eBooks and Audio books

Project Gutenburg provides access to free downloads of ebooks and audio ebooks.

The selection is limited due to copyright laws as they can only include titles where copyright no longer applies. However it is an excellent site to access classics from authors such as Austin and Stevenson.

The audio versions also add to usefuleness as they can be listened to on Mp3.

I am investigating ebooks for future addition to our library collection as this is where some of our readers prefer to access literature.

Online Video

I have use used You Tube sites to locate Book Trailers that promote Young Adult Fiction.

 These are used in literature lessons and are included in our library web blog.

Book Trailers.net / young adult

Stolen by Lucy Christopher / young adult fiction

Publisher Video Sites

       Author Video Index by Scholastic

• Carl Hiaasen author of Flush
• Gordan Korman author of Swindle



Teacher Tube Videos:

Our goal at TeacherTube.com is to provide an online community for sharing instructional teacher videos. Upload your lesson plan videos or watch student ...

Pay Attention highlights the changing learning styles of students as they use technology in their every day lives.
Technology Fear factor in Eduaction: something for educators to consider...
 

And just for fun...

Rowan Atkinson  .... always good value...

especially when teamed with John Cleese





Podcasts

• iTunes provides the most commonly used access to podcasts. Once free downloaded software is installed it is possible to access music, movies, TV shows, games and apps for iPhones/iPad/iPods to purchase and download onto PCs.
• Podcastalley.com provides a directory to wide variety of podcasts on various topics. There is a key word search option and abstract of titles in search result provides a brief description of content.
• MyPodcast.com directory organises podcasts under general topic headings which makes browsing easier to manage. These headings include: Arts; Business; Education; Games & Hobbies; Government & Organisations; Health; Religion & Spirituality; Science & Medicine; Society & Culture; Sport & Recreation; Technology.
• Education Podcast Network is a directory designed

       " to bring together into one place, the wide range of podcast programming that may be helpful to teachers looking for content to teach with and about, and to explore issues of teaching and learning in the 21st century. "

I selected OPAL podcast from their list. After browsing the list I decided to add it as a RSS feed to Google Reader.

• Linking for Learning has a home page that describes many facets of using podcasts in the educational setting. I believe it to be worthwhile to add this as a bookmark to delicious.com account.
• ABC - Radio National Podcasts directory has podcasts orgainised under the ABC program from which they originated. I selected Life & Times and The Book Show for which I created a RSS feed as I would find it interesting to download some of the titles to listen to in the car on the way to work.

It would be interesting to look at Podcasting for myself however the first link provided does not work.
The second link How to Podcast gives seemingly simple step to creating a podcast. I'd like to attempt to do this in the future. If it is easy enough to do it would be beneficial for creating resources for students within the classroom to follow instructions or to read along with.

# 19 Rollyo ... create personal search engine

Rollyo is easy to navigate and offers some useful options.
I like the way I can create a specific list of web resources that I can send to teachers and students as well as creating a link on the Library blog.
It would be a great alternative to having students using Google searches only to locate information.
It also offers a widget to place on web pages. This will be easy to explain to students so they can refer to it as a research source at the start of a unit.
As the search lists develop it would be a great way to share resources within school community and other teacher librarians.

#18 Wikis ... Hawiian for "QUICK"

Meredith Farkas's article promotes the use of wikis as a means  of opening up web design to the less "tech-savvy" people within the library community. As wikis requires only basis computer skills and no need for html language knowledge, most staff and patrons would be comfortable using this tool. Her recommendations for use include:

• Subject guides where patrons could add new sites as well as delete dead sites.
• Annotating Catalogue by patrons adding reviews about books.
• Community wiki where users shared advise about everyday issues.
• Intranet tool where school community could post important information that would be ongoing, rather than relying on emails. Tagging would aid the organisation of these posts.

My students use Wikipedia as their first option when researching information. They enjoy its quickness and the simple language used. However, it is essential to that the Information Literacy program emphasises the disadvantages as well. I recommend that students use Wikipedia as a starting place, but then refer to online  data bases where the information has been verified by experts.

Wikis: A Beginner's Look would be an excellent resource for teacher and staff training.
Library Success wiki provides a forum where librarians can share their expertise and advise.
Wikis in education is a wiki where educators can share tips about using wikis ... includes Ad-free education wikis.
Educational wikis provides information about how to use wikis in schools.

The school sample wiki shows also how membership can be restricted to school community only.
These wikis were great to get ideas from and it would be good to see Australian schools develop more. My school is currently looking at this Web2.0 option.

# 17 Delicious... social bookmarking

I had registered with Delicious about 12 months ago while at a course with other teacher librarians. It was a good way to share websites. However I had lost momentum using it. It would be a great place to add some of the web resources I have discovered doing this course. The best application I can think of for the classroom would to be as a recommended resources list for students taking a specific research task. This would be most suitable to secondary students and would also encourage them to use their school email accounts that they tend to forget. Adding other people to my network is a simple process and would broaden the web resources offered. Adding the add-ons to the toolbar will make it easier to add websites as I find them. I am motivated to utilize this tool.

# 16. Stay informed ... Blogs.

How to Make Your RSS Feeds POP! addressed the challenge of making RSS feeds interesting enough to catch the attention of our student readers. By :

• Using images or video : graphic or multimedia to catch their attention
• Scannable content : presentation of material using headings and lists.
• Titles with Bling : using strategies such as the obvious, shock, humour, how to and intrigue.
• Opening Lines : that will hook the reader.
• Avoid clutter

Essential point made is

"Create a user experience IN your RSS feed and you’ll find that the benefits will flow on."

I have subscribed the following RSS feeds very easily by using the RRS feed option on the Google toolbar.

• Read Alert ; State Library of Victoria blog
• Recent Australian Publications : National Library of Australia service
• Education au Blog
• Unshelved Comic strip for libraries
• Sydney Morning Herald Headlines

#15 RSS Feeds ... Really Simple Syndication

RSS feeds in plain English explains how to connect to updates from favourite websites, saving time browsing the Internet. First need a Reader ... Second need to subscribe to sites via RSS icon or posting website address to reader.
Google Reader.
I have registered for the Google Reader account.
I believe it will assist in organising the flowing in of new information.
In the past I have subscribed to listservs but I have been frustrated when wanting to go back and find that "great" idea that was shared. The tutorial provided will assist in this organisation:

Sorting my reading list

Full story not showing in expanded view

Explore section and "magic" ranking

Using this web tool will be a far better alternative to using email services that tend to fill very quickly.

It would also be important  not to over subscribe or more time will be spent organising the material rather than acting on it.

#14 Facebook

The article by Polonetsky and Wolf regarding privacy issues when using Facebook or any other social networking site makes worthy warnings. The fact that such services may alter privacy settings in a update that may be ignored by the patron is a worry. Another detail that needs to be attended to if using these networking sites. Also how much of our private usage is being "sold" as consumer information is another cause for concern.
The Wikipedia article adds to the concerns of privacy and data mining and provides historical development of usage policy.
7 Things you should know about ... Facebook states the need for students creatively use this new technology to develop their profiles rather than aimlessly searching through network connections without any real goals.
Is your boss friend or foe? highlights how Facebook can be abused, and workplace policies can overstep personal boundaries.
Facebook registration was reasonably straightforward. I was rather hesitant in light of the information read to provide open access. Also as a teacher, I am not allowed to have students as "friends". But as it linked to my email lists, I was able to network with family and friends. That is as far as I need to go with Facebook. It will be fun to share photos and keep in contact with friends in USA.

#13 My Space

I have not had the desire to open a My Space account although my family and friends have said how much they enjoy using it. After looking at the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Youth Space, I can see how such a site would be appealing to high school students. Would students actually use the space to leave comments or contribute or is it used more as a place to promote library information?
My school library already has a Library Blog page and I don't believe that My Space would be a better option at this time.
Dupal offers some great options to create a more customised web presence. It has been used as Library web page and staff intranet. The many features look worthy of further investigation.

#12 Flickr

I had previously set up a Flickr account which I use to share photos with family and friends around the world. Its great when on vacation as I can send photos before we get home.
It was interesting setting up the blog connection.
I found it difficult to locate photos that actually had the "bog this" icon at the top of the picture.
I found some beautiful photos of Sydney but I could only tag them as favourites.
Is there an easier way to find photos that are available to add to a blog?

The Picture Australia website is a very useful site for school. I searched for Eddie Mabo and found a varied collection of archival photos. I'd like to add this web site to our catalogue. The media release provides added information.

Voice Thread is useful to get a group of students to add comments on a specific image.
I had students add their comments about a specific book they have read/heard based on an image of the book's cover.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

#11 Online Library Collection

1. Library Thing.
This an easy to use website. It was easy to create an account and to add books to my collection.
It was good to have different style options. Style E included subject headings.
2.Shelfari.
I preferred the layout of Shelfari as I could do most of the same things as Library Thing. The bookshelf graphic is more appealing which is to be considered when trying to motivate some young adult readers to participate. The suggestions in "How Libraries are using Library Thing" could also be applied to Shelfari. I have signed up  to both and intend to experiment with them further.
3. Did You Know 4.0 You Tube clip was enlightening as to the rapid changes and the direction our lives are being taken globally.

#10 Image Generators

I created the following logo for my Library using the Font Image Generator AAA Logo. After selecting a logo template, I was able to edit the text to suit. Other edit options are available, however, to save the logo I was required to purchase software.
 I used Screen Hunter to capture and save the image below.

#9 Virtual Worlds

1. Second life video introduction was slow to load on my computer.
I listened to the explanation though the visuals did not match.
It seems like a fun tool for someone with a LOT of spare time... that's not me.
2. The Ohio University Second Life was more relevant to me. While completing an ICT course at Charles Sturt University online, we shared sessions in MOO environment ( I think I recall correct name). This seems to be a very rudimentary version of second life. We moved from room to room, relying on text to prompt where we were navigating to. The aim was to share an environment where we could discuss topics we were studying. Within a distance education course, it would serve as a means to reduce the feelings of isolation by encouraging the clarification of understanding through discussion.
3. The Second Life historical clip had many ideas about future applications. One point about use for students learning a different language could be another worthwhile application.
4.Apple Store in Second Life shows commercial application.
5. Murdoch University Library are experimenting with Second Life. They offer training and access within their Library so other faculties within the University can see its possible uses. The issue of broadband speed seems to impede its development to include Library Services, however they do offer instructions on information access through this 3D format.
6. List of Virtual Worlds is very comprehensive.
Exit Reality.
Video walk through explains how this program can be applied to 2D websites to convert to a 3D presentation. Mostly applied to social networking.
World of Warcraft: My son has used many versions of this game over the years. The graphics are amazing.
As with many IT trends they usually begin as recreation or entertainment, however educators who attempt to engage students and motivate them to learn, will resort to adapt these technologies in order to capture their attention.

#8 iGoogle

This was an interesting activity. I have seen iGoogle demonstrated at a conference but this was the first chance I had to actually design and personalize my own page. I am going to experiment with this as a home page. It will depend on loading time as to whether I will keep it.
Working at Google looks like a great option for younger people. I'd be worried about gaining weight. The benefits of working in a creative and free thinking environment would be very attractive for some of my students.

#7 Google Books

Google Books is a useful tool I use when cataloguing books.
I am able to search titles and use the information to record bibliographic details.
The publisher details enable me to keep up with new releases.

#6 Google Maps

I have used Google Maps before.
It is very handy for working out the distance and travel time.
Last year we went on a road trip from Boise, Idaho to San Diego, CA.
We were able to plan the trip and calculate locations to visit and stay overnight.
I find the street view photos really helpful to identify landmarks as road signs are not always clear.
I did not know that you can add places or change addresses.

I have not used "Where is" before.
The guides at the bottom of the maps to hotels, resturants, banks, shopping, etc. are very useful.
Directions seem easy to use.

#5 Google Docs

To get started I needed to find out more about Google Docs.
The Help page includes a brief video
It looks like a place where I can send documents that I may like to share with other people or to have their input.
My first thought was how usefull it could be when organising ISA Tennis at the start of the season. As the draw has to be coordinated between many different schools, this would be better than sending different proposed draws via email... this gets confusing as not all people are looking at the same version at the same time. Google docs could solve this problem.

How to:

1. Find or create document to download.
2. Click on the document when loaded.
3. Click SHARE button on top right side.
4. Insert the emails of people from drop down window.
5. Assign if they are allowed to edit or view document.

This would be a great way to store docuements I need to access at  home and at school.

#4 What is Web 2.0 ?

Library 2.0
Web 2.0 - emphasise sharing and collaboration.
The result of accumulative change, both software developers and end-users.
O'Reilly Web 2.0
Interesting links to keep up to date with new developments.
You-tube links informative.
Meme map:
Web 2.0 change from linear platform to core centre expanding outwards... more accurate representation of how Web 2.0 is developing.
Library Crunch (Michael Casey):
Warning to Librarians to be ready to improve services as technology access improves.
LIS Education 2.0 Project:
Diagram of 7 Core concepts as building blocks.
"Library 2.0 is a change in interaction between users and libraries in a new culture of participation catalysed by social web technologies". (quote).
What technology now allows us to do.
Marketing 2.0
Moving from website construction that sends information one way.
Web 2.0 allows clients to participate and directly contribute.
LinkedIn - tool to remain connected with fellow professionals.
Various Web 2.0 tools can be linked to improve effectiveness.
-Blog to websites.
-Twitter feed to update Facebook status.
- include LinkedIn profile URL to email signature.
Encourages participation in various blogs and Web 2.0 applications.
Thinking of possibilities of creating a LinkedIn profile.

Teacher tube clip

I found the teacher tube clip "Students Today" to be both confirming and convicting.
It really demonstrates how different our students learning world differs from the one as teachers we attempt to create ... or control.
I hope to share this with my teachers.

Second day

Well after developing my blog yesterday I have finally had the chance to add it to the participant's list.
I am looking forward to enhancing my knowledge of web 2.0. As a teacher librarian I am sure this will greatly assist my role at my school.
Cheers!

Introduction.

Hi everyone,
This is the first time I have setup a web blog.
I hope to use this blog in the future to encourage my secondary students to read books from a series that they may enjoy.