An end, and a beginning

My favorite experiences in this course include viewing the webcasts and screencasts and taking part in the group discussions. The webcasts and screencasts really helped the technology sink in. I was better able to understand what we were learning and implementing. I also enjoyed the group IMs. I was able to practice IMing and I was able to connect with other individuals in the course, to broaden the discussion and hear some truly great ideas.

I enjoyed working with del.icio.us, bloglines, and flickr. I have been using these tools quite frequently since learning about them. I feel like I can keep track of random and fantastic things I find on the Web without having a ginormous favorites list on my computer. Plus, I'm finally seeing why people set up their own blogs and which blogs are most interesting to me. As for professionally useful, I think the week we spent on Wikis made the most impact on me. Our library has a staff intranet wiki but it was neat to see so many different uses for a wiki and really talk about the ways a wiki can make an impact. Definitely a handy technology to know about!

I was surprised by how much social software IS being used in libraries. I was even surprised by my softening attitude toward library presence on MySpace. Denver Public Library does such a great job on their teen page that I was impressed. I still have reservations about the usefulness of MySpace and Facebook for libraries, but can see how they might come in handy for public libraries.

I enjoyed working on the wiki and in our blogging section but it was often difficult to determine why both were included, other than the experience. I'm wondering if the two can be combined. I was also confused by the AIM list. When we first started I assumed we were IMing in AIM and I didn't realize that it was in fact the main chat room. You might be a little more clear about that in the future or mention that the AIM list is for if you are interested in contacting participants outside of class or during the week.

This was a truly fantastic experience! Thank you!! I feel a lot more grounded in some of the technology that we are facing in society and in the library. I feel like I now have enough of a footing to understand new technologies and possible applications. 

Well done. I can't wait to see what happens with the next round of techno-curious librarians :-)