Thing #6: Finding More Feeds

Thing #6: Finding More Feeds

Now that you've practiced adding some Fontana Learning blog feeds to your Google Reader account, try finding other RSS feeds that interest you and add them to your account. Check out some of these resources...

• Use the search tool on Google Reader.

• Look for the RSS icon on your favorite websites. If you don't see it, it's possible that they use a slightly different version of the symbol. See if you can find an icon similar to one in this image from LifeHack.org.

• Browse Technorati, an online directory of sorts for blogs. Search for "library" and see what comes up. The search will bring up four different sets of results: posts, blogs, photos, and videos.
  

To complete Things #5 and #6, you must:

1. Reflect on both exercises in your blog!
2. Answer some of the following questions: How does RSS affect the way you find information on the Internet? Which method of finding feeds do you like the most? How can libraries use this? What's your favorite feed? The weirdest? Blog away!

Thing #5: RSS Feeds

Thing #5:

What exactly does this symbol stand for? It's one of the universal icons for an RSS feed, which is a file that automatically and regularly delivers updates from websites. RSS stands for "Real Simple Syndication" and can help you keep up with your favorite blogs, websites, and news sites by creating a central page where you can check all of the new information in one place. That's pretty convenient, isn't it?

To use the RSS feed, you have to sign up with a type of Reader or Aggregator. With the Google account you set up to create your blog, you can easily access their Google Reader.

These links are a great way to find out more about RSS Feeds:

• PaliNet Tutorial, a quick intro to feeds, created by a cooperative of Mid-Atlantic libraries.
• Google Reader Tutorial, by LifeHack.org
• CNet RSS Introduction, video (3:32) explaining what RSS can do for you.

To complete Thing #5:

1. Set up your own Google Reader account
2. Add some subscriptions to other Fontana Regional Learning blogs. A list of other FRLearners' blogs can be found on this page.

Thing #4: Registering Your Blog

Thing #4: Registering Your Blog

To earn the incentive, you will have to register your blog by emailing Sarah at sskrobis (at) fontanalib.org, replacing the (at) with the @ symbol. Registering will allow you to get credit for documenting your progress and to post anonymously if you so wish. To get credit for completing each thing, you must create a blog post that reflects your experiences with that exercise.

A list of everyone's blogs can be found here. Use each other as resources and to check in on others' progress. And be sure to make some comments!

Some guidelines for your blogs:

• Weekly responses to the 23 Things should be substantial and constructive. 125 words is an appropriate length to show your view of each exercise. Tell us what you learned, enjoyed, or didn't like--but please explain your perspectives.

• How you choose to identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under a screen name, anonymously, or as yourself. However, in order to qualify for the incentives, you will need to email Sarah with your name and blog address.

• Since these blogs will be public, please express yourself in a dignified manner. Please refrain from any content or language that you would not want family to see.

Thing #3: Create Your Own Blog

Thing #3: Create Your Own Blog

So you've oriented yourself with this program and are ready to jump to Thing #3! Here's where it starts to get fun...Thing #3: Create your own blogIn order to record your experience with each exercise, Thing #3 is to set up your own blog. We highly recommend Blogger for starting your own blog, as you can follow these steps for getting started:

1. Create an account (Click here to see an image of this)


2. Name your blog (Image)


3. Select a template (Image)
   

For additional help see Blogger's Tour and Blogger's Help pages.

Once you've set up these items, you'll be taken to Blogger's Dashboard screen. Your blog will be listed along with the option for "New Post." Click on that link and you'll be taken to a screen that allows you to type up and format your post. It looks like the image below:

The controls are similar to Microsoft's Word or other word processing programs. You can change the font and color, add lists, pictures, and more. Blogger automatically saves your drafts every couple minutes in case of a computer error.

Add a test post or two. Use one of your test posts to create an entry about the habits among the 7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits that is easiest and hardest for you & why. Record your responses to Week One's exercises.

When you've finished composing your post, click on the orange "Publish Post" button. To view it, your blog can be seen at http://(yourchosenblogname).blogspot.com/!

Thing 2: Lifelong Learning

Thing #2: Lifelong Learning

Are you nervous about embarking on a ten week crash course? Don't worry, you've already done Thing #1 by reading this blog post. To complete your second of the 23 Things, take a look at this online tutorial that was created by PLCMC for the original 23 Things.

Two things to note are the learning contract and the feedback link. We encourage you to fill out the learning contract as a promise to yourself, however it is not required as part of the 23 Things. To open it, click on the "Attachments" link in the top right corner, then click on "Learning Contract." If it doesn't open, it's probably because your computer is blocking pop-ups. To get around this, hold down the CTRL button on your keyboard while again clicking on "Learning Contract". A window should appear with options for "open" "save" or "cancel." Choose save so that you can have it on your computer to fill out and print. The feedback link, being a creation of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, does not go to us, so please don't email PLCMC. If you would like to share your opinion, please email Sarah at Cashiers Library.

As you're watching the tutorial, make sure that you are on a computer that allows sound via headphones or speakers. If you're not getting sound, check the bottom right corner of your screen: If your speaker icon looks like it does in this picture, that means your volume is muted. Click this icon once and uncheck the mute button and turn up the volume to get sound back. If you have speakers, make sure they are on, too!

Think about your own learning habits:

• Which habits are easiest for you?
• Which ones do you employ as you learn?
• Are there any that seem hard or challenging to you?

Ponder these questions and be ready to share your thoughts next week when we tackle Thing #3 and set up your own blog! Remember: there are no right answers, nor are there many ways to really mess things up. Roll up your sleeves and delve in!

Thing 1: Introduction

Thing #1: Introduction

Hello Fontana Regional Library staff members!

This first post kicks off our new discovery and exploration training: Fontana Regional Learning. Welcome! This program is based on the original Learning 2.0 experience created by Helene Blowers, formerly of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (PLCMC). Many of the items are tried and true, having already been utilized by dozens of libraries around the world.

During the next ten weeks, we're hoping that you'll familiarize yourself with new technologies that are changing the way people interact and how information is delivered. From blogs to You Tube and from podcasts to online bookmarking, these 23 exercises are designed to cover a wide range of web applications and to allow everyone to explore at their own pace. Not only will this training be a fun way to dive headfirst into the world of lifelong learning, but it will also give you a chance to look at ways for our libraries to become more relevant to our users. And don't forget that if you complete all 23 Things within the timeframe, you'll be treated to a great prize!