Life is like a quilt

Life is like a quilt
Small pieces combine for a masterpiece

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Machine is Us/ing Us

I think Professor Wesch gave the video this name because he is trying to make the point  that everyone who uses the Internet is changing the Internet, and the Internet is changing us as a society.  The web has  gone from being "a place to go" to find information, to being "the place to be" and create the information others want.  The web is now an interactive, living, evolving, collection of connections.  For better or worse we make it what it is by how it is used and how we choose to use it.   We made 2.0, we are  making the new version, and the next version as well.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Using Quick Response Codes in the Library

The first way I think the QRC could be used is to connect the reader with reviews of books and magazines, I would offer a way to link to reviews others had written, so the patron could consider if the book was what they were looking for that day.  I would also link book lists to the code.  If you like this book, scan the code  and here is a list of other books and magazines you may enjoy. The list would only include the ones the library had to offer not all of the possibles.    The code could be linked to resources like the times open and bus schedule for the nearest public library,  groups that meet at the library to discuss other topics similar to those covered in the book with the code. The code could also be scanned and sent to other friends as a book suggestion,( this is a great book, you should take a look), recommendation. I also think eventually that the codes created for the books will be similar to the bar codes we have now to check to book out of the library. A reader could scan the code with their cell phone and then the phone calls the library to ask for the book. The library computer checks the book out and calls the cell phone to tell the reader if they can check out the book  or not.
I think the codes could also go with maps of where to find similar  objects in the library where the reader is standing and if the materials are located in a different part of the library the tag would have directions to the stacks. The patron scans the code and gets the directions. The codes could also provide directions on how to check out a book, get a library card, how to renew the library card and other information needed by readers.
Quick Response Codes are filled with potential for librarians to help readers use the library.
Edna

Friday, January 21, 2011

Individual Technology Assessment

As an educator my strength in technology is that  I  know I am not very versed in technology.  I understand that the only way to keep up with the newest technology is to experience it first hand  and become proficient in that technology. The best way to be proficient is  to make it meaningful to my students by teaching them how to use the technology safely and help other teachers learn what I know. I plan to learn as much as I can about the new technology in professional development and collaboration.  My weakness in technology going out and finding the equipment needed to learn new technology.  My district is very technology poor at the elementary level and I do not have ready access to new computers or other equipment like white boards or ELMO's or other new machines or new software.  To address my personal weaknesses I plan to seek out librarians in the high schools and other national board teachers with whom I have worked   in the past and who are knowledgeable and ask them to let me come and learn to use the technology.  I also plan to hold technology updates for the teachers at my school one Wednesday a month after school to help me share my new knowledge with other classroom teachers.