Tuesday, December 4, 2007

YouTube

Like most forms of media or communication it consists of random sound/videobytes that can be both informative and entertaining, yet just as easily taken out of context as they often are just sound/video bytes that don't tell the whole story. Still, lots of items of interest, and particularly enjoyed viewing some of the darwin awards.

Friday, November 9, 2007

librarything

Seems like it could be a useful tool for helping with readers advisory and such, but I don't think I'm an avid enough reader to make playing around in a site like this time worth spending. Having said that, I did however find a book that I'd like to read while playing in the site, so perhaps it was more beneficial to me than I want to admit.

flickr

I don't see myself ever posting pictures, but it was interesting to be able to search on the map and pull up some recent fall pictures of a place I've been hiking in the blue ridge mountains in Virginia. Since I couldn't go there myself it was nice to be able to get a glimpse at the scenery through someone elses photos.

Friday, November 2, 2007

RSS

I'm having trouble keeping track of all my accounts, but the RSS feeds at least seem more useful and interesting (once I remembered how to get back to them). I like the push aspect, but I can see that the amount of info that gets pushed can be a bit overwhelming, as there is too much to sort through unless you want to devote a lot of time to sitting at the computer. Still, have found a few useful nuggets from the sites I suscribed to so far. Might acutally continue to use this one.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Tagging

Just can't seem to get into this, but will make an entry (if you can call it that) just to complete the assignment. While given certain applications I'm sure that these can be useful tools, but as the bumper sticker says "I'd rather be sailing".........

Monday, October 15, 2007

Random thoughts on 71/2 habits of highly successful lifelong learners

A little slow, but seemed to have a lot of good thoughts. I think a one of the most important points made in this presentation was that one can and should be open to new ideas, decisions, skills, and behaviors. Closed minds are exactly that, and won't allow one to grow very far. Being open doesn't mean agreeing with or accepting everything one hears, but being willing to consider and assess, and reach an more informed conclusion.

I also liked the point that learning occurs everywhere, not just in formal educational institutions. Learning can occur anywhere and anytime. Having spent time in formal institutions (educational institutions that is), I'd also like to note that much of the truly important learning that occurs there isn't necessarily connected with the actual subjects being taught, but comes more from the interactions with others and being exposed to multiple and varied perspectives.

While goals are helpful, and can help one define what they want to achieve, I think its important to realize that you don't have to have a goal to learn. You can learn by accident, and most people do all the time (especially if they are open minded).

Viewing problems as challenges and challenges as opportunities -- wow, that just gave me shivers and brought back bad memories of being presented "opportunities to excel" in my old career, which usually meant "we're sticking you with this because no one else wants it".......ughh

The one caution I have about what was presented here is about technology. While I agree that technology is a very important tool, I think people really need to realize that it is only a tool, it is not a replacement for using your brain......I worry that the more we rely on technology, the less we are able to think and do for ourselves. Just watch someone struggle over simple math at the cash register and you'll see what I mean......be careful that technology doesn't take over, you still need to use your mind.