Showing posts with label Web 2.0 Projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Web 2.0 Projects. Show all posts

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Video Sharing/YouTube Project

You Tube In The Library
View more presentations from CKZ
This class has been the highlight of my learning in the lta program with the exception to the practicum which was a warm wonderfully inviting experience for me. I started off this project reading through the lesson and exploring the links that were suggested. I found that the Allan County Public Library had a wonderful example of how video may be used in library services. Their video on eReaders was an explanatory; however, it further developed their program of exhibiting different popular eReaders to assist patrons to not only take interest, though also to assist them in purchasing the one that was right for them. I think this is an example of how libraries may use information in an assistive way to help merge the digital divide.



Resources that I examined were live streaming this focuses on videos being posted at the time of posting. The benefits to this could be instant sharing when there is a special event that could not be repeated. 12seconds.tv may be useful for quick broadcasting. This reminded me of Twitter in the regulation of momentary publishing. Screencasting has the benefit of not hosting software. ScreenToaster also hosts a PDF creator and Posty app for the desktop to provide instant publishing to websites. Screenr was the most user-friendly and had high editorial appeal. Screencastomatic is very useful for scholastic application in its presentation. ScreenCastle’s web interface does not live up to its name in my humble opinion. I did also pursue those links within the assignment for Windows. Some were not easily studied as they required subscriptions.



The most difficult part of this video was the theme. I did not truly know where to begin. So I started from within this class. I had selected the Social Media project and this Video project as well as explored Second Life just to say that I examined it without walking away from the unknown. Confining myself to these topics, I downloaded Jing and made screencasts easily that were saved to screencast.com. I proceeded to save this on my flash drive under the designated folder for this project under this class. Then the second hardest part came and that was to use the Windows Live Movie Maker. I had previously examined another student’s video of her project which was Second Life. I have to say that I was rather intimidated. How on earth would I ever learn how to make such a professional video? I needed to learn more about effects. So I struggled with tackling this topic due to ignorance itself. I finally happened upon the presets within Windows Live Movie Maker and realized that it was not difficult to do at all. I am rather pleased that I have made this discover and actually managed to upload sound. I know that it is not a Sullivan production by any means; though, I do believe that I have developed enough ability that I could get by on my discoveries and be able to assist in library services appropriately. The last most difficult thing to perform was uploading to YouTube. I had a phobia of this as I had not had a good experience on a previous attempt in Children’s Literature class. After consulting with our instructor, she assured me that my file was in acceptable format and that the download time was normal. With this understanding she assured me of bandwidth issues that could interfere and to arrange time around “busy hours” on the web to assure success. The following is an example of how libraries may use video for library instruction.



How to Use Home Sharing with iTunes Library for Dummies by Dummies.com


In summary videos may be used in Library 2.0 applications to serve patrons with instructional information, celebrate local history, and extend already occurring library services as well as simply encourage patron participation. When participating in utilizing video, it is always important to acknowledge copyright for any resource that is used. Copyrights protect the producers of the materials in order for them to receive the benefits that are deserved for the development of such. Etiquette is always of value and important to consider when producing a video. Considering others should always be kept in the forefront on one’s mind when attempting to produce materials that will be used by the public. One should always attempt to be non-offensive in every way. Lastly, the best thing that I have learned is to face fears that overwhelm you by getting feedback from others. I think this is much like troubleshooting one’s own difficulties. If someone else has experience with technology and you hit an obstacle, check to see what their tactics have been for confronting down times and make a journal of your accomplishments. Overall this has been an educational project that has taken me into a new area of technology and expanded my horizons. I look forward to new explorations with my toolkit based upon skills learned from within this class.


Here is my video project for your viewing. I welcome questions or comments. If you have any advice, I would love to hear it.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Social Networking Web 2.0 Facebook Project



This week for my Social Networking Web 2.o project, I explored a lot of alternate resources suggested in the assignment. I checked out stumbled upon it and truly like this source of information. This is one resource that aids one a lot like Delicious in being an information resource. It is very handy to know about. I also checked out Linked In which I already have an account with. I checked out the Facebook app, yet prefer not to have this on my Facebook page as this is not business. It is social and I like to keep the two separate. Next, I checked out Plaxo
which hosts its own ecards. Plaxo is a resource that assists in organizing your address book information. If one were to have that many business contacts, then this would be a very handy resource. Yahoo 360 is no longer open. I do utilize Yahoo Mail service and use the home website for the search engine and have also enjoyed utilizing their directories. However, I do not use their My Page. It seems to serve me little. I did use the Instant Message system for a time; however, they developed the IM into their mail system and it is no longer necessary to use the IM outside of it, so I do not have this software downloaded anymore. This provides added memory space. Utterli is in the middle of changing their website; though, I am following them through Twitter. Remember the Milk is simply adorable. It is a to do list that may be used through apps at other resources. Reddit hosts information posted across the nation. It is quite utilizable in keeping up on what is "hot" socially. I did check out the three linked libraries in the assignment, one of which has an app. Okay, I am going to try and cut the rest of this short. I looked up all of the other resources listed. Ravalry, BakeSpace, and BirdPosts were a complete hit with me. Now on to the others-I have to say that I hate chaos and with so many different resources out there, there appears to be a lot of clutter.

My biggest concern is authentication. There is a site called patientslikeme. I have to wonder who is giving recommendations or advice. My concern goes along with the concerns for Wikipedia. I think authentication should be something that websites of such nature should be required to have. I understand free enterprise and also understand that needs creates invention. My overall concern is the chaos, source of authority, validity, and security. With so many apps out there, I tend to be leery of trying something that is not the rave. Even then, I question. I think website evaluation should be included along with app exploration. Some of the apps only have a vague front page that require starting an account before one truly knows what one is getting themselves into. So those are the main questions that I pose.

I did read the difference between a group and a page from mashable social media. This is very good at keeping one up on the latest social media releases. I have a profile on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tamara.gibbs1. I joined the following groups on Facebook: Anne of Green Gables Fans, Beta Gamma Zeta Phi Theat Kappa, Beverly Lewis books, Logansport High School Class of 1987, and the Official Facebook Page Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I also have a Twitter account at http://twitter.com/#!/Tamara_Libr105. I am following several there as well. I have been comparing the differences between Twitter and Facebook. I see the value in Twitter for broadcasting. However, I think Facebook wins hands down on social networking. I joined the Libr 105 group and kept in contact with group members regarding class projects. This aids in reducing anxiety as one may discover how one is faring in relationship to other classmates. It appears that I am not lagging and am right on track! I have also had the benefit of observing catalog apps that may be an item that I could have to place into consideration in the future as I pursue my library science degree further.

What I like most about Facebook is that this is where everyone is. I had a Myspace account, yet all my friends are on Facebook. If you want to find someone, then Facebook is the place to look. I like that the chat and message service is right on the same page. Newsfeeds and privacy may be customized to accommodate the individual. I use this site to stay in touch with my classmates and family. Its nice to keep up on friends and their accomplishments educational, occupational, and new additions to their immediate family. One aspect that I enjoy about Facebook is that one may now friend someone for game apps without adding to their Facebook friend list. This is of benefit to those who wish to enjoy new found friends without risk of personal information being revealed. I also am enjoying the Spotify and have looked up many types of music in my adventures of not only social media though also music genre. One example would be symphonic metal which combines Gothic and Opera with modern instrumentation for a rather interesting representation of Scandinavian music which I have long been entranced with. I am looking forward to the new Timeline that is due to come out soon.
My public library does not have a Facebook page; however, the library in which I served my practicum does. It may be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Delphi-Public-Library/188979794516341. They have recently updated their page to commercial site. This affects the way in which one receives newsfeeds. I keep closer track of their page through Google Reader than with the Facebook page due to the status of only being a "fan" and not a friend. The Delphi Public Library uses the website to keep patrons up-to-date on scheduled events as well as posting interesting facts of the day. New releases would be an item that would attract patrons. This is something that would aid in promotion of the library and their services. It also hosts location information for people to access the actual facility itself. Mashups could be used to assist patrons in understanding the layout of the library which would aid in retrieval time being shortened with the knowledge of floor plan available. Apps for OPAC information could also be made available as some have already established. Various other apps could also be made accessible to patrons through their Facebook page and broaden the scope of the library's collection with electronic resources.
Overall, this has been a rather enjoyable project. It has taken me into worlds that I might otherwise not probe. It has walked me through the chaos of congested web traffic and made key attractions represented and drawn to my attention. I have examined the difference between tweets and posted notes. I see each as a valuable contribution to social media, yet would foresee sources with different appeal for different uses and practicalities. I have also examined several apps and see the benefit that they could serve a library. Social media not only provides an outreach to online patrons, it could also extend the library collection through the many applications that could be utilized to serve. I have finished this project with a new understanding of social media and its many benefits and continue to reflect upon the potential that it possesses therein.

Here is a video that I found rather interesting and may lead you to further investigation:


Saturday, November 5, 2011

Assistive Technology

This week certainly sparked my interest with the assistive and adaptive technologies discussed. My group partner is Christina Huesman. We are composing our questions by the end of this week and setting up appointments for next week-or at least that is the plan. We have a good start on the project. We have also both selected the Assistive Tech 13.2 project as it directly correlates within our current project. It should make for smooth transition.


My social media experience with Facebook has been informative and yet is complicated. I have pursued following several libraries on Facebook. However, many are commercial sites and only utilize the "like" feature. So to remedy this, I have elected the Google Reader to assist me in keeping up on these sites. I have joined the Libr 105 group and conversed with other classmates there. I do use Facebook on a daily basis. In fact, I prefer it over My Space. I find it difficult to
believe that I actually do prefer it. My Space accommodates html and comment posting with an additional blog application and I would never have believed that I would prefer Facebook
it. I guess this is much like the difference between Facebook and Twitter. Apps do not necessarily mean better. I enjoy Facebook simply because everyone is on it. I have located high school friends and am able to keep up on "little things" that would normally be overlooked. Some
of the apps that are listed in our assignment that I have been pursuing are being blocked by security browsing issues. I have to discover why this is happening to access and explore these applications.


Twitter is a new experience. It took a little search and find; though, I am beginning to get an understanding of it. Searches seem easier on Twitter. Perhaps this has to do with the brevity of the postings. It reminds me of Google Reader at least that is how I would use the source. I do not think it is much for social media after experiencing Facebook. I do think that it would be more of a professional service for quick broadcasting.

For my video project I am working on CyberLink DVD Suite Deluxe. I have to work through the tutorials to figure out how to use all of the "magic touches" that may be applied. I will post more as I discover more. Here is a video that I found on YouTube with screencasting using the software that I am embarking on.




I have been exploring Second Life. I think quite honestly that there are a lot of weirdos on it. I have been very vulgarly approached while in process of figuring out my appearance and would never recommend this to a child in naivety. While I am not big on censorship, I do hold to guidance and this is definitely a source that needs some guidelines attached to it. I have only begun to check out the appearance and so have not found my way to other sites. (I am not sure that I want to!)

I pray that everyone had a lovely weekend and a wonderful fresh new week in this lovely month of November.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Video Sharing Project

Under my video sharing project I found a link to nbc.com which posts videos of shows that people may have missed. I found this Halloween treat there.

Horror genre has found a new home

I also looked up HULU which took me to the TNT website for a CHARMED episode.

I have been checking out Second Life. I still think it is kind of creepy. While I was attempting to fumble to set up my avatar, I continually am approached by strangers who seemingly jump at the first notice of a life form. I am not happy about that. I should not have to be bombarded by others while setting up. Setting up my appearance does not seem very user-friendly. I have read through tutorials; however, it seems rather difficult. I will have to get back to it at a later time.

I did also check out Machinima. This seems confusing as well. It appears to be a news update to keep people abreast through Facebook, Twitter, etc. I did watch a video clip through You Tube about little green men. The front page leaves much to be desired as far as information about its service goes.

My next venture will be in Google Reader for Podcasting.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Web 2.0

I have been checking out You Tube and reading about apps in Facebook. The video sharing and social networking projects are my selected projects. I am somewhat familiar with Facebook, yet have not utilized the various applications. I do play Farmville which will be noticed by anyone who visits my page.

Our monitoring projects are at an end. My favorite and most referenced was the Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. While it was not a website that issued the latest released information in the library world, it was quite informative if one would search through its recently changed listings. I am happy to see them close to be honest; though, have learned a lot from them. I am eager to move on to what I have been waiting for in this class. I will continue to use Google Reader to keep informed of everyone's blogs.

My virtual reference went well; though, I had to become familiar with the settings. I think that I have found that virtual reference may not be reflective of one's searching abilities necessarily as people may at times be overly zealous or become nervous. I think that screen share could be initimidating to some as their work becomes more visible to the viewer. I think this would become easier over time as one became accustomed to being watched in action.

Here is an example from You Tube that will demonstrate the how sound and video can work together and how wonderful the service can be for those who use it. I pray that you enjoy it as I have.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Web 2.0 & Delicious, Evolving from Bookmarking to Tags

I would first like to discuss how libraries are using Web 2.0. One feature that I have been particularly interested in is the wiki and how libraries are using it to enhance library services, communication, and collaboration. One website that I have been following is Library Success: A Best Practices Wiki. On the main page on will find a Table of Contents that lists Categories that may be utilized. If one follows the link further, you may do so here . The user will find an extend listing of information relative to the library science profession. I think this is remarkable to provide resources in such a manner that will assist any who have informational needs in this regard. This resource also lists community links to provide a wiki user list as well as a list for librarians who use instant message. This would enhance communication aspects that we have discussed in class. There is also a section on collaborative tools listed to demonstrate the collaborative nature of this website. I managed to locate a video on collaboration between a teacher and library and think that it demonstrates how applicable Web 2.0 and collaboration are to education today.



Going further into the concept of education is the subject of research and how Delicious might be utilized to further one’s progression in utilizing Web 2.0. I believe here would be the best place to discuss the many benefits that I have encountered with Delicious. I have long since Bookmarked and saved continuing lists of links to make reference to in future context. Delicious is the perfect solution to organization. Not only does it provide organization, it also connects one to others to assist one in branching out and exploring Web 2.0 and broaden one’s horizon. I think the key objective is the condense nature of a tag verses topical indexes. This is one way that I used Delicious. I also utilized Featured, stacks, and recent links to give insight as I would browse the sight to see what was available. I did also utilize Library of Congress Subject Headings to locate key tags of note. Google Reader is yet another resource that I have used alongside of Delicious. Where tags are the condensed form of bookmarks and topical lists, Google Reader is much like an expanded index list. A tag would not be appropriate for clustering blogs as reader is quite appropriate for. I think using these resources in conjunction to each other seems to be a nice pair.

One way that I use Delicious is to keep abreast of the latest information and development in the library world. I have often felt in the dark on issues, wondering how I would keep up-to-date without having a professional subscription set before me. Delicious is a wonderful way to do this. Another way that I utilize Delicious is to connect subject matter of topical interest. For instance in the featured section, Harry Potter Recipes is listed. This might be linked to feature Harry Potter Series or even with the Pumpkin section for seasonal reading and local interest for a book club. Something that occurred to me is that I love religious fiction and women love Amish recipes. Delicious could then be used to connect to sights that offer information on Amish recipes found in a particular book series such as Beverly Lewis and Whoopee Pies.

Overall Delicious has been an inspiring discovery. It is a useful tool for organization, yet gives wings to unleash a wealth of information that is only at one’s fingertips. I am looking forward to advancing forward in my pursuit of utilizing this source to its fullest potential as we press forward through the rest of this course’s offerings.