TASK 23 - FEEDBACK ON PROGRAM

Free at Last!!!!!!

Must admit had my reservations as to how these 23 Things would benefit, I was a nonbeliever but I now I see the light.

Big "thank you" to the developers of this program for the opportunity to not only learn about the new technologies but also to be able to use them in my very own blog. Something I never thought I would do. Elementary start for me but I will continue to refine and develop my skills. It's all so exciting for a monkey like me.

I love most of the applications, but my favourites are: Podcasts, iGoogle, Google Scholar, MyLibraryThing.

On the downside. It was at times frustrating when sites were blocked or videos were not available, but on the whole - excellent way to learn the new web 2.0 tools. More importantly it will benefit me in my work.

I am now a convert of "cloud computing".

TASK 22 - INSTANT MESSENGING

Added Google Talk to my iGoogle and had a chat with a work colleague. Not a feature that I will be using in the future however handy to know that the application exists and have added it to the memory bank.

TASK 21 - PODCAST

Subscribed to a number of Radio National Podcasts. Of particular interest to me are the Rupert Murdock Boyer Lectures. Found his lecture on technology excellent. What a wonderful invention, will listen to all lectures in full when I have more time.

TASK 19 - PET ON WIKI

Added my pet Serpi to the WIKI pet page. Keep him at my front door - an excellent security guard. Does not strike unless provoked

More info:

http://encarta.msn.com/media_461526331_761559191_-1_1/Cobra.html

TASK 18 - Encore / EBSCOhost 2.0

Tried using Encore when doing a basic search, like the added features displayed on some items e.g. table of contents, summary, spell check, tags, etc. though found the screen too busy. When doing an advanced search it defaults to VU catalogue, so to save time and see simpler results I will stick to the VU library catalogue.

Played around with EBSChost 2.0 and used the Academic Search Premier database for a test run. I like the extra features however would need to spend some time learning how to use these features effectively. But am impressed.

TASK 17 - DELICIOUS

Established a Delicious account and added a couple of bookmarks. Good thing about this tool is being able to access my favourite bookmarks from any computer. Will add more later.

TASK 16 - IGOOGLE HOME PAGE

Customised my IGoogle Page and personalised the features. Found a theme I liked and added a few gadgets. Don't know how often I'll use it but none the less it was fun. Cheerio

TASK 15 - GOOGLE BOOK SEARCH / SCHOLAR

Opened an account with Google Book Search and added some books to My Library. Yet another library to the ones I already have. Like the added feature of limited preview allowing access to preview certain items.

Love Google Scholar... fabulous as a research tool for articles. Did a quick search for an article, adding one author and I got a quick result.

Great for research. Will definitely use and recommend.

TASK 14 - GOOGLE DOCS

Had a test run with this application earlier this year with a colleague of mine. Handy if you are doing work in a group I guess, but a concern would be that Google will have access to all information submitted. Don't know about that.

TASK 13 - PLAY WITH GOOGLE MAPS

bye, bye Melways. No need for you now.

Tried out Google Maps and am suitably impressed. Found my humble abode and tested out some of the many options of looking at it. Gee, am glad the front lawn was cut and backyard view not available. Even looked for another route to get home from work. Took me on the journey from my desk. What a blast.

TASK 12 - FACEBOOK

Joined Facebook and added a few applications. Had a couple of requests to be 'friends'. Took up their offer, one in particular looks like a distant cousin of mine. Looking at my photo and his there does seem to be a resemblance. For interest have added his Facebook image. His name is Ron Damon and he has plenty of 'friends' and plenty of time too or has he?????????????????

TASK 10 / 11- ADD SUBSCRIPTIONS AND BLOGS

Added Digg in my Google Reader. Don't know how often, if ever I will use the site. Too high tech for me. For the exercise also added VU Library News, Wikipedia, Ninemsn.

Also added a couple of library blogs: Shifted Librarian and ASIFA - Hollywood Animated Archive. The image included is part of the ASIFA blog. Interesting blog and love the digitized images

TASK 9 - SET UP FEED READER

Found the introductory video on how to set up a RSS feed reader very helpful.
Mission accomplished. Next step is to add some subscriptions.
Should be fun!!

TASK 8 - MY LIBRARYTHING

What a great tool! Designed for those who have a lot time on their hands.
Took a bit of trial and error but eventually I created my online library. Don't know if I'll add to it, time will tell I guess.

TASK 7 - IMAGE GENERATOR

FERRET IN JAIL

Found an image on "Funny Sign Generator" http://captions.illmeyer.com/ and added a caption that reflects my feelings regarding 23 Things. Though the process of finishing each task is time consuming there is a slight sense of achievement when I can finally sigh....."another one hit the dust".

The learning curve is too much like the "Big Dipper" and I am more of a "Ferris Wheel" sort of person.

TASK 6 - MORE FLICKR

This new technology does bring out the creative genius in some. Found a wonderful Mashup on Flickr titled - Europe Photo Helix.



It is a helix designed of Flickr photos of sights and interesting spots in Europe taken by respective photographers. See http://mapito.eu/

A click of the mouse on any screenshot shows a full view of photo and info. Love the combination of many beautiful shots taken by different photographers worldwide.

My hat goes off to not only the designers of these fabulous tools but also to the talent of the people who are able to use them effectively and create some really great works of art. Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Flickr group for this project is : www.flickr.com/groups/europephotohelix/

TASK 5 - FLICKR

Whilst exploring FLICKR found many amazing and spectacular photostreams. Decided to do a search on old churches, because of my interest in art and pre modern architecture. Love the character and detail. Anyhow, one particular photo attracted my attention an abandoned Viking Church found along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Available: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=church&w=all

This prompted me to look further into the work of this very creative and young artist/photographer.

Her website: http://www.bottlebellphotography.com/ shows some very unusual and haunting work. Check out The Gallery - in particular - Forgotten and Moodscapes. Loved it.

TASK 4 - COMMENTS ON BLOGS

Must say the standard of Blogs created by vu-Library group is excellent.
In particular "Sir Sic Chicken" blog, post titled "SHHhhh" holds some hidden truth for library people. Check out the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyLTqBARFt8 - Ninja Librarian.

Staying on the same theme the "Buddhist Monkey " finds a way of handling disrespectful students. Worth watching.




Buddhist Monkey, Books of Fury

Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muv8q2fQeto

FIRST BLOG

How true are these pearls of wisdom by Albert Schweitzer a great philosopher and humanitarian?

Man is a clever animal who behaves like an imbecile.

Albert Schweitzer

French philosopher & physician (1875 - 1965)

Available:
http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Albert_Schweitzer/