Yes, it's another 23ThingsKansas class posting--this time for video on the web. One of my colleagues sent a link to this wonderful Rube Goldberg send-up by the musical group OK Go.
The other great video, which should also make you smile if not guffaw, is a parody of movie trailers. Thanks, Lisa, for the link. You know who you are!
What? You're a film aficionado and you're not amused? So sorry...
March 20, 2010
March 08, 2010
Instant messaging and the telephone
We use Google Talk instant messaging at work. It is very helpful because our two buildings are across town from one another. It's great for quick questions or to verify where someone may be--provided they change their status line (something I'm guilty of not remembering to do!).
I discovered this weekend that Facebook also have a chat function. I noticed that a good friend from grad school was online, so we chatted for several minutes. It was really good to catch up. Was it satisfactory? Yes. Was it as nice as talking on the phone? Not really. I am a great fan of the sound of my friends and loved ones' voices. They stir my heart in an excellent way that chat and email cannot. An emoticon is just not warm, not as good as a belly laugh or a smiling chuckle (that chuckle that insures that the person is also smiling).
So what's great about instant messaging? It's quick (no kidding!) and can be quite efficient. There is another facet that may fall under the heading of unintended benefits: when the chat list pops up, it can serve as a memory jog. "Gosh, I haven't spoken with them in a long time." or "I wonder what's new with hiim..." As one who has lived many places in my life, I have friends strewn across the world. This is one small way to stay in touch.
I discovered this weekend that Facebook also have a chat function. I noticed that a good friend from grad school was online, so we chatted for several minutes. It was really good to catch up. Was it satisfactory? Yes. Was it as nice as talking on the phone? Not really. I am a great fan of the sound of my friends and loved ones' voices. They stir my heart in an excellent way that chat and email cannot. An emoticon is just not warm, not as good as a belly laugh or a smiling chuckle (that chuckle that insures that the person is also smiling).
So what's great about instant messaging? It's quick (no kidding!) and can be quite efficient. There is another facet that may fall under the heading of unintended benefits: when the chat list pops up, it can serve as a memory jog. "Gosh, I haven't spoken with them in a long time." or "I wonder what's new with hiim..." As one who has lived many places in my life, I have friends strewn across the world. This is one small way to stay in touch.
Let's Hear it for Reading!
Check out this great video.
Reading is the greatest single skill we can possess. Make no mistake: reading is power.
Reading is the greatest single skill we can possess. Make no mistake: reading is power.
March 02, 2010
Cloud Computing--How Cool Is This!?!
This week's 23ThingsKS module is on cloud computing...and until I started the unit, I had no idea what cloud computing was. Well, it's a marvel of cyberspace, to say the least! Cloud computing allows users to store material elsewhere/offsite, collaborate on a variety of projects with any size group (just invite them), and get organized with a single calendar that can be accessed from any computer.
No longer will I need to burn the library's summer reading program Power Point presentation on a CD then deliver it to the school district because the file is too large to get by the district's firewall, not mention our own firewall! I can upload it to Google Docs with a click, email the library media coordinator, and she can access it and download it on her end of town.
As I surfed through the various options offered in the realm of cloud computing, I was pleased to see that many are FREE. However, if one is serious about using it for business, there are some fees attached. I thought of a use for online calendars: at our library we plan the weekend rotations far in advance (we're trying a year's forward plan at present). We also keep several weeks of desk schedules for reference coverage on our intranet. The current system for the desk schedules is pretty clunky and requires training. It would be terrific to use Google calendar, which can be embedded on one's website, then grant access to all pertinent staff so they can check the schedule from home. It's not possible with our intranet at present. I mentioned this to the branch manager, and we're going to pursue the matter. I love the immediate benefit of 23ThingsKS!!!
No longer will I need to burn the library's summer reading program Power Point presentation on a CD then deliver it to the school district because the file is too large to get by the district's firewall, not mention our own firewall! I can upload it to Google Docs with a click, email the library media coordinator, and she can access it and download it on her end of town.
As I surfed through the various options offered in the realm of cloud computing, I was pleased to see that many are FREE. However, if one is serious about using it for business, there are some fees attached. I thought of a use for online calendars: at our library we plan the weekend rotations far in advance (we're trying a year's forward plan at present). We also keep several weeks of desk schedules for reference coverage on our intranet. The current system for the desk schedules is pretty clunky and requires training. It would be terrific to use Google calendar, which can be embedded on one's website, then grant access to all pertinent staff so they can check the schedule from home. It's not possible with our intranet at present. I mentioned this to the branch manager, and we're going to pursue the matter. I love the immediate benefit of 23ThingsKS!!!
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