Monday and the temperature is beautiful today -- although predicted to plummet for tomorrow!
Started the day by attending a discussion session on the Affordable Healthcare Act. This was a small group with representatives from state libraries, state library association, public libraries and school libraries. We had an informal discussion on what has been happening with the roll out of the ACA and libraries. While one public librarian had indicated they had braced for a large push -- the reality was it didn't impact library workflow. In fact they had posted a large banner "Affordable Care Act" behind the circulation desk and frequently got the question "What is this?" State libraries and library associations indicated various approaches to the ACA rollout, with primary themes being -- 1) it is up to the individual library in regard to their approach; 2) libraries are providing access not assistance; 3) in many communities, the library is the only access to high speed Internet.
Then it was off to Makerspaces Camp because another session I was going to attend was cancelled! Made a spin bot, a flashing circuit, and watched my colleague Erica try on Google Glasses and get very excited!
Listened to my colleague Gina Persichini as she answered questions prior to Executive Council elections. Gina won! Go Gina!
Attended the Rev Up and Wrap Up session with James McBride, author of Good Lord Bird. This was a wonderful way to end the conference. James with three other colleagues provided great jazz music intertwined with the story telling of Good Lord Bird. The group had the attendees rockin and rollin!
At the end of the day -- went to Library Camp. Great discussion points on what was our aha! moments. For several of us it was the Rev Up and Wrap Up session. For many of the new librarians, it was the awesomeness of the entire event -- so much to absorb, so little time. All in all -- regardless of the weather, another fine learning, networking opportunity!
Sunday, February 2, 2014
ALA Midwinter 2014 - Day 3
It's Sunday morning and another day at Midwinter. I started with day by attending the YALSA Badging session by Linda Braun. The key point from this presentation was that "the Badge" is the last piece. There are a lot behind the scenes items to cover to get to "the Badge." The YALSA series is debuting and can be accessed at http://YALSAbadges.ala.org -- for more information about the process and badging in general go to http://www.ala.org/yalsa/badges-learning. There are currently 3 badges sequences ready for testing:
Next on the day's agenda for me was a discussion session with other state library colleagues. Hot topics we discussed included Common Core Standards, Digital Inclusion Survey, FCC pilot project money, Makerspaces and EDGE.
I did get to try the Google Glasses -- and it is pretty cool. I just happen to have the correct shaped glasses that they fit nicely over -- tap on the left side of the ear stem and speak OK GLASS when it appears on the screen in the upper right hand corner, select an action and speak -- TAKE PHOTO -- and there you go -- the easiest picture taking I ever experienced. Then you can share by speaking -- SEND (contact name) and off it goes! to scroll the menu lightly swipe from front to back or back to front for all the options. When you are not using it the little screen goes to sleep. Very little interference with vision otherwise. More at http://www.google.com/glass/start/ -- although $1500 is a bit steep for me! I'll wait!
Next was "Is there a MOOC in your future?" Although I have participated in a MOOC, was interested in hearing the discussion. Take aways include. 1) MOOCs are Messy! There are no standards and no single story which describes the learner or learning environment. Some people come only to see what it is like, some come to gain a specific piece of information - then leave, and some complete the process. 2) Leaner has to be self-directed, interested in exploring topics and earning credentials. 3) Quick MOOCs at http://quickmooc.com is a tool focusing on a single unit of instruction created by David Loertscher to facilitate the creation of learning MOOCs. There is a $10 per MOOC -- if you wish to create a MOOC using this tool, contact David for more information.
Attended the Lyrasis Reception -- great music and good conversation.
Next on the day's agenda for me was a discussion session with other state library colleagues. Hot topics we discussed included Common Core Standards, Digital Inclusion Survey, FCC pilot project money, Makerspaces and EDGE.
I did get to try the Google Glasses -- and it is pretty cool. I just happen to have the correct shaped glasses that they fit nicely over -- tap on the left side of the ear stem and speak OK GLASS when it appears on the screen in the upper right hand corner, select an action and speak -- TAKE PHOTO -- and there you go -- the easiest picture taking I ever experienced. Then you can share by speaking -- SEND (contact name) and off it goes! to scroll the menu lightly swipe from front to back or back to front for all the options. When you are not using it the little screen goes to sleep. Very little interference with vision otherwise. More at http://www.google.com/glass/start/ -- although $1500 is a bit steep for me! I'll wait!
Next was "Is there a MOOC in your future?" Although I have participated in a MOOC, was interested in hearing the discussion. Take aways include. 1) MOOCs are Messy! There are no standards and no single story which describes the learner or learning environment. Some people come only to see what it is like, some come to gain a specific piece of information - then leave, and some complete the process. 2) Leaner has to be self-directed, interested in exploring topics and earning credentials. 3) Quick MOOCs at http://quickmooc.com is a tool focusing on a single unit of instruction created by David Loertscher to facilitate the creation of learning MOOCs. There is a $10 per MOOC -- if you wish to create a MOOC using this tool, contact David for more information.
Attended the Lyrasis Reception -- great music and good conversation.
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