Week Nine Thing #23

Final Thoughts

The concept of Creative Commons was new to me---like almost everything else the past two months. For time stressed professionals, however, the idea is welcome. Knowing that one can stand upon the shoulders of others-- legally-- and with blessings-- is most helpful.

I visited the original blog Learning 2.0 created by Helene Blowers. Although I liked the structure/ graphics of the School Library Learning blog better---it seemed less busy---, I enjoyed the addition of the podcasts to introduce each week's discovery on Learning 2.0.

I will not begin to appreciate-- or even know-- what I have learned in the past few weeks until I have a chance to decompress
What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?
I have not updated my skills and knowledge in a few years. The opportunity to explore in a structured environment was most welcome. Two months ago I didn't know what I didn't know.


What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?
I would love to participate in another investigative journey in a more formal setting perhaps using an online course structure to offer the opportunity for chat or more exchange between participants.

If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate?
YES!

How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote CSLA learning activities
Invigorating! Challenging! Overwhelming! Fun! Worthwhile!

Week Nine Thing #22

eBooks
I visited World eBook fair and had mixed reactions. I can't see how any of the titles would be of value to our middle school library, but perhaps I did not search extensively enough.

I enjoyed the LibriVox site. Again application for our middle school would be limited to some of the classics or poetry that are read in class. I listened to several selections and found that the quality of the readings varied.

I visited The Best Places to Get Free Books--- another sites with an overwhelming amount of information! I did find a few sites to explore further this summer:
Bookcrossing or " the practice of leaving a book in a public place to be picked up and read by others, who then do likewise. "
Adobe Acrobat ebook Reader 2.2....your computer will read your ebook to you....

We have used the ebooks that are available to use through our Western Massachsuetts library consortium C/WMARS. Our use has been limited to non-fiction titles to supplement our collection for special projects. We do encourage our kids to use their public library cards for downloadable fiction books. Our C/WMARS digital collection has many of the new titles and series that our age group is reading. These can be downloaded to computers or many hand held devices. Unfortuantely, they are in a format that is not compatible with iPODs.

Week Nine Thing # 21

Podcasting
Understanding the basics was a challenge. My brain is trying to wrap itself around so many new terms. I am using a new language and just "talking the talk" without really knowing what I am doing. I'm beginning to feel a new sympathy with my students when they have a hugh learning task thrown at them. I'm dismayed at the dates on many of the articles that I've read. "Its not too late for podcasting"... dated 2006! I'm trailing far behind.
I had a lot of problems with the podcasting directories such as Educational Podcast Directory. Many of the files that I wanted to listen to were unavailable.
I need to sit down with our building tech to see what is possible. I consider it a good day when my computer don't freeze using WORD.
We do a sixth grade project "Be a Local Hero" that encourages families to eat locally grown food. We usually resort to brochures or posters, but podcasts would certainly add to our campaign.