Thing # 23 Wrapping up

Sometimes what appears to be the end is really just the beginning



This is the end of the 23 Things. Begin with the end in mind... but this is not really the end! If we accept responsibility for our own learning, the process will be ongoing. Viewing problems as challenges helps develop confidence as a competent lifelong learner. Through this challenge I've acquired a few new tools for my learning toolbox and learned to use technology to my advantage. I am sure I will be able to use these skills to teach and mentor others - and I have a few ideas about that too. Finally, there are so many fun things that are available to play with on the web. A friend of mine said once "I used to have a life, now I have a computer!" I don't want to live my life online - so will be judicious in my use of these technologies. They don't call it a web for nothin'...

This project has been one of the most worthwhile training opportunities I've participated in. Thanks to the committee for their careful planning and hard work and support.

Thing # 22

It seemed like all I had heard about Listen NJ was that it was difficult to use, so I had put off downloading the software to my home computer. Surprise - it was no big deal and there is a wide selection of books, both fiction and non-fiction.
I downloaded a book from a series I had enjoyed listening to on CD. I had no trouble logging in but it took a couple of tries to get the Overdrive Software installed because my Window Media console needed to be updated. Then it wouldn't let me check out the book, so I had to go back and out and in again. Eventually it all worked out fine and I think I'll be using this service frequently.

Thing # 21

I've heard a lot about podcasting and listened to part of one on my computer but had no idea there were so many different sources. I found some interesting things - like Book Expo America and the Brooklyn Book Festival. Great Performances has a site and I caught a James Taylor program that I saw a few months ago. I wonder if I can find the Library of Congress program honoring Paul Simon.
I'm a fan of NPR and found links to their podcasts on various topics. All Songs Considered was on Odeo. I think I liked podcast.com better so far.
Since I don't have an MP3 player yet, I'm stuck listening on my computer. That confines me to one space. When I'm home I don't sit still for very long. If I can download the podcasts to a portable device that will be better. I'm not real tolerant of headphones or earbuds so how much I'll do with podcasts remains to be seen.

Here is a link to Book Expo America
You play and download this podcast at: http://podcast.com/show/18147/

Thing # 20

I love YouTube. I've found videos of some of my favorite performers and some very funny ones that usually my kids or their friends show me. If you miss your favorites on Dancing with the Stars, it's usually up and running on YouTube the next day.

QandANJ has the commercial running on YouTube and OCL is promoting events and programs. I've seen some clips from our Library programs posted by library customers. How's that for word of mouth marketing?

Here is one of my favorites. Introducing the Book. It has subtitles but it is kind of appropriate for this Web 2.0 challenge.

Thing # 19

There are so many good websites here. There are a few I've used regularly like kayak and del.icio.us and the various special Googles - Google News is one of my favorites, but wetpaint has some creative content and wikis. I clicked on Pandora and it opened with a singer-songwriter ( not particulary well-known) that I really like, singing one of his best songs. Spooky. How did it know?
I'll be coming back to check out more of these pages.

Thing # 18

I've tried out Google Docs, a few months ago when I worked on a project with my son using a spreadsheet. This is a great way to work on group projects when the group is not all in one location. I think this would be really useful for some committee work.

I added my name to the webchallenge list for this exercise.

Thing # 17

I added some favorites to the Sandbox and managed to link my OCL Challenge Blog to the PBWiki. The Sandbox was fun, sort of like a graffiti wall. I've been thinking about how we couls use something like this...to play of course.