As I sit pondering these last three weeks, I am ecstatic that I have two days left.
I am also terrified that I have two days left.
It seems like all the words are running together on the pages I'm trying to read. Are any of my discussion posts making sense? I don't know. I should get back to working on my paper. Instead I check Twitter and my emails. Then I realize I need another blog post. So here I am after midnight contemplating the insides of my eyelids. I call it brainstorming.
I haven't learned to read with my eyes closed but I did discover HTML articles that read to me and podcasts and vodcasts that require no eye work. That will be as close as I get. I'm looking forward to seeing how I did grade-wise. It's been an interesting adventure. I can't wait to get my "I survived Maymester!" T-shirt. I believe Donna is hunting for someone to print them up. I hope I can get a blue one.
Web 2.0
When we last met, I was explaining my journey in technology from the Web 1.0 side. Now follow me as we emerge into awesome possibilities of Web 2.0.
The Workforce (2004-2011): I was still basically using the Internet to email at this time. There were very few websites that I visited and no social media. I checked out my books at the library and learned to use the online catalog to look up books. At work, I used computers to enter information into databases. The Internet was mainly used to look up directions on Mapquest. I did try to create a website but it was difficult to use and not very appealing. I had a MySpace account. Come to think of it, I think I still do. Although I didn't realize that Web 2.0 had emerged from Web 1.0 at the time, I see the transition in hindsight.
Web 2.0 (2011-Present): The year I decided to publish my second fiction book, a college friend of mine said, "Why don't you brand yourself? Get a blog." What was a blog? I had no idea, but she helped me build one. From there, my Web 2.0 training began. I became a blogger on WordPress. I set up accounts on Goodreads and Facebook. I started following blogs and subscribing to RSS feeds. I discovered Smashwords.com and Amazon.com and learned how to format my own book and upload it for eBook distribution. I began purchasing items on the internet. At the library, I changed my log in credentials and renewed books. I became a Pinterest junkie. My food intake is being monitored by MyFitnessPal and I use my phone as an alarm clock.
Now I am on Twitter for this class. I can see the value in it, but I do not foresee a long term use on my part. But we shall see.
In short, I have become well versed in social media. Even if I haven't used it, I have heard of it. There is still so much to learn and next time, I'll discuss my expectations for MLIS 7505-Applied Tech Library Practice at Valdosta State University....after I build a wiki (whatever that is).
