Week 8: Online Applications and Tools continued

#19 Discovering Web 2.0 tools
For this exercise I decided to explore the Music category of the 2007 Web 2.0 Awards. In my learning 2.0 journey I had read reports that PANDORA was a good music site, but unfortunately access outside of the U.S. is restricted at this point in time. Therefore, I went on to explore the next music site recommended via the awards, www.last.fm

I had terrific fun setting up a profile and creating a playlist of music. I have embedded my playlist so if you are interested to know my taste in music, turn your speakers on and listen! (I'd recommend headphones at work).

Whilst I enjoyed this exercise, and am thrilled to listen to music I like emanating from my blog (my favourite feature), it did take me some time to work on this task. 'Play and learn' really is the best way to explore this music site (I can also highly recommend FAQ for assistance).

Useful features of last.fm? Social networking is evident in that you can join Groups and connect with other members who share similar tastes in music. You can also edit artist wikis and tap into an Events calender for further information. Once you start selecting or listening to music, other artists are recommended. I only accessed free features, but if you subscribe there are other options available.

Reference to a Library environment? End user training of Web 2.0 technologies could include exploration of online music tools. I have seen many of our younger patrons listening to music online, so I now have more of an idea of what they are doing.

Ultimately I explored this tool to learn something new and fun and because it's a tool I'm likely to use.

Technorati tags online music last.fm

Week 5: Play Week - Play around with Image Generators

#10 Play around with Image Generators

After playing around with a few image and text generators, I have had (and will continue to have) some terrific fun with this activity.

For my example I decided to post something 'library' or 'book' orientated to keep within the theme of my blog. Thus, I chose this picture of Richard Harris as J.K Rowlings' Dumbledore from http://www.imageGenerator.net/ ,which I found through a simple Google search. I love the Harry Potter series, so I couldn't resist quoting something 'profound' through this character.

Technorati tag image generators

Week 3: Photos & Images continued...

1. 10/365: Taking the show on the road, 2. Sunday Morning, 3. Old and New School - Education Library, 4. The Circle is Complete, 5. Darcy Proposes, 6. iPod on Jane Austen's Guide to Dating, 7. Talk Like a Pirate Day, 8. Providence Athenaeum: Research Desk, 9. Providence Athenaeum: Research Desk, 10. Tales Of A Librarian

#6 more Flickr fun
I've finally finished playing with various Flickr mashups and 3rd party applications. I loved the look of the mosaic images, hence the example shown in this post, which is a selection of my flickr favourites presented in a mosaic. (all images acknowledged above)

Side Note about blog Templates - With the limitations of my template, and given that I do not have a sound knowledge of html code (yet!), placing my mosaic image where I really wanted it was not possible.

#7 Blog about technology
I thought I'd highlight the various technologies my family and I use (and take for granted) when we travel. First step, the planning, generally I look for inspiration on locations or accommodation via the Internet. Sometimes I'll have an idea from a travel show, otherwise I look for some terrific deals on various web sites. Then once we've agreed on a time, location and destination, I confirm bookings online and often pay a deposit remotely by credit card. Most of the aforementioned can be done at anytime of the day or night - what an advantage!

Closer to the time of our departure, (and because we pretty much always have driving holidays) I'll check out Google maps for our travel route, destination time frame and the location of amenities along the way. Before packing I sometimes do a quick check on the weather conditions on the Bureau of Meteorology site. We also tidy up any bills with online banking and stop off at a local ATM for some extra cash.

We always ensure our mobiles are charged and our rechargers are packed. While travelling we often use texting to let family or friends know we're safe. The laptop is also loaded into the car as it is our family's portable DVD, music and games console. Plus, we never leave without our digital camera - a truly fabulous and money saving piece of technology - no more dodgy holiday snaps that have to be printed and paid for! However, in the future, instead of emailing a selection of holiday images to family and friends when we return home, we'll post them on flickr and invite those interested to take a look.

Technorati tags Flickr mashup