1- Utube:
I have recently become enthralled with Utube. Personally, I love it because I don't have to wait around watching Much Music to see a music video I have been dying to see... I can simple go to utube and watch it whenever I want.
But its not just for music videos, its for many things. If you search you shall find. Be warned- this isn't always a good thing- especially in the workplace.
The latest video from Beyonce is my favorite song of the month. She has a great voice and her new song "If I were a Boy" is a song I think a lot of women can relate to : )
So here it is! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7x-UXjZpRM
2. Podcasts:
The links provided on the site did not work for me. I was able to look into Podcastally but that was it for some reason. Podcasts seem like an interesting tool. I liked the site because it linked you with many different podcasts and gave you the top 10 etc. I don't think my organization could use podcasts effectively only because we are so small... maybe for training purposes. Also, I found with podcast valley that they had some links to podcasts that would be deemed inappropriate in the workplace. It looks like they have podcasts about many different subject areas. Some seem like internet radio stations or talkshows. Some follow a specific craze like Harry Potter. I can certainly see the appeal.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Zoho Writer!
So this is one of those things that I didn't know existed online. :) I think it is great! For one- its free! Having to buy a microsoft office package can get very pricey and having the ability to access all those tools online for free is amazing! Not only free, but you don't have to worry about sending files that aren't compatible etc. This is a very useful tool that I think eliminates a lot of stress. The fact that you can also open it and access all your documents from any computer is also a big plus!
I love the fact that it feels almost exactly like using word! It has all the same features (ie: font colour, size, etc) and is easy to use... you don't really need to learn anything new to be able to start using it.
The fact that you can share it is also amazing. It eliminates the need to attach and send documents and the fear that the other person may not be able to open it. I also like the you can give access, either to just read or to revise. Also, the captions that those revisions are written in are super helpful and easy to use and read.
I love this feature and think it would be helpful to use withing my organization. I could see the organization using it to write shared documents or to offer to people using the resource center as an easier way to write and store documents. This could eliminate the need to saving devices such as discs and CD's that tend to pile up or get lost. This way participants could also access files from other computers they may gain access too!
How convenient!
I love the fact that it feels almost exactly like using word! It has all the same features (ie: font colour, size, etc) and is easy to use... you don't really need to learn anything new to be able to start using it.
The fact that you can share it is also amazing. It eliminates the need to attach and send documents and the fear that the other person may not be able to open it. I also like the you can give access, either to just read or to revise. Also, the captions that those revisions are written in are super helpful and easy to use and read.
I love this feature and think it would be helpful to use withing my organization. I could see the organization using it to write shared documents or to offer to people using the resource center as an easier way to write and store documents. This could eliminate the need to saving devices such as discs and CD's that tend to pile up or get lost. This way participants could also access files from other computers they may gain access too!
How convenient!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Wiki's!
As a university student, I was always warned never ever to use Wiki's- specifically Wikipedia for as an informational source for a paper. After finding out that literally anybody can add or edit on a wiki I understood why. Yet I can see the benefits.
For my organization specifically, I could see using one specific for an event as we through many events that are collaborative efforts with other partner organizations. I think this would be a great way to get insight fast and easy from many differest parties to many different parties!
I could also see us using one for collaborative effort documents that change on a regular basis and from many different sources- mainly team work plans. It would be a great way to stay up to date.
I could also see one being set up for our participants to use as well as a general interest page. It would be great to get information out about programs and get feed back on them. It could help cater to our particpants interests as well as give them a chance to participate and comment.
We are a pretty small organization so I don't know how helpful it would actually be to use wiki's. Also, I am wary of the fact that just anybody who goes on could edit them. I just wouldn't want them to be used negatively.
For my organization specifically, I could see using one specific for an event as we through many events that are collaborative efforts with other partner organizations. I think this would be a great way to get insight fast and easy from many differest parties to many different parties!
I could also see us using one for collaborative effort documents that change on a regular basis and from many different sources- mainly team work plans. It would be a great way to stay up to date.
I could also see one being set up for our participants to use as well as a general interest page. It would be great to get information out about programs and get feed back on them. It could help cater to our particpants interests as well as give them a chance to participate and comment.
We are a pretty small organization so I don't know how helpful it would actually be to use wiki's. Also, I am wary of the fact that just anybody who goes on could edit them. I just wouldn't want them to be used negatively.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Web 2.0 and Me!
1- So after reading Meredith's Blog about library 2.0, I began to understand the meaning of 2.0... atleast all the different meanings/definitions that it can have. I agree with Meredith that sometimes people make a half hearted effort to keep up with ever changing technology and end up failing or being worse off than before. I also agree that you need to know your audience/customers before diving in... maybe it isn't worth the effort. In terms of putting the customer first I totally agree with that philosophy and that should never change.
So 2.0 is technollogy and customer service and the debate is which is more important (this is how I understand it)
Some positive things with Library 2.0 are that I think its great and important for libraries to change and evolve with their changing and evolving users. What I agree with is, that each indiviual library should put the customers first and pay attention to what they want before attemptin or implementing any new technology that won't be utilized. Also, if you are going to do it, do it right. Get the proper training and stay on it!
Overall, I agree to keep the customer needs in mind first and use what would be helpful in terms of technology.
2- I read:
- What does Web 2.0 mean for your non-profit?
-Power to the people
- Two more powerful ways to cooperate
3- All three articles spoke to the same theme of Web 2.0 a little differently. Power from the people- focused on different applications that could be used to promote the organization, gather followers or sell memberships or collect donations. Overall it spoke to how to get your audience participating. "What does Web 2.0 mean for your non-profit?" spoke to how you could use 2.0 to advocate for change, fundraise and promote. "Two better ways to cooperate" talks about how to create better services, better information and to reach more of the web as well as how to build on the intelligences of the business professions, the users and everyone involved.
From reading all of these articles I realize Web 2.0 means many things. To me, it means using the latest technologies to create a community of up to date and vast information. To connect with people and to provide easy to use tools to find the information you need. It means utilizing everything available in an easily accessible form. Being organized and being user friendly. It means providing a service to your customers and appreciating their knowledge.
So 2.0 is technollogy and customer service and the debate is which is more important (this is how I understand it)
Some positive things with Library 2.0 are that I think its great and important for libraries to change and evolve with their changing and evolving users. What I agree with is, that each indiviual library should put the customers first and pay attention to what they want before attemptin or implementing any new technology that won't be utilized. Also, if you are going to do it, do it right. Get the proper training and stay on it!
Overall, I agree to keep the customer needs in mind first and use what would be helpful in terms of technology.
2- I read:
- What does Web 2.0 mean for your non-profit?
-Power to the people
- Two more powerful ways to cooperate
3- All three articles spoke to the same theme of Web 2.0 a little differently. Power from the people- focused on different applications that could be used to promote the organization, gather followers or sell memberships or collect donations. Overall it spoke to how to get your audience participating. "What does Web 2.0 mean for your non-profit?" spoke to how you could use 2.0 to advocate for change, fundraise and promote. "Two better ways to cooperate" talks about how to create better services, better information and to reach more of the web as well as how to build on the intelligences of the business professions, the users and everyone involved.
From reading all of these articles I realize Web 2.0 means many things. To me, it means using the latest technologies to create a community of up to date and vast information. To connect with people and to provide easy to use tools to find the information you need. It means utilizing everything available in an easily accessible form. Being organized and being user friendly. It means providing a service to your customers and appreciating their knowledge.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Delicious and Technorati
Hello!
So wow! More wonderful web applications!
I found delicous to be interesting. I think it would be useful for some members of our team to collect and organize important or popular resources for their programs. I find it very similar to out web pages we have visited earlier in the course. I do like how you can create your own tag word and also search other blogs etc. that use that same word. It is also helpful in linking to other related tag words.
I would probably use it for both work and personal purposes... its another way to get organized and stay up to date- that is helpful both in my personal and professional life.
Technorati.... I like the fact that you can search blogs by subject. What I did find is that when you search by keyword or topic, you get alot of different blogs... of which some are totally not related. So I guess it would just take some practice as to how best to search and find what you are looking for. I did find that you get different results when you search using the search engine vs the blog tag. Personally I like the blog tag... it gives you a synopsis for each find and also gives a picture :) I think the tool could be useful, perhaps on a more personal level. It reminds me of my homepage on msn. It allows you to search by popular news topics but it also lets you add favorites and check out what other people are saying.
So wow! More wonderful web applications!
I found delicous to be interesting. I think it would be useful for some members of our team to collect and organize important or popular resources for their programs. I find it very similar to out web pages we have visited earlier in the course. I do like how you can create your own tag word and also search other blogs etc. that use that same word. It is also helpful in linking to other related tag words.
I would probably use it for both work and personal purposes... its another way to get organized and stay up to date- that is helpful both in my personal and professional life.
Technorati.... I like the fact that you can search blogs by subject. What I did find is that when you search by keyword or topic, you get alot of different blogs... of which some are totally not related. So I guess it would just take some practice as to how best to search and find what you are looking for. I did find that you get different results when you search using the search engine vs the blog tag. Personally I like the blog tag... it gives you a synopsis for each find and also gives a picture :) I think the tool could be useful, perhaps on a more personal level. It reminds me of my homepage on msn. It allows you to search by popular news topics but it also lets you add favorites and check out what other people are saying.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Aaaah Facebook and Library Thing!
I have to admit it straight out... I am a facebook addict! I love being able to keep in touch with friends and family and get in contact with people I never thought I would see again! It's such an easy way to let people know what you are up to and to see what everyone else is up to in this crazy hectic life that sometimes makes it impossible to see or connect with people otherwise.
For organizations... this can be a con, because as much as it may be helpful to a company as a business tool... it is still very much a social tool that has the ability to take up a lot of ones time.
Also, you cannot control what one posts on a page and it has also risen as a popular form of bullying. It could therefore, be a way for coworkers to bad mouth each other or the organization. Also, I don't think you could limit viewing to just the organization... so you don't know who all may be viewing the information.
On the plus side, I could also see it being good to get a message across to a large amount of people- company mission etc. Also, to connect and encourage communication between employees. Its also great for setting up groups and creating events and sending invitations etc.
If used professionally, it has the potential to be great for an organization... but it also has the potential to be destructive. I guess it just comes down to the individual organizations, and their goals and motives.
As a personal tool.... AMAZING:)
As for Library Thing... I love it! It offers up options for books you may be interested in and organizes the books you have read and the ones you want to. You can even blog about them and talk with others. I think its an amazing tool for people who love books.
For organizations... this can be a con, because as much as it may be helpful to a company as a business tool... it is still very much a social tool that has the ability to take up a lot of ones time.
Also, you cannot control what one posts on a page and it has also risen as a popular form of bullying. It could therefore, be a way for coworkers to bad mouth each other or the organization. Also, I don't think you could limit viewing to just the organization... so you don't know who all may be viewing the information.
On the plus side, I could also see it being good to get a message across to a large amount of people- company mission etc. Also, to connect and encourage communication between employees. Its also great for setting up groups and creating events and sending invitations etc.
If used professionally, it has the potential to be great for an organization... but it also has the potential to be destructive. I guess it just comes down to the individual organizations, and their goals and motives.
As a personal tool.... AMAZING:)
As for Library Thing... I love it! It offers up options for books you may be interested in and organizes the books you have read and the ones you want to. You can even blog about them and talk with others. I think its an amazing tool for people who love books.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
RSS Bliss!
Hello all! :)
So from everything I have experienced over the web, I have to say these feeds are a pretty easy concept. It was super easy to create an account and to add feeds. I think that these could be extremely helpful in a variety of situations when it comes to keeping up to date and current. SO woohoo for feeds!
I found that using bloglines search tool was the easist for me... I like the variety of different search options and the way they list the results.
I can see how this may be helpful to my organization... perhaps on the medical side in terms of staying up to date with current medical information... or to programs leads who need help with recipe ideas or weather information... it could be useful to anyone because it can provide such a varied amount of information:)
I certainly enjoyed exploring feeds and will have to browse a bit more for myself... after work that is:)
Have a good day!
So from everything I have experienced over the web, I have to say these feeds are a pretty easy concept. It was super easy to create an account and to add feeds. I think that these could be extremely helpful in a variety of situations when it comes to keeping up to date and current. SO woohoo for feeds!
I found that using bloglines search tool was the easist for me... I like the variety of different search options and the way they list the results.
I can see how this may be helpful to my organization... perhaps on the medical side in terms of staying up to date with current medical information... or to programs leads who need help with recipe ideas or weather information... it could be useful to anyone because it can provide such a varied amount of information:)
I certainly enjoyed exploring feeds and will have to browse a bit more for myself... after work that is:)
Have a good day!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Mash ups... wow!
So what a load of info! I never knew that this all existed out on the world wide web :)
There are aspects that I think would be very useful for my organization. For one.... we take lots of pictures of events and the like and a tool like flickr would allow us to do many things with the pictures... from simply editing to being able to share them throughout the company and also being able to make things like calendars which would be great for fundraising purposes... or gifts to funders... endless possibilities.
The mash ups certainly are a tough concept to get through but the idea of being able to merge the different aspects of different sites to create a new tool or new service is an amazing concept. I think this kind of idea could help enhance my organizations own website... making it more efficient and beneficial for staff as well as for community members and program participants... what a concept!
Amazing!
There are aspects that I think would be very useful for my organization. For one.... we take lots of pictures of events and the like and a tool like flickr would allow us to do many things with the pictures... from simply editing to being able to share them throughout the company and also being able to make things like calendars which would be great for fundraising purposes... or gifts to funders... endless possibilities.
The mash ups certainly are a tough concept to get through but the idea of being able to merge the different aspects of different sites to create a new tool or new service is an amazing concept. I think this kind of idea could help enhance my organizations own website... making it more efficient and beneficial for staff as well as for community members and program participants... what a concept!
Amazing!
Just Relax!
I am never more relaxed than I am on my annual camping trip. I could sit on a beach and look out on the water and I swear its the only thing that makes me truely forget all my worries. The best is though is when the sun goes down. I let my mind just go completely blank..... take deep breaths and just let myself be in awe with the world around me. You just can't beat a sunset!Monday, September 15, 2008
My First Blog!
Hello:)
So overall, I am excited about this whole course. Of course, there are some things that make me more nervous than others... fear of the unknown:)
Some of the topics covered in the training I am already familiar with. As a student, I have become quite familiar with Wikipedia, even though its use in papers was taboo and frowned upon, I find it a helpful tool in satiating my curiosity. Need I say that I am also a Facebook addict?? It is not an exageration to say that I am on atleast once a day. Through Facebook, I have connected with people I haven't even heard from in ages... fascinating!
I am also aware of blogs but am a virgin user... this is my first one!
There are also lots of things that I am not familiar with coming up in this course. For example, flickr, Rss and Library Thing. I have come to the conclusion that it is near impossible and certainly is a full time endeavor to stay up to date with the latest computer applications or technology related material and resources.
Though there is lots of stuff coming up that I am not neccessarily familiar with, I am excited to add to my knowledge base and become more techno/computer savvy! I look forward to increasing my knowledge, as well as learning how to adapt my existing knowledge to benefit my workplace and my co-workers.
Nervous? Sure! But everyone starts somewhere... and through courses like this, the unknown becomes the known. :)
So overall, I am excited about this whole course. Of course, there are some things that make me more nervous than others... fear of the unknown:)
Some of the topics covered in the training I am already familiar with. As a student, I have become quite familiar with Wikipedia, even though its use in papers was taboo and frowned upon, I find it a helpful tool in satiating my curiosity. Need I say that I am also a Facebook addict?? It is not an exageration to say that I am on atleast once a day. Through Facebook, I have connected with people I haven't even heard from in ages... fascinating!
I am also aware of blogs but am a virgin user... this is my first one!
There are also lots of things that I am not familiar with coming up in this course. For example, flickr, Rss and Library Thing. I have come to the conclusion that it is near impossible and certainly is a full time endeavor to stay up to date with the latest computer applications or technology related material and resources.
Though there is lots of stuff coming up that I am not neccessarily familiar with, I am excited to add to my knowledge base and become more techno/computer savvy! I look forward to increasing my knowledge, as well as learning how to adapt my existing knowledge to benefit my workplace and my co-workers.
Nervous? Sure! But everyone starts somewhere... and through courses like this, the unknown becomes the known. :)
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