Technology

As I sit here and contemplate what to blog about, I realize why some schools have a technology coordinator. This is different from a lan manager or the techy, keep it running, people. The technology coordinator tries to stay abreast of new technologies and how they can fit into the curriculum. This could be more than a full-time job. Some schools are using their Media Specialists in this role. My "media" interests lie more with the technology side. It would be grand if all school libraries could have 2 Media Specialists. It wouldn't have to be split book/paper vs tech/internet. Just someone else to share in the fun and stress.

Generators

Wow, there are a lot of generators out there. I used a blog header generator to create my header. It just basically crops the picture. But, it was fun to do. Can you pick out the twins in the photo? I am one of them.

Generator can be found at:
http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/blogheader.php

Thing #9

I did "play" with a number of the Flickr programs. I enjoyed discovering some of the programs out there. I enjoyed Compound Words, even though I had to keep restarting my browser. The only library applications that I see would to assist patrons working on their own web pages and something unique for students to do.

Red Cross

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Originally uploaded by beckvickie

This is the Red Cross Bear that visited our Kindergarten Classes. Unfortunately, I was not able to be there.

RSS Feeds

I now have 9 feeds into Google Reader and 5 into Bloglines. Only 2 are duplicates. Most of the feeds are from workshops that I have attended. I did use google to find one. I guess I am not going out in search of more. I am afraid that I will use much of my work time just "messing around" on the internet. If I find some thing that is important to me, then I will use the RSS.

IM

Today I had a great IM conversation with Susan. It is great to be able to network with people without leaving my house. I do use IM with in my school. However, I seldom open it up. My job includes teaching, manning the library desk, solving some tech issues, teacher tech training, and creating collaborative projects. I have found that if I have IM on, I feel bad if I am away from my computer and don't respond instantly. What do you think if someone is "online" but then doesn't respond quickly?

Jumping Around

I have found myself jumping around in the "23 Things." But, no matter which I go to there are already several people ahead of me. I have enjoyed figuring out how to use everything. I am creating accounts in every tool suggested. Even though I already use an equivalent website. For example, I already use Google Reader. I am curious to see if I will like Bloglines better. I have found that I do not care for PBWiki. Everytime I explore and try something it tells me that I need to upgrade.

7 ½ Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners

I realize that I do have habits of a lifelong learner as I contemplate the easiest and hardest habits for me. The easiest at this time is Teach and Mentor Others. I currently offer a 20 minutes "Tech Training" once a month to the rest of my school staff. On-time training occurs almost daily as staff and students come to me with questions. The hardest would probably be Habit #1 - Goal Setting. I am by nature a procrastinator. Thus, if I don't set a definite goal and time frame, I don't get worry as the time limit approaches.

Blogging

I just created my blog as part of Nebraska Learns 2.0. I have worked with blogs before. But, I have never set one up for the purpose of my own thoughts and uses. I am excited about trying out blogger. My previous experiences were with edublogs.org.