Thing # 23 Summary of my Thoughts on 23 Things Program

I just consulted my calendar, and this was 23 things in 24 days to meet deadline. It looks like I have made it in 22 days, but I must admit to feeling the need for some R & R that does NOT involve technology of any type. I would be perfectly happy to let all my batteries die, the sun shine, the waves splash in, gulls squawk overhead, and have time to finish reading my book! I'm tuckered out. I have felt like a treadmilling hamster throughout this exercise. I really should go back and improve some of the postings that I now know what they need to be better or more complete, but I'll need quite a bit of chocolate to get the energy. For now, here are my answers to the questions:
1. My favorite discoveries or exercises were Flickr, del.icio.us, all the google goodies, Library Thing, TeacherTube, and wikis. That's too long a list. Best one: TeacherTube.
2. Looking back at my postings for # 2 Lifelong Learning: Hard (Technology) and Easy (Play) I would have to say that this program has reversed the order of the two of them. By that I mean to say that frequently playing was hard work, and thankfully, technology has become easier! Goal achieved.
3. Unexpected outcomes: I have become dependent on both my google homepage with the gadgets and RSS feeders, and my del.icio.us account. I don't think my computer would feel right without them anymore. Every day I use them both more in new ways. Hooked!
4. What could be done differently for program improvements? Perhaps some guidance is needed for those using their home computers for their hardware safety at certain junctures. I think that it would help if at the beginning of each thing an approximate amount of time needed should be included, similar to the way a recipe includes preparation and cooking time. That way you can know if it is reasonable to start a particular exercise, and you can know if your efforts have gone on beyond normal and it's time to seek outside help rather than just beating your head against the wall. The time element is the trickiest thing of all to manage with this learning experience. Obviously, you would only be able to put parameters on the learning phase and the action phase. People know their own speed of composing and publishing.
5. I would gladly accept another opportunity to participate in this program again when there wasn't a ticking 24 day time bomb counting down over my head. I could cement my learning, maybe help others, explore where I didn't have time to go before, etc. There is a chance my district may do something like this, and I have already voiced my encouragement to our director.
6. You CAN teach an old dog 23 new tricks!
Agrab.

Thing # 22 Nings

If I had time, I could quickly become addicted to Nings. I registered for both the Teacher Librarian and Texas School Librarian Ning. I joined 3 groups in the first Ning and was ready to join groups in the Texas Ning when I discovered they only had 3 groups and none of them pertained to me. They also didn't look very recently active. No matter, I felt bold. I decided to start a group because clearly they need a group for elementary librarians. The group starter menu insisted I upload an image. I thought that was odd since the 3 existing groups all had the same generic graphic, but I tried to put my little sticky note picture into the system. Sadly, I broke the Ning. I received an error message, and then the web page expired. I went back in. No group. I left a comment for the Ning creator explaining that I was the new member creating the havoc. Perhaps I will limit myself to the Teacher Librarain Ning after all... They really have great discussion and resources at both locations. Again I saw Doug Valentine, AKA Dr. Loopy, and his videos that I mentioned from TeacherTube. He's got a Dr. Seuss show on the Texas Ning that I can't wait to share with fourth grade writers and with everyone around Read Across America time. He cracks me up. I can see how Nings can be the teacher equivalent of My Space or Facebook. Agrab.

Thing # 21 Podcasts

This thing wins the award for being the most time consuming. There were numerous steps along the way where I stumbled and tripped. When the Photostory and Switchpod registration were finally complete I called my husband to see the masterpiece that had kept me preoccupied for the entire day. He politely told me it was nice, but I could tell he didn't "get" it. I'll admit the concept is esoteric, and it might take more than one viewing, but I think librarians will snap to it faster. Nevertheless, Steven Spielberg has nothing to worry about, I have NOT found a new calling. Please let me know if the elementary librarians are able to decipher this little show "One Fish". I really didn't want to put words on every photo, but if no one can figure it out, then I may need to go back to editing... Agrab.