Tech Tips & Timely Tidbits

Thing #2’s assignment is all about RSS feeds: learn about them, subscribe to a feed reader, and add feeds to your reader. After completing those steps, we’re asked to reflect on what we like about RSS/readers and how we might use them in our work and personal life. And, how can libraries use RSS technology?

I’ve been using an RSS reader for quite some time now. I originally used Google Reader (as I love all things Google), but switched to Bloglines earlier this year as some of my feeds weren’t updating properly on Google; however, I’m now having the same problem with Bloglines. <sigh> I guess no service can be perfect all of the time.

One thing I learned quickly, but was just an extension of my need to be organized, was to use folders to group my feeds. Here is a screen shot of my current groupings:

There are certain folders that I make a point of reading daily (SC Blogs, Favorites, and Library Profession) and as many of the others as I can each day. I’ve given up thinking I could keep it cleaned out, especially since I keep adding more feeds than I delete. For most of them I will simply scan the titles and/or scroll through them without truly reading the posts. As you can see, there are quite a few that I’ve marked keepers that I have some form of follow up I want to do: mention them on my blog, comment on, check out the resource(s) mentioned, etc.

I try not to stress over reading all of the posts and will quite frequently mark all as read. I figure that the folks I make a point of reading are reading the same ones as me and they’ll write or share anything important! Both professionally and personally, I’ve found RSS to be a great way to keep up with all of my interests. Of course, it can be a great time saver AND a great time waster.

As for using RSS in libraries, I’d be interested to read how others are utilizing them. I’m leery of getting to excited about using them since most Web 2.0 tools are currently blocked by my school district.

I totally forgot that SLJ was starting their “All Together Now” program.  If you’ve been reading the blog, you’ll see absentmindedness is a fault of mine!  What is even more embarrassing is that I wrote a reminder post on SUNDAY! Go figure. I guess its time for me to start up my scheduler again…the one I stopped using since going on summer vacation.  Anyhow, “Thing #1″ of the program is to set up a blog, write an about me post, and enter the blog address at the community clearinghouse site: http://tametheweb.com/alltogethernowblogs and then explore your new blog. You can find out more about who all is participating at the NetVibes portal, too!

School Library Journal is facilitating a “23 Things” learning opportunity to help folks learn Web 2.0 tools. Based on the program originally on Learning 2.0 blog. Some of the items that will be explored include: Blogs, Podcasts, RSS, Wikis, Flickr, Web Toys, Web 2.0 & Library 2.0, Social Networking Sites, Video Sites, Twitter, Tagging, and Google Apps. The program begins Monday, July 21st. The first topic covered with be blogs.

This is a great way to get an introduction to these tools. As the instructor Michael Stephens says: “Explore. Try things out. Don’t worry about “breaking” anything! Ask questions. There are no dumb questions. AND It’s okay to make mistakes.” As always, I’m here to help, and I will be following along with the program, too!

Cathy Nelson wrote a post today that touched a nerve, not with her original topic “What’s in a name?” but with the following comment:

“…“teacher” in today’s world has come to imply that the learning is done, and it is now someone else’s (students) turn to learn. I wholeheartedly believe it is (in the words of Bud the teacher) pedagogical malpractice to stop learning if you work with students.”

It has become obvious to me that many media specialists and educators seem to stop the learning process once they obtain their degree/jobs. Oh, they will do the mandated requirements to keep up their teaching certificates, but they don’t take the time to become true “life-long learners” especially when it comes to their own profession.

I could go into a long rant listing all of the excuses I hear for not attending professional development both on their own time and through district, state, or national programs, and why I feel they don’t hold weight. — And I did, but realized that my post had too much negativity where my goal is to be more positive this year, so I deleted it! — Instead I’ll just counter any and all excuses with the fact that many educators, media specialist, and leaders in education seem to find the time to continually educate themselves and they all have the same hours in the day, family commitments, workloads, scheduling nightmares, etc.

What I believe is that it all boils down to commitment and compromises. What is important to you and what are you willing to give up?

For me, Instead of watching TV every evening or going into town every weekend to see a movie or visit family and friends, I’ll take online tutorials or learn a new Web 2.0 tool. I’ll alternate reading a book for enjoyment, such as the latest Nora Roberts or Dean Koontz, with professional blogs, journals, and books. (Although, I’ll have to say that my professional learning network has become more interesting to me than the latest bestsellers.) I’ll plan into my budget professional dues and conference fees that my school cannot cover, and maybe I’ll have to do without that new blouse, or latest DVD, or take my lunch this week, but to me, furthering (and many times just keeping up with) my education is more important. Most importantly, the people I serve, my students, teachers, and community, deserve for me to give them my best and not just the bare minimum.

Okay, stepping down from my soapbox. Let me just add that I challenge you, to learn one new thing each month. It doesn’t have to be anything huge or involved. Just try reading one professional book/magazine/blog; explore one Web 2.0 tool/software/technology of your choice; attend a professional group meeting related to your subject; or any number of things that will improve your knowledge. Need suggestions or help, just ask me. That’s why I’m here!