Keeping Up with Technology

How do you plan to keep up with new innovations in technology once you have completed your classes at UNT?

     One way I keep up with what is going on with technology right now is on my iPhone I have the app for Google News installed and one of the keywords I have it look for is technology, as well as computers. Recently there have been a lot of stories about the iPad and the "accidental" loss of the new 4G iPhone. When I have completed my coursework at UNT, I will continue to use this as a way to keep up with technology.

     Another way I do and will keep up with technology is by staying in contact with those who are younger than me. My younger brother is the one who convinced me a number of years ago to purchase an mp3 player, as well as persuading me to purchase an iPhone this last year. One of my tutoring students had to create a Powerpoint presentation this year, and the computer we used had the 2007 version on it which I had very little experience using.

     Besides going into bookstores and libraries, one of my favorite places to go are the computer type stores. I can walk around for hours just browsing all the different items available. In this way I have found items I had not known existed before. This is something I can continue to do.

     Finally, my dad forwards a technology newsletter to me which includes various articles on technologies, as well as answers to technology questions. There have been a number of articles on the iPad, as well as a virus threat, etc. So, I can continue to read that newsletter, as well as see if there are other technology newsletters. Also, sometimes the American Library Association and Texas Library Association newsletters, have articles related to technology.

Organizing Information

Organizing books and materials used to be in the domain of professionally trained catalogers and indexers. Now, through Web 2.0, it is in the hands of everyday "folk." What are the implications of this trend for librarians? Also, for additional food for thought, go to your Delicious site and examine your list of tags. In your opinion, are these tags more or less helpful than traditional subject headings?

   The implications of "regular folk" organizing information such as their book collections (LibraryThing), their bookmarks (delicious) as well as articles which they really liked (buzz, etc.) are that people will have a sense of control of their environment. The RDA which may be implemented in cataloging soon I think has a very similar approach to the idea of Web 2.0. Relationships. So, once that is implemented, and patrons understand it, I think it will be very helpful - both in the traditional library, and to individual patrons at home.

     My delicious tags were: blog, discussion, LibraryThing, and SLIS 5720. The biggest difference between delicious tags and traditional subject headings is that of user error. With traditional subject headings you have authoritative sources such as the Library of Congress which dictate the correct spelling and format. In contrast, delicious tags are totally up to the user as to spelling and terminology they think is best. Delicious tags may be better than traditional subject headings in that they may be more current. However, I think that traditional subject headings trump the "currency" of delicious tags by having a more concise and agreed upon terminology.

Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/Using Us

The title of the video that you were asked to view this week is "Web 2.0 ... The Machine is Us/Using Us." Referencing what you have learned about Web 2.0 through the readings in the Courtney text and through watching the video, why do you think that Professor Wesch gave this title to the video?

The video showed how the more we use the different tools of the internet (i.e. Web 2.0) for searching or for connecting with other people, the more we shape it. The internet itself cannot change unless it has a resource/information to use. Every time we use it, we give it more information. It then can use that information to cater to who we are. So, when the title says "The Machine is Us" it is saying that our input on computers/internet is what makes the "machine" hum. "The Machine is Using Us" is saying that without our compliance/cooperation of supplying the information via searches or buzzing up things or "like"ing things, etc., that it (the Machine) wouldn't be able to function.

Ten Thousand Dollars for Handheld Devices? What to buy, what to buy?

Your technology director has given you a budget of $10,000 for the purchase of handheld devices in your library. Using the prices in Chapter 5 of Courtney as a general guideline, what would you purchase and why? Your grade for this blog entry will be based on your justifications for what you purchase and your creative ideas for how to use the handhelds in the library, whether by students, faculty, and/or staff. A line-item budget is not necessary. However, it is important that this entry is written in narrative paragraph style (e.g., not a list). 

 Ok, in creating my fantasy list, I am going to start by assuming that my library has Wi-Fi, and has at least one or more regular internet connected computers.  I am going to start with some of the lower end devices. Namely, MP3 players. I think I would purchase 10 of them at $50 each, for a total of $500. (remaining $9500) These would be ideal for loading various play lists of music which students can listen to as they read the various books in the library. (There are some people who just plain read better with a little background music. I'm one of those. However, I realize that not everyone is able to read with music on in the background.) The purpose for these would solely be for music enjoyment, and due to their low cost, more can be purchased.

The next item I would purchase would be a PMP. I would want it to have video recording capabilities, as well as the ability to add podcasts to it, and be Wi-Fi enabled*. So, it probably would be in the higher range of $700. I would purchase 5 of these for a total cost of $3500 (remaining $6000). These would be mainly be able to be checked out by teachers while being used by students. Possible activities include: student made videos on any number of subjects, search YouTube for relevant videos on specific terms or concepts and make a list of the top 5 quality videos, listen to various educational podcasts, and perhaps class projects documenting various events during the school year through photos and video which can be shared with other classes.

*According the to the text, the PMP's are not wireless enabled. However, they include the iPod in this category, and presumably the iPod touch would go here as well. It is Wi-Fi enabled.

The final item I would purchase would be two tablet PC's, which according to the text, range in price from $1500 - $2500. Considering the new Apple iPad is considerably less, I'm going to go with the low end of the range. So, $3000 for two ($3000 remaining).  These would be available to be used within the library by students, or checked out by faculty. Functions would include: e-book reader, educational web-based games, use the flashcard software to study for different classes (teachers can input categories of flashcards for students to study), teachers can check it out when attending lectures or conferences and record audio while also taking notes - which then can later be accessed by other teachers who may not have been able to attend, plus much more.

The remaining $3000 would be used to purchase equipment such as microphones, and to purchase the music and other applications or software to enhance the usability of the various items.

Blog Post 1: My Strengths and Weaknesses in Technology as an Educator

Question: As an educator, what are your present strengths and weaknesses in technology? How do you plan to use your strengths? How do you plan to address the weaknesses?

I feel that I am pretty strong in my knowledge and use of technology. My greatest strength as an educator in technology is my willingness and enjoyment of trying out and experimenting with any new technology that I come across. In 5001, we were given a list of numerous Web 2.0 technology applications. I was familiar with most of them. The few I wasn't familiar with, I was able to figure out fairly quickly with just a bit of experimentation.

My greatest weakness in technology as an educator probably is the fact that because I am familiar with so many different types of technology, I would have a hard time deciding on just a few to concentrate on with students. If I offered too many options, some students may become overwhelmed and frustrated.

I plan to use my strengths to continue to explore and experiment with new technologies so that I am able to have a good understanding of where many of my students may be coming from with regards to technological knowledge.

I plan to address my weakness by being very careful in selecting which technologies to share and teach with my students. Perhaps choosing particular technologies which offer the most educational benefit for the particular project my students may be working on at the time.