美国明尼苏达大学图书馆的elearning2.0学习工具的使用项目博客

UMD Library Learning 2.0
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/liblearn/blog/
November 16, 2007
#A Wrap up (optional)
Thanks for all your hard work. We appreciate your thoughts. Please comment on this blog post with your thoughts about this whole 20some thing project.
Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (7)
November 02, 2007
#23 Discovering Web 2.0 tools
Throughout the course of this Learning 2.0 program we’ve explored just a small sampling of these new internet technologies and websites that are empowering users with the ability to create and share content. But given time there are so many more we could explore. And although time will only tell which of these new collaborative, social networking and information tools will remain on top, one thing is for sure, they're not going to go away (at least anytime soon).
For this discovery exercise, participants are asked to select any site from this list ofWeb 2.0 Awards nominees and explore it. With so many to choose from, it might be handy to first select a category that interests you (like Books or Personal Organization) and then simply select a tool/site to explore. Be careful to select a tool that is Free and that doesn't require a plug-in or download. The majority of these free, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Discovery Exercise:
Select any site/tool from the list ofWeb 2.0 Awards nominees. (If you prefer to select from just the winners, here’s a link to theshort list.)
Explore the site you selected.
Create a post about your discovery. What did you like or dislike about the tool? What were the site’s useful features? Could you see any applications for its use in a library setting?
Web 2.0 – with so much to explore, just start with ONE. :)Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:01 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)
#22 Web-based Apps: They're not just for desktops

The availability and use of online productivity web-based applications (think word processing and spreadsheets) has exploded over the past two years and for good reasons! These powerful applications provide users with the ability to create and share documents over the internet without the need of installed desktop applications. Some experts speculate that this emerging trend may mean the death to Microsoft Office and other software-based productivity tools, while others think web-based applications have their place, but not in the office. But no matter which side of the office suite platform you side with, on this both sides seem to agree; web-based apps have their place.
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One large benefit to web-based applications is that they eliminate the need to worry about different software versions or file types as you email documents or move from PC to PC. Another bonus is that they easily accommodate collaboration by allowing multiple users to edit the same file (with versioning) and provide users the ability to easily save and convert documents as multiple file types (including HTML and pdf). And, you can even use many of these tools, such asZoho Writer andGoogle Docs to author and publish posts to your blog. It’s this type of integration with other web 2.0 tools that also makes web-based apps so appealing.
For this discovery exercise, participants are asked to take a look at a web-based word processing toolZoho Writer orGoogle Docs, create a simple document and then record your discoveries in your blog. If you're up to the challenge, you might even export your document as an HTML file or publish it through Zoho to a Blogger account.
With Zoho and web-based applications, the possibilities are endless. Here’s adocument (viewable as a webpage) mocked up in Zoho about some of the features that may be beneficial.
Discovery Resources:
A short list ofweb-based productivity applications – Note: I authored this list in ZohoWriter and exported it as HTML.
Discovery Exercise:
Create a free account for yourself inZoho Writer or use your Gmail account to accessGoogle Docs.
Explore the site and create a test document or two.
Try outZoho Writer’s orGoogle Docs features and create a blog post about your discoveries.
Optional: Consider exploring other tools in either online application suite such as Google Calendar, etc.Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
October 19, 2007
#21 UM Wiki Sandbox
Playing in the Learning 2.0 Wiki Sandbox.
Discovery Resources:

Visit the University wiki site,TWiki
There is a lot of information on the page. For now just click on the All Webs link and see what others are doing with Twiki. (All Webs link)
Browse the list of Wiki topics in TWikiWebTopicList
Look atWhat is a WikiWord? to learn how to create links in TWiki.
Discovery Exercise:
"Sandbox" is the term that wikis often use to describe the area of the website that should be used for pure play. For this discovery and exploration exercise, we’ve set up a Learning 2.0 wiki that’s for nothing but play!
For this “explore-and-play-with-wikis” exercise, you are asked to add an entry to theLearning 2.0 UM wiki.
Please note that you will need to login using your internet ID and password to play with this wiki. You do not need to register for an account.
The theme of this wiki is simply “Favorites” : Favorite books, favorite vacation spots, favorite restaurants, favorite anything …all you need to do is play and add your thoughts.
Posted by Mary at 08:03 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#20 Playing around with PBWiki
Discovery Resources:
[Sorry, no podcast for this "thing." ]
PBwiki
PB Wiki Tour - Find out how this collaborative tool can be used
PBWiki Video Gallery - Short videos of PBwiki features
PB Wiki Tips
Discovery Exercise:
AccessMary's Learning 2.0 PB Wiki and edit or create a page. Note: The password is "liblearn" if you need to sign in.
Take a look atJodi's PB Wiki as an example of how wiki's can be used for fun as well as work. Note: The password is "cookies" if you need to sign in
Look at the list of25 ideas for using your PBwiki
Explore another free wiki site -Zoho Wiki
VisitMary's Learning 2.0 wiki on Zoho You have the option of leaving a comment.
Blog about your experience with the various wiki software. What did you like about PB Wiki or Zoho? Which was easier to use?
Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:02 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#19 So what’s in a wiki?
 
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A wiki is a collaborative website and authoring tool that allows users to easily add, remove and edit content.
Wikis in Plain English - Common Craft Show',3)">
Wikipedia, the online open-community encyclopedia, is the largest and perhaps the most well known of these knowledge sharing tools. With the benefits that wikis provide, the use and popularity of these tools is exploding.
Some of the benefits that make wikis so attractive are:
Anyone (registered or unregistered, if unrestricted) can add, edit or delete content.
Tracking tools within wikis allow you to easily keep up on what been changed and by whom.
Earlier versions of a page can be viewed and reinstated when needed.
And users do not need to know HTML in order to apply styles to text or add and edit content. In most cases simple syntax structure is used.
As the use of wikis has grown over the last few years, libraries all over the country have begun to use them to collaborate and share knowledge. Among their applications are pathfinder or subject guide wikis, book review wikis, ALA conference wikis and even library best practices wikis.
Discovery Resources:
Use these resources to learn more aboout wikis:
Wiki’s: A Beginner’s Look – an excellent short slide presentation that offers a short introduction and examples.
What is a Wiki? – Library Success wiki presentation
Using Wikis to Create Online Communities – a good overview of what a wiki is and how it can be used in libraries.
Discovery Exercise:
For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at some library wikis and blog about your finding. Here’s a few examples to get you started:
University of Minneosta LEO Home PageUniversity of Minnesota Libraries Staff Wiki Home PageSJCPL Subject Guides – a pathfinder wiki developed by the St. Joseph County Public Library systemBook Lovers Wiki - developed by the Princeton Public LibraryShareILL An Interlibrary Loan resource.Library Success: A best practices wikiALA 2007 Washington DC wiki – an example of a wiki created to support a specific eventThe Bull Run Library wiki - a public library wiki and also a Learning 2.0 participant Otherlibrary wiki examples
Create a blog post about your findings. What did you find interesting? What types of applications within libraries might work well with a wiki?
So what's in a wiki? Find out by doing some exploring on your own.Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
October 05, 2007
#18 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0 ...
 
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Library 2.0 is term used to describe a new set of concepts for developing and delivering library services. The name, as you may guess, is an extension of Web 2.0 and shares many of its same philosophies and concepts including harnessing the user input in both design and implementation of services, embracing constant change as a development cycle over the traditional notion of upgrades, and reworking library services to meet the users in their space, as opposed to ours (libraries).
Many have argued that the notion of Library 2.0 is more than just a term used to describe concepts that merely revolve around the use of technology; it also a term that can be used to describe both physical and mindset changes that are occurring within libraries to make our spaces and services more user-centric and inviting. Others within the profession have asserted that libraries have always been 2.0: collaborative, customer friendly and welcoming. But no matter which side of the debate proponents fall, both sides agree that libraries of tomorrow, even five or ten years from now, will look substantially different from libraries today.
Discovery Resources:
OCLC Next Space Newsletter –Web 2.0: Where will the next generation of the web it take libraries?
Five Perspectives:
Away from Icebergs
Into a new world of librarianshipTo more powerful ways to cooperate
To better bibliographic servicesTo a temporary place in time
Wikipedia –Library 2.0
Library 2.0Discussions (list of great references from Wikipedia)
Discovery Exercise: Read two or three of the perspectives on Library 2.0 from the list above. Create a blog post about your thoughts on any one of these? Library 2.0 - It's many things to many people. What does it mean to you? Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:03 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#17 Getting not-so-technical with Technorati
 
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So now that you’ve been blogging for awhile, you might be wondering just how big the blogosphere is. Well, according toTechnorati, the leading search tool and authority for blogs, the number of blogs doubles just aboutevery 6 months with over 107.9 million blogs currently being tracked by the site. Yes, these numbers are astounding, but as you’ve already seen for yourselves, blogging is so easy that these publishing tools are being taken advantage of by almost every industry, including libraries. So how does a person get their blog listed as part of the blogosphere and how can you tag your posts with keywords to make them more findable through a Technorati search? The answer to the first question is that your blog is probably already being captured by Technorati if you choseBlogger as your blogging tool. But if you want to join the party and have your blog officially listed on Technorati and also take advantage of the watchlist and other features, you’ll need toclaim your blog yourself. As for tagging posts with Technorati tags? This is easy, too. All you need to do is add a little bit of HTML code to the bottom of your post and Technorati will pick up these tags when it spiders (orweb crawls) your site. There are a lot of new features that have been added to Technorati, including new ways to search for blogs. You can search for keywords in blog posts, search for entire blog posts that have been tagged with a certain keyword, or search for blogs that have been registered and tagged as whole blogs about a certain subject (like photography or libraries).
Discovery Resources:
Technorati Tour – videocast of new features & new look TechnoratiDiscover &Popular features.
Discovery Exercise: Take a look at Technorati and try doing a keyword search for “Learning 2.0” in Blog posts, in tags and in the Blog Directory. Are the results different? Explorepopular blog, searches and tags. Is anything interesting or surprising in your results? Create a blog post about your discoveries on this site. OPTIONAL: If you're up for a challenge, learn how totag your posts by with Technorati tags so they can join tag searches. Create a post about something. It can be anything you want and add the HTML code to the bottom to tag it as “UMDLIBLEARN.” You may also want to considerclaiming your blog and creating awatchlist.
There's a lot to explore.Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:02 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)
#16 Tagging, folksomonies & social bookmarking in Del.icio.us
 
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Tagging is an open and informal method of categorizing that allows users to associate keywords with online content (webpages, pictures & posts). Unlike library subject cataloging, which follows a strict set of guidelines (i.e.Library of Congress subject headings), tagging is completely unstructured and freeform, allowing users to create connections between data anyway they want. In the past few weeks, we’ve already explored a few sites –Flickr andLibraryThing to name two --that allow users to take advantage of tagging and in the previous things many even used a common tag (UMDLIBLEARN) to create an association between photos that we individually uploaded.
This week, in addition to exploringTechnorati tagging, we want to also take at popular social bookmarking site called Del.icio.us (typed in ashttp://del.icio.us).Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking manager which allows you to bookmark a web page and add tags to categorize your bookmarks. Many users find that the real power of Del.icio.us is in the social network aspect, which allows you to see how other users have tagged similar links and also discover other websites that may be of interest to you. You can think of it as peering into another users’ filing cabinet, but with this powerful bookmarking tool each user's filing cabinet helps to build an expansive knowledge network. For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at Del.icio.us and learn about this popular bookmarking tool.
Discovery Resources:',7)">Us.ef.ul: A beginners guide to Del.icio.usSeveral Habits of wildly successful Del.icio.us users
Discovery Exercise:
View this 12 minute Del.icio.us tutorial to get a good overview of its features. Take a look at the bookmarks we've saved using theUMDLIBLEARN account that was created for this exercise. Also, using the del.icio.us search feature, find other sites tagged with "learning2.0" or "UMDLibLearn". Explore the site options and try clicking on a bookmark that has also been bookmarked by a lot of other users. Can you see the comments they added about this bookmark or the tags that they used to categorize this reference? Create a blog post about your experience and thoughts about this tool. Can you see the potential of this? Create aDel.icio.us account for yourself and discover how this useful bookmarking tool can replace your traditional browser bookmark list.
OPTIONAL: You might even want to explore Del.icio.us’ latest addition, anetwork badge. (Psst! see it over there at the end of the navigation sidebar)Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:01 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)
#15 Roll your own search engine
 
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Do you have a group of websites that are your favorites? Or a set of online resources that are similar that you frequently use to answer questions? WellRollyo may be the tool for you. Rollyo allows you to create your own search tool for just the websites you know and trust.
Take a look at some of these search rolls that have already been created:Public Domain e-Books SearchRare Book Library SearchFree PhotosQuick Quotes
Explore other rollshere.
Try a search for broad terms like "homework” or “history” to see results listed from multiple sites.
Discovery Exercise:
ExploreRollyo and create an account for yourself.
Create asearch roll for any subject you like.
Create a post in your blog about your experience and link to your search roll. Can you see a potential use for tools like this?
OPTIONAL: Add your searchroll to your blog using the " Create a Searchbox" tool.
Select Search Engine... Tech News Top News Search The Web Powered byRollyo

Rollyo - You just never know when this little tool might come in handy.Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
September 21, 2007
#14 A thing about LibraryThing
 
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Are you book lover or cataloger at heart? Or do you enjoy finding lost and forgotten gems on the shelf to read? ThenLibraryThing may be just the tool for you. Developed for booklovers, this online tool not only allows you to easily create an online catalog of your own it also connects you to other people who have similar libraries and reading tastes. Add a book to your catalog by just entering the title -- It’s so easy that you don’t even need MARC record training to do it – or connect with other users through your similar reading tastes. There are lots of ways to use LibraryThing. You can even view your books on avirtual shelf, add a widget (seesidebar for sample) to display titles that are in your catalog or install aLT Search box on your blog.
So why not join the ranks and create your own library online. With over 73,000 registered (BTW: LibraryThing also has group forum forlibrarians users and over 5.1 million cataloged books, you're bound to discover something new).
Discovery Resources:
About LibraryThing
Library Thing tourLibraryThing blog (updates & news)
Discovery Exercise:
Take a look aroundLibraryThing and create an account. Add a least 5 books to your library.
Blog about your findings and be sure to link to your LibraryThing catalog.
Photo - MicroSoft ClipartPosted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:02 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#13 Play around with Image Generators
 
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Generators? No, we are not talking about those gas powered back-up things. The generators we are talking about allow you to easily manipulate image and graphics to create fun images like these:

For this discovery exercise, we just want you to have fun. Find a few fun image or text generators to play around with and write a post in your blog about one of your favorites and display the result. Often adding the image you mocked up to your blog is as simple as copying and pasting code that the page provides. If not, you may just need to right click on the image and then save it to your hard drive before using Blogger’s image button to add it to your post.
If you’re having difficulty getting your image added to a post in your blog, just ask a member of the 2.0 team.
Discovery Resources:
The Generator Blog
Letter James
FD Toys Also try searching for online generators, text generators or image generators!
Discovery Exercise:
Play around with some image generators and find one that you like. Post the result of your discovery process in your blog.
Note: Be sure to include a link to the image generator itself, so other participants can discover it too.
So take some time and have fun with this exercise. And remember to be tasteful too!
* Images created withDummies Book Generator,FD Toys Magazine Cover,Comic Strip Generator. Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:01 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)
#12 Blog about Technology
Hi All!!!!!
For this thing, simply blog about anything technology related. Yes, it can be anything that relates to technology! You just need to share a few thoughts. For example, blog about what you've liked the most so far or if/how you plan to implement any of this in your daily life.
PS: Also be sure to add at least one comment to another participant's blog. That's what online communities are all about - connecting and communication. :) Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (1)
September 07, 2007
#11b Google Picasa Web Albums
The last "thing" looked at Flickr, this "thing" will explore another photo sharing site,Google Picasa
You can use the Gmail account you created to login and explore, or just explore if you choose not to create an account.
Either way, explore and learn about albums and tags.

Discovery Resources:
View this UTube video aboutusing Picasa
 
 
Picasa Web Albums
 
 
Picasa Getting Started Guide
 
Discovery Exercise:
For this discovery exercise explorePicasa.
Create a post in your blog about your experience.
Optional: Login with your Gmail login and password and upload a photo or batch of photos to an album. Tag the photos with the tag "UMDLibLearn".
For those who created an account and uploaded photos, try creating a link to the album in your blog, or try embeding a slideshow of your album in your blog. It's easy, just click on the links and copy and paste the code into your blog.
Reminder:You can check out the Library's Digital Camera for this exercise. So go ahead, explore and have fun.
PS: Reminder: photo posting etiquette - When posting identifiable photos of other people (especially minors) is it advisable to get the person's permission before posting their photo in a publicly accessible place like Flickr. Never upload pictures that weren't taken by you (unless you have the photographer's consent) and always give credit when you include photos taken by someone else in your blog.
Posted by Mary at 08:02 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#11a More Flickr Fun
 

Like many web 2.0 sites,Flickr has encouraged other people to build their own online applications using images found on the site. Through the use of APIs (application programming interfaces), many people have created third party tools andmashups* that use Flickr images. Here are just a sampling of a few …
Mappr - allows you to take Flickr images and paste them on a map
Flickr Color Pickr - lets you find public photos in Flickr that match a specific color.
Montagr – create a photo mosaic from photos found on Flickr.
Discover moremashups,web apps, andFlickr tools.
Discovery Exercise:
Your discovery exercise for this “thing” is to:
Explore some of the fun Flickr mashups and 3rd party tools that are out there. Create a blog post about one that intrigues you.
Some fun tools areFD Toys’Trading Card Maker. And there’s a ton of librarians out there that have created their ownLibrarian Trading Card.
So have some fun discovering and exploring some neat little apps. And if you're up to the challenge while you’re at it, why not create atrading card of your own. :)
* Mashup Note:Wikipedia offers some great articles that explain mashups. Basically they are hybrid web applications that take features from one application (like Flickr) and mash it up with another (like a map). In this example, you getMappr.
PS: Learning 2.0 image created bySpell with Flickr.Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:01 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#10 Discover Flickr

UMD Library!!
Originally uploaded byJodi.
Photo sharing websites have been around since the 90s, but it took a small startup site calledFlickr to catapult the idea of “sharing” into a full blown online community. Within the past year, Flickr has become the fastest growing photo sharing site on the web and is known as one of the first websites to use keyword “tags” to create associations and connections between photos and users of the site.
For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a good look at Flickr and discover what this site has to offer. Find out howtags work, whatgroups are, and all the neat things that people and otherlibraries.
Discovery Resources:
Flickr Learn More tour (6 steps)
Mediamazine Flickr Tutorials
Flickr:Popular tags
Interesting- Last 7 days
Flickr Services (3rd party applications & mashups)
and let’s not forget to look at some other libraries on Flickr
Discovery Exercise:
In this discovery exercise, you have two options…
Take a good look around Flickr and discover an interesting image that you want to blog about. Be sure to include either a link to the image or, if you create a Flickr account, you can useFlickr's blogging tool to add the image in your post. Another option you have for including images in your Blog.
-- OR --
If you're up to an easy challenge ... create a Free account inFlickr and use the library's digital camera to capture a few pictures of something in your area. Upload these to your Flickr account and tag at least one of the images “UMDLIBLEARN” and mark it public. Then create a post in your blog about your photo and experience. Be sure to include the image in your post. Once you have a Flickr account, you have two options for doing this: throughFlickr's blogging tool or using your own Blog 's photo upload feature.
Reminder:You can check out the Library's Digital Camera for this exercise. So go ahead, explore the site and have some Flickr photo fun and if you're interested in looking at some photo hosting sites, then why not check out thisWired story.
PS: A quick word about photo posting etiquette - When posting identifiable photos of other people (especially minors) is it advisable to get the person's permission before posting their photo in a publicly accessible place like Flickr. Never upload pictures that weren't taken by you (unless you have the photographer's consent) and always give credit when you include photos taken by someone else in your blog.
Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
August 24, 2007
#9 You too can YouTube
 
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Within the past year online video hosting sites have exploded allowing users to easily to upload and share videos on the web. Among all theweb 2.0 players in this area,YouTube is currently top dog serving up over1 million video views a day and allowing users not only to upload their own video content easily, but also embed clips into their own sites easily.
Do some searching around YouTube yourself and see what the site has to offer. You'll find everything from1970s TV commercials and60s music videos tolibrary dominos and kids singing aboutbloopers here. Of course, like any free site you’ll also find a lot stuff not worth watching too. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore and see for yourself what the site has too offer. :)
Discovery Exercise:
ExploreYouTube & find a video worth adding as an entry in your blog.
Create a blog post about your experience. What did you like or dislike about the site and why did you choose the video that you did? Can you see any features or componets of the site that might be interesting if they were applied to library websites?
OPTIONAL: Try placing the video inside your blog using the copy and paste code for the for "Embeddable Player.” Note: you'll need to use Blogger's Edit HTML tab when pasting this code.

Just For Fun (This is an embedded video.)
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Other popular video hosting sites:
Yahoo Videos
Google videos
NOTE: Videos, like music downloads, are bandwidth hogs so downloads may be slow.Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:01 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#8 Podcasts, Smodcasts!
 
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The word podcast is used to refer to a non-musical audio or video broadcast that is distributed over the Internet. What differentiates a podcast from regular streaming audio or video is that the delivery method for podcasts is often done automatically through RSS.
In 2005, "podcast" was named the "word of the year" by New Oxford American Dictionary and with the growth of podcasting over the last 24 months, it's easy to see why.
Podcasts take many forms, from short 1-10 minutes commentaries (like the ones used in this Learning 2.0 program) to much longer in person interviews or panel group discussions. There’s a podcast out there for just about every interest area and the best part about this technology is that you don’t have to have an iPod or a MP3 player to access them. Since podcasts use the MP3 file format, a popular compressed format for audio files, you really just need a PC (or portal device) with headphones or a speaker.
iTunes, the free downloadable application created by Apple is the directory finding service most associated with podcasts, but if you don’t have iTunes installed there are still plenty of options.
For this discovery exercise participants are asked to take a look at some popular podcast directory tools. Do some exploring on your own and locate a podcast that is of interest to you. Once found, you can easily pull the RSS feed into yourBloglines( or whatever newsreader you are using) account as well, so that when new casts become available you’ll be automatically notified of their existence.
Discovery Resources:
To find out more about podcasts start withYahoo: What is a podcast tutorial
There are many, many podcast directories and finding tools out there. Here are just three of the more popular ones that, unlike iTunes, don't require a software download:Podcast.net
Podcastalley.com
Yahoo PodcastsCheck out Minnesota Public Radio's Speedcast
What? You want to learn how to be a podcaster too?
(Optional Resources for those who want to learn create podcasts)
Yahoo:Publish a podcast
Odeo’s Studio – online recording studio.
How to podcast tutorial
Discovery Exercise:
Take a look at one or two of the podcast directories listed and see if you can find a podcast that interests you. See if you can find some interesting library related podcasts here like book review podcasts or library news.
Add the RSS feed for a podcast to yourBloglines account (or other newsreader account)
Create a blog post about your discovery process. Did you find anything useful here?
Optional: If you're ambitious, why not try to add a podcast to your Blog about Library 2.0 as an example)Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
August 10, 2007
#7 Finding Feeds
 
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Now that you have a newsreader (yourBloglines account orMy Yahoo! or Google or web browser like Firefox), you can begin adding other newsfeeds that interest you. There are several ways you can locate newsfeeds:
When visiting your favorite websites -- look fornews feed icons that indicate the website provides it. Often a feed icon will be displayed somewhere in the navigation bar of the site.
UseBlogline's Search tool - Bloglines recently expanded search tool lets you search for news feeds in addition to posts, citations and the web. Use the Search for Feeds option to locate RSS feeds you might be interested in.
Other Search tools that can help you find feeds:
Feedster - One of the largest collections of RSS feeds, Feedster lets you search for feeds in three categories: news, blogs & podcasts
Topix.net - This search tool allows you to locate recent newsfeed items based upon keyword or phrase searching. The tool focuses specifically on news and media outlet RSS feeds for information, not weblogs.
Syndic8.com - Syndic8 is an open directory of RSS feeds that contains thousands of RSS feeds that users have submitted.
Technorati - Technorati is a popular blog finding tool that lets you search for blogs. Since RSS feeds are inherent to all blogging tools, Technorati Blog Search can help you find RSS feeds for topic specific blogs you may be interested in.
Additonal Resource:Technorati Tutorial on finding and adding your blog
Discovery Exercise:
Explore some of the search tools noted above that can help you locate some news feeds.
Create a blog post about your experience. Don't know what to blog about? Here some questions to think about ...
Which method of finding feeds did you find easiest to use? Which Search tool was the easiest for you? Which was more confusing? What kind of useful feeds did you find in your travels? Or what kind of unusual ones did you find? What other tools or ways did you find to locate newsfeeds?
EXTRA STUFF -- Feed icon information:
The adoption of astandard feed icon among websites and browsers finally began to assist in stopping the madness and confusion caused by so many variations. So far this icon has been adopted by many websites and browers, including Opera, FireFox and IE7, where it displays in the address bar:

Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:03 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#6 Make life "really simple" with RSS & a newsreader
 
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FYI & ICYW: This is the longest podcast in the program.
You’ve heard of RSS? You’ve seen those small funny tags on websites? You’ve heard co-workers and acquaintances swear by it, but still have no idea what RSS is? Well don’t worry, according to arecent survey you’re still in the majority, but this is changing rapidly. In the information world, RSS is not only revolutionalizing the way news, media and content creators share information, but it also is swiftly changing the way everyday users are consuming information.
RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and is a file format for delivering regularly updated information over the web.
Just think about the websites and news information sources you visit every day. It takes time to visit those sites and scour the ad-filled and image-heavy pages for just the text you want to read, doesn’t it? Now imagine if you could visit all those information sources and web pages in just one place and all at the same time … without being bombarded with advertising… without having to search for new information on the page you’d already seen or read before… and without having to consume a lot of time visiting each site individually. Would that be valuable to you? Well, it’s available now through a newsreader and RSS.
This week’s discovery exercises focus on learning about RSS news feeds and setting up aBloglines account (a free online newsreader) or aMy Yahoo! or any other newsreader that will work for you to bring your feeds together.
Discovery Resources: RSS in Plain English by Common Craft',16)">
CNET Video: RSS – Feel the Need for Feeds (3:32) – a good over view of what RSS is and the benefits to users.
Using Bloglines Tutorial (how to keep up with dozens of blogs everyday) – This online tutorial walks you through how to setup a Bloglines account and add newsfeeds. Follow Steps 1 to 3 to set up your Bloglines account. Steps 4 – 9 are optional and cover how to subscribe to different types of feeds (podcasts, Flickr albums, etc)
Adding RSS Feeds to Bloglines - A short YouTube video that I created showing how to add feeds.
Discovery Exercise:
Follow the discovery resources above to learn more about RSS and newsreaders.
Create a free onlineBloglines account,My Yahoo! or any other newsreader for yourself. SeeUsing Bloglines Tutorial steps 1-3 for instructions.
Newsfeeds: Try it, it's easy! Add a few feeds from the following sourcesUMD Library Learning 2.0
The Library Memo
Reader’s Clubnew review feeds
Unshelved - Library cartoon feed
Create a post in your blog about this exercise. Optional: If you're up to the challenge, you can provide the URL address to your public bloglines account (find where to find this below)
Don’t know what to blog about? Think about these questions:
What do you like about RSS and newsreaders?
How do you think you might be able to use this technology in your work or personal life?How can libraries use RSS or take advantage of this new technology? How to find your public Bloglines URL:
Click on the Share tab within your Bloglines account:

Scroll down the right screen pane and locate the public URL (seescreenshot)
Be sure to add this as part of your post to demonstrate your completion of this activity.
In conclusion ...Why have a public account? To share blog rolls with others, of course.
Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 08:02 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
August 01, 2007
#5 Learn about Instant Messaging
What is Instant Messaging or IM?
Instant Messaging is one of the staples of online social networking.
According toWikipedia it is "a form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet."
Read through a few articles about IM to find out how libraries and others are using instant messaging:
IM Me - Library Journal
Wikipedia - Instant Messaging

There are dozens of instant messaging services and clients. An instant messaging client, such as AIM or MSN, allows you to chat using that specific client. An instant messaging service, such as Pidgin or Meebo, allows you create an account that combines all of your IM services for use at once.

To go learn more about the most popular instant messaging services and clients and view the pros and cons of each, browse this short but comprehensive guide all things Instant Messenger.Instant Messaging Tools and Technology - A Mini Guide
So who cares about Instant Messenging?
Here are some quick fun facts about some of the most popular instant messengers in the world and how many people use them (source: Wikipedia)
AIM: 53 million active users (Nielsen//NetRatings, August 2005), 195 million total (January 2003).
Windows Live Messenger: 29 million active (Nielsen//NetRatings, August 2005), 155 million total (April 2005).
Yahoo! Messenger: 21 million active (September 2005).
ICQ: 20 million active world wide (source), 400 million total.
QQ: 20 million peak simultaneously on-line users, 221 million active users (source).
Skype: 100 million total (April 2006).
Jabber: 13.5 million enterprise users (Osterman Research August 2005), this does not count users via ISPs and other service providers (estimated to be more than 7.5 million, for a total of at least 21 million)(source).
Sametime: 15 million enterprise users.
Gadu-Gadu: 5.6 million total (June 2006).
MXit: 1.5 million (mostly in South Africa and about 150,000 international) (source: IOL, 4 September 2006)
Discovery Exercise:
1. Learn aboutJabber, the University instant messaging program and sign up for an account. Send an instant message to a member of the Learning 2.0 team.
2. Check out a few different Instant Message software providers, like:
AIM
Yahoo Messenger
Meebo
Pidgin
Google Talk
MSN
Consider signing up for a non university IM account using your non-work email address. Play around with some fun features available in each. If you choose Aim, check out BkLuver36. Feel free to send an instant message to any of the Learning 2.0 team members (see the back of your Learning in Progress sign for contact information).
3. Write a blog post about Instant Messaging on one or both of these topics:
Does your library already use IM for reference?
Would it be good for internal communications?
P.S.--This site has Chat Lingo definitions--NetLingo and if you want even more information try theGlossary of Internet Terms
Posted by Heather Mc Lean at 08:01 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#4 Explore Facebook and MySpace
What is Social Networking?
Social Networking as defined inWikipedia is "A social network service focuses on the building and verifying of online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others, and which necessitates the use of software.
Most social network services are primarily web based and provide a collection of various ways for users to interact, such as chat, messaging, email, video, voice chat, file sharing, blogging, discussion groups, and so on."
Please follow this link and watch this short video onSocial Networking.
Libraries and Social Networking
Two of the most popular social networking sites areFacebook andMySpace.
For our exercises we will be working with Facebook as it is a more secure application. It is also the social networking utility most favored by college students.
Read through the links below to get an idea of what different libraries are doing in Myspace and Facebook and what librarians are saying about social networking!

 
 

 
 
The Librarian In Black's ideas about Myspace
 
 

 
Watch this short video to see how libraries are using Facebook applications for opac searching directly from someone's Facebook page. "The New Developers Facebook Platform: Why Libraries Care"


Facebook
Here is a link to get you started withFacebook.
Discovery Exercise:
1. Go toFacebook and sign up for an account. It's very straightforward, and requires only a little information. You will need to use your UMD email account.
Once you're logged in, "home" will take you to a start page that has news for you about your facebook Friends. "Profile" will take you to your own profile page. Next to the word "Profile" on the tabs, you can see the word "edit." Clicking this will let you edit your profile - add information about yourself and upload a photo to display.
2. Join a network. Some networks are geographical - a state or a large city. Others are topical - a movement or an event. Still more are job-related. Here are some library-related networks:
Library 2.0 Interest Group
Libraries and Librarians
NextGen Librarians
Librarians and Facebook
2. Search Groups. Join the UMD Library Learning 2.0 group.
3. Search for the Learning 2.0 team members facebook pages and feel free to poke us or send us a message or a wall post.
4. Blog about your Facebook experience. Tell us what Groups you found interesting.
Don't forget to log intoUMD LibLearnLog and record the link to your blog post.
Posted by Mary at 08:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (4)
July 31, 2007
#3 Grab yourself a blog in 3 steps
Now that you’ve learned about Learning 2.0 and understand how this program will work, it’s time to setup your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries and exercises. What is a blog? To learn more about blogs and how they work,click here. For this program, we recommend that you useUThink, a University supported blog hosting service. When you are at the homepage of UThink, click on "Start your own blog!" Use your internet id and password to log in. Uthink has made it very easy to set up a blog, just follow the directions.

However, if you want to blog anonymously, we recommendBlogger, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use.
Creating a blog using Blogger takes just three steps:
 
Create an account (viewscreenshot)
Name your blog (viewscreenshot)
Select your template. (viewscreenshot)
 
Once you’ve created your blog here are two important things to know:
 
To add posts: The maintenance interface that you will use to add posts, edit or change the step-up of your blog is accessed online athttp://www.blogger.com. Be sure to record your username and password in a program such asPassword Safe.
To view your blog:
 
Your blog address is http://(xxxx).blogspot.com, (xxxx)=the unique identifier you entered in Step 2. Be sure to also write down your blog address.
If you run into problems or would like more information about blogs and using Blogger here are some discovery resources you can use:   Freevlog’s Quicktime Tutorial: Setup a Free Blogger Blog Note: Ignore the opening comments about downloading Firefox if your PC doesn’t have it. This will work in Explorer just fine.
  Blogger’s Quick Tutorial
OK -- Now, it’s your turn...
 
Discovery Exercise:
Setup a blog for yourself throughBlogger orUThink.
 
Add a test post or two.
Note: Use one of your test posts to create an entry about the habits among the7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits that is easiest and hardest for you & why.
Have fun!!!!
 
IMPORTANT NOTE: How you choose to identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under a screen name, anonymously, or as yourself. However, in order to qualify for the staff incentive, you will need to log intoUMD LibLearnLog using your internet ID to record your progress.
Posted by Daniel Filipiak at 12:00 PM |Permalink |Comments (3)
#2 Safe Computing
When dealing with anything web related, safe computing practices are a must. Luckily, UMD's ITSS and UMTC's OIT have done the dirty work for us. Below are some safe computing links that will give you some basic tips for keeping your computing environment secure. Please review these practices.
http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/security/safe-computing.html
http://safecomputing.umn.edu/safepracticestoc.html
To help in organizing all the usernames and passwords you will acquire during this course, we recommend installingPassword Safe.
Installation:
Run the installation file pwsafe-3.09.exe.
Agree to the terms (click I Agree)
Choose installation type "Regular – one pc install" (and click Next):
Default components are fine (click Next)
Default install folder is fine (click Next)
Click Close
 
Usage
Launch Password Safe (start – programs – password safe)
Click “Create new database”
Enter a Safe Combination and type again to verify.
Right click, add group
Name the group
Save the Database on Novell (H: drive)
Right click group, click add entry
Enter title
Enter username
Enter password
Enter notes if needed
Enter URL if needed
 
We also recommend you readOIT's guide on choosing a strong password.
Lastly, you may want to sign up for a web based email rather than using your university email address to avoid filling up your UMD inbox. We suggestGmail,Hotmail,Yahoo, orHushmail . If you need an invite to Gmail, ask a Learning 2.0 team member for one. We'd be happy to help you out.
Posted by Sue Trettel at 11:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
#1 Introduction to Learning 2.0
This blog has been set-up as part of the UMD Library Learning 2.0 program to encourage staff to experiment and learn about the new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the context of information on the Internet today. The objectives of this program are to:
• Encourage exploration of Web 2.0 and new technologies by UMD Library staff.
• Provide staff with new tools (that are freely available on the Internet) to better support UMD Library’s mission:
The UMD Library's mission is to promote learning and research by providing information resources and services, up to date technologies, and knowledgeable staff in a welcoming environment.
• Reward staff for taking the initiative to complete 20some Things self-discovery exercises.
The Learning 2.0 program was originally designed byHelene Blowers, PLCMC Technology Director, with the support and assistance of several staff and is loosely based upon Stephen Abram's article,43 Things I (or you) might want to do this year (Information Outlook - Feb 2006) and thewebsite 43Things.
The design of this online program was completely built on Web 2.0 technologies that are freely available on the Internet. The sites include: Blogger, Flickr, Odeo, YouTube, PBWiki & Bloglines.
Staff Incentive
20some Things - Every staff member who completes all 20some Things will receive an Ipod Shuffle capable of holding at least 1Gb worth of data, music and/or audio files. The device can not only be used as a personal music device, but can also be used to store files. Staff will have until November 30th to complete all 20some Things in order to receive the iPod Shuffle MP3 Player.
There will be a Learning 2.0 completion celebration on December 5th were you will receive your Ipod Shuffle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How does this online learning program work?
This is a self-discovery program which encourages staff to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY. There will be no classes or workshops offered to support this program. Instead, staff are encouraged to work together and share with each other their discoveries, techniques and "how to's" both in person and through their blogs.
 
Is this program open to all UMD Library staff or just some?
This program is open to UMD Library staff. If you are not a member of the UMD Library staff, you are welcome to follow along, however the library will not award you the staff incentive for completion.
 
 
How long do I have to complete the program?
The program kicks off July 31st as part of the UMD Library All Staff Day and officially wraps up on November 30th.
 
 
How do I track my progress for each of the 20some Things?
Each staff member that chooses to participate in this program will be required to keep a blog to track their progress and will also need to register each item completed in theUMD LibLearnLog.
 
 
If I'm not a UMD Library staff member, can I still participate?
Yes, by all means. However, the UMD Library cannot award you any incentive for completion. We welcome participants from other departments and universities to join in the fun and follow along.
 
 
Will there be any training classes offered to show staff how to do this?
Not after the July 31st Kick Off event. This is a self-directed learning program. If you feel you need assistance with an item, you are encouraged to be resourceful and to find a co-worker or a team member who can help. Reading other staff member's blogs can help, too.
 
 
I've seen the list of 20some Things on the website, but how do I know what to do with them?
Every two weeks, two or three posts will be added to the Learning 2.0 blog with details about the discovery exercise. The reason for this staggered approach is to allow participants the ability to focus each two week session on a different area without feeling overwhelmed.
 
 
What if I need help - who can I call?
Since this program is self-directed and is being completed by many library staff members simultaneously, you are encouraged to work with colleagues along your discovery journey. You may also contact any of the team members and will find their contact information on the back of your Learning in Progress sign you receive at the Kick Off event.
 
 
I would like to earn the iPod Shuffle MP3 player but don't feel comfortable with my co-workers reading my blog, can I participate anonymously?
Yes & No. If you wish to blog anonymously, you will need to create an account on Blogger. However, in order to recieve the iPod Shuffle MP3 player, you will need to identify yourself on theUMD LibLearnLog. Your record of progress will only be viewable to you and the Learning 2.0 team members on theUMD LibLearnLog.
 
 
Once I complete all 20some Things, how do I get my prize?
If you complete 20some Things by the November 30th and record your progress in theUMD LibLearnLog, your iPod Shuffle MP3 Player will be given to you at the Celebration Event on December 5th.
 
Posted by Sue Trettel at 10:00 AM |Permalink |Comments (0)
Categories
2007/07/31 - Introduction2007/07/31 - Blogs2007/08/01 - Social Networking2007/08/10 - RSS & Newsreaders2007/08/24 - Podcasts, Video, & Downloadable Audio2007/09/07 - Photos & Images2007/09/21 - Play Week2007/10/05 - Tagging & Social Bookmarking2007/10/19 - Wiki2007/11/02 - Online Apps & Other Tools
Archives
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Recent Posts
#A Wrap up (optional)#23 Discovering Web 2.0 tools#22 Web-based Apps: They're not just for desktops#21 UM Wiki Sandbox#20 Playing around with PBWiki#19 So what’s in a wiki?#18 On Library 2.0 & Web 2.0 ...#17 Getting not-so-technical with Technorati#16 Tagging, folksomonies & social bookmarking in Del.icio.us#15 Roll your own search engine
Links
FAQJodi's Learning 2.0 BlogUMD LibLearnLogBrenda's Learning 2.0 BlogMary's Learning 2.0 Blog
The Learning 2.0 Program is based on the PLCMC Learning 2.0 program developed by Helene Blowers of the [Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. Many thanks to Helene Blowers for allowing us to use her program. Learning 2.0 is licensed under [Creative Commons.]Subscribe to this blog's feed
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