Thing 9: eBooks!

I have just recently gotten into eBooks. I've always been a strong advocate for audiobooks but eBooks are very, very new (since I got my iPhone). I have the iBooks app which has a search for free ebooks. Of course there are all the classics for free, but I also found a great deal of free modern ebooks too! I tried to use the SCPL (Schenectady library site) and found the eBook (and audiobook) site (Netlibrary) difficult to search. I also tried Clifton Park Library's ebook site (Overdrive) which seems much easier and user friendly. I have a few eBooks at my library, but they are not downloadable ebooks--just web based ones.

We have discussed the possibilities of purchasing eBooks for our students to download, but I don't see this happening in the short term. As more and more students get iTouches, iPads, Nooks, etc. I know we will see a greater demand for this type of media. I think it would be best to start looking in this direction!

I Borrowed a Color Nook from Cap Region Boces to get a feel for a tablet. I enjoyed reading off of the Nook (even though I had believed I wouldn't), but found the capabilities of a Nook VS. an iPad extremely limited.

Thing 8: Videos Fun!

SchoolTube.com
How easy it was to make this movie!!!  I am getting so many ideas for my teachers!!
http://www.schooltube.com/video/57cead15c27e2f05cffc/Amazing-Animals-Butterflies

Smilebox is another slideshow maker that my teachers are using.  You can send invites, create slideshows, an make scrapbooks with it!  Here is an example of one:
http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d6a51774e5455334e54413d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_instructions_directurl_makeyourown

Vimeo is slightly addictive.....very interesting movies.  I prefer making my movies in iMovie (I have a Mac).  They are quite easy to modify movies and make slideshows.

I never though about video book reviews!  I think this is a great idea for my students!!!  Another (of the many) things to add to my "to do" list for next year!!!

Thing 7: Fun Online Tools!

Join.me  THANK GOODNESS!!!  Now when my mother calls me up from Florida and says "Suzy...what is that funny squiggly thing on my computer" I NOW can look and figure out what the (*explicative*) she is talking about!!!!   Instead of: (Mom) "Suzy...I can't see half of my screen" (Suzy) "Mom....I have no clue what you did this time" Now: (Suzy) "Well mom, you just have to move your window over to the middle of your screen"  Yes...it will be JUST that easy!!!  Woo-hooo!!!  This is GREAT for anyone who has a Mom or Dad who calls with computer issues!!!

Firefox Add ONs---I LOVE THESE!!  I found one that makes all the new "tabs" in Firefox come up a different color!  I LOVE that!

Zamzar looks awesome!  I just told my "techie" husband about it!  Now anytime I have the "new Word" vs. "Old Word (i.e. .doc vs. docx) it will change it for me!!!  Yippeee!!!

I can't wait to show my 5th grade teachers popplet!  It might be something we try next year when brainstorming ideas with the kids!


This was an overwhelming but really useful week!!!

Thing 6: Online Meetings and Seminars

Wow--can I just say how cool it is to have these webinars archived so we can watch them anytime. Sometimes I am still so blown away by technology...

It took me a while to find the time to sit and watch one, but found it very interesting.

I just watched BookList Webinar on eBooks. I took me a few minutes to get used to the people typing on the left. He stated that it was "informal" so anyone could make comments at any time. I am going to assume that this would be like IM where you just post your comments real-time. I (again) really like that it was archived so even though I missed it, I was able to hear it. I found it very easy to search and use!

I can see how this would be a big savings for professional development! No travel costs! A group of librarians could get together to watch these together! I would think this might be a great way for us to have "meetings" for our department too! This is definitely something we (as librarians) need to get used to and maybe even learn how to host our own! How cool would that be!!!

Thing 5: The Many, Many, Many Things I've Learned...

Blogging!!!!!  I've never blogged before this and now I feel so comfortable with it!  I am also able to follow a conversation when the letters "RSS" come up!  I am not going to lie, facebook just isn't my "thing."  I understand that so, so many people and patrons use it and it is an amazing tool, however it just really wiggs me out.  I am much more comfortable with something like Good Reads (not so much library thing).  I still want to try Shelfari to see the difference.  Basically, I am involved with so many series and sequels, I need something (or someone) to let me know when the newest one is coming out!!! ;)

I heart Good Reads!!! (Thing 4: Online Communities)

I've signed up for Good Reads and can't be happier!  I used to use Library thing but found it a bit clunky for my needs (and I don't like the set up of the page).  Maybe it is just because I now have an iPhone (*Grin*) with fancy-schmancy apps like my Good Reads App!!!  Seeing as my iPhone is now a permanent extension of my body, immediately after I finish a book I am able to upload/star/review/etc. from my Good Reads app!  I also love how my friends are also connected and I can see what they are reading too.  I LOVE recommending books (hence the reason I am a librarian) and I find it so easy with Good Reads!  I checked out the JoCo Library Teens page for their book group--what a cool idea!  I also loved the "privacy" of it (you can't check it unless you are a member).  Nice feature.