The End is Here!

It has been a long journey, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! I would describe 23 Things as a roller coaster; definite highs with some activities that I loved, as well as some lows where I felt like I was wasting my time. But isn't that the way learning happens? Anyway, my favs were LibraryThing, YouTube, audiobooks and online productivity tools. I felt like the program was useful both on a personal level and professional. A suggestion for the next discovery program is to hold it over the winter; summertime has been difficult due to the Summer Reading Program and vacations.

Overall, 23 Things dragged me kicking and screaming into Library 2.0, yet I find myself embracing the technology that I've learned on this adventure. I hope the library continues to do programs like this.

Downloadable Audiobooks

For this exercise, I focused on Overdrive. I started with the link from the "23 Things" site, but changed to HCPL website because I thought it was more user friendly. Not to kiss up to anyone, but I think the information on our website is very clear and direct for our users. Anyway, several books caught my eye and I was amazed at how many were already checked out. Lets just say I'm a little impatient and kept looking until I found one available. It was easy to checkout and I'm anxious to go home to download the book. I'm not a huge fan of audiobooks, but my neighor swears her house is never cleaner than when she's listening to a good book. Let's see if it works magic at my house ;-)

Podcast

After exploring both podcast.net and yahoo podcasts, I decided I liked yahoo better. It was user friendly and I had better luck searching for things. Overall, I don't see myself using this much, but at least I can say I've tried it.

YouTube

I don't think I can say it enough.....I LOVE YouTube!! I've mention in a previous post how I love to go on the site whenever I need a good laugh. There's always the Blockbuster commercial about How to Use a Mouse. But I've noticed lately that I've been using YouTube more to see items that I've missed or that I actually saw on TV and want to show my hubby. Like the Tour de France Dog clip, when the dog walked in front of a rider (they both walked away unharmed, but I can't say the same for the bike). Long live YouTube!

Farecast

I chose to explore Farecast for #19 Exploring Web 2.0. Farecast is an online prediction site that lets you compare flights offered by some of the major online travel site like Expedia. I tried a few comparison flights to dream locations. Not only did I find some great flights, but Farecast recommended waiting because they predicted fares would decrease. A cool site that I'll bookmark for future use!

Online Productivity Tools

Now this is something that I can see a value to in both work, school, etc. The fact that you don't have to worry about different versions and that multiple people can have access to the document is wonderful. I tried Google Docs and found it very easy to use. Even my mother could figure it out, and that's saying something!

Sandbox Wiki

OK, I have to say the experience was a bit confusing. I know it was suppose to be a "fun" wiki, but it wasn't :-(