Thing 23 - Give feedback about the program

I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed the 23Things Program, it has been very rewarding and educational. Now I know what my children are rattling on about I can converse with them instead of saying WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!! I'm sad to say I have come to the end.

It has been a wonderful experience and fun. I loved doing the blog, reading the comments and seeing how others were going along the way.

A big THANK YOU to the EIS team who did a temendous job in answering my many questions. A special big THANK YOU to Dianna, where does she get the patience!

I have learnt quite a deal about Web 2.0 along the way. Some things I had used previously but alot I had not. I had a great deal of trouble with Flickr, finally conquered it with EIS Support.

In answer to your questions:

How could you draw on what you have learned in 23 Things to help you in your work?
I said below I probably wouldn't keep blogging but blogging is a great way forward to keep communication open with staff and students open for specific subject areas. RSS feeds great for keeping up with the latest information or over abundance of it, and so much more that I use, not only to help me in my work but to help students along their way to understanding Web 2.0 technology.

How could the library use the technologies featured in 23 Things to improve its service?
One example the library could use to improve its services is online instant messaging. MSN, YAHOO, etc. to answer ready reference questions during an allotted time of the day. Blogs are a great interaction tool and students seem to make great use of - Let's do a library Blog accessible on the Web Opac? Probably already there.

How do you think the 23 Things Program could be improved in the future?
In future, I think a Train the trainer or buddy scheme would be great. I have learnt from trial and error and the wonderful help of the EIS group. When I initially started, I thought it would be great to have someone on site that I could turn to and ask questions. Someone face to face, show me in person where I was going wrong. I have now completed the 23 Things Program and for staff I work with who have not, I can now, hopefully, help them along the way as they ask me how did I do this, or that. Great feeling knowing I now can and be confident in doing so.

Do you think you'll keep blogging or keep using any of the other tools you learned about?
I have to be upfront and honest and say no, I would love to but I won't keep blogging. Blogging was fun and a great experience but I joined a group that had a mission to complete 23 Things. That mission is now over and who would I blog with and about what?? I boring aren't I. Don't answer that.
I will definitely keep using a number of the tools I have learned about by participating in the 23 Things Program. MSN and Yahoo I already use at home, where would we be without You Tube, I have already used as an educational tool with teaching staff. Wikipedia a must for definitions and the Igoogle Home Page, I'm keeping mine, fantastic.
I hope as technology advances, and it will, that library staff are kept informed by using some of the Things we have learnt about in the 23 Program - Blogs - Online instant messaging - etc.

Thing 22. Read about and explore various web based communication tools including Skype, MSN Messenger and Meeboo

Believe it or not, I already subscribe to both MSN Messenger and Yahoo from home.

I have added the Google Talk gadget to my blog (without a problem - learnt in Thing 16, I had to control my desire to ad more gadgets). When I clicked on the instructions to read the article about Google Talk there was no article present. Isn't it amazing how quickly a web page is updated. Did my own searching and read the Wikipedia definition, etc. Google Talk in appearance, doesn't appear to be as advanced as MSN, Yahoo etc, but then I didn't invite and add anyone to chat (I really can't comment) as I have both a MSN and Yahoo account and certainly didn't want to create another.

I use MSN and Yahoo infrequently at home but I find both a great tool for communication. Like Skype, using MSN and Yahoo, I can have a telephone conversation over the internet, video conference, I even have a web cam which I rarely use but there if needed. My two eldest children use MSN on a regular basis to communicate with their friends they see every day mind you. My 12 year old has subscribed to Beedo which I figure is similar to Meebo. Great names!

I have a niece who attended Ballarat University and use to communicate with her lecturers using MSN to help brainstorm any issues students may have had with subjects within the course they were undertaking. A certain time during the day or the evening was set aside by the lecturers for this communication, great idea. She loved it as she was able to communicate with lecturers, which, at times, was near impossible. It was a great opportunity to ask questions and gain knowledge and understanding where it was lacking. Not sure if lecturers already use at VU as a communicating tool with students, but if not, why not? Has potential for the library also, is the library using MSN, Yahoo or Google Talk as well as InfoQuest? Has great potential.

Thing 21. Find and Listen to a Podcast or two

Seeking assistance from EIS.

Thanks to the EIS team, I have now subscribed to a number of ABC podcasts.

Managed to get the Podcast to play but couldn't hear it. There seems to be a few problems with Google so I will see if the sound is there tomorrow.

Thing 20. Watch YouTube videos people have made about libraries

Now this is one Web 2.0 technology I can say I have used previously without knowing it was a Web 2.0 technology. Only one problem, I was enjoying myself too much watching all the YouTube video's on libraries that it took me longer than I anticipated to finish Thing 20. Oh well, not to worry, I pulled myself away from watching and posted my YouTube vid.

Thing 19. Put a photo of your pet on the wiki

Ooohhh, I don't have a pet, I do have 4 children being all boys, are they classed as pets? Kidding. I will have to get the digital camera out tomorrow, as on late shift tonight, and take a photo of someone else's pet, what ever their pet maybe. As arnie said, I will be back.....

I'm back, it has only taken me a week, but hey, I managed to find a stray cat sleeping in my back yard and snapped its pic.

I followed the step by step instructions for adding to the Wiki and did so without a problem. I just couldn't figure out how to add a heading like nearly everyone else.

Thing 18. Read about the Library 2.0 movement and explore new developments in Library related interfaces such as Encore and the new EBSCOhost 2.0

Having read the Wikipedia definition of Library 2.0 VU is already on track. Online services already supplied by VU library to increase the flow of information include ebooks, ejournals, OPAC Login to My Library to name but a few. Encore is there but yet to be implemented and explained to the user, I don't know why it hasn't been implemented, maybe still in production phase, however, I'm sure the VU user would grasp the idea of ENCORE without any problem. Web 2.0 is part of the VU library way of life, whether you realise it or not and is constantly being updated and re-evaluated to interact with users.

Web 2.0 is the NOW, technology constantly evoles and advances as has the VU library and libraries around the world have to provide quality customer service to their users.

Everything I have experienced through out the 23Things program is about the Web 2.0 advancements and it has taken me far, concepts I wouldn't have ever considered contemplating before doing the program (becuase I didn't know they existed and some I will hesitate to try again - Flickr, not all web 2.0 is user friendly or it is just me haha) but it is the way forward and so it should be.

Being honest, would I still be wanting to use a card catalogue NNNNOOOOOOO!!!! You know what, it is all part of learning and VU library has adapted and gone in the forward direction taking staff and users along for the journey teaching all who use the library online OPAC about Web 2.0 technologies whether they know it or not which is a +. Imagine the future and what VU Library and libraries as a whole can deliver to their users - the mind boggles.

Thing 17 - Play with delicious

I clicked on the delicious hyperlink provided and found it to be straight forward and easy. I simply typed in a topic of interest, however, depending on the topic, depended on the number of bookmarks. One bookmark 2648, another, 121362. Way too much information. Is it like Google and you have to limit to get exactly what you are looking for?

Delicious would be a great way to have easy access to my bookmarks and my bookmarks only as I can access on any computer which is a bonus. I can see the positive and negative aspects of Delicious. I'm not a big user of the internet unless I have a specific need, and when I am searching I search Yahoo or Google. Delicious is totally different to Yahoo/Google, more specific, yes, and not as many hits, yes, but still enough to drive one crazy.

I think great for one's own bookmarks list but to search for others???? Happy to stick with what I know.

Thing 16 - Create your own iGoogle home page

I really enjoyed putting my own IGoogle page together in the end. I signed into Google and there was no IGoogle button top right, so I signed out and created my page through Igoogle before signing in. At first I thought, what the, but it wasn't until I clicked go to iGoogle home page that I saw the finished product. Brillant.

However, i was asked to log in to save my page which I did and yep, you guessed it, my IGoogle creation had disappeared. However, I was now at the IGoogle page when signed in, before I didn't get the option. So, here I go, I started again creating my IGoogle page while signed in. Low and behold I found more gadgets, love gadets. And off I went......... I couldn't figure out how to save a gadget to my Blog so I will try again to discover how. Here I go.....

I'm back, ooohhhh what fun, I went to the blogger customize page and started adding gadgets!!! Featured, Most Popular, Newest, the list goes on. I had to stop myself, take control of my desire to continue to add. I'm obsessed with adding gadgets, what delerious (I can't even spell it) fun. The gadgets are mine, but as it is my blog, you can share.

Thing 15. Play with Google Book Search and Google Scholar

I have to admit, give me a hard copy book any day to the online electronic version. An electronic book just doesn't do it for me! I searched Google book search, advanced search, Full view only and typed in Agatha Christie. I got everything but. My hits included book with content stating 'Sort of like Agatha Christie'; 'In the tradition of Agatha Christie'; 'In the Agatha Christie Style', etc. However, if I did the advanced search and selected All books, I got exactly what I was looking for but with no preview or snippet views. mmmm In the basic search typed in Lord of the Rings, got the right hits but due to copyright no views. Portions that allow views don't display every page, what good is that, may suit some'. I'd have to be looking for something I specifically wanted to get any benefit from Google Book Search.

Google Scholar, didn't have a problem, this is great for researchers and students alike looking for scholarly articles

Thing 14 - Play with Google Docs

I found Google Docs to be similar to Mirosoft Word but not as enhanced. Straight forward and easy to use.

I created a new document, re-titled the document and saved. The only issue I had with Google Docs is when I saved the document I had no idea where in Google Docs it saved to! Clicking on the items in the side menu I found the document. I then tried to publish to my blog, however, when I clicked on edit info in blog settings there was an error on the page and wouldn't allow me to.

Could it overtake the Microsoft Office suite in future? Who knows, the internet is the place to be and work with the ever changing enhancements. Web 2.0 today, Web 3.0 tomorrow. Is Google Docs as advanced as Microsoft Word? Does it offer all the same qualities? I don't believe so, with advances happening within online technology is may just do so in future.

Thing 13 - Play with Google maps

Believe it or not, I have used google maps at home. Exploring the suburb of Sunshine and checking out the Sunshine campus layout. It was fun zooming in and out and trying to locate landmarks.

I had not used the street view and found it up close and personal. Although, pic is outdated as I trimmed my trees months ago! mmm

Thing 12 - Explore MySpace and Facebook

Wow, I created a facebook account before starting 23 things without realising. My manager sent me a request to become her friend and when I did, I set up my account without knowing. How easy was that??

I have searched and added 2 new friends. Facebook is straight forward and easy to use. Not a tool I would use outside of work, maybe, because I can't get near the ruddy computer at home aaahhhh 4 boys! Prefer to speak to the people I know in person, that ain't many, eeeeeek. Probably a great networking tool my children who would use rather than myself. If I had overseas rellies/friends I wanted to keep in touch with, Facebook would be perfect. Just as happy to use email, msn, etc.

I added Jstor to my profile, I'm getting better. As facebook has been updated the instructions on the 23 things page aren't quite right, but guess what, I did it without them, that's a first!!!!!

Thing 11

Wow, I flew threw thing 11, YES! It does help when you are aware of what you are doing in thing 10. Why is it the simplest things I have difficulty with and the hardest I manage without a problem?

Anyway, I have added my library blogs and even added the Library blog list to my Blog. Getting clever!

Subscribing to RSS feed is quite simple and I find the blogs clear and well laid out. Plenty of white space to read. News feeds, not quite sure what I think of them, from perusing Digg I found it cumbersome to follow and read, wasn't sure if I was reading the latest news or as stated in Thing 10, comments on past news items.

Thing 10 - Add subscriptions

Added some subscriptions in Thing 9 without realising - just went straight into it, no hesitation. Things seem to get easier as I go along. Don't jinx myself. Off to do thing 11 - Here I go......

I spoke too soon!!! More to Thing 10 than meets the eye. grrr Thing 11 will have to wait until I conquer Thing 10. Got too excited too early. Gone into my feed reader and trying to add http://digg.com but it won't let me, I had no trouble adding other subscriptions like world news, chat forums, etc.... off to try again Here I go....

I'm back. Had I read the next paragraph beneath the task would have made life a whole lot easier. haha. Okay, I went to the digg site and looked for the feed reader and subscribed. Only one thing, did not add to my subscribe list in google reader. I'm missing something here, off to seek advise, will return. Here I go....

I'm back.....YES YES YES. Finally figured out I had to copy the URL once I subscribed to the RSS feeder of Digg.com (Dah - hopeless here, nah I figured it out in the end). I have finally conquered DIGG!!!!!!! What do I think of digg. Crowded to say the least. Is it the latest news or just people commenting on topics that have been in the news? Your guess is as good as mine.

Thing 9 - Setup Google Reader

Seemed too easy! Watched the online video within the 23things instructions, went straight into the Google reader and toured the sight. Watched another online video about the product. Just came naturally, started adding subscriptions not realising that was Thing 10? Ooooohhhh, not as hard as flickr, getting easier as I go along. Fingers crossed. Yahoooo!!!

Great way to keep up with the daily news headlines, which could be used for library patrons by adding an RSS feed to the web site. So many options.

Thing 8 - Play with Library Thing

I'm on a roll. Too easy!! I had better not jinx myself. Yahooo!!!!!

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/Sally.Hand

I'm back after having completed my blog. I came across I Believe in Fairytales blog (top blog), I copied the Shelfari bookshelf, so easy and added also. Thank you to whom ever own's this blog.

Thing 7 - Play with a funny image generator

How easy was that!! I'm excited.

Thing 6 - More Flicker

Grrrr I have added the slide show, follwed the instructions but Flickr just doesn't want to co-operate. Doing all that is instructed, maybe, obviously not, because it ain't working!! :)

Off to seek some more assistance. Here I go.....

Well, after a lengthy period and alot of wonderful input I have finally managed to get the flickr-SLIDR to work. YYYEEEESSS!!!!!!

I was following the instructions but they just weren't working. Thank you to Renniel, Graham R. and Dianna in the end for her ever wonderful assistance.

What do I think of flickr now I have finally conquered Thing 6. More Flickr. Off putting to put it bluntly. It took so long to comprehend as the instructions weren't correct but I would never say never to doing it again.

bottlebrush/callistemon

bottlebrush/callistemon
Originally uploaded by **heidi**

Australian Native plants - Looovvveee them

Thing 5 - Explore Flickr

Some much to Explore!! Stay tuned.

Oooohhh!! Having trouble with Flickr! CONFUSING Seeking Advise to put me on the right path. Here I go....

YEEEAAAHHHH!!! Dianna, finally, I'm jumping for joy, I have finally conquered Flickr!!!!! Whoa.

My perceptions on flickr mmmm not going there!! haha

Thing 4 - Comment on someone else's blogg

It wouldn't let me. I'm doing something wrong here. Off to try again. Here I go...... I'm Baaccckkk!!! Figured it out. Much easier if you log in before leaving comments then it accepts your password, or was it that I typed it incorectly. mmmm?? I've posted 2 comments. So many blogs to choose from, many more comments to leave, what fun. What I want to know is, how does one get back to the list of participants after leaving comments without hitting the back button continuously. Is that spelt right?

Thing 1 - Reading about 23 things

Interesting!!!!!! Frustrating!!!!! Mind Numbing!!!!!

So much to absorb. Getting there and having a giggle with my new adventure into web 2.0.

Thing 2 & 3 - Creating a Blog and send to participants list

Hi there,

23 Things Programme - Started blogging today, big step!

I am so enjoying it, so much fun and learning as I go. Driving Kate insane, but hey, that's the fun of it, having a giggle as we go.

Sal