Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Wrapping it up!!!

Well I have finally finished my Web 2.0 training and am very pleased to say that I have learnt some great new skills, explored some exciting new sites, met some fun and like minded people (on-line) and expanded my knowledge of what the internet can do for me and people in the Library.
I feel very fortunate to be working in an environment that I love and one that allows for training such as Web 2.0.
Like many others, I was no stranger to Facebook or Flickr but I really liked that Web 2.0 allowed us to explore these sites more in depth as well as explore other sites that we may not have been exposed to before. For instance; I knew about Twitter but had never wanted to sign up because I thought Facebook was enough. However, after signing up for Twitter because of Web 2.0, I realise that there is a whole world out there of Social Networking sites, some of them very interesting, and not to cut myself short by only using sites that I was familiar with.
Blogging is another thing I feel more comfortable about now. As you read my Blog you may notice that my posts start of quite small, and gradually become longer as I grow more confident.
There were a few topics towards the end that didn't really spark my interest such as Geocaching and Podcasts but it was still great to be able to explore these topics that I was not really familiar with. In particular Geocaching - I had no knowledge of at all. At least now I know what it is.
I think it is important that people working in a Library have an up to date knowledge of the topics covered in the Web 2.0 course as it is a case of moving forward with the world and not being left behind or being stuck in the dark ages. Most of our patrons are familiar with computers and use many of these sites or would like help from someone in starting up. It is truly wonderful to be able to help our patrons and offer them not just Books but a Library with up to date, exciting and current services.

6 comments:

  1. Yes, I agree. As much as I love the dark ages, if you don't move forward you can miss out on some really interesting things!

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  2. Also agrees, the more choice of tools we have to work with the better we can help ourselves. Confidence is a great thing i've taken with me from this course.

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  3. Good on you for finishing. I am still struggling. A bit of a time thing. I have had other study to do, Christmas, etc. However, it has been great to be introduced to so many things. Unless I had to, as you do with this course, I don't think I would have bothered with many of the features. My study has introduced me to some things..RSS feeds, blogs and so on, but definitely a whole new world out there.

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  4. Well done Dana! I'm pleased you enjoyed the course ... but it doesn't surprise me at all!
    It's also good to know you love your working environment ... because we love having you as part of the team!

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  5. I agree that we do need to keep up to date as technology is changing at such a great rate if we don't we will be lost.

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  6. The Geocaching was a surprise wasn't it. Wondering what the next part of the course will hold for us. Hope I pass this one first!

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