Monday, December 31, 2007

Editorial: Personal Commentary (Includes Wiki Wk1)

First, let me clarify that the "Wisdom of Three" is a somewhat group effort of myself and my two oldest children to learn the subjects included within the KRL2pt0 program. I say somewhat because their participation depends on their interest in the subject of the week. However, it does guarantee Mom computer time on the laptop. I am also enjoying how the three of us see the uses or discover how some of it works using different ideas.

I am also finding out that I am not the best self learner on the Internet. I am very leery of the Internet. I am sure this is, in part, due to the fact that I have children. Signing up for so many accounts worried me a bit. However, I will give Bob and the Krl2pt0 Team making what accounts we need to sign up for very easy and they really did not create as much stress as I thought. I also appreciated that the learning made it optional for signing up for the account requesting more information that some were willing to give. Thank you! I would like to add an additional kudo to Bob for his one-on-one or group classes for the additional instruction in support of the krl2pt0 website.

Having said that, the phrase "You don't know what you don't know" keeps coming to mind. In part, I am thrilled to learn knew skills but now I do feel some pressure that I should be incorporating these more into my work environment. This is going to take some time.

Finally, Wiki-Week1. I admit that I am looking forwarding to trying out the editing features of a Wiki. They didn't name a highway in Hawaii Wiki Wiki Hwy for nothing. I can see where information can be change so fast with anyone (public Wiki) having the ability to edit. I am hoping that this is where we find the uses of tags and feeds to be useful tools, as well.

Well, even though blogging is not my best thing, I blog here that I am looking forward to the next step.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

YouTube+

I really enjoyed the KRL videos. Perhaps KRL can do a virtual tour for each branch of where items are located within each site? This is too fun and addicting.

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Z6pWhM6TA

Library Thing - Me likey

I can really see where a link to LibraryThing would be awesome for KRL patrons. Though, I'm not sure how this would affect ILL :) I enjoyed finding another tool for knowing what KRL has and has not and being able to have a variety of search methods to know what other titles by the same author is out there and available, even if it is not via KRL.

Flickr Search Surprise

OK, Flickr search is easy enough. I like the use of tags more and more. I even searched Administrative to see what pictures are used to describe the word. I found that there are actually some impressive photos of administrative buildings throughout the world. Even an Administrative Assistant cat named Pi. There were some very funny photos, as well.

RSS Here and There

So, the Blond says, "Why is it when I subscribe to something it goes into my Feeds subfolder in my Explorer Favorites folder and not into my Google Reader directly?"

The Brunette says, "Who cares, it is there and we can copy it into Google Reader."

The Red Head says, "Who cares, it is there and we know where to find it."

I appreciate the idea of feeds, but the functionality and management of them will take some more practice.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Tag Your It

Wow! This is really fun. I can tag all kinds of web sites whether they are related to home, kids or work and have them sorted and organized. I can see right now that I have more to do here - but later.

This type of tool would be great for tagging websites to share within departments and divisions (i.e. Admin., IT, Facilities, TS, YP, Reference, etc.) or system-wide. If someone else has already found the information I am looking for, this would create a great efficiency for me. It is an absolute plus not to have to create so many subfolders and overload my favorites with items sites that may be of interest to several people.

The sorting option is a very efficient tool for bringing up the sites regarding a specific subject. Look how many clip art or forms web sites there are. Are they all valid? Which ones are really "free?" When you find those really good sites with no hidden sign ups or fees, those are the ones that you don't want to lose (either the url or in a long list).

Thanks for the introduction to tagging.

The Joy of Learning by the Brunette

I watched a podcast of 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners and read an article regarding 43 Things I Might Want To Do This Year. Both brought up many grand ideas of what the possibilities are for me to learn new things, both in my professional life and my personal life.

The reality of time, space & momentum may bring me up short, but it is definitely worth thinking about.

I feel good about the fact that many of the learning habits within the podcast "7 1/2 Habits of Highly Successful Lifelong Learners" are ones that I have used, am currently using and look forward to trying.

I would urge anyone, especially those that are shy about speaking in public, to try teaching a procedure that they know well. People are most comfortable talking about something they know well and have an interest in. Teaching or sharing this information with others also adds to one's own confidence and is generally appreciated by those receiving the training when done well. I truly believe that the more you teach the more enthusiasm for your subject comes through to the audience.

The items listed in "43 Things I Might Want To Do This Year" is down right scary to me. Especially, when I'm helping my children with homework. I'm thinking I need to go back and learn more of the basics, including trying to figure out their new social standards, dress codes, and what technologies they know that I haven't even heard of yet. Many of which were in the list. I can only guarantee that my list will include learning new technologies (I have to keep up with the children!) but it will also include fun things too like scrapbooking. I have a feeling that as I go along the fun things will soon automatically include using many of the tools of technology that are within "The List." I look forward to seeing how this all comes together. So many ideas and so many ways to invent, compose and produce them.

The Wisdom of Three

The blond has the advantage of being ADD - "Oh! Look a squirrel. His name is Steve."
The brunette is the oldest and wisest of we.
The red head is the smartest of the three.
And here we depart the wisdom of three.