Netlibrary

In order to establish a netlibrary account, I had to "fish out" my rather thin and worn library card to enter the complete barcode. I haven't had to enter the whole line of numbers in quite a while. I had to try three or four times to set up a username, the ones I choose where unavailable. Once I was successful at establishing my account, I searched the catalogue and found a title by Peter Carey that I would like to download.

LK

I don't think I want to become a podcaster!

Well, what's my experience with podcasts? Overwhelming once again. There's so many links, categories, lists, top 100 podcasts etc. I found one comedy blog titled Comic Strip Live: Stand up comedy. I listened for a short while, I don't have a whole lot of time to devote to discovering podcasts. I found some library podcasts from actual libraries but you had to download one or two items and that's way beyond my capabilities. I'm sure podcasts can and are very useful, I'm just not that interested in technology.

LK

My view on YouTube

What a mind boggling site. A person could spend hours and hours wasting time on some pretty silly stuff. I found the video The Evolution of Dance entertaining. It was clean and not offensive to any ethnic group, which is a rarity in this day and age. (At least I don't think it would offend anyone.) My son recommended the Spiders on Drugs video, I can see why that would appeal to a 17 year old male. Anyway, one positive thing about the site is that is is very large and one can find video on probably everything and anything. On the other hand, I find it confusing and overwhelming at times with all the video choices . I'm quite certain if I find just viewing videos on the site overwhelming, I know my brain couldn't survive trying to load a video on YouTube.

LK

My first taste of Wikis

I wish it tasted like chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Still a little confusing. I'm sure it's very straight forward when one isn't tired and frazzled by 6:00 pm on a
Friday afternoon.

My thoughts on Wikis

My first exposure to a Wiki is certainly overwhelming! There's a lot of stuff packed into one Wiki. I find it very democratic that just about anyone can add, edit and delete information without having to have a degree in computer science. However it still is a bit unnerving and one still needs a certain amount of knowledge to "make the thing work"
Some applications for libraries could be as a communication tool between libraries and patrons as well as one method to showcase all the programs/events and procedures in a library.
LK

My thoughts on why Web 2.0 matters are very simple - either you keep up with the times or you will be left behind, out of the loop and out of touch! We can learn using the traditional methods like reading a book and attending classes and lectures and taking notes or quite simply by surfing the web. The web has updated, current and breaking news and information that will keep one well informed and in touch with current events. We could find out what happened to Harry Potter before the last book hit the bookstores. Technology touches our lives everyday, the use of ATMs, cell phones, self check outs at stores and libraries and even purchasing tickets at the movie theater. A person has to have some level of comfort and knowledge with the advances in technology in order to simply make it through a day. Every day is a learning experience which hopefully is a positive experience.

Pheww 3 exercises down and only 20 more to go!

Well I must say this has been a learning experience today. I almost feel like a hip and trendy 30 year old! The internet is a vast and complex entity which I hope to understand better and feel more comfortable using. So little time and so much to explore, learn and embrace.