Test page - Zoho Writer

Jasmin's Test Page

Testing, testing...123

Week Eight

I signed up as a Zoho writer and explored the site. I enjoyed changing the font colours and adding an image, however when I was ready to publish it on my blog it froze. The explanation given was that a script on the page was causing Internet Explorer to run slowly, and that if it continued to run on my computer, it would become non responsive. It seems my fancy script and coloured background were more than it could handle.

The Web 2.0 award nominees were far too numerous to sort through so I chose the short list - still too many! My computer seemed to be incredibly slow, not sure if it was the time of day or the sites I was looking at. I found a site that enabled a writer to self publish. Fifty copies of a 260 page book would cost USD$2,073.

At Bibliocom I checked out the availability of a hard to find book of my favourite author. A helpful site for 'would be authors' also caught my eye, not that I am such a person, but for anybody that is it's great to know all this information is here at the click of a few buttons. That is what I find so useful about the Internet and these exercises have opened my eyes to how much is available, unknown to me as I'd never taken the time to explore in this way.

Week Seven

Wikis - It took me a while to understand how this worked but once I watched the Youtube video it seemed much easier - you edit, write and save - simple. Or so I thought - until I tried it! Eventually got there and now that I can see them in action I think they are a really good idea. I'm just glad we weren't asked to set one up! I am curious about how respectful people are of others efforts, if there are all sorts of crazy stuff that is added by people who deliberately want to sabotage.

Was interesting to read some of the links , such as the Princeton Booklovers. It's a good way to see what other people are reading and to hear their thoughts - like an online book club - and good to read the opinions of the general public, rather than that of a journalist.

I can see that it would be very useful within our library system. When we have events across the system we could share our ideas and programme information in the planning stages, and it would save everyone travelling into Central for meetings. It would also be useful for updating and sharing information in our training manuals.

PBWiki - I have added an entry to the Favourites Blog page. It's taken me a while to get to this point, really needed to persevere this week. Once again it was not really that difficult, just made it so in my head. I'm always grateful for the support of workmates who are a few steps ahead.

Week Six

Del.icio.us - I kept getting sidetracked as I read through the instructions. I found an interesting Monty Python video and a site discussing the meaning of words. The instruction video was extremely helpful, simply explained and I think it is such a good idea. When I looked through the library based PLCML2 account and read some of the articles I thought how exciting it is to be working in libraries at this time, and how quickly we seem to be moving away from books to these new technologies.

Technorati - the search for blog posts relating to 'learning 2.0' was interesting, 513 results the first time and that had jumped to 542 within ten minutes. The results were less for tags although I saw a lot of similar information. It still amazes me that there are people sitting at their computers constantly working on their blogs, and a whole lot of others out there reading them. I'm not surprised that Youtube, My Space and Facebook are up there as the popular ones. The good thing about these exercises is that I now understand what these sites are all about!

Thoughts on Library 2.0 - At this rate libraries are going to become rows of computers rather than shelves of books. I hope this doesn't happen too quickly. I think we have to accept the changes in our workplace and work out strategies for delivering the services that our users require - hopefully both books and technology.

The video was very helpful. It is so true, information is no longer in books, on a shelf, hard to find and requiring experts. Digital information is very different and we will have to rethink it. Everybody seems to have the information, we're all the experts, and many want their fifteen minutes of fame. All the rules have changed and for me personally it is 'mindboggling'.

At 'ground level' our patrons don't seem overly interested in the amazing resources available through our digital library, instead they just want to hang out with their school mates, check their Bebo sites and watch Youtube videos.

Library 4.0 - can't even imagine where this all starts to come together! Libraries as 'mind gyms' and 'idea labs' - a Wifree space, a retreat from technohustle, with comfortable chairs, good light, quiet and coffee - now that sounds appealing.

Week Five

I expected this week to be easier as it did say fun, however I spent several hours to get to this point, and although it has been fun it's also been frustrating.

However I have learnt some very interesting things in the process. I've made an official looking badge, bordered a photo with autumn leaves and made a CD cover. All very useful ideas that I can use in the future. Being able to make a magazine cover is the best tool as it's a nice idea for adding a bit of fun to a special occassion.

Library Thing - This is a fabulous website and great for anyone who is a booklover or wondering what to 'read next'. Possibly there are similar websites out there but due to my lack of experimentation with internet sites they have been unknown to me until now- where have I been! I appreciate that ACL have encouraged us to learn about these exciting new inventions. Wasn't intending to join up but did so when I realised it was part of the exercise, made an account and added five books.

I created a Rollyo site and added some health websites. I don't think I will use this site again. Actually, now that it is there maybe I will.

Week Four - RSS feeds

I've been out of action for a while so keen to catch up to where my colleagues are at with these exercises.

The RSS websites are varied and interesting. Feedstar wasn't available when I looked, but announced that it would be back with 'exciting news'.

Topix.net reminded me of the NZ Herald that I'd been scanning online an hour earlier. Probably because 'Auckland New Zealand' was the default subject. I typed in 'Invercargill' for some variety and got it. Certainly a good site if I was looking for 'newsy' information.

Syndica8.com appeared to be more wordy in comparison. I thought the layout of the site was fairly boring.

Lastly Technorati. Much more interesting. I found the vidoes I chose to watch very funny - a man making a perfect circle on a blackboard in something like 2 seconds, and then another similar, but disastrous attempt, accompanied by my favourite ukelele music. I'm amazed by what people post on these sites!

Occassionally I have difficulties, but overall the sites were easy to navigate.