Classification and Tagging

The advent of tagging internet data by ordinary users has created a new level of classification. This relatively new phenomena is creating taxonomy as we speak; or more precisely, as we communicate. In the past, one of the most time consuming aspect of the Web was trying to find saved data quickly and efficiently. It was a bit like looking for the proverbial "needle in a haystack". When WEB 2.0 arrived it allowed us to tag information according to our needs, making retrieval easier.

One of the most useful tagging sites is del.icio.us. Instead of hundreds of sites marked in a favorites list, we can tag it under del.icio.us. The data is saved in categories of our choice, using the language and wordage that is useful to us. In addition, it will allow us to see what others are collecting under similar tags. This is collaborative learning at its best!

No longer are our favorites list on just one computer. Del.icio.us allows us to publish them for online use. Personally, this is the ultimate advantage because I often work on various computers. My home has three computers that the family uses interchangeable. As a teacher I may find myself working on my school assigned laptop, one of the library computers, or the technology classroom computers. Having data available no matter where I am is a lifesaver.

When I created the tags for the assigned project, I was not very satisfied with the outcome. As with any new experience it will take getting used to before I can say I am pleased with the result. Perhaps it was the websites that I randomly chose to complete the assignment; I was not too excited about them. Instead of giving 100% on the assignment, I was thinking of my antiquated favorites list and deciding how to tag and classify the hundreds of sites. Categorizing my own data will be a challenge but well worth the time and effort. If I do not get around to the ol' favorites list, I know that I will tag my collection of new sites.

The Machine Is Us- Using Us

Professor Welsh has created an interesting title for his YouTube video on Web 2.0. The title for the video, "The Machine Is Us- Using Us" lends itself to an interesting discussion. As Nancy Courtney pointed out in Library 2.0 and Beyond, Web 2.0 "facilitates collaboration and social connection" (p. 6). The computer is a machine that is about us because it connects us together. With the advent of RSS, we are now able to share so much of our lives. We have become a blogging community. We use videos, Facebook, Flickr, wikis, and a myriad of other communication options that help us connect to friends, families, and even compete strangers. The world is a smaller place as we meet others through the use of a machine that has become a part of us.

The machine is also using us. With every piece of information we enter, the machine becomes "smarter". Wikipedia now has thousands of editors that can create additional information for each entry. Each time we make an entry on the machine, the machine can store it, and so in a sense it is "using us".

Personally, I believe the words that hold the greatest meaning are "us using us". The machine is still just a machine that depends on the human mind. In reality it is our human desire for connection that has paved the way for the success of Web 2.0. As we continue to strive for that human connection, we will more than likely be using a machine to facilitate this need and desire. I am excited to see what lies ahead as we continue this partnership between people and machine.

Hand-Held Devices: Library Purchases

Given a budget of $10,000 I would purchases several handheld devices for the library. I would select 10 EBook Readers for $4,000. The EReaders, IRex or Sony, would be small devices that would be used in several ways. Two of the devices would be housed permanently in the library and would store reference works. This purchase would eliminate the need for many of the reference materials that take up valuable shelf space. In addition, the EReaders would be used as check out book for reluctant readers. Students that do not like to read might be drawn into reading given the electronic format of EReader. A third use of the EReaders would be an ongoing Book Club. Students would be selected for a school wide EReaderBook Club. They would read a designated book from EReaders, and then post blogs or chat discussions about the book. Being an EReader Book Club would be a privilege and honor. Students selected for the EReader Book Club would build enthusiasm and generate library interest for the whole school. EReader Book Club would also have a Teacher Edition.

My next purchase would be for 6 IPhone at a cost of $3,000. Phones would be serve as face-to- face conferencing between our school's three separate buildings and the administration. A designated lead teacher from each of the buildings would be given an IPhone and serve as liaison. This would eliminate the outdated intercom system and would free up duties of the secretary that often has to walk to various points on the campus to reach one of the teachers.the IPhones would also provide a means of quick communication for emergencies and security issues. The additional IPhones would be used for camera and video capabilities. The yearbook teacher and staff would have access for photos and the technology teacher and class would use the video ap for podcasting. Any teacher on staff would have access to check out the IPhones for filming or picture taking during field trips or classroom activities. Presently teachers must use personal phones when taking kids off campus. The IPhone allows instant access while away from school. One IPhone would be given to the teacher that writes an essay that explains how they will utilize the IPhone in their teaching. The teacher with the winning essay will be given the IPhone for that year. Documentation of use will be required and this will be stored as part of library portfolio. Portfolio would be used for future grant writing that targets the purchasing of additional technology for the school.

The remaining $3,ooo would be 5 Portable Media Players. These would be used for teacher listening stations in the early childhood classroom. Since they have a larger screen they are better suited to classroom use for the early grades. I would like to purchase the PMP that have capacity to record video. Having these available in the classroom for quick use by teachers, would provide material for open houses, parent conferencing, and marketing production for our school. The tech class could also use the video gathering from classroom PMP for our school WEB site.