SITES FOR STUDENTS

Many of these sites look like useful ones for students old and young. Zoho would work well for library applications, since one doesn't need to download anything to use it. NoteMesh would be handy for a group working on a project (in-house at KRL) or taking a class together. I was impressed with Kathy Schrock's site for educators. I struggled to use Audacity for a personal project. The download came with NO instructions. One of the tools on her site is a "how-to" on Audacity. There are many suggestions and sites to visit to enhance any learning situation. I woud see KRL sharing this site with school teachers as well as KRL teachers.

Isn't it wonderful the quantity and quality of tools available to us on our computers!!

TWITTER

Twitter seems kinda silly to me. I don't need one more chatty site. I found Shirlee and Shannon on the list of people signed up for Twitter. Shannon is a bit fragmented and crazy--just like the real Shannon. No wonder the kids love her!! And Shirlee...I'll always find Shirlee special. I can't think of a reason to abandon the applications we already have to add Twitter. I know the news padcast said that Twitter may replace some of the older ones, but until then, I'll pass.

FACEBOOK

At first my reaction to Facebook (and MySpace) was that these sites were not very appropriate for a library to participate in. In reading a number of the articles about Facebook, I have changed my mind. When I read that many students could not access their own school library on the web, I realized that these same students wouldn't access KRL either. Being on Facebook gives the student and easy and convenient way to get to the library when they have questions (or when something piques their interest). Creating a library portal will get the student to what they need without having to go to the KRL website first. (And most students thrive on "easy".) They already know how to use Facebook, so the portal will be easy for them. Being able to access KitKat would bring them into contact with material quickly. It appears easy to update the info on Facebook and to add calendar items, too. With the lid lift coming up soon, this exposure to more community members (who may not be big library users at this time) is vital. "Get 'em hooked now!" Let's become a part of this network.