Monday, August 11, 2008

Thing 10

Wikis-

Great tool for libraries, learning communities, and for personal use. I think it is a bit more work to set one up than I would like to do for a camping trip, but I can see where it would be helpful when planning something big like a class reunion or family reunion. We currently use a Wiki in our library amongst the library staff. It is great for cooridinating schedules, posting reference desk schedules, and organizing projects. I like the ease having the information in one place rather than scanning back over a variety of emails.

As far as professors banning Wikipedia as a source for research... I think Wikipedia is an OK source to get your bearings on a subject and possibly find some quality links to other sites that might be helpful (if you know how to evaluate the credibility of a website). But I have to agree that with the plethora quality of information available at our fingertips, Wikipedia really doesn't need to be included in the list of works cited. There are too many other options available to us. And- in the process of discovering the other information, we discover how to be better researchers.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Thing 9

Collaboration Tools- Once I finally realized what to do for this module, I really appreciated what Google Docs and ZohoWriter can accomplish. That would be so much better than the traditional email attachment. In fact- I can see this as being a great benefit for an editor as well. I am thinking about someone working on a dissertation. They could put the document up on Google Docs for an editor to work on it and then the paper could continually progress without multiple editions floating around. In addition, the dissertation advisor could comment directly on the document as well. I am sure their are a million uses for this "Thing," and that the uses are evolving and being added too daily.

The one thing I didn't care for in this "Thing" was the time it took for me to understand how to access/use the tools. I didn't think the directions for this one were the most clear. I felt like I wasted a lot of time just figuring out what to do.

Thing 8 Post

Thing 8 is a great module. I was unaware of the plethora of communcation tools that were available. The creative minds that come up with these ideas just blow me away. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with all of the picture management tools for Thing 8. I can see many ways to use these in my personal as well as my professional life. At work there are many creative ways that the slide shows could be used to promote the library. I find the voice thread really fascinating. I could see how professors could use this in online or traditional classrooms. For example- in an art class where students would be asked to critique a piece of art. Each student could respond to the prompt and then they could share the critiques in class and generate discussion from that point. The eFolio is great. I had no idea that existed and my husband and I have worked for MnSCU for years. With most resumes being sent in electronic format, the eFolio could certainly give you an edge up on your competition. Great "Thing" perhaps my favorite so far.

Thursday, August 7, 2008