23 Things: Feedback

This is week #5 for me with the SLA version of 23 Things. So far, the tools discussed have been tools that I understand and use frequently. Since I don't have to do every step in the lesson, I generally skim through to see if there is anything new that I need to know. Sometimes the lesson sparks me to go off and try something else.

23 Things is based on spending 15 minutes per day learning something new. The SLA version has weeks were you could spend much more time. One change I would like to see is to have a lesson each week that is truly one hour, then provide additional lessons for the week that are optional (and that require more time). If it were possible to really divide the lessons into 15 minute increments, I think that some participants would find that useful. For example, you might divide the week into these 15-minute intervals or lessons:

Day 1: Overview with text, podcast or video
Day 2: Explore how others are using
Day 3: Set up an account to use the tool yourself
Day 4: Learn how to use the account
Day 5: Practice or expand your usage

mmm...I like that format! I think I'm going to have to use it in an upcoming workshop!

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Technorati tag: SLA23Things

Localize your learnings (Flickr)

In each lesson of the SLA 23 Things, participants are asked to localize their learnings. In other words, how will they use the tools discussed that week. When you begin using various tools, you might look at what you can share with that tool. For example, what photos can you place in Flickr? But you also should think about what you can use that is already in that tool.

Here is how I use Flickr professionally:

1. I search Flickr for Creative Commons license photos to use in presentations. Photos can convey concepts more easily sometimes and they also can spice up a presentation.
2. I post photos from events that I attend (e.g., SLA conference) and then use those photos in related blog posts, etc. Sometimes those photos are also used by colleagues in newsletters (with my permission).
3. I create custom name badges for events using Flickr photos and Flickr toys. I did this for the people who worked the Upstate NY library camp, making us easily identifiable. I've also created a cool badge for myself that I use at events (and instead of those "hi my name is" tags).
4. I use photos on my web site and blogs.
5. I look for photos that illustrate something...like photos of book scanners.
6. I look for photos that show me what a place looks like. For example, before heading on a business trip, I may look for photos of that site online. That gives me a better idea of where I'm going.
1. BTW I answered a question from a woman who was moving to this region by linking her to Flickr photos of the region. She had no clue where she was moving to and those photos helped (especially the photos of the snow!).
7. Thinking of libraries specifically -- We can see what other libraries look like and think about how we might change our own libraries. BTW there is a pool of library signage that show the good, bad and ugly of the signs we use! Very educational.

Some people use Flickr to create photo documentation of a process or create slideshows in Flickr that are their presentations. Those are good uses too, but not ones that I have used yet.

What have you done with Flickr and how have you localized your learnings?

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Technorati tag: SLA23Things

My Meez

I'm doing SLA's 23 Things and the person who wrote the pages has a Meez avatar. Okay, I've been seeing these for a while and finally decided to create one for myself. They are quick to do and free. She doesn't really look like me, but that's okay. Avatars aren't meant to be exact replicas of how we look in real life.

Not sure if I'll hang out on Meez at all, but if you want to see me there, my userid is jill_hw.

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Technorati tag: SLA23Things