Lunge 21. Yippeeeee!

What were your favorite modules in the program?

You know what? I love blogging! By far my most favourite aspect of the program and I got to do it each time I completed a Lunge!

What technology did you find most interesting for your personal use?

I would have to say Facebook. I have used this tool more than any of the others I have learned about. I was a facebook sceptic at the start, but I can see how people embrace it. Having said that, I am not addicted and I can go without.

I thought that 43 things really encouraged the social networking of strangers. It is almost a pseudo group therapy for many users.

What technology did you think would be most useful professionally for RMIT University Library?

As I pointed out earlier, I think that it would be worthwhile advertising on some of the social networking sites. Use the tag "library" and an ad for RMIT library pops up.

Also, the pipes technology could be a useful way of mashing up existing info on the web to create relevant output.

There has got to be some way that Librarians can create a search string on a hot topic and RSS it to their Subject pages??

And another thing. I can totally see myself using the Wiki technology to create processing manuals for work. Anyone who knows, me, knows I love a manual (and a checklist)(for everything)LOL!

Were there any unexpected Web 2.0 modules that really surprised you i.e. that you really didn't know anything about or expect?

Again, the mashup technology. I think that it would take some planning and know how to create a great mashup.

What could be done differently to improve this program’s format or concept?

I think that the self paced nature of the course is a great idea except that it is difficult to find time. I found it really useful for my unit to schedule time with our champion to touch base and make the time to work on it. Perhaps the scheduling of time could be more formalised. Everyone is good at scheduling and attending other staff development activities, so shy not this too?

And of course,

If there is anything else you'd like to tell us about the program, please feel free to do so.

I found some of the technologies a bit OTT! I would love to take a class or see a demo of the mashup technology and see how other Libraries are using it professionally. In some ways Web 2.0 feels a bit isolating rather that networking!

The lunge champions, truly are champions. What a great concept.

Lunge 20. Web 3.0...R U serious?

Web 3.0. I think it is achievable. My favourite Web 3.0 technology is the Internet fridge...scan the barcode of products as they run out and your fridge automatically adds them to your shopping list (ie. virtual shopping cart) and orders them for you online for delivery on your chosen date. Or reminds you via text that your milk is out of date and you should pick some up on the way home.

People are already setting security devices, recording TV shows and turning on the air conditioning at home from their mobile phone. This isn't so far of a stretch from 3.0!

Meanwhile, I attended a conference at the start of this year and saw a great demo of how higher education are using Second Life as an accessible teaching tool with virtual classrooms and libraries. Neat!

Lunge 19. Nearly there!

1. Go to 43 Things. Check

2. Create an account by clicking "Log In". Check

3. Write one thing that you want to accomplish. Check.. 1 of my 43 things

4. See who else wants to do that. No one else exactly, but plenty of other with similar goals.

5. See what other goals 43 Things suggests are similar. Check

6. Write a little bit about your goal. check Got 1 cheer within minutes of posting my goal!

7. Make sure your email address gets verified. check.

8. List places you'd like to go at 43 Places (the link is on your profile). Hmm couldn't see this option

9. Create a "best of" list through the link at the bottom of your account. Hmmm. no option appearing on my account page to enable this??

10. Log out and log back in again. Not too hard.

11. Bookmark your profile. check

12. Add your profile to the list of links on your blog. Check...hmmm sort of. Added my profile to my blog, but it is not displaying. I also put a link to 43 things from my links list.

13. Go back to the 43 Things website homepage, and click on one of the goals listed there. check. Leave notes in library books. Thought this was controversial, until I read further. ie. use post it notes. Noticed that RMIT had a sponsored link for library courses. Perhaps the Library could get a sponsored link too (perhaps to Ask a librarian)

14. Click on one of the tags listed in "Today's Tags". Today's tags appear as a cloud. Most popular tags in the cloud are: Fun, health, life, love and family. Predictable, yet reassuring.

15. Adjust the rate that you want 43 Things to remind you to pursue your goal. Check.

16. Write a post on your blog about your goal, with a link to the goal in the post. Check. See this post (no# 3)!

17. Create a del.icio.us link to your 43 Things profile. Check. Over and out!

Lunge 18. IM, Skype and chat

I was fortunate enought to attend Bernie Langham's presentation on online voice discussion. I would describe it as similar to a teleconference, but with online interaction and the ability to record the discussion threads. IST for remote students anyone?

I haven't got a computer at home (Yes, you heard right!), so I am unable to set up a Skype account). However, friends of mine use Skype to phone relatives oberseas for a fraction of the cost of an STD call (and you get to see them while you are at it). I never thought I would see the day when you had to touch up your lippy before receiving a call!

Lunge 17. Forums, groups and networking

Ahhh, finally, some professional networking sites!
Using social networking tools for professional purposes seemed a little too like an oxymoron to me.
Professional forums seem to attract self promoters. Sites appear to be too commercial and maybe not what I am looking for in regards to professional networking for librarians. I have become a little disillusioned since the first sentence in this post. Perhaps I haven't found the right one for me. I am sure it is out there somewhere.

Lunge 14. What do I think

Yo Bloggers
I took the Survey Monkey survey to give my feedback on the program.
I think the Web 2.0 technologies are great, but I get the distinct vibe that not all Gen netters are using it for social networking. Anecdotally, I think that Techies, geeks and librarians are into it more than the general population. Having said that, a quick stroll around the students working on comuters in the library indicates that almost all are addicted to Facebook and Youtube!

Lunge 16. Online image generators, tools and widgets.

You would reeeeally need to be dedicated to use these nifty tools! The possibilities are endless.
I can see myself RSSing soemone else's pipe, but creating one seems way too tricky!
There are no sclipo pies on Australian Wineries. Any wine drinking geeks out there?

I sent a sclipo called The Psychology of Internet Marketing and sales to the "Economics, Finance and Marketing" Liaison Librarian for her perusal.

A pipe about Web 2.0 anyone?
Web 2.0 pipe