Thing 16

Kudos to elm4you for sponsoring the Research Project Calculator. I love the support materials included in the Teacher Resources. I specifically liked the Boolean Basics, Improve Your Google Search Tip Sheet, and 10 questions for evaluating web sites. One of the ways I support our middle school program is by helping students think through the Internet--research, search and credibility. I like the conciseness of the tools and will incorporate them into the technology/lesson plans.

Great resource.

Thing 15

On-line Games and libraries. Of the two choices recommended, I would rather have visited Puzzle Games but it was not available when I clicked on the link.

I tried Second Life. I guess I am too impatient to read what I need to navigate the online world well. I explored the Help Island but find it rather purposeless. I suppose there are constructive uses but until something becomes worth my while, I will stay out of second life.

Thing 14

I like LibraryThing. I love the cataloging information included under work details. I will definitely use this site again. My library runs on the work of volunteers. I can use the information to increase the speed and accuracy of our cataloging. Thanks for cluing me in on this tool.

Thing 13

On-line productivity tools.

I actually already have an igoogle home page. I chose it because it is compatible with my e-mail program. I don't always use the igoogle home page because it can take longer to load. The widgets are interesting and like so many online things, they can also be time wasters.

I also use an online calendar for work. It is helpful to schedule something and be able to access it from work or home. It does require I access it through by work internet exchange but I can do it from anywhere.

I don't think I would use the to do list tool at this point. It may become an option if I have a large project.

Thing 12

After wandering through these social media sites (Digg, Reddit, Newsvine, Mixx), I started wondering how I was going to sift through the tabloid type content to things I would consider worthwhile. Of each of the sites, Newsvine had the best pieces of journalism. I was reminded that, as with all Internet content, the source needs to be considered and evaluated to determine if something is credible. I guess I prefer some filters to reduce the trivial instead of depending on popular vote.

I don't think I would spend much time on sites like these. Just because a site or article is popular doesn't make it worthwhile...think celebrity babies.

Libraries need to be aware of the public's viewing habits, but this one is not for me.

Thing 11

Del.icio.us is a tool I really look forward to using. There are many times I have wanted to continue research but wasn't at the computer I usually worked. I chose not to do the work because I didn't want to duplicate sites or start from scratch. I intend to build a list of sites I continue to use in library education curriculum.

I also think it will be a great place to keep the list of resources and tools we are using in 23 things on a stick. I really don't want to have to go back to the website whenever I want to go back to one of the things we have sampled.

Thanks for the introduction to this tool.

Thing 10

I explored some of the wikis listed in 23 things on a stick. I especially enjoyed the MN 150 wiki. However, as with many of the other things we have explored, I find that there is so much to sort through that I end up feeling I am in information overload. I haven't figured out how to narrow down the topics and as a result end up spending far too much time wandering through the sites.

How have others focused their searches and improved their use of time?