Library gaming system

Task: develop a library gaming system for a public library
To begin this task, I would need to do some basic research on gaming since my knowledge in this area is limited. After getting a general sense of the terminology, systems, games and the like, I would go to my target audience - tweens and teens-- for input. Finding out what gaming platforms they prefer and which games they would like to play would be helpful in determining what technology would be needed. Next step, consult with the technology coordinator at the library. He has the expertise to assist with setting up a LAN if needed, or any other issues involved in online or console gaming. With this information in hand, the director --keeper of the budget-- would be consulted next to determine what the budget would be for this project (or wouldn't be). Since we do have game stores in close proximity to the library, they would be approached for advice on what games are selling locally, and possibly donations of games or equipment. Partnering with a neighbor library might also be a possibility.
Depending on the budget, it is likely that I would focus on the more popular systems such as a WII, XBox or Playstation 3. As our library is already equipped with projectors, TV access is not necesary. I am sure there are high schol students who are very savvy with gaming technology and would be happy to fulfill required volunteer hours helping us set up our gaming program.

Screencasting-what makes a good one?

Screencasting is an extremely useful tool, and easily done with user friendly software. After several tries at it, I realize there are techniques and rules that apply that make screencasting effective:

• Have a topic or idea and a plan prepared ahead of time.
  
• Practice - the first cast is usually not the best.
• Keep track of trials by labeling them accurately.
• Play with the sound settings on the microphone and speakers to get optimal results.
  
• Play back the screencast - seeing it and hearing it before posting allows for editing.
• Be aware of the length - too long or too short is not ideal.
• Know who will be watching the screencast.
• Avoid speaking monotone - use enthusiasm in line with the presentation.

Watching grass grow !

This screencast demonstrates the limited ability I have when it comes to online gaming. Although I love Scrabble and play it often on Pogo.com, I realize I need to step up my gaming abilities ! Playing against other people and being able to chat with them during the game is actually fun (don't laugh all of you seasoned gamers !) If anything, it builds up my vocabulary !

Everything Bad is Good for You

I have spent many hours watching my son play games on his PS2 and XBox. That's right, just watching although he has invited me to join him. There is a certain level of humiliation I experience just watching him, let alone playing. The fact that there are many things happening at once and discovery as you play being the rule confounds me. I have an admiration for his ability to be successful at these games. Add in players that are out there somewhere, and I'm totally lost. I grew up in the Pac Man generation-not too many objectives and one dimension, leaving me with an admiration for anyone that is able to think on so many levels at once. As Johnson points out, the many nested levels of these sophisticated games, whether online or console gaming, requires a way of thinking that is far more sophisticated and relevant to life today, and particularly the workplace, than some are willing to acknowledge. In many games the rules change as you go on, and the interfaces of the games are sophisticated and multi-layered. A high degree of engagement and interaction is needed to navigate through them, and the fact that kids can make sense of this complexity is in itself amazing. As Johnson points out, during many games, the player has to constantly adapt to new knowledge and situations. This is stuff we don't teach in schools, yet is more relevant to today's workplace than ever before. Delivering stupidity? If you have ever watched or participated in games such as Halo,Call of Duty, Zelda or any Sims game (these are the only ones I'm familiar with!) you can see the level of intelligence and thinking skills needed to play. Like Johnson points out, we don't test for these skills. Game players are developing them on their own, and will be the interface developers of tomorrow.

Boyd : "Social Network Sites"

Several aspects of social network sites became apparent to me as I read this article. Social networks are really new, with the majority of them becoming prominent as recent as 2003. They have come a long way in six+ years, and when one thinks of the infancy of the technology, it makes you think about where it will be in another six. Libraries need to realize the generation of users coming up will have been a part of this evolution from its infancy, and will need to relate to them using social network technology. The globalization of social networking as mentioned in the article should emphasize the utility of the technology to librarians. Thinking beyond the 'body walking through the door' as comprising the majority of library users, the ability to reach a population of online library users should not be overlooked. The fact that users of social networks typically have a common offline element with one another is a facet librarians can capitalize on in expanding library use.

Ning-advantages?

The vice-principal at the elementary school where I 'play' has started a Ning for staff members. Not initially knowing what a Ning was, I was skeptical, but joined. After using the Ning, I can see advantages over a blog for certain situations. Using a Ning has allowed us to create and participate in a social network exclusive to Cedar Hill staff members. Participation is by invitation only, keeping the Ning private which allows posts between staff members on education related ideas and input. Our Ning does contain advertisements (this can be minimized if a fee is paid, however, we use the free version) yet the advertisments are not too intrusive. Ning is easy to use and offers over 50 design featuresso its appearance can take on the personality you'd like. I did find it a little clunky at times when trying to manipulate photos and such, but I worked through it. Content can be moderated before being posted, and members can set up ther pages to be private or public according to their preference. Ning competes with Facebook and MySpace, yet I found the privacy allowed with Ning to be greater than with either of them.

How to add a playlist to a MySpace profile page

I've tried to show in this screencast how to add a playlist of your favorite songs to a My Space profile page. Follow the dancing cursor...I tend to use it as a pointer (gotta break that habit!) !

Facebook and MySpace--Sticky?

Having had a Facebook account for some time now, I never really thought of it as being sticky. While there are a few gadgets on Facebook such as "pokes" and words automatically linking to other Facebook pages (example, names, titles, fan clubs), most if not all were internal Facebook links. Facebook's emphasis is definately more on communication, friends and sharing than MySpace. After setting up my account in MySpace, I was "stuck" ! Not only did I spend too much time figuring out my profile page and the like, there are more options to play with. (examples: music, videos, applications, my blogs, etc.) I could easily get lost in another world of videos or music by simply clicking the music or video tabs. The advertising on MySpace is more blatant, and once again I could get lost in a game or featured application by simply clicking any of the flashing ads on the right. I could also spend time setting up My Music and My Video on my profile page and change it whenever. While I find myself connecting to Facebook to visit my friends and communicate, as well as to have some fun, I'm not sure I need all of the "stickyness" of MySpace to do that. Perhaps younger users would welcome the distractions.

Our You Tube videos

Wow, if I were to borrow from Dan's title, now that's entertainment ! What creativity and really great subjects. There wasn't one video I didn't like, but my two favorites were Did You Know? by Stephanie Lewis ( animals and shelters) and Funtime in the Park by Mary Davis (little guy having a great day in the park--this video captures the innocence of being a kid). Both are videos of subjects close to my heart- pets and kids. They were put together really well, with the music choice for each one extremely mood setting. I have to say that Laser Bugs Movie Trailer seems to me to be the entertainment stuff the You Tube audience would love. As far as 'how to' videos, Dan's How to Tune up Your Bike is great. Not only do I love his voice, the background music is a nice touch. How to videos are something I would look for on You Tube since I find combining visual with audio instruction to be entertaining and a great way to learn.

Screencast-Novelist K-8 Tutorial

This screencast was produced using Jing--a free software that allows the addition of visual content to audio content. Jing allows immediate capture of content on your screen, and immediate sharing of that content. This tutorial is for Novelist K-8, an online database that allows students in grades K-8 the ability to locate fiction and nonfiction materials. Features of special interest in Novelist K-8 include excerpts, reviews, popularity ratings, Lexile ratings, cover images, various search methods, a user friendly interface, and the capability for the user to find similar items.

Educational videos vs entertainment videos

Do educational videos stand a chance vs entertainment videos? Absolutely. I do believe there is an audience and a purpose for each type of video. Perhaps the recognition for educational videos is more contained at this point to people in the field or pursuing educational purposes, but as the knowledge of the existence of the educational video expands, I do see the audience widening. For example, we now have at our public library a free downloadable video service which offers library card holders access to classic movies, acclaimed independent and foreign films, documentaries, network and cable shows and exclusive original programming.This service is available 24/7, and includes cooking, travel, how-to, literature programs and more. The availability of this service expands the audience for educational materials, while exposing that same audience to a venue they might not have been aware of. I have also seen the use of educational videos expanding in classroom as well as business uses. Just as entertainment videos are widely recognized and sought out, I do see this trend continueing into the market for educational videos.

Flicker and us !

If a picture can tell a thousand words, our Flicker photos show us as a group with amazing interests. We appear to be a very diverse group with great life experiences--family, travel, education, location, professional experience, and hobbies. Stereotypical librarians we are not ! However, as diverse as we are, of course the one common thread running through the group is our experience with SCILS, or as we are now known, SCI. We come together through, and identify with, Rutgers SCI, and although we are "online", we are in fact together.

You Tube embed

I put this video together having some fun with Movie maker Moviemaker. The music lasts a little longer than the video !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcpIZezVd64

Great art

Click to Play

Demo

Entertainment !

Guitar lesson 101

Click To Play

Yes, this is supposed to be educational ! I asked my son and his friend to help out with a basic guitar lesson---this is what they came up with !