Thing 16: Student 2.0 tools

I really loved the Assignment calculator and the Research Project Calendar. They are both tools that virtually anyone could use both children and adults that are working on assignments or projects. The Assignment calculator is a more simple approach and the Research Project Calendar is a bit more complex. I liked the fact that you could choose to print or e-mail the results to yourself. It allows people a choice, and some would prefer holding a piece of paper in their hands as to viewing something online. I also liked the positive feedback that you got with the Research Project Calendar...Good luck... is being supportive and positive when for some students doing research is more of a chore and they need something positive. Looking at the Teacher guide there was allot of information on how to teach others on the use. I especially liked the section called "Before you begin". It was simple yet practical advice and inspiration for both the teacher and the student..."Make 'em curious...is something as a teacher, librarian, parent, or whoever is demonstrating or teaching anything should always consider. It is one more thing that makes life that much more interesting...curiosity just might inspire more creativity and learning.

Thing 15: Online Games and Libraries

Working in a public library with public Internet access makes you very much aware of how gaming has become a very important aspect of peoples lives. I have a husband that simply cannot go through his day without playing spider solitaire online. I on the other hand couldn't even get into pacman in my days of youth. I asked my husband the other day...if there was some gaming gene that must of missed me or something..and he laughed. I took the 2nd life tour and enjoyed the music, the surreal world was interesting, library lingo and info everywhere was good too. I hate to say this, but I still think gaming eludes me. I do value it for other people and want to make sure I am informed on this or that, but I just don't think gaming is something that I personally am interested in now. Maybe in the future I will think differently, who knows?

Thing 14: Librarything

WOW! I plan on sharing this with not only patrons of the library, but some of my closest friends who are always trying to keep track of all their lists. This is so very easy to manage and the hardest part of registering..is making sure you write down your user name and password. Ha! Sometimes that can really be a challenge though. I like the idea of organizing my book lists and networking with others. You never know when there is a new book out there...or old one..that I really should read...because it is just what I am looking for. I can see using this for a variety of purposes in the public library format with patrons, for programming, and of course for myself. Thanks again for one more great thing in my life.

Thing 13: Online Productivity Tools

I really learned a few things here. I have had a yahoo account forever and have used quite a few things in it, but I think I will really use more and more after learning about all the other productivity tools that are out there. It is interesting to view different calendars, ta da lists, and organizations tools. I loved Backpack! I mean that tool does it all...photos, notes, calendar, and whatever else you are looking for. Then the pdf converter option and zamzar. I can think of a million uses for either of those tools for all types of students as well as businesses. This was one very big packed "thing" to look at.

Thing 12: Do you Digg?

This "Thing" was very interesting. If I had to rate the 4 different options presented I would put them in this order of preference for me...Mix, Newsvine, Digg, and Reddit. I think on a day to day use I would use Mix. There is allot of variety there and it is very easy to maneuver. For News...obviously I would choose Newsvine. The article I took a look at was "Clinton's Persistence Could Help Obama." It is from the New York Times. That is the article I choose to "share" as well. I can really see how we can use this as a tool for reference.

Thing 11: Tagging on Del.icio.us

Tagging on Del.icio.us. is a very interesting concept. I could see using this as a reference tool to very quickly at my fingertips find some answers for adults, students, college students, or whoever wants any information..quickly. I really like the idea of "folksonomy" or connecting and sharing resources with others and their i.d. tags. I am really looking forward to using my del.icio.us account.

Thing 10: Wikis

WOW! Wikis were kind of fun. I think that most people can edit, write, and save. Ha! When looking at some of the recommended Wikis...I noticed that some are more detailed than others. I also noticed on one particular site that there was some vandalism to the site, so it was password protected for the sites safety. I liked the MN150 site where they had a discussion option button. I guess you can add whatever you need for your wiki. I went to the 23 things on a stick Wiki and posted a comment on that one. It was so easy and I could really see so many library uses for wikis.