Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Nov 30 - Slideshows, Screencasting and Digital Storytelling

I had a quick read through this week's explore and adventure and contemplated cheating just a little as I've already used a few of the resources mentioned (mostly slideshare), but then I decided I'd give it all a proper run and see what else I could learn along the way. So I guess this week's adventure may have to wait until I've a little more time up my sleeve to play around.

November 23 - Nings - part 2

Adventure

Library 2.0 - Okay, I updated my profile by adding an image of myself and my 3 children (even though Luc's face is cut in half) from when we were in my office mucking around with the webcam. I'm rather fond of my old picture (of my water dragon, Dart) but it's also good to shake things up a little. I've joined the NSW Public Libraries group and Training 2.0 group and grabbed the ning badge while I was at it.

Of all the off-the-wall online communities I've joined along the way, most have been ning communities (not saying that the ones explored as part of Learning 2.1 are off-the-wall) and I've always enjoyed their sense of sharing. Oddly I have generally found ning communities to be the most active (compared to wikis, blogs, etc) which is why I've explored so many of them I guess and had fun with all the odd-ball ones.

It's great to have had the chance to revisist them and explore a little further.

November 23 - Nings

I saw the headline for this and thought "yay! finally something on nings!" and then of course I didn't get anywhere near it for over a week!!

Explore:
Mosman Readers - What did I like? I liked the sense of immediacy, that something is always happening and that the posts come not only from library staff but from library patrons and guest bloggers. It engenders a real feeling of action - I want to be at Mosman Library 'cause stuff is happening there! Did I find this ning useful? For RA purposes yes because it pointed me in places I may not have thought of going. As a library patron I got excited about some books I just might read based on some of the reviews I read. As a parent there are piles of activities I'm sure my kids would enjoy happening at Mosman these school hols. As a colleague I was intrigued by the concept of unlimited loans during the holiday period and wondering just how I could sell that to our library (it may be easier than I think). The community tabs (Forum, NextReads, BookClubs, etc) foster activity and involvement. It's a great ning.
Museum 3.0 - What did I like? I like the concept - "what will the museum of the future be like?". I like the idea that I could participate in this discussion and perhaps have a small role in shaping the future of something as grand as a museum - and if a museum then why not the future of Libraries? The bits I like best are the Forum and Events tabs, mainly for their content. Did I find this ning useful? Mmmmm, if this was an area of interest / concern for me, then yes. But as it's not what I got out of this ning was more the concept and some of the groups/events. I see my own disreguard for this ning based more on geographical isolation than content - we aren't exactly hemmed in by museums in this neck of the woods so my opportunities for exploring them and enjoying them and wanting to be involved in them is limited. But for someone who does have that level of involvement I see a ning community like Museum 3.0 to be extremely rewarding and useful.
Bibliotheek 2.0 - okay, aside from the fact that this ning is in German (at least I get to start the day laughing over this one) ...... What did I like? I like the simplicity of this site and the beautiful photos which show hands on activities for patrons, visitors and staff. What did I get from this site? The idea that even if I don't understand the language I can still garner the sense of something and be involved in that community.
Library 2.0 - I've been a member of this ning for a very long time (okay since its inception). I've linked this ning to my google reader account to keep on top of posts etc. It's been great for exploring 2.0 and heaps of fun meeting others out there.