Define:
A podcast is an online audio broadcast distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and computers. The term is a combination of the words "Pod" and "broadcast", the Apple iPod being the brand of portable media player for which the first podcasts were developed for its iTunes website. Though podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their content, a podcast is distinguished from other digital media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added, using an aggregator or feed reader capable of reading feed formats such as RSS.
Oh great! Another of those helpful videos from commoncraft. This is Podcasting in Plain English, of course. Sit back, relax, enjoy!
Discover:
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:
- Mediafly.com
- Podcastalley.com
- Podcast.com
Many of the above listed sites have also recently added vodcasts, which are the video version of podcasts. One of the biggest advantages to podcasts and vodcasts are that they can be listened to or watched anytime and anywhere you choose. You can also find thousands of vodcasts here!
While we are looking at "media," let's take a look at YouTube, as well.
If you haven’t heard about YouTube by now, what rock you’ve been living under? As the source of all things video on the Internet, and we do mean all things. YouTube is the place to go to watch [mostly] short videos (1-10 minutes) on whatever interests you. You may have noticed that the "Plain English" videos from commoncraft are from YouTube.
The good, the bad, and the ugly are all there for all to see — which is one reason many school districts and libraries block YouTube. Another reason is bandwidth. Like music, video is a bandwidth hog. We recommend you complete this activity during light Internet usage times.
Do:
Visit one or two of the podcast directories listed above and see if you can find a podcast that interests you. Are there any interesting library-related podcasts listed? Can you find a book review podcast or library news?
Add the RSS feed for a podcast to your Bloglines account.
As you did with Podcasts, Take some time exploring YouTube. Find a video worth adding as an entry in your blog. The video you pick does not have to be about Web 2.0, it can be about anything that interests you. You might want to take a look at these really funny library-related videos on YouTube.
Promoting Librarians:
- Super Librarian from New Jersey Libraries and The Adventures of Super Librarian from the McCracken County Public Library
Promoting Summer Reading:
- Denver Public Library's Summer of Reading
- Get in the Game READ! from Glen Ellyn Public Library
Promoting ...??
- The Haunted Library (Happy Halloween from the Glenside Public Library
Promoting Technical Services! (yay!)
- The TS
And the classic...
- Dumb Blonde in the Library
For other great library videos on youtube, search for "iACPL," "Allen County Public Library," "McCracken Public Library," or the name of your favorite public library or library system.
(Update 3/2/09: Check out Roselle Public Library's Channel on YouTube for RPL Book Talker's Book of the Week videos, produced as a direct result of this Thing!)
Now, let's write your "Thing #5: Podcasting & Video Sharing" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #5: Podcasting & Video Sharing" as the title of your blog post.
In the post:
- Add a link to a podcast, vodcast, or YouTube video and write a quick note about why you found it interesting.
- What did you learn about podcasting and/or video sharing that surprised you?
- How can we use podcasting and/or video sharing as tools in the Library.
Don't be afraid to be completely honest in your opinions.
You're all finished with Thing #5.
You've learned what a podcast is and how it is different from a vodcast. Perhaps you listened to or watched a few interesting ones.
You also learned about YouTube, and perhaps you discovered why it is such an incredibly popular site.
Way to go! Are you having fun yet?
Optional BONUS FUN!!
In addition to user-created audio and video sharing sites (Web 2.0), don't forget the profesionally created video sites on the Internet.
Did you miss this week's episode of your favorite show? Forget to set up the VCR or the DVR? If you don't want to wait for the summer reruns, visit Hulu or Sling to see if you can catch it there.
Hulu and Sling provide free access to a variety of movies and TV shows...for free! Check them out.
Browse to either and see what you've been missing.
More Optional BONUS FUN!!
Make your own podcast! Creating and sharing a podcast is as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Create an account on either gCast or GabCast.
2. Call a toll-free number and record your podcast (note: beginning 4/1/09, gCast charges a subscription fee to phone in a podcast; uploading to their site is still free; GabCast remains free to phone-in).
3. Copy the code that the sites make available to you to share on your blog.
Next up...we're going to learn about all chat in Thing #6: Instant Messaging.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Thing #4: Flickr and Photo Sharing
Define:
Photo sharing websites have been around since the 90s, but it took a small startup site called Flickr to catapult the idea of “sharing” into a full blown online community (there's that social component again!). 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 Thing, you will be taking a good look at Flickr and discovering what the site has to offer. Learn how tags work, what groups are, and all the neat things that people and other libraries are doing with Flickr.
Discover:
Let's explore Flickr:
- Take the Flickr Tour. See all of the amazing features Flickr has to offer in 8 steps.
- Look at interesting photos posted in the last 7 days. A random selection of some of the interesting things discovered on Flickr within the last 7 days. If you click the RELOAD! button you'll get another set of random sprinkles.
· And let’s not forget to look at Roselle Public Library and other Illinois libraries on Flickr.
Do:
Things #1-3 have been a little intense so for Thing #4, you have a choice. You can do either of these activities (or both!).
1. Take a good look around Flickr and discover an interesting image that you want to blog about. When you write your blog post, be sure to include a link to the image.
-- OR --
2. If you're up to an easy challenge ... use your Playtime email account to create a Free account in Flickr. Use your digital camera (or borrow the Library's camera from the Youth Services office) to capture a few pictures of something in or around the Library. Upload these to your Flickr account and tag at least one of the images “RoselleLibrary” and mark it public. When you create your blog post, tell us about the photo and your experience with Flickr. Be sure to include the image in your post.
Once you have a Flickr account, you have two options for adding the photo to your blog: through Flickr's blogging tool or using Blogger's photo upload feature.
Now, let's write your "Thing #4: Flickr" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #4: Flickr" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- the activity that you chose. Don't forget to add a link to the photo you're blogging about, or add the photo itself to your blog.
- how you can use a photo sharing site for your personal photos.
- how are libraries using Flickr? Roselle Library has a very minimal presence on Flickr. Should we be exploiting this site, or not? What do you think?
You're all finished with Thing #4!
Wasn't that fun?
In Thing #4 you learned all about photo sharing using Flickr.
You learned about tags, and groups, and how libraries are using photo sharing on the Internet.
Optional BONUS FUN WITH FLICKR
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 and mashups that use Flickr images.
Try this one - the Trading Card Maker. There are a ton of librarians out there that have created their own Librarian Trading Card. See them in the Librarian Trading Card group on Flickr. Follow the easy directions to make your own.
Upload your card to your Flickr account, if you created one, or to your Facebook account, or post it on your blog! So many ways to play!
:)
More optional information:
There are lots of other photo sharing sites on the Internet. Check out a list of others at Wikipedia's list of photo sharing sites.
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.
Did you enjoy Thing #4? Next week we'll take a look at Podcasting and Video Sharing in Thing #5!
Photo sharing websites have been around since the 90s, but it took a small startup site called Flickr to catapult the idea of “sharing” into a full blown online community (there's that social component again!). 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 Thing, you will be taking a good look at Flickr and discovering what the site has to offer. Learn how tags work, what groups are, and all the neat things that people and other libraries are doing with Flickr.
Discover:
Let's explore Flickr:
- Take the Flickr Tour. See all of the amazing features Flickr has to offer in 8 steps.
- Look at interesting photos posted in the last 7 days. A random selection of some of the interesting things discovered on Flickr within the last 7 days. If you click the RELOAD! button you'll get another set of random sprinkles.
· And let’s not forget to look at Roselle Public Library and other Illinois libraries on Flickr.
Do:
Things #1-3 have been a little intense so for Thing #4, you have a choice. You can do either of these activities (or both!).
1. Take a good look around Flickr and discover an interesting image that you want to blog about. When you write your blog post, be sure to include a link to the image.
-- OR --
2. If you're up to an easy challenge ... use your Playtime email account to create a Free account in Flickr. Use your digital camera (or borrow the Library's camera from the Youth Services office) to capture a few pictures of something in or around the Library. Upload these to your Flickr account and tag at least one of the images “RoselleLibrary” and mark it public. When you create your blog post, tell us about the photo and your experience with Flickr. Be sure to include the image in your post.
Once you have a Flickr account, you have two options for adding the photo to your blog: through Flickr's blogging tool or using Blogger's photo upload feature.
Now, let's write your "Thing #4: Flickr" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #4: Flickr" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- the activity that you chose. Don't forget to add a link to the photo you're blogging about, or add the photo itself to your blog.
- how you can use a photo sharing site for your personal photos.
- how are libraries using Flickr? Roselle Library has a very minimal presence on Flickr. Should we be exploiting this site, or not? What do you think?
You're all finished with Thing #4!
Wasn't that fun?
In Thing #4 you learned all about photo sharing using Flickr.
You learned about tags, and groups, and how libraries are using photo sharing on the Internet.
Optional BONUS FUN WITH FLICKR
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 and mashups that use Flickr images.
Try this one - the Trading Card Maker. There are a ton of librarians out there that have created their own Librarian Trading Card. See them in the Librarian Trading Card group on Flickr. Follow the easy directions to make your own.
Upload your card to your Flickr account, if you created one, or to your Facebook account, or post it on your blog! So many ways to play!
:)
More optional information:
There are lots of other photo sharing sites on the Internet. Check out a list of others at Wikipedia's list of photo sharing sites.
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.
Did you enjoy Thing #4? Next week we'll take a look at Podcasting and Video Sharing in Thing #5!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Thing #3: Social Networking
Define:
Social Networking sites offer one of the most popular activities on the Internet. They are online communities and meeting places where you can interact with friends, relatives and other contacts with common interests. A study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project released in 2007, found that 55% of all teenagers use social networking sites. Social networks are one of the main ways that young adults communicate with each other and they are becoming popular with adults, too.
Oh, look! We have another video "in plain English" from commoncraft!
It's a great overview of Social Networking. Take a few minutes to watch it. It will help you understand the value of social networks.
Discover:
The following are some of the most well-known social networking websites.
MySpace: One of the most familiar and popular of these sites. Millions of teens and twentysomethings start out here, and users can customize the look and content of their own page. Bands, authors and libraries use it as a marketing tool as well.
Facebook: Originally designed for college students, it has a slightly older audience, and features a cleaner look. You cannot see any profiles on Facebook unless you have an account.
LinkedIn: This is geared toward the work environment for posting resumes, building career contacts, or getting professional advice. You can also connect with college alums here.
Eons: Social networking and activity sharing geared toward ages 50+.
There is an extensive list of social networking sites here, including sites based on interests such as music, movies, sports, and gaming.
Do:
Let's get social with Facebook!
(If you already have a Facebook page, join a different social network or help your colleagues set up their Facebook accounts)
1. Visit Facebook and "Sign Up" using your Playtime 2.0 email account. Don't forget to write down your password.
If you are concerned about privacy, you can use a fictional name and other information when you set up your account or, after you set up your account, you can activate several different privacy settings. Do this in the Settings link at the top-right of your page, next to your name.
Optionally, after your account is set up:
2. Upload a photo to your profile (it doesn't have to be your picture, it could be an animal, a design or a logo) and fill in some of the "about me" features; join the Roselle Public Library District network. Give your profile a little personality and be as creative as you’d like.
3. Explore a little more. Search for someone you know: a friend, a co-worker, a former classmate, a famous author, a celebrity or a politician. Add them to your friends list.
After you have joined Facebook, take a look at some of our personal Facebook pages:
Lynn Dennis | Lisa Poignant | Daryl Rogers | Pam Delaney | Beth Dover. (each of these links was used with permission)
The Library also has a couple of Facebook fanpages:
The Library Page | The Teen Scene Page
Now, let's write your "Thing #3: Social Networks" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #3: Social Networks" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- What features do you like or dislike about Facebook (or the site you joined)?
- What do you think makes social networks so popular?
- Did you learn or do anything that surprised you?
- Did you identify ways that we might be able to implement features or components of social networking in the Library?
Responses may be factual or emotional in nature – but be as complete as possible.
You're all finished with Thing #3!
You should be so proud of yourself!
You've learned about social networks.
You joined a network, and you took some time to form an opinion about the value of social networking.
Good for you!
Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
Did you know that the Library has it's own social network? Members of the Roselle Public Library Network include staff, patrons and supporters of the Library and some people that just wanted to look around and see what we are doing?
You can look around, too. Browse the Main Page of the network, then join us!
More optional additional information:
Social networks have gotten a lot of bad press when it comes to safety issues especially related to children and teens. If you are concerned about this issue, you should read the discussion, MySpace and Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)
Online safety has become a priority for schools and libraries. The Illinois Library Association has devoted a section of their website to Internet safety resources including an excellent "Tool Kit" for libarians for working with teens & social networking in libraries.
Next week in Thing #4, we'll learn about sharing photos on the Internet using Flickr and other sites.
Social Networking sites offer one of the most popular activities on the Internet. They are online communities and meeting places where you can interact with friends, relatives and other contacts with common interests. A study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project released in 2007, found that 55% of all teenagers use social networking sites. Social networks are one of the main ways that young adults communicate with each other and they are becoming popular with adults, too.
Oh, look! We have another video "in plain English" from commoncraft!
It's a great overview of Social Networking. Take a few minutes to watch it. It will help you understand the value of social networks.
Discover:
The following are some of the most well-known social networking websites.
MySpace: One of the most familiar and popular of these sites. Millions of teens and twentysomethings start out here, and users can customize the look and content of their own page. Bands, authors and libraries use it as a marketing tool as well.
Facebook: Originally designed for college students, it has a slightly older audience, and features a cleaner look. You cannot see any profiles on Facebook unless you have an account.
LinkedIn: This is geared toward the work environment for posting resumes, building career contacts, or getting professional advice. You can also connect with college alums here.
Eons: Social networking and activity sharing geared toward ages 50+.
There is an extensive list of social networking sites here, including sites based on interests such as music, movies, sports, and gaming.
Do:
Let's get social with Facebook!
(If you already have a Facebook page, join a different social network or help your colleagues set up their Facebook accounts)
1. Visit Facebook and "Sign Up" using your Playtime 2.0 email account. Don't forget to write down your password.
If you are concerned about privacy, you can use a fictional name and other information when you set up your account or, after you set up your account, you can activate several different privacy settings. Do this in the Settings link at the top-right of your page, next to your name.
Optionally, after your account is set up:
2. Upload a photo to your profile (it doesn't have to be your picture, it could be an animal, a design or a logo) and fill in some of the "about me" features; join the Roselle Public Library District network. Give your profile a little personality and be as creative as you’d like.
3. Explore a little more. Search for someone you know: a friend, a co-worker, a former classmate, a famous author, a celebrity or a politician. Add them to your friends list.
After you have joined Facebook, take a look at some of our personal Facebook pages:
Lynn Dennis | Lisa Poignant | Daryl Rogers | Pam Delaney | Beth Dover. (each of these links was used with permission)
The Library also has a couple of Facebook fanpages:
The Library Page | The Teen Scene Page
Now, let's write your "Thing #3: Social Networks" blog post
Browse to the "Playtime" blog you created in Thing #1 (it should be listed in the Participants' Blogs on the right) and create a new post.
Use "Thing #3: Social Networks" as the title of your blog post.
In the post, write about:
- What features do you like or dislike about Facebook (or the site you joined)?
- What do you think makes social networks so popular?
- Did you learn or do anything that surprised you?
- Did you identify ways that we might be able to implement features or components of social networking in the Library?
Responses may be factual or emotional in nature – but be as complete as possible.
You're all finished with Thing #3!
You should be so proud of yourself!
You've learned about social networks.
You joined a network, and you took some time to form an opinion about the value of social networking.
Good for you!
Optional BONUS CHALLENGE:
Did you know that the Library has it's own social network? Members of the Roselle Public Library Network include staff, patrons and supporters of the Library and some people that just wanted to look around and see what we are doing?
You can look around, too. Browse the Main Page of the network, then join us!
More optional additional information:
Social networks have gotten a lot of bad press when it comes to safety issues especially related to children and teens. If you are concerned about this issue, you should read the discussion, MySpace and Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)
Online safety has become a priority for schools and libraries. The Illinois Library Association has devoted a section of their website to Internet safety resources including an excellent "Tool Kit" for libarians for working with teens & social networking in libraries.
Next week in Thing #4, we'll learn about sharing photos on the Internet using Flickr and other sites.
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