes taught at the various libraries by volunteers. I'm crossing my fingers that such programs are just waiting on the 'back burner' and will become a part of services and programs at KCLS.

Gordon Library Audio to Go - Series Page on Yahoo! Podcasts

Gordon Library Audio to Go - Series Page on Yahoo! Podcasts

Podcasts and beyond....

Just like YouTube, Podcasts can be most addicting! After spending much time looking around on all three of the sites suggested, I've settled on one I enjoyed a lot, called Classic Radio Drama. What fun! If you've never listened to some of the old radio shows, give it a try. I particularly enjoyed "The Shadow - League of Terror". What's better than one's imagination and listening to the radio! The Library Channel with all of ASU's broadcasts were most informative and well done. I also particularly liked Gordon Library Audio to Go. It's a series of 24 episodes offering short to the point informational suggestions for obtaining such things as maps, publishing suggestions, cell phone usage, and other 2.0 knowledge one might find interesting. A RSS feed for one of their presentations is located in my next Blog.

YouTube....it SURE is addictive!

Spring time for me is always thinking golf, golf lessons, and joining friends on the golf course! Soooo.... I naturally 'drifted' in YouTube to Golfing! Like everything on YouTube, there's just too much to look at! I find some of the content offered is interesting and even informative, however other offerings are just plain awful. Once again, I'm reminded that one must be the ultimate reviewer on the Internet. Yes, YouTube certainly could have a place at KCLS. One only has to let his imagination wander to come up with possibilities. As an example, some of the special events offered from time to time could be available for anyone's viewing. A past event last fall at the Federal Way Regional Library of the Dead Sea Scrolls certainly would have been of interest to many more people than those that were able to visit the library during the short viewing. Additionally, some of the Libraries ESL classes, Children's Story times, Book Club meetings, or any event occurring might be of public interest. YouTube has become a huge part of most computer users enjoyment these days, thus the importance of KCLS using another method of reaching the community.

An Adventure..."Mapping"

Golfing is always an 'adventure for me', thus the picture of a beautiful Golf Course in Bend, Ore.
After spending way too much time 'digging around' with Web 2.0 Awards and Webware, I finally decided I liked the organization and list in the Web 2.0 site. There were just too many services that were suggested, making my decision almost mind boggling. Having dealt with a number of Patrons requesting mapping directions, I found Wayfaring http://www.wayfaring.com/ interesting and possibly a helpful tool for some of our KCLS patrons. After a learning curve, I found their service easy to use, making the finished map very professional.
http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/show/36363 (If you're interested, check out my map from the Auburn Library to my house by clicking on map at the top of the page.)
In addition to standard route mapping, Wafaring offers additional 'bells an whistles' such as mapping one's life, or building a travelogue. It's fun to use and can cause one to spend way too much time just playing around!

Labs of Google

No... the picture has nothing to do with Google Labs! I just figured it was time to look at 'something', (sunset over Puget Sound), instead of all of my blogging! With all of that said, I will comment about my 'amazement' with Google Labs. I'm such a rookie... I didn't realize that Google even had such a place.
I did check out Trends, as was suggested, and found their statistics interesting. I particularly liked looking at various analysis by cities and areas. It seemed to work well, though I don't know that I personally would ever use it.
I next moved on to Google Reader, which I found worked like our previously learned RSS feeds... something I think will win many users if Google makes it permanent. I think the ability to easily share with friend would make it a well used service.
My favorite possible service is Google Suggest. I LOVED the ability to type in a few general words of interest and have a whole list of 'suggestions'. This is definitely something I would use in my Genealogy research.
Finally, I tried Google Sets.... I don't know how others may feel, since I found it kind of 'dumb' and pointless! Oh well, one can't win 'em all!

Google.... my favorite again!!!

I didn't know there were 'free' places like Google Docs and Zoho! 'Free' is always good, and then to think of the bonus of material being saved... just in case of a computer crash! Something I'm sorry to say I've experienced! I loved the ease of Google (I like everything about google!), but I do have to say I found the wide range of Zoho's offerings intriguing. When I was looking for 'help' with my KCLS resume and cover letter (was that over a year ago?), I turned to a microsoft template, now I see that Zoho offers something similar.
"Productivity software" sure has to be a tremendous plus for any traveling business person, or even someone just working from home. The ability to meet in cyberspace certainly has changed the way one is able to do business.
In our Library setting, I'm more convinced than ever that basic computer classes are a must! (... not to mention more available computers) Not only is it important that the community be educated on 'how to use the computer', but the patron must first be shown what's available and how it might help them in their lives. At present, many of our computer classes are taught by volunteers. To really reach the whole community culture as Library 2.0 moves forward, I would hope to see more Patron training/teaching being handled by staff.