June 30
Skype
I have had mainly very good experiences using Skype, a software which allows people to communicate using voice like telephones. I have used it on a number of occasions when discussing software with overseas publishers.
In the use, I did fine, that occasionally the site would be down or that the sound would deteriorate. It is possible to message people through the site, which helped a lot in these situations.
Generally I consider it a very useful software which saves on the cost of phone calls over long distances, whether they are between countries or towns in Australia. The requirement is that both people who want to communicate have a computer where sound is accessible and a working internet connection.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Second life
June 30
Second life is a virtual world, launched in 2003, accessible on the internet.
People who join the site are called residents and can communicate with each other through human looking objects called avatars. The website contains 3D modelling tools, which allow residents to create shapes and then use scripting language to add textures, such as clothing to the objects, whether they are in human form or not.
I understand from talking to users of Second life that there is quite a learning curcve to get the tools working properly but that it is a very creative space where people can develop the space they want in this world.
Saw the Ohio Uni ad for their Second life campus which was attractive due to people flying and walking through walls etc.
Second life is a virtual world, launched in 2003, accessible on the internet.
People who join the site are called residents and can communicate with each other through human looking objects called avatars. The website contains 3D modelling tools, which allow residents to create shapes and then use scripting language to add textures, such as clothing to the objects, whether they are in human form or not.
I understand from talking to users of Second life that there is quite a learning curcve to get the tools working properly but that it is a very creative space where people can develop the space they want in this world.
Saw the Ohio Uni ad for their Second life campus which was attractive due to people flying and walking through walls etc.
June 30
Facebook
I have been a member of Facebook since the start of this year and find it most useful for keeping up-to-date with friends who are living far away from me, ie overseas.
I'm not a very regular user, but it has been nice when old school friends get in touch. Find it unusual to be contacted by people who I don't know at all!
There's lots of space for photos and comments, which you can write on friends "walls".
I have been a member of Facebook since the start of this year and find it most useful for keeping up-to-date with friends who are living far away from me, ie overseas.
I'm not a very regular user, but it has been nice when old school friends get in touch. Find it unusual to be contacted by people who I don't know at all!
There's lots of space for photos and comments, which you can write on friends "walls".
June 30
Drupal
Drupal is a free, open-source content management system and allows groups to create a social-enabled website. It can be described as My Space or Facebook type social network and has been used successfully in educational environments.
Libraries are using Drupal for library websites, staff intranets, collaboration and communities of interest. eg scholarly interaction on the topic of ethics in the use of bibliographic data.
Drupal
Drupal is a free, open-source content management system and allows groups to create a social-enabled website. It can be described as My Space or Facebook type social network and has been used successfully in educational environments.
Libraries are using Drupal for library websites, staff intranets, collaboration and communities of interest. eg scholarly interaction on the topic of ethics in the use of bibliographic data.
RSS and newsreaders
RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication”
An RSS feed is a file that has information useful for delivering regularly updated information over the web. RSS feeds began when popular blog services started building features on their software that automatically generated these xml. files containing the latest additions to a website's content.
Websites such as Bloglines, which I used to set up some RSS feeds of news websites are aggregators which let us view many feeds on one web page.
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders? It is the timesaving fuction I like the most. I can get an overview of the news headlines all over the world without clicking into different sites.
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your work or personal life?
For work I can keep abreast of news around Victoria ready for when I visit to do audits or training in different towns. I can also keep up-to-date with my personal interestsusing the RSS feeds.
How might Vicnet use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
Give each member of the Vicnet team a relevant topic to set up feeds on and ask for reports back at staff meetings or set up a wiki where all can update the topics.
Please note, I did look for the "Share" button to share my bloglines URL but could not find it on my bloglines page.
An RSS feed is a file that has information useful for delivering regularly updated information over the web. RSS feeds began when popular blog services started building features on their software that automatically generated these xml. files containing the latest additions to a website's content.
Websites such as Bloglines, which I used to set up some RSS feeds of news websites are aggregators which let us view many feeds on one web page.
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders? It is the timesaving fuction I like the most. I can get an overview of the news headlines all over the world without clicking into different sites.
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your work or personal life?
For work I can keep abreast of news around Victoria ready for when I visit to do audits or training in different towns. I can also keep up-to-date with my personal interestsusing the RSS feeds.
How might Vicnet use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
Give each member of the Vicnet team a relevant topic to set up feeds on and ask for reports back at staff meetings or set up a wiki where all can update the topics.
Please note, I did look for the "Share" button to share my bloglines URL but could not find it on my bloglines page.
Mind maps and Flow charts
June 30
Mind Maps
I think that mind maps are extremely useful for people when trying to oganise the relationship between concepts. They are most helpful for group brainstorming sessions and individual demonstraions of concepts. Of course, it does depend on the person, but sometimes I find detailed mind maps overwhelming to look at if there is not a person there who can explain the process used to develop them. If there is, mind maps are a great way for grasping a quick visual understanding. I used Mindmeister for my mind maps. It was easy to use, the trial version was a bit lacking in tools, but that is an encouragement to purchase the more sophisticated versions.
Flowcharts
Flowcharts are better, I believe for displaying more specific information. For example, I used flowcharts in my other work to demonstrate the steps in a process, so that other people can learn it. I found Gliffy a very clear an easy tool for flowchart development.
Overall I recommend mind maps for people to develop more complex understandings of multiple relationships and flow charts for imparting clear and specific instructions to others.
Mind Maps
I think that mind maps are extremely useful for people when trying to oganise the relationship between concepts. They are most helpful for group brainstorming sessions and individual demonstraions of concepts. Of course, it does depend on the person, but sometimes I find detailed mind maps overwhelming to look at if there is not a person there who can explain the process used to develop them. If there is, mind maps are a great way for grasping a quick visual understanding. I used Mindmeister for my mind maps. It was easy to use, the trial version was a bit lacking in tools, but that is an encouragement to purchase the more sophisticated versions.
Flowcharts
Flowcharts are better, I believe for displaying more specific information. For example, I used flowcharts in my other work to demonstrate the steps in a process, so that other people can learn it. I found Gliffy a very clear an easy tool for flowchart development.
Overall I recommend mind maps for people to develop more complex understandings of multiple relationships and flow charts for imparting clear and specific instructions to others.
Letterpop
June 30
A useful website which provides templates for newsletters and a drag and drop facility to import pictures. The 293 templates give amazing choice. A bit miffed that some I chose were not as editable as I would have liked.
I developed a newsletter on the Leaning Tower of Pisa called "I'm still standing" and published it for others to see.
A useful website which provides templates for newsletters and a drag and drop facility to import pictures. The 293 templates give amazing choice. A bit miffed that some I chose were not as editable as I would have liked.
I developed a newsletter on the Leaning Tower of Pisa called "I'm still standing" and published it for others to see.
Wikis
Interesting things to note from the suggested wikis and those in the Discovery Exercise:
- Groups in the Future Melbourne wiki include the Skyscraper group and the Flexible carpooling group.
- Whirlpool Wiki would be very useful for researching a good ISP in Australian local areas. It is possible in here to "herring" a wiki to mark it attention of the moderator.
-Supernatual Fan Wiki has competitions with prizes.
-Must remember to refer to the Zombie Survival Wiki when we have an impending Zombie attack!
-The Wikiwikiwiki site informs us that the word wiki comes from an Hawaiin term wiki wiki, indicating something fast.
The great benefit of Wikis for libraries and schools is that they encourage collaboration and knowkedge sharing with memebrs of a community who may not always be able to meet face to face. Most schools have tight timetables and some library members rarely visit, so the chance wikis giveto communicate about areas of interest online is wonderful. Applications could include groups discussions about the design of spaces in a school or library, about subjects such as health, hobbies, meeting topics, special interest groups. The possibilities are endless!
- Groups in the Future Melbourne wiki include the Skyscraper group and the Flexible carpooling group.
- Whirlpool Wiki would be very useful for researching a good ISP in Australian local areas. It is possible in here to "herring" a wiki to mark it attention of the moderator.
-Supernatual Fan Wiki has competitions with prizes.
-Must remember to refer to the Zombie Survival Wiki when we have an impending Zombie attack!
-The Wikiwikiwiki site informs us that the word wiki comes from an Hawaiin term wiki wiki, indicating something fast.
The great benefit of Wikis for libraries and schools is that they encourage collaboration and knowkedge sharing with memebrs of a community who may not always be able to meet face to face. Most schools have tight timetables and some library members rarely visit, so the chance wikis giveto communicate about areas of interest online is wonderful. Applications could include groups discussions about the design of spaces in a school or library, about subjects such as health, hobbies, meeting topics, special interest groups. The possibilities are endless!
Google Books
June 30
Google books acts just like the main Google search page, except this website links us specifically to the books themselves, or places where we can buy or boorow them.
I searched for the book Little Dorrit, written by Charles Dickens in 1866.
I was not surprised to find that there was a full view of this book available, ie every page of the whole book can be viewed online as this work is in the public domain.
Noticed that there were also links to Snippet Views of the book, where pieces of text related to a search term are displayed. Also noted that many other links displayed on the Google Books search results page for this title were No Preview available. This is where publishers have not given permission for the release of this book online. In these cases, some bibliographic information on the title is provided and there are links to places where the book can be purchases or borrowed.
Google books acts just like the main Google search page, except this website links us specifically to the books themselves, or places where we can buy or boorow them.
I searched for the book Little Dorrit, written by Charles Dickens in 1866.
I was not surprised to find that there was a full view of this book available, ie every page of the whole book can be viewed online as this work is in the public domain.
Noticed that there were also links to Snippet Views of the book, where pieces of text related to a search term are displayed. Also noted that many other links displayed on the Google Books search results page for this title were No Preview available. This is where publishers have not given permission for the release of this book online. In these cases, some bibliographic information on the title is provided and there are links to places where the book can be purchases or borrowed.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Google Docs
June 29
It is great to see that users of Google Docs can create, edit and share word - like documents, spreadsheets and even powerpoint-like presentations.
It is a great time saver to be able to share such items by simply clicking "share" and inputting email addresses of people who we want to be able to share and comment on these. Saves emailing attachments back and forward!
Created a test doc and reviwed docs people had already shared with me this year.
It is great to see that users of Google Docs can create, edit and share word - like documents, spreadsheets and even powerpoint-like presentations.
It is a great time saver to be able to share such items by simply clicking "share" and inputting email addresses of people who we want to be able to share and comment on these. Saves emailing attachments back and forward!
Created a test doc and reviwed docs people had already shared with me this year.
Google maps
June 29
Interesting to see that Google maps allows us to add places to maps and edit them. A very useful tool that beats using coloured pencils on hard copy maps (as I used to do when I was studying in the 80s!)
Was also interesting to note that when Googling State Library of Victoria, Latrobe St, Melbourne (knowing that Google Street View didn't go down the non-drive part of Swanston St) that the Swanston Street address came up with a number of great photos of it.
Interesting to see that Google maps allows us to add places to maps and edit them. A very useful tool that beats using coloured pencils on hard copy maps (as I used to do when I was studying in the 80s!)
Was also interesting to note that when Googling State Library of Victoria, Latrobe St, Melbourne (knowing that Google Street View didn't go down the non-drive part of Swanston St) that the Swanston Street address came up with a number of great photos of it.
Google and the homeward stretch of this assignment
June 29
I had previously set up an iGoogle page and didn't want to confuse things by doing another, so added the Maps Search, Books Search and Facebook Gadgets to my page.
I really like iGoogle because of its quick access to lots of web pages at once. For instance, I can read Gmail emails, check the weather and read up on RSS feeds of my favourite education news sites without having to click into separate web pages. The RSS feeds are a quick and very useful way of keeping up-to-date with snippets of information. You can get a good paragraph of info by just hovering the mouse arrow over a heading.
Of course these RSS feeds lend themselves to readers only getting a superficial understanding of topics but I guess something has tobe sacrificed in our information overloaded society!
Was interested in the "Working at Google" video. I liked the portrayl of it as a creative environment and the food looked great! Not sure I would apply for a job there just on the basis of that video though.
I had previously set up an iGoogle page and didn't want to confuse things by doing another, so added the Maps Search, Books Search and Facebook Gadgets to my page.
I really like iGoogle because of its quick access to lots of web pages at once. For instance, I can read Gmail emails, check the weather and read up on RSS feeds of my favourite education news sites without having to click into separate web pages. The RSS feeds are a quick and very useful way of keeping up-to-date with snippets of information. You can get a good paragraph of info by just hovering the mouse arrow over a heading.
Of course these RSS feeds lend themselves to readers only getting a superficial understanding of topics but I guess something has tobe sacrificed in our information overloaded society!
Was interested in the "Working at Google" video. I liked the portrayl of it as a creative environment and the food looked great! Not sure I would apply for a job there just on the basis of that video though.
Monday, June 8, 2009
June 8th.
1. I explored the World eBook Fair Collection site and was impressed with the number of titles and variety of categories of free books available for downloading.
Categories of books vary in the site from Oceanographic Data to Children's Literature and CIA released documents!
2. I was impressed to read the philosphy and mission statement of Project Gutenburg. Mission is just "To encourage the creation and distribution of eBooks". Noted that there are 100 000 titles available from the Project Gutenberg site and through their partners and affiliates (28 000 directly downloadable from the PG site!
I checked out the most popular recent titles - many classics - such as The World Set Free, by HG Wells and Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.
Interesting to note that nearly half a million downloads had occurred from the site in the last seven days.
I think it is great that some of the finest literature is being made more accessible to people across the world for free (providing you have an internet connection!).
3. Great to look at Yarra Plenty Regional Library's Overdrive Downloadable Media and see that downloadable books are available in a variety of formats, such as:
I love the fact that the Overdrive media has also allowed for people with access issues buy including compatibility to Jaws and other access promoting software.
All in all audiobooks and their increasing availability to the wider population are a wonderful step forward for increasing reading and knowledge in our world community.
1. I explored the World eBook Fair Collection site and was impressed with the number of titles and variety of categories of free books available for downloading.
Categories of books vary in the site from Oceanographic Data to Children's Literature and CIA released documents!
2. I was impressed to read the philosphy and mission statement of Project Gutenburg. Mission is just "To encourage the creation and distribution of eBooks". Noted that there are 100 000 titles available from the Project Gutenberg site and through their partners and affiliates (28 000 directly downloadable from the PG site!
I checked out the most popular recent titles - many classics - such as The World Set Free, by HG Wells and Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.
Interesting to note that nearly half a million downloads had occurred from the site in the last seven days.
I think it is great that some of the finest literature is being made more accessible to people across the world for free (providing you have an internet connection!).
3. Great to look at Yarra Plenty Regional Library's Overdrive Downloadable Media and see that downloadable books are available in a variety of formats, such as:
- MP3 Audiobooks
- WMA Audiobooks
- Music
- Videos
- Adobe eBooks
- Mobipocket eBooks
The Yarra Plenty Regional Library has Overdrive media available for people to use. Overdrive media includes audiobooks, music or videos. People who want to listen to and/or view books in these formats need to download the free Overdrive Media software first so their computer or handheld device can play the audiobooks, music or videos.
I found the clarity of the Digital Media Guided Tour on the YPRL site refreshing. The tour outlines the steps for downloading books in text, audio and video formats onto your home computer or transferring to a handheld device from their site using your library card!I love the fact that the Overdrive media has also allowed for people with access issues buy including compatibility to Jaws and other access promoting software.
All in all audiobooks and their increasing availability to the wider population are a wonderful step forward for increasing reading and knowledge in our world community.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Podcasts
The explanation of Podcasts on the learning blog is clear and comprehensive.
I enjoyed looking at the podcasts available on the Radio National website as I listen to rn and often hear them alerting listeners to the availability of these podcasts.
I was interested to find EdPod, a Radio National site which hosts broadcasts related to education issues. I downloaded apodcast about an innovative primary school which I had visited when I was involved in promoting educational software.
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/current/audioonly/edp_20090416.mp3
I enjoyed looking at the podcasts available on the Radio National website as I listen to rn and often hear them alerting listeners to the availability of these podcasts.
I was interested to find EdPod, a Radio National site which hosts broadcasts related to education issues. I downloaded apodcast about an innovative primary school which I had visited when I was involved in promoting educational software.
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/current/audioonly/edp_20090416.mp3
You Tube - video hosting
You Tube to me is very useful for video sharing.
I like the ease of use of the site and the cute and funny clips I saw. It was simple to share the video I selected, which was an ad for Doritos. I chose the ad because it was an interesting animation of corn chips "secretly" dancing around a tub of salsa and "resealing" themselves in the pack before they were eaten.
View it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DumfEytrQK8
I didn't like some of the videos on offer which made entertainment out of animals which were distressed or aggressive. I see these as a waste of download.
I like the ease of use of the site and the cute and funny clips I saw. It was simple to share the video I selected, which was an ad for Doritos. I chose the ad because it was an interesting animation of corn chips "secretly" dancing around a tub of salsa and "resealing" themselves in the pack before they were eaten.
View it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DumfEytrQK8
I didn't like some of the videos on offer which made entertainment out of animals which were distressed or aggressive. I see these as a waste of download.
Library Thing and my online catalogue
Interesting to explore Library Thing.
I liked the ease with which you can add books, and see how many other people have that title in their library. Link to my catalogue is www.librarything.com/catalogue/kebbs
My most popular book was To Kill a Mocking Bird, with 23 000 other people having listed it in their library. Least popular had 177 other people list it.
I did find conversations about the books in my library - quite interesting, though these discussions were often quite brief, which is in keeping with the other entries posted on this site.
I noted that you can add your own tags, which are a simple way to categorise books by how we think about them. I think this would be a very effective way to search them for individuals who have a large number of items in their library.
I liked the ease with which you can add books, and see how many other people have that title in their library. Link to my catalogue is www.librarything.com/catalogue/kebbs
My most popular book was To Kill a Mocking Bird, with 23 000 other people having listed it in their library. Least popular had 177 other people list it.
I did find conversations about the books in my library - quite interesting, though these discussions were often quite brief, which is in keeping with the other entries posted on this site.
I noted that you can add your own tags, which are a simple way to categorise books by how we think about them. I think this would be a very effective way to search them for individuals who have a large number of items in their library.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Hmmm Flickr is quite useful
Now in Nhill, as I am delivering training in Jeparit this week (5 hours north-west of Melbourne).
Interesting to see that people can join groups in Flickr which can be public or private and administrators and moderators can be appointed. Reminds me a bit of MC2!
Found the six-step tour a really good summary of what Flickr can do. Instructions to link Flickr with our blogging address were easy to follow.
Interesting to see that people can join groups in Flickr which can be public or private and administrators and moderators can be appointed. Reminds me a bit of MC2!
Found the six-step tour a really good summary of what Flickr can do. Instructions to link Flickr with our blogging address were easy to follow.
Grevilleas
Grevilleas
Originally uploaded by robynejay
I chose this image because I love grevilleas.
I have only a few varieties of the many available in my garden but I am thrilled that they have continued to flourish throughout the harsh conditions we have experienced over the summer. I'm tempted to plant the whole garden with them as their bright colurs and varied shapes add beauty and interest.
Monday, February 23, 2009
This is my first post
Hi all at Vicnet,
I am back in the office to pick up the car before going to Avoca today.
Have just set up this blog and will add to during the weeks while I am away. Was very simple with Kristyn nearby to ask questions.
Have a good week and watch this space!
Cheers
Katharine
I am back in the office to pick up the car before going to Avoca today.
Have just set up this blog and will add to during the weeks while I am away. Was very simple with Kristyn nearby to ask questions.
Have a good week and watch this space!
Cheers
Katharine
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