Stick 22: What did I learn today?

Keeping Up
I have learned many new things. They have been challenging and exciting. There have been many trials and tribulations as I have tried to learn theses new tools. I have struggled a lot – to the point of wanting to scream or cry or just give up. But so many times I just persisted and what do you know – I figured it out. Miraculously. I think I do have more confidence with new technologies and less fear, but it has come with a cost - a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

I do admit I can see educational uses for many of these tools. Yes, Web 2.0 is not a static environment. I am glad for the initial exposure to many of these tools and I hope I will use and enjoy these tools as they are continually changed and enhanced. I know I need to stay informed about what people, kids specifically, are using, talking about and asking for help with. I feel a strong desire to be a guide in their lives when it comes to using these new tools.

I RESOLVE TO KEEP ON LEARNING. I RESOLVE TO GIVE EACH NEW TOOL A CHANCE – TO SPEND THE TIME TO LEARN IT AND APPLY IT. I RESOLVE TO BE A LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST WHO IS WILLING TO TAKE ON WHAT’S NEW AND SHARE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED.

My blog will be a good place to keep “journal entries” for whatever new tool I am investigating and sharing. I definitely have the blogging part down!

Practical Ways of Keeping Up
I already had Doug Johnson’s Blue Skunk Blog in my aggregator. I have streamed several College of DuPage teleconferences on library trends. I am signed up for a Minitex webinar in May to continue learning more about Web 2.0 tools. I read School Library Journal cover to cover each month. I will keep my eyes and ears open for new opportunities to keep up…