Sum It All Up

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

I was especially interested in audio books. So many of the older titles are no longer accessible, and when reading in a series, the correct succession makes a big difference in the enjoyment.

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

This blog is the start of a great continuing education tool

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

The number of ways the library could benefit by using podcasts and wiki's.

4. What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept?And last but not least…

Please try to avoid using unfamiliar technical terms.

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

Absolutely.

6. How would you describe your learning experience in a few words or a few sentences, so we can share our successes and promote this program?

While it was challenging at times to discover exactly how to accomplish some of the tasks, it was definitely rewarding. Great tool to impart a lot of knowledge, without being daunting. Thank you for this experience.

Audiobooks

My family is absolutely addicted to audio books. We play the books out loud and hold family discussions of our favorite titles. We listen to fantasy, suspense, mystery, biography, whatever is out there. Downloadable audio books provides access to older titles that have disappeared off library shelves. They don't scratch, get lost, or tangle up the tape player.

I've accessed Laura Lippman's "Baltimore Blues." This is the first title in a series, and we don't own it as a CD or cassette. Since it's set in our hometown, I know this one will be a big hit.

Libraries and Podcasts

This tool has enormous potential. We could podcast our book talks and they could be accessed at the school's convenience. This would reduce the number of hours staff has to be in the school, and create more time for other duties. We could podcast author visits, Horizon programs, and children's classes. We could reach the homebound with all kinds of services.

Check out this library's use of podcast:

Mom Overture

Working evenings and weekends, we can't always be there with the kids. Here's a handy tool in case you get tired, would like to take a break, or just can't be at home right now. Miss Mom

Pandora's Box

Just found Pandora.com. Can't wait to tell teens - I actually discovered something they don't know about. Pandora.com can create your own personal radio station based on your favorite music. Unlike the radio, they actually tell you the name of the artist and song, so if you like similar music, it's easy to request or buy.

Totally cool ...

Collaboration

What a simple way to produce minutes of meetings. Instead of e-mailing everyone an attachment, I can send the minutes to Google docs, ask for any additions or corrections, and receive one altered document. This tool will save lots of time collaborating with other teen specialists.

Playing in the Sandbox

Check out my wiki at Click Here