Thing 16 - Wikis

I checked out some of the sites on wikis and learned some ways that libraries were using them. I looked at the Merlin link also. I know the format is different, but wikis seem to me to be the same as a blog. I liked the idea of using them to promote events - in a community or a library, for example. I thought a good use of a wiki in a school library would be to have kids review books they have read and maybe rate them. Of course, the problem with wikis is they can be edited.

Thing 15 - Web 2.0 Perspectives

I read two articles. The first was Icebergs. I tend to agree with some of the author's points. The past few years, I have been ordering much less nonfiction that kids would use for research. Examples would be science fair ideas, history projects, etc. Students would much rather use the web, although sometimes they are surprised when I show them a book with exactly what they are looking for. That being said, I don't think anything will ever replace a book for those who love to read. In the words of one of my 6th grade students when she opened a new book for the first time, " Did you heard that? Nothing is better that opening a new book!" My kids and even my husband think I should consider Kindle, but I just love holding that book in my hand.

I also read Temporary Place. In the words of the author, "What are libraries? Libraries are not just collections of documents and books, they are conversations, they are convocations of people, ideas, and artifacts in dynamic exchange. Libraries are not merely in communities, they are communities: they preserve and promote community memories; they provide mentors not only for the exploration of stored memory, but also for the creation of new artifacts of memory. What was the library of the past? A symbol of a society that cared about its attainments, that treasured ideas, that looked ahead multiple generations. Librarians were stewards, trainers, intimate with the knowledge base and the minds who produced it. Librarians today are not just inventory management biobots: they are people with a unique understanding of the documents they compile and catalog, and the relationships among those documents." I totally agree!

Thing 14 - Technorati

I really liked the appearance of this site, and after watching the tutorial, it looked very easy to use. Found out Boing Boing was the number one blog site, and I guess I just don't get it. I did not find it interesting at all - at least in the time I spent looking at it. I looked at the "Book" tag, and read a blog about one of my favorite new YA books, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. The Learning 2.0 posts were different in number depending on the tags used. Even though I liked the appearance of Technorati, I would probably use Delicious.

Thing 13 - Delicious

I think Delicious is one of the 23 things that I can and will use. My list of bookmarks, especially on my home computer, is long and sometimes I can't find what I'm looking for. Or, it never fails, but when I'm at one computer, I need something bookmarked on the other computer. I created an account, and have explored a little, but it is going to take a while for me to be comfortable enough to use it. I'm trying to come up with useful tags that will narrow my searches. I'm also interested in the social part of this site - looking at what others found not only professionally, but in my interst areas when not at work would be a great time saver. I looked at the public library's account, and found some great things. This is good for me because I can get impatient and if I can't find something right away, I just give up and say I'll look later.

Thing 12 - Rollyo

I'm not so sure I would ever use this. I guess if I was away from my personal computer where I have my favorite sites saved it would be useful. I created a healthy eating search tool and added a few of my favorite sites for recipes, especially those that are low fat, low calorie, but still delicious. I'm beginning to think that to use all of these new tools, I'm going to have to carry my 23 Things password list with me.

Thing 11 - Library Thing

This was great. I spend a lot of time looking for good books on the public library website. I lke this because I could check out title others have enjoyed and get info on new titles. It's very addicting to someone who loves to read. I kept going from one link to another, and got quite a list to check out when I go to the public library. This is definately something I will use over and over.

Thing 10 - Image Generators

I had a lot of fun with this one! In the movie moment, I tried to replace a face with one from my family, but it's difficult to get it to fit just right. The picture I used wasn't quite straight on, so when I pased it on, it was kind of off centered. It was really funny! I also created a couple of sweaters and t shirts from the t shirt maker. I created an avatar of myself they way I think I look and dress most often - in jeans and sweatshirt, but I wasn't able to copy it here. Don't know what I am doing wrong, but will try again later. YES!! I finally figured it out. I just love it when that happens.