Childsong - Music for Children

Relax & Reflect with Web 2.0

2008-08-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Here are my answers to the given questions:

1) What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?

I enjoyed the geomap and I will definitely use it in the future.

2) How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?

I cannot foresee any permanent affects this program will have on my lifelong learning goals.

3) Were there any take-aways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you?

Not really.

4) What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?

1. Not try to do so much.

2. Be more discerning on what is really needed.

3. Give more time/exercises to allow true proficiency. This reminded me of cramming for tests, where as soon as the test is complete, the information quickly leaves your brain. True proficiency comes from repeated experiences with a task. I guess my question is, how can parts of this program become more a part of our regular job duties?

4. If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you again chose to participate?

No - unless a clearer rationale for being involved can be stated and that it is not just a short, cram session.

Gaming on Web 2.0

2008-08-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

I don't do much gaming - whether on-line, CD-rom, X-Box, etc. I get too bored with them. For me, they can be fun at first, but all too soon, I get anxious and need to do something more fun/productive (i.e. playing guitar/piano, taking a walk, spending time with my family). The games at Yahoo were interesting and easy to understand but I just can't sit still that long to get proficient at them.

Maps and Geotagging with Web 2.0

2008-08-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed looking at real 3-D images of places. I found my house, my old house, and the Brier Library. I am a very visual person and being able to see where I am going is a difinite plus when trying to find somewhere.

Avatar & Web 2.0

2008-08-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my avatar:

I do not live in Second Life because my first life is filled to the brim and I do not have a need to live vacariously through a computer. Therefore, I do not have any desire to live in Second Life and I have to say I feel a little sorry for those who feel the need to do so. My advise for them is, turn off your computer, go outside and find real people to interact with, and explore the possibilities that this life has to offer.

On-Line Applications & Tools with Web 2.0

2008-08-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

I can see why you would want to use on-line applications. It would save you a great deal of computer space. Begin able to download Excel documents into the application was great. I do have a few questions, and if given the time, I could probably find the answers: I wonder about the possibility of losing the information. How long will the on-line application provider keep my information? What is the limit to the amount of files I keep?

Search Engines & Web 2.0

2008-08-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Personally, I don't like spending a great deal of time doing searches on the web. However, when using a search engine, I often use GoodSearch because of it support of non-profit organizations. It may not be as efficient as Google, but helping organizations that I care about is worth the extra effort.

Podcast @ Web 2.0

2008-08-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Answers to questions:

1) Which library blogs did you listen to?

Booktalks Quick and Simple (with Nancy Keane)
What's New at the Lunar & Planetary Institute

2) Do you see podcasting as a useful tool for Sno-Isle Libraries?

Perhaps. I have been a part of the children's books podcasts, and they have been fun to do. I do not know the level that they are being listened to.

3) Any ideas about which topics our patrons might be interested in hearing?

Brier has a lot of patrons who are interested in geneology.

4) Do you have any experience with listening to, or creating podcasts?

Besides Sno-Isle's children's books podcasts, I listen to "Wait, wait, don't tell me" and "This American Life" podcasts through NPR.

#13 Playtime with Online Image Generators Review

2008-06-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

What a blast! I had a lot of fun with the Chance Card maker. When I get more time, I will be going back to this.

#12 Overdrive Downloads Review

2008-06-25T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have previously used Overdrive to listen to books and classical music recordings in the collection. It's a great way to hear some unique things in our digital collection. We could expand our classical selection and see what contemporary composers we could add.

This is a wonderful service that would be great for customers who are home bound and can't get to a physical library for materials.

#11 Tag, You're It! Review

2008-06-25T19:11:00.001-07:00

I set up an account on del.icio.us and looked around. It definitely is a helpful way to find websites that I am interested in. (I even downloaded an MP3 of John Denver's first album using a website listed on del.icio.us!)

What I think is best about this is the ease of finding relevant websites.

Wiki Review

2008-06-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

I thought that a Wiki might come in handy to coordinate events happening in the library. Maybe even a way an employee may be able to keep on track with his/her supervisor. Very interesting.

YouTube, Hulu & Fancast Review

2008-06-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

I have used YouTube before and it is entertaining to see the vast array of short videos are out there - especially those created by 'unprofessionals.

Hulu was great to see some T.V. shows that I have been wanting to see but haven't had the chance since I don't have cable.

What I liked most about Fancast was the in depth review of films - very helpful when looking for movies for my children to see.

I think these sites are helpful in keeping staff up to date with what visual entertainment is out there and help customers looking for the right kinds of DVDs to check out.

I really enjoyed this video on YouTube showing a guy playing the guitar like it was a piano. FANTASTIC!

Facebook Review

2008-06-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed setting up my page on Facebook. It was simple to use and it had some wonderful features - adding pictures, ease of finding 'friends', and walking me through the steps.

I can see that these would be popular for communicating with friends and family and keeping them up-to-date on what's happening with your life.

Flikr Review

2008-06-20T15:53:00.001-07:00

The image I found that I really liked was a close up of a tiger. http://www.flickr.com/photos/durotriges/159200035/
I like that it shows only the tiger's left eye, 1/2 of its face, and a little of its neck. It looks like you're looking into the tiger's soul.

Review of Pandora and Streaming Music

2008-06-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

I like that I can listen to a 'station' that takes my musical interests in mind. However, I am disappointed that Pandora only plays only part of the classical pieces. I'm assuming they do that so that they don't have to pay the recording companies for the use of the recordings - and of course, record companies like it because it advertises their recordings and may increase sales.

When I have more time, perhaps I will add to my 'stations' list and hopefully find one that plays the compete works.

RSS Review

2008-06-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

I don't usually read blogs so personally, this is not much help to me. However, I at least can understand the concept and this will help me to assist customers.

Now to answer the questions:

What do you like about RSS and feed readers?
I can see how it is a more efficient way to keep up to date on blogs to which you are interested in subscribing.

How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your work or personal life?
This gives me a better understanding so that I can help Library customers.

How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology?
Enable customers see the additions to our collection.

If you’re already using a feed reader, share your experiences with your co-workers. Which one do you use? Do you find it useful to get posts right when they are published?
I am currently not using a feed reader and am not really that interested in reading blogs.

IM Review 2

2008-06-18T18:20:00.001-07:00

Well, I forgot to see the questions I was supposed to answer, so here goes:

Have you used any other IM programs before?
No.

Were you surprised by anything?
Yes - How quickly the messages were sent back and forth.

How do you feel about IM as a mode of communication?
I think it can be an excellent way to communicate and hopefully, with a lot less of the confusion that emails cause when it comes to being able to be clear in your communications.

Review of IM

2008-06-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten to week 4 and it was a lot of fun! I sent my co-worker a video from YouTube and I was amazed how quickly the messages went back and forth! Wow!

The Importance of Quality Music in Young Children's Lives

2008-03-31T16:25:00.000-07:00

Parents will often ask me, "What kind of music should I be playing for my child?" My answer is always, "Any and all, as long as it is of the highest quality." So, what is quality music? you may be asking. Well, Music that you and the child enjoy most is the first criteria. If you and/or your child do not enjoy the recording you have purchased, it will sit on your shelf collecting dust and you will just be asking yourself, "Why in the heck did I buy that junk anyway?"

Secondly, it should be music that speaks to the heart, is not trite in its approach, and has as its only purpose to express something musically. Which means, it should not be trying to teach your child how to do daily tasks (i.e. Wash your hands before a meal, using the potty, etc.), how to count, how to tell colors, or any other external concepts. Music which does this, gets old fast and is soon discarded. Why waste your precious money on it?

Finally, it should include real instruments (not electronically "synthesized"). if it includes singing, proper vocal production is essential.So, that being said, stay away from Disney Recordings, most childhood entertainers, and Sesame Street. Most parents know that you shouldn't plunk their children down in front of the T.V. and let them watch anything that comes on. I am asking you to do the same with the music to which your children are exposed. Be mindful and intentional and you will give your children a lifetime of musical enjoyment.