Conclusion and Self Assessment

After looking back at my initial post regarding my strengths and weaknesses dealing with technology, I am pleasantly surprised and encouraged by how much I have learned over the semester about the various tools available for classroom and library use. Many of these tools I have been able to utilize in my personal life and in my other course this semester. Some of these include WikiSpaces, NetVibes, ZohoWriter, and so on. At the time, I had never heard of any of these Web 2.0 tools, and I am pleased that I have gained this knowledge and have been able to successfully apply it. This only encourages me to continue to seek out new technologies to use and, as a librarian, introduce to others.

The most effective way to discover new innovations in technology I have found is to simply search for new Web 2.0 tools online. It is interesting to seek out what other professionals are using in their libraries and to find discussion boards consisting of real conversations shared by real-world librarians to obtain insight on what is currently available and useful. Also, workshops are always a sure means to gain new knowledge about tools, technologies, their uses, and how they have been found successful in the library and classroom.

This semester I have found a new way of thinking about technology. It is probably fair to say that many times  in schools that cell phones, cameras, online games and applications, and so on, are easily viewed as distractions for students. However, after learning about the possibilities and opportunities offered by these different technologies, it is evident that they can easily be converted into tools used in the classroom to enhance the learning environment. I certainly want to continue to learn how to embrace these technologies and the opportunities they bring rather than fight them.

The Job of Organizing

Because the internet has become such an interactive experience in this Web 2.0 world, all users have the capability to organize and share information how they see fit, which is absolutely spectacular! Or is it? It probably depends on the kind of information for which you are seeking. The organizational system of tagging might be more reliable in the realm of more professional and educational online resources because one would assume that educated professionals are those organizing the information, but even then, the way in which information should be organized varies from person to person. Then, one must think about children and younger students organizing this information for the whole world as well. Yikes! Enter, today’s librarian.

The librarian of today, again, looks very different from the one of yester-generation because now there is a responsibility of helping patrons, young and seasoned alike, to know how this vast world of online information might be best organized so to benefit all users world-wide. It is a spectacular thing for all online users to have organizing capabilities if they have the understanding and know-how to do so appropriately. For example, my Diigo tags can only be helpful to others if they are used appropriately so it is important that I make sure I am knowledgeable about the tags I choose. On the other hand, people will always have different ideas about the organization and description of content so occasionally, the way I sort information might not necessarily help everyone. I would say, though, for the most part, if tags are used to describe content in a suitable manner, and this appropriateness is learned by other users so they can do the same, everyone should be able to benefit by this system.

The Machine is Us/ing Us

Early one morning this week after awakening again with excruciating joint pain in my fingers (and considering I am nine months pregnant) I was a little worried. Unsurprisingly, like most might, I went straight to the web for answers since it was way too early to phone my midwife. Immediately, my nerves were eased after coming across a discussion board for expectant mothers consisting of posts describing complaints of what seemed like the same condition, detail by detail, right there on the screen. Many offered what their caregivers said about it, some gave suggestions for natural remedies, and some discussed the details about how long these symptoms lasted for them. There was an ample amount of information I was able to receive on just this one discussion board, not to mention all the other pages I had not yet pulled up from my online search.

This is a prime example of Web 2.0. Here, there is not just one master-mind dictating what information is published; there are many publishers, offering different information. The Berger text talks specifically about Web 2.0 this way: a place where anyone can “create, share, publish, and collaborate”, unlike its counterpart of before, Web 1.0. I believe this is how Professor Wesch’s video got its name “Web 2.0…The Machine is Us/Using Us”. We, the “machine’s” users, are the “machine” because we decide what goes on the web, how information is used, and how information is organized. The “machine” is also using us in a way because it is not having to do the work. The users are doing the work for it. The users are creating content, publishing content, tagging content to help organize it, sharing content, etc. Like in the aforementioned example of the discussion board, the users are the “machine” and the “machine” is using them because they are doing the work, providing the information, and thus creating  a collaborative environment.

Uses for Quick Response Codes

Quick Response codes (QR codes) are something I have not really noticed much, but now that I am aware of their presence and purposes, I will be looking out for them, smart phone in hand!

There are countless ways QR codes could be used in the library for the benefit of its patrons due to their quick and easy use. Using QR Codes, patrons will be pleasantly surprised at finding information they might not have known was available such as, book reviews after scanning a code on a book jacket.
QR codes can provide access to: video, audio, websites, blogs, and so on. For example, it would be great to scan a QR code that leads students to a how-to video on using the library's online catalog. Other examples might be used for library exhibits: access to extra videos or pictures about artifacts, virtual letters or journal entries, or video of an author’s reading. All of these could also be placed on the library's website to generate interest about events, like exhibits, and encourage patrons to attend. A QR code could be put on numerous things that lead to the library's website or Facebook page, such as: flyers, t-shirts, postcards, etc. If (when) books begin using QR codes more consistently, patrons can view background information about time periods, interviews with authors, updates on information, and so on. Regarding library advertising, QR codes could be scanned to enter drawings, take quick surveys, and other patron participation events.

It is obvious that using QR codes in the library could be very beneficial considering the limitless uses this tool presents. I am very excited about getting more practice using QR codes and hope to see them used more frequently to get more information to the masses in a quick, efficient manner.

Individual Technology Assessment

I am fearful that I am not even aware of all my weaknesses regarding the use of technology. It is becoming clearer to me that there are many tools and possibilities of which I am unfamiliar so I often feel very intimidated and extremely “behind”. However, I have also found that I have been able to discover things on my own about the use of technology, which can be very encouraging and reassuring.

A particular strength I feel I possess is the ability to find answers for myself with the help of the Internet. I am also fairly savvy when it comes to social networking, e-mail, creating presentations using Power Point or Publisher, and I enjoy using my Flip video and digital cameras to upload and share videos and pictures. All of these technologies may be used in the classroom.

 However, I know there are many more technologies out there of which I am unaware, which introduces my weaknesses regarding technology.  I feel that my main weaknesses are my lack of knowledge regarding what Web 2.0 tools are available and also, therefore, my lack of know-how regarding the use of these tools.

I plan to address these weaknesses by familiarizing myself with Web 2.0 tools and other technologies that may be utilized in the classroom through coursework, inquiry, and discovery. I want to purpose myself to seek out the tools and technologies of which I am unfamiliar and to practice using them, rather than avoid them while maintaining an attitude of intimidation. It is an overwhelming feeling to know there are many technologies about which to learn, but it is also an exciting feeling to know that as each semester goes by, I will have had practice with them, and I will even be able to share them with others.