“From small beginnings come great things.”

Well here I am at the end of a wonderful journey. I started this class thinking that I new quite a bit about computers and ended it realizing that when I started, I really didn't know much at all. However, now, I know more then I did when I started.....does that all make sense?

Now for my final assignment........

1. The most important thing that I learned in Betty Blogger Summer School was that doing things like, creating a blog, starting your own library list, and making a Wiki, are not hard. These are all things that I had heard of, and maybe was a little intimidated by, and now feel quite confident in going back to them and working on them on my own.

B. Well, the most challenging thing, for those of you who know me, was being patient. That has never been one of my strong suits I'm afraid. I learned through this though, that patience truly is a virtue. When something did not work out the way I wanted to on the first try, I had to recheck my steps and try it again. Normally, I would rush through and if I couldn't get it on the first try, throw up my hands and say "I don't get it!" (you know what I'm talking about :). However, I tried very hard to take my time and go back to try it again. So, not only was patience challenging for me, it also became a learning point.

3. Hmmmm, the all important making connections question. I always pound the importance of these questions into my students, but it is not often that I have to complete one. Yes, I do think that these technologies can be helpful in improving library services. I think setting up blogs for different departments of the library would be great, especially for teens. A place where you could go to ask questions about different books, research, and suggestions could come in handy. Of course, this could end up being someones full time job, just keeping up with answering all of the questions, but I think that if they were in place and people knew how to use them, they would be used. You could also use these to advertise new materials coming into the library, using Library Thing or create a Wiki on how to research a paper, or the best place to find certain resources. So, definitely, yes, I think that web 2.0 technologies could be very useful in improving library services.

D. I loved the self-directed learning model. I have never done an online course before, but hope to in the future, and always wondered how they worked. I liked being able to set my own pace. It's also nice to explore on your own, without someone breathing down your back making sure that you are doing it right. It was great having the option to drop in to ask questions or even show Library Lady what your problem was, but not being obligated to get there if you couldn't. It is also neat to think that because of this set up, there were people from all over doing this course as well.

5. I have to say, I am soooooo glad that I took this course. My plan is to now continue with my blog using it as I had planned to, sharing my pregnancy and first time motherhood experiences. I now have the tools to make this a fun and interactive experience which I am going to be proud to share with my family and friends!! It has come at exactly the right time!

Thank you so much Library Lady and BPL, see you at Thanksgiving dinner.........?

I would like to leave you with the words of another genius.....