After the edits. After posting the project to youtube. After the storyboard. After the project presentation to the selection committee on deadline. After winning in the category of Creative Collaboration announced at the LCDT meeting. An e-mail was circulated to advertise our project with a link to youtube. Several have enjoyed our "playful teamwork," some have commented in person and other have left comments in the space alotted on youtube. While promoting all of these wonderful technologies, advances in communications, use of web 2.0 tools, we had a wonderful speaker (Michael Stephens) come and speak to us on continuing to move forward in using these to connect with others via internal and external web communities or "tribes." I recieved an e-mail notifying us of comments on our work-related project. Sadly, all I was able to access and read (from work) was the following.
The City's Internet use policy restricts access to this web page at this time.
Reason: The Websense category "General Email" is filtered.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
URL: http://www.youtube.com/inbox?folder=comments&action_message=1
Irony defined beautifully.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wonderful Woes of Going Beyond 2.0-Part2: Trial and Errors
At the suggestion of our supervisor, we kept a informal record of our decision making process along the travels through our Beyond 2.0 project.
Beginning with topic selection. After tossing ideas at each other while passing in the workroom at shift changes, we finally settled on our final choice during a humorous and light-hearted dispute while shelving in the video section. The questions brought to light in the video short were those we ourselves had differences of opinion on. Therefore, we began to formulate our innovative way of improving communications via a training video for circulation personnel.
When we narrowed our field to the goal of opening a discussion rather than actual training, it was merely a product of a official written policy roadblock, or rather, dead end. In the circulation procedures manual we found no concrete answers to most of our questions. Thus rendering our ability to properly educate on the "how to" impossible. Obviously, improving communications was needed. Hopefully a future update to the procedure manual will one day be the final result.
The orginal concept for the video was to illustrate how the tasks of the clerks directly effect those of the other positions within our library system, a food chain if you will. Also to share actual scenerios we encounter, as well as, perhaps clearify any misconceptions about the importance of our role. This along with the overall topic transitioned into illustrating misconconceptions when shelving videos and using actual questions we ourselves have to foster discussion and healthy debate.
In chosing the format in which to present our project, we immediately leaned toward a video posted to youtube. The other web 2.0 tools used were simply communication tools or means to an end. And as for this blog, I merely like to blog. In leiu of text or commentary in the short we originally had planned to pen a actual accompanying training manual. A manual without concrete answers to the questions at hand though was useless, so we opted for an accompanying discussion worksheet complete with printed photo examples of the questions raised in the video short. In turn these photos found their way onto our presentation storyboard for the project.
When compiling our photos, as mentioned in the previous blog, we encountered storage space issues so we moved into the online photosharing realm. During the uploading and editing process we found that Photobucket was actually more liberal with storage space and more user friendly than Flicker. All the other web 2.0 tools used were as a direct result from their introduction through Learning 2.0 Remix program.
These are only but a few points to illustrate our decision making process along the way, but I feel I have typed quite enough for the moment. Until next blog....
Beginning with topic selection. After tossing ideas at each other while passing in the workroom at shift changes, we finally settled on our final choice during a humorous and light-hearted dispute while shelving in the video section. The questions brought to light in the video short were those we ourselves had differences of opinion on. Therefore, we began to formulate our innovative way of improving communications via a training video for circulation personnel.
When we narrowed our field to the goal of opening a discussion rather than actual training, it was merely a product of a official written policy roadblock, or rather, dead end. In the circulation procedures manual we found no concrete answers to most of our questions. Thus rendering our ability to properly educate on the "how to" impossible. Obviously, improving communications was needed. Hopefully a future update to the procedure manual will one day be the final result.
The orginal concept for the video was to illustrate how the tasks of the clerks directly effect those of the other positions within our library system, a food chain if you will. Also to share actual scenerios we encounter, as well as, perhaps clearify any misconceptions about the importance of our role. This along with the overall topic transitioned into illustrating misconconceptions when shelving videos and using actual questions we ourselves have to foster discussion and healthy debate.
In chosing the format in which to present our project, we immediately leaned toward a video posted to youtube. The other web 2.0 tools used were simply communication tools or means to an end. And as for this blog, I merely like to blog. In leiu of text or commentary in the short we originally had planned to pen a actual accompanying training manual. A manual without concrete answers to the questions at hand though was useless, so we opted for an accompanying discussion worksheet complete with printed photo examples of the questions raised in the video short. In turn these photos found their way onto our presentation storyboard for the project.
When compiling our photos, as mentioned in the previous blog, we encountered storage space issues so we moved into the online photosharing realm. During the uploading and editing process we found that Photobucket was actually more liberal with storage space and more user friendly than Flicker. All the other web 2.0 tools used were as a direct result from their introduction through Learning 2.0 Remix program.
These are only but a few points to illustrate our decision making process along the way, but I feel I have typed quite enough for the moment. Until next blog....
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Wonderful Woes of Going Beyond 2.0-Part1: Time and Technology
There were several obstacles that we had to overcome or that redirected the focus of our project. Below are listed a sampling.
1. Using the VBGOV network. Drive space constraints, IT change-overs of both drives and the Microsoft operating systems, saving/download/upload times exceeding the mount of allotted time to utilize for our project work, and the ever-present known Microsoft issue intermittently causing multiple instances of computer "hang" or “freeze up” leading to a inability to properly save all our changes in the final stages of the project.
2. The need for using at home (creative) resources led to an inability to access certain contributions from non-web based projects for another team member to collaborate in edits and changes, aka PrintShop and photo editing software.
3. The requirement of saving our project in a community accessible drive so that anyone might view it prior to its official debut therefore giving any competitor's leverage simply because the entire of central library accessible to the evening shift is devoid of a CD-R.
4. Password Retention of team members.
5. Conflicting work schedules or need for more in-person collaboration time.
6. Heat tickets and available computer stations.
1. Using the VBGOV network. Drive space constraints, IT change-overs of both drives and the Microsoft operating systems, saving/download/upload times exceeding the mount of allotted time to utilize for our project work, and the ever-present known Microsoft issue intermittently causing multiple instances of computer "hang" or “freeze up” leading to a inability to properly save all our changes in the final stages of the project.
2. The need for using at home (creative) resources led to an inability to access certain contributions from non-web based projects for another team member to collaborate in edits and changes, aka PrintShop and photo editing software.
3. The requirement of saving our project in a community accessible drive so that anyone might view it prior to its official debut therefore giving any competitor's leverage simply because the entire of central library accessible to the evening shift is devoid of a CD-R.
4. Password Retention of team members.
5. Conflicting work schedules or need for more in-person collaboration time.
6. Heat tickets and available computer stations.
Monday, May 4, 2009
FINISHED PRODUCT
Here are some web addresses of importance to this project:
http://s629.photobucket.com/albums/uu18/AngelinaPage/A%20Day%20In%20the%20Life/slideshows/?action=view¤t=ab591d98.pbw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aORV0b9wF68
http://goingangelina.blogspot.com/
http://vbplbeyond2009.wikispaces.com/
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
A Day in the Life of a Movie
At the bottom of this page is posted the preliminary video for our project on photobucket. Enjoy!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Project in Progress
BEYOND 2.0: Playful Teamwork (Collaborative Opportunity) Project 2009
GOAL: Expand the library staff's knowledge base through the use of technology (Web 2.0 tools) in order to communicate a need for improved guidelines in order to be more uniform and standardized in our shelving processes. In turn, to promote a more efficient collection search for patrons.
MISSION STATEMENT: Library's mission statement and/or strategic plan supporting this project is our promise to be user friendly and efficient thus enhancing our ability to offer quality customer service.
TOPIC: Begin a process to illustrate a need to address the current loopholes in our present guidelines for shelving entertainment videos. This will in turn foster open communications while addressing common questions and misconceptions face and promote further training from the circulation personnel.
OBJECTIVE: Bring attention to a need for more specific guidelines in a fun, light hearted and non-threatening manner to promote open input from staff about areas that need improvement. Therefore taking a step toward the planning and implementation of new and improved guidelines for shelving entertainment videos.
STRATEGIC PLAN: We anticipate significant user participation (staff) with our finished product simply by the interest already shown and responses from our initial verbal survey of our co-workers and supervisor. We feel adamantly that this project will a useful tool for use in illustrating current questions, open communication for other possibilities that may need inclusion and will lead to a improved written set of guidelines and training.
WEB 2.0 INVOLVEMENT: Wikispaces.com to assist with project planning and to track progress, Blogger.com to post overviews on Web 2.0 as well as information on our project, and more to come.
GOAL: Expand the library staff's knowledge base through the use of technology (Web 2.0 tools) in order to communicate a need for improved guidelines in order to be more uniform and standardized in our shelving processes. In turn, to promote a more efficient collection search for patrons.
MISSION STATEMENT: Library's mission statement and/or strategic plan supporting this project is our promise to be user friendly and efficient thus enhancing our ability to offer quality customer service.
TOPIC: Begin a process to illustrate a need to address the current loopholes in our present guidelines for shelving entertainment videos. This will in turn foster open communications while addressing common questions and misconceptions face and promote further training from the circulation personnel.
OBJECTIVE: Bring attention to a need for more specific guidelines in a fun, light hearted and non-threatening manner to promote open input from staff about areas that need improvement. Therefore taking a step toward the planning and implementation of new and improved guidelines for shelving entertainment videos.
STRATEGIC PLAN: We anticipate significant user participation (staff) with our finished product simply by the interest already shown and responses from our initial verbal survey of our co-workers and supervisor. We feel adamantly that this project will a useful tool for use in illustrating current questions, open communication for other possibilities that may need inclusion and will lead to a improved written set of guidelines and training.
WEB 2.0 INVOLVEMENT: Wikispaces.com to assist with project planning and to track progress, Blogger.com to post overviews on Web 2.0 as well as information on our project, and more to come.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
WEEK 5: Virtual Worlds and MMOGs
This installment totally and immensely had me written all over it. I am a nightly visitor to the Ysera realm of Azaroth and accompanying continents in the World of Warcraft. I have several toons, characters...avatars, but one "main." Her name is Angenavive and she is a Human Destruction Warlock and has ascended to the maximum level of 80. Her family (guild) by choice is called Draumaless which has around 300 total toons (some of which are "alts"-alternate characters of someone's "main"). My alts are Moonprowler (level 73 Night Elf Druid Healer), Miseri (level 60 Draenai aka Alien Holy Paladin), Chicamuerta (level 61 Human Unholy Death Knight), and Magentila (level 41 Human Fire Mage). Judging by the levels you can see that I am very active in my online virtual world. This particular world is referred to as a MMORPG (Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Game). Actual role-playing is optional based on ones personal taste in types of play. This and games of this type are goal orientated war type games and W.O.W. in particular has over 10 million subscribers.
Now the type of virtual social worlds referred to this time is somewhat close however the bottom line purpose is to have a community of collaboration and commerce and essentially learn while you're not looking. Key elements introduced in relationship to these virtual worlds are as follows.
-Creates a sense of self (avatar)
-Creates a death of distance (through instant portals or flight)
-Creates a Power of Presence (sharing an event or experience)
-Creates a Sense of Space / Perception (size can be manipulated)
-Creates the Capability to Create (while documenting accountability and reputation)
-Creates a Pervasiveness of Practice ("How Do I..?" is part of the learnscape, culture or community)
-Creates an Enrichment of the Experience (breaching disability or distance)
An acronym of significance:
F low
R epetition
E xperimentation
E ngagement
D oing
O bserving
M otivation
No matter which virtual community interests you, the typical intent is to escape reality or augment reality in some way. Each and every day more and more people around the world discover and embrace this very important tool that is beyond web learning 2.0 and into web 3-D.
Now the type of virtual social worlds referred to this time is somewhat close however the bottom line purpose is to have a community of collaboration and commerce and essentially learn while you're not looking. Key elements introduced in relationship to these virtual worlds are as follows.
-Creates a sense of self (avatar)
-Creates a death of distance (through instant portals or flight)
-Creates a Power of Presence (sharing an event or experience)
-Creates a Sense of Space / Perception (size can be manipulated)
-Creates the Capability to Create (while documenting accountability and reputation)
-Creates a Pervasiveness of Practice ("How Do I..?" is part of the learnscape, culture or community)
-Creates an Enrichment of the Experience (breaching disability or distance)
An acronym of significance:
F low
R epetition
E xperimentation
E ngagement
D oing
O bserving
M otivation
No matter which virtual community interests you, the typical intent is to escape reality or augment reality in some way. Each and every day more and more people around the world discover and embrace this very important tool that is beyond web learning 2.0 and into web 3-D.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
WEEK 4: My So-Called Social Life
Social computing is actually a very interesting phrase to me. When people think of "social" the phrase "getting out there" comes to mind. In social cumputing, sure you are getting your contact information out there to meet friends, co-workers etc. of both old and new but in reality its a mere way to stay connected without actually "getting out" at all. Think you don't "do" social computing? Think again, you are if you do any of the following.
A. Posting blogs
B. Commenting in forums or to messageboards
C. Uploading videos to Youtube
D. Making a Podcast
E. Organizing a Wiki
F. Uploading photos or just tagging them
G. Chatrooms or IM
H. Online gaming (MMORG)
I. Facebook, Myspace,etc.-ing
Anything that allows you the option to create a profile and has a searchable database can indeed be a social network of sorts. Social computing is a way to work together thru software in order to collaborate or bring people or information together.
A. Posting blogs
B. Commenting in forums or to messageboards
C. Uploading videos to Youtube
D. Making a Podcast
E. Organizing a Wiki
F. Uploading photos or just tagging them
G. Chatrooms or IM
H. Online gaming (MMORG)
I. Facebook, Myspace,etc.-ing
Anything that allows you the option to create a profile and has a searchable database can indeed be a social network of sorts. Social computing is a way to work together thru software in order to collaborate or bring people or information together.
WEEK 3: Shhhh...Private
Is there really anyone out there under the misconception that anything online or even on your computer is private? I'll be the first to admit I've put WAY too much information out there in the cyber masses and one day it will most likely bite me in the rear. Now, with that said, unless it is in a Vista style confirmation in triplicate pop up boxes upon checking any "yes, I've read the privacy statement and agree to the terms of agreement" any and all content on your "space" should indeed be considered "yours" unless otherwise disclaimed or thereby wavered." However, that's not to say the the net savvy, mp3 stealing, gamer and amateur hacker in training kid down the street has any intention of respecting that credo. So the rule of thumb, if you don't want it known or shared...don't upload it for millins upon millions to access, copy, print, email, sell, link, or blog about. If you fill in your address in every random contest expect to get mail from any and everyone that contest deems fit or profitable to sell your inbox information to. Sad but true, it is just a fact of our 21st century lives.
WEEK 2: Aggregating aggregators
Okay so I get the verb (to collect, gather information into one collective, a whole sumor amount). I get the theory, "one stop shopping" for news, update and information from your favorite places ans spaces. Since beginning this lesson I've joined Friendfeed through Facebook and Twitter also through Facebook but thats as far as it went. Personally these tools to expediate our info fix quickly takes a bit of time to set up how you want it. Now for some it may be worth the time, energy and head-scratching moments of "huh?" For me at the moment, not so much.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Well, about the teamwork...
I've had my concerns on the collaboration portion, aka teamwork, on the final project may be not so much the co-workers interest but rather the sufficient time to indeed collaborate. I've written out some of my brainstorming but haven't been able to meet with the others for us to compare ideas and goals for the project. Our supervisor has expressed a desire for a particular subject, however I'd much rather our project be something we indeed are interested and knowledgeable first-hand in so that we relay tips and practical advice along with procedural informational based on our experience. At the moment though none of that seems to matter due to timing and having the others commit to the project this far in advance.
And yes, type A personality, pre-planner, and organizer extraordinaire here.
And yes, type A personality, pre-planner, and organizer extraordinaire here.
WEEK 1: Meez Playful Avatar
Playful is right! This activity was too much fun to actually be work related. Check out my Meez!
Want one? Go to www.meez.com
Want one? Go to www.meez.com
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Coming soon to a blog near you.
(Italic info is copied)
Playful Teamwork --- Collaborative Opportunity
Using web 2.0 concepts or tools, participants are challenged to work together to create something of value for library staff or customers. Here are several examples of possible projects for an agency or team:
*The law library might use a wiki format to create an online resource on privacy and the Internet.
*The Reader’s Advisory group might use a social network like Ning to connect readers and facilitate book discussions and merchandise library materials.
To complete the challenge, participants can use either their current work groups, teams or form new ones. Already established groups and teams are encouraged to work together.
On or before May 4, participants will submit their projects for review to a panel of judges. Using the Project Review Process, the panel of judges will select one project to be presented at the May 2009 LCDT meeting. All projects submitted will be showcased with a display board at the May 2009 LCDT.
Each project will be required to demonstrate the following:
1. Support the library's mission and / or strategic plan
2. Add value for either internal and / or external customers
3. Collaboration
4. Creative or innovative approach
5. Knowledge of web 2.0 tools
To be considered for review, each group needs to submit the following:
1. Playful Teamwork Project Form
2. Display board showcasing their project
3. URL of their project, if appropriate
This seems to be another great opportunity to not only educate myself but enjoy the process along the way. The only item of concern for me is the collaboration portion. Teamwork is not a problem for me in the least, however my concern is having ample co-workers interested in participating and sufficient time to indeed collaborate. Wish me luck.
Playful Teamwork --- Collaborative Opportunity
Using web 2.0 concepts or tools, participants are challenged to work together to create something of value for library staff or customers. Here are several examples of possible projects for an agency or team:
*The law library might use a wiki format to create an online resource on privacy and the Internet.
*The Reader’s Advisory group might use a social network like Ning to connect readers and facilitate book discussions and merchandise library materials.
To complete the challenge, participants can use either their current work groups, teams or form new ones. Already established groups and teams are encouraged to work together.
On or before May 4, participants will submit their projects for review to a panel of judges. Using the Project Review Process, the panel of judges will select one project to be presented at the May 2009 LCDT meeting. All projects submitted will be showcased with a display board at the May 2009 LCDT.
Each project will be required to demonstrate the following:
1. Support the library's mission and / or strategic plan
2. Add value for either internal and / or external customers
3. Collaboration
4. Creative or innovative approach
5. Knowledge of web 2.0 tools
To be considered for review, each group needs to submit the following:
1. Playful Teamwork Project Form
2. Display board showcasing their project
3. URL of their project, if appropriate
This seems to be another great opportunity to not only educate myself but enjoy the process along the way. The only item of concern for me is the collaboration portion. Teamwork is not a problem for me in the least, however my concern is having ample co-workers interested in participating and sufficient time to indeed collaborate. Wish me luck.
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