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!