One last hurdle!

Approach--Panic--Regroup--Begin--Stumble--Get up--Retry--Cross your fingers! This is my typical pattern once I get overwhelmed or flustered. So foolishly I thought completing the last LIS 2600 assignment would be a piece of cake. After all--a possible 5 points for the grade. I thought that I had plenty of time to do this, one last assignment. Then I made the mistake of opening up some of the completed projects from the Discussion Board. OMG!
I usually don't curse, I usually do not take the name of the deity in vain....What an eye opener this was for me. I can honestly say that I normally do not think of myself or see myself as one who is stupid. During this entire 12 weeks, I have done both--climbed to new highs and decidedly sunk to new lows. As I looked at shining examples of great work, this dark stormy cloud of self-doubt and pity began expanding over my head. I have no idea what my portfolio page will look like, further more I wonder how I will be able pull this one off. Stay tuned.....when I finish....I plan to tell you!

A New Attitude

It's the last week of July! Summer is flying by and, better yet, summer school is just about finished.
Tomorrow, I present my demo for the National Writing Project at a local school district teachers'
summer academy. I'm one of three, and our topic is student research. We are presenting this demo at the national convention for NCATE in November. This means that I get to leave the cold, northeast and travel with a wild, fun-loving group to sunny Orlando, Florida. Feels good to think about travel! I've not had the opportunity to do much of that this summer.
Back to school for me will be August 17! A rapidly approaching iceberg! New job, new boss, new students, new school, new start. But thankfully, after this summer and these classes, I have new thoughts about all of this. I will probably only work for about another 10 years. School libraries will probably look very different by the end of my career. Thankfully, I will be working for an upbeat, dynamic woman who has completely dedicated herself to education. I expect the school climate to be positive, nurturing, and collaborative. It's just the kind of place where I plan to thrive!

Don't go crying the blues....

Well, after my last post, things went down hill pretty fast. I got the grade for my second paper, and it was pretty bad. I don't think I have ever scored so low on a paper for school. Not even in high school, did I ever earn such a low grade. It just about made me physically sick because if I were not able to revise it, I would have flunked 2000. Ugggggggggh..... So, thinking about starting a 2,500 word paper all over again was not a happy thought. I did not enjoy sitting at the computer and mentally belting out yet one more paper about copyright. But stop this negativity!
On the bright side, I was done with a new and much better paper within 2 days, which I mistakenly sent to an entire group on the blackboard e-mail list. Thank you all very much, those of you who were kind enough to tell me that no, you were not Dr. Alman. And the learning goes on. Thank you, Dr. Tomer, for not being too harsh a critic on the second exam for 2600. Sometimes I'm surprised about how much I'm still learning. I can't believe how much I've learned about Black Board this term. I'm also surprised about what I can now do on this computer. Big lesson---don't go crying the blues. Things can always get worse and sometimes they just do. Funny thing is that I've really enjoyed writing this blog. I think it could become contagious. Anyone else out there discover she or he is really a blogger at heart?

Am I the only one?

Who is tired of sitting at the computer?
Who is waiting desperately for the end of this semester?
Who wants to spend an entire day doing nothing academic?
Who is majorly struggling to complete the 2600 web page assignment?
Who feels sorry for herself?
Who wants to eat chocolate?
Who wants a real vacation NOW?
Who is whining??? :-(

Yes, Paper submitted

I can admit that I did the "mental" happy dance when I sent off the last essay for LIS 2000. I say mental, because I'm still hobbling around with a sprained ankle. Overall, I am pleased with my paper. It was a challenge for several reasons. First, the size! Writing 2,500 words about any thing is a little daunting. Second, the topic! I have never possessed any interest in copyright issues. I do now realize that as a librarian it is something that I really do need to know about. I will be joyful when these classes are over; I can honestly say that I have never had to push myself academically as I have for the past months. These classes and this program are more challenging than any course work I have ever experienced. Even compared to my most horrific undergrad experience--the summer of Intro to Statistics. At least that course only lasted for 6 weeks. Well, I hope that I can successfully complete the web pages for LIS 2600. So far, that is not working for me. There is a light at the end of the tunnel--August is getting closer every day.

Monday morning musings

It certainly feels good to have completed that first Fast Track weekend. My greatest challenge was driving to and through Pittsburgh. I only got lost twice, not too shabby for a country girl. Foolishly, I missed the hotel shuttle bus on the first day of class. With a mere 50 minutes to go .5 miles to campus, armed with a plan for parking, and some basic directions, I confidently set off. Within less than five minutes, I had missed the final right hand turn to place me in the right direction; so, I ventured further into the city of Pittsburgh than I really ever wanted to go. Shock! Panic! More than a little frustration, I found my way back to Oakland and strolled into the classroom at about 9:03! Considering that start time was between 9:00 and 9:30, things weren't a total loss. That awful feeling of dread in the very pit of my stomach is what this experience has cost me on more than one occasion. I'm starting to get used to it. Could it be the start of an ulcer, or am I just learning how to persevere?

Approaching FastTrack Weekend

Excited, nervous, fearful...These are some of the emotions going through me today. I'm excited about my big, new adventure--traveling to Pittsburgh and becoming a "real" Pitt student! I'm excited about meeting other members of Cohort 10. Some names are already glued in my head because of the general discussion boards and also our smaller discussion groups. I'm nervous about safely, successfully navigating through Pittsburgh. We don't have the navigation system on our current car, so I'm borrowing (we've termed her--the Lady) a GPS to help me find my way. I'm also a little fearful about taking a test. Actually, the last part is the one thing I should be most relaxed about since it is the thing I've done most often in my academic/ professional life. Sojourning to a big city, finding my way, and participating on a large university campus are soon to become reality for me, and I hope it will be a great summer experience.

The Librarian Stance?

Over the past couple of days I've been reading quite a bit about copyright law, fair use, public domain--all aspects of the last paper for LIS 2000. Whew....if the copyright information doesn't make a person a little crazy, I don't honestly know what could. I have to say one thing the information does clarify for me--it is the professional stance of my friend Bev, our former school librarian. We are dear friends, but I've always thought her a little on the militant side. After my reading, I realize that librarians have a huge, serious responsibility connected to the First Amendment. It is the job of librarians to protect and provide access to all information for all citizens. Granted in a school setting, some materials are inappropriate for specific age groups. I can see and feel that this is a weighty charge. The legal issues connected to copyrights are daunting and complex. I can see how a naive, in-experienced librarian could get into BIG trouble by making careless, uninformed decisions. So far in my teaching career, I've managed to avoid getting myself into any real dilemmas. I hope that as I take on the role of school librarian, my good fortune continues.

Thoughts about freebies...

Here is some interesting food for thought from the LIS 2000 class lecture. Why hasn't Wikipedia charged? Would we pay for Wikipedia? Somewhere in a class reading assignment, ( I think Lessig's book) I read that Wikipedia would not charge for their information in order to keep their material as unbiased as possible. That makes sense (cents ;-) to me. As far as the second question--would consumers pay for using Wikipedia, I think that the answer is a definite yes! I think consumers would also pay to use Google. But I do think use would significantly plummet. As far as using Wikipedia, I know that school students would not have the means to use it if there were fees attached. One comparison comes to mind--telephone directory assistance. Was it ever free? I think at one time it was. I do know that I ask myself if there is any other way to obtain a number before using directory assistance. I have already gone on-line to find telephone numbers. But when all else fails and I still need to get a telephone number, I will use information or directory assistance. I hope we never have to pay for using Wikipedia or Google. We already pay for an Internet provider; this price does not go down. As a matter of fact, as we get used to high speed Internet, many of us are willing to pay more and more to keep it. One of the best perks of the Internet is the open access to a wealth of information. Really, when you think about it, how could you begin to put a price on this?

More than half way :-)

Yes! Watching the seventh class lecture, I happily realized that we are almost there. Better than half way feels quite good. Of course, a hefty share of work remains--midterm quiz, big paper, Koha assignment, web page, not to mention readings......I'm both excited and nervous about the FAST TRACK weekend. First, I've never driven solo to Pittsburgh before. Second, I've never laid eyes upon the actual University of Pittsburgh. Third, I have to take a test! At this point in the semester, I feel pretty good about my progress. Grades aren't the highest, but how much I am learning in so many different aspects amazes and satisfies me. Little by little I'm becoming more confident in my ability to first--learn in an on-line community, and second--locate, read, understand, and evaluate information about this dynamic profession. Am I really learning anything? I have to say, yes!

Response to LIS 2000 Lecture

In the class lecture for June 16, Dr. Tomer brought up the question--How do you convince more people to use the library? I don't have an answer. Unfortunately, this question just makes me want to ask more questions. As members of Cohort 10, are we preparing to enter a terminal profession? Because I am an employed teacher/ librarian (only by Praxis certification), I think I have a little more job security than a public librarian. But maybe I'm mistaken about that--schools are constantly eliminating positions in order to save money. My original goals for enrolling in this program were to become familiar with the library profession, earn more graduate credits, and obtain a Masters degree. I'm realizing now that I need to add to that develop a logical, educated rationale for librarians in the 21st century. Marketing our profession was one answer given to Dr. Tomer by students in the live class. It is sobering to think that is a big responsibility we will share. Not only do we need to advocate for libraries, but also we need to do our own public relations.

Maybe it is a RW world...

Imagine my surprise when I watch the CBS evening news and see what I'm currently reading about. In Lawrence Lessig's Remix, he talks about the media becoming more a read/write medium. Last night I heard at least 3 questions submitted via Twitter about the Gulf Oil spill. The questions came from viewers, and the news program focused on these and answered them. They were good questions...one was about the safety of consuming seafood from this area. I thought that it was a very good question, and I also wanted to know the answer. I'm convinced that unlike much of my previous coursework--both undergrad and graduate level, this course work is timely and significant. When I began reading the book--Remix, the copyright idea did not pull me in, but now that I'm seeing real, practical connections to this information it renews both my energy and spirit to continue reading/ writing and yes, learning!

Could it be getting easier?

I have to admit that when I completed my Omeka assignment on Monday, I felt pretty darned good! I hope that I did it correctly. For some reason, it just didn't seem as much of a challenge as the Zotero assignment. I did not find Omeka overly easy to navigate through. I believe I was successful because of the discussion board posts and answers. Life is a lot better when you are not taking 2 on-line courses and working full time. Seriously, I wonder why the university program begins with 2 courses at a time. For working grad students, it is an incredible challenge. I remember reading the comments of students as they were dropping the classes. One course would be much more manageable. With all that said, I'm not sure I will enroll in two courses for the fall term. I will be starting a brand new job for me, and I think that will be plenty of stress! Who knows? If the LIS 2000 assignments don't get too difficult, maybe I will reconsider the fall term.

A Day Away!

Yes,
Yesterday, after taking the quiz for LIS 2600, I spent a day with the girls. I left my computer for more than 10 hours! Felt pretty darned good. I'm wondering were other students in the class as nervous to take the quiz as I was. On Friday I spent considerable time trying to work the Omeka assignment--all to no avail. I got into the site, found my collection, looked over the components of adding an item, tried to find 15 web resources to add, watched the Omeka video twice. It was pretty cool. Oh well, back to the fun stuff. I now have new sandals, new purple toe nails, and some great fresh strawberries to enjoy. I dare say the computer did not miss me at all. I did not miss it.

One Big Lesson in Futility!

I'm not proud, but for now--I am calling it done! I finally have something to submit for Assignment 3, and it sure looks like disaster. I had to purchase a microphone; I tried both the head set and I-pod ear buds--didn't work for me. Even with the microphone the audio is barely there. If anyone has some specific suggestions on how to downsize the video, I will try. After completing (?) this assignment, I have to wonder if I have ever produced the same level of angst in any of my own students with any of my assignments. I do know one thing. I'll bet very, very few would ever sit as long as I have to figure it out. The outside weather gloom--rainy, cold, and gray, mirrors my internal frame of mind.

I used to like summer vacation!

Today was my second day of summer vacation, and I actually got to leave the house further than the mailbox! I enjoyed a beautiful summer afternoon ride to Wal-Mart. Of course, this was after submitting my paper for LIS 2000. Guess I'm not sure exactly what the expectation is for this blogging assignment. Last evening I did check out other student blogs from Cohort 10. I realize that I'm not the only person who also has a busy, hectic life. Sadly, I find myself thinking happily about August! No, we return to school August 17!!! :-(
This summer my name and slacker do not go into the same sentence.

Sunday Night Blues....

I have a bad case of the Sunday night blues! Two enormous assignments due Wednesday, neither one finished...I'd like to cry or eat a lot of chocolate or be doing something else, anything else. When I looked at the questions and answers on the Discussion Board about the Jing/Zotero Assignment, I got a little indignant. Someone replied that maybe we shouldn't be giving each other so much help...WAIT A MINUTE...that is the only way I'm going to survive here. WE are reading about networks, right?
If I do get both of my assignments done; I'm going to have something to celebrate! :-)

On-line not necessarily Isolated!

After submitting the Scopus/ Google Scholar assignment, I felt a tremendous relief. I was basically clueless about 3/4 of the assignment. But, I managed to get through it and had something to submit. What did I learn?
I read and read and tried and tried to complete the project step by step. When I hit a wall, I posted a question on the Discussion Board and thankfully, someone, would offer suggestions to try. I read through other people's questions and answers on the discussion board too. One of the biggest things I'm learning, in addition to content, is not to panic. I know that I work best in intermittent, frequent bouts of concentrating, backing away and thinking, and coming back to my work with fresh ideas and energy. As long as I can give myself enough time to work this way, and as long as others continue to throw out the life lines, I think I might make it onto the very next hurdle. I genuinely appreciate your help, classmates!

In Memoriam

As usual, another big class assignment (Scopus + 100 sources) looms closer like a fatal ice berg, and I'm in panic mode. With one more week of school left, actually 4 lovely, no make that 3 1/2 days left, I sit here this morning anxiously trying to figure out how to get all the work done in between entertaining 2 small grandsons. One of whom will be celebrating Birthday # 2 today!
In Memoriam---that long painful lamentation by Tennyson could maybe be my theme song for this weekend. Scary thing about the assignment, I'm not sure exactly what I am to do or what it will look like. Much like that ice berg under the water, the deadline approaches. Who really knows what is under the water? What I do know sadly, is that there is much, much work to be done!

PS

Pleasant Surprises
The first pleasant surprise I discovered was while reading Nicholson Baker's book--Double Fold. Baker refers to my home town, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Of course, Baker is not happy with a man from Williamsport who has collected a run of newspapers and sells them to various customers. Nevertheless, I was pleased to see Billtown mentioned.
Another pleasant surprise was my first encounter with the University of Pitt's library. My initial experience was positive and definitely user-friendly.

Classmates of Cohort 10,
When it comes to technology, I'm literally all thumbs. Is it possible to actually have more than ten? That has been and remains to be my association with technology. It always feels like school begins, or in this case classes started, and I'm playing catch up. It's like being at an amusement park--the ride has already taken off, and I'm trying to climb on. With those thoughts expressed, listen to my first roller coaster ride--obtaining a copy of Double Fold.
Yes, I did order my books about 10 days ago. It occurred to me last Friday that I had a huge dilemma since our first paper was due on Wednesday and my shining copy is probably somewhere in the US mail. I panicked. I went to work--my school--rather heavy hearted. Then I decided to call every book store I could within a 60 mile range from my home. I worked in the computer lab finding telephone numbers then making the phone calls. After three calls, I realized that my chances of getting that book were about nil. In our schools, we hire a computer lab technician to manage the room. After my third failed attempt, our lab technician --Nathan--now one of my knights-in-shining-armor--asked me what was this book I was trying to obtain.
He then shared the fact with me that his mother-in-law worked in our local college library in the Inter-Library-Loan department. Well, guess you can see where this is going. I got the book. I made it on board......but you, apt students, know that simply procuring the book does not mean the same as reading the book and writing the paper....
I