Rave Review of 23ThingsKS23ThingsKS taught me to use many great tools that I'd heard about. It was challenging but truly fun! I have already put some of what I've learned to good use: As the library's school liaison, one of my jobs is to provide summer reading program promotional material to all thirty-four elementary schools in Olathe. In the past we have made school visits, which is time-consuming (though really FUN!) and a little exhausting. It's also difficult to meet the needs of 34 different school librarians and principals, not to mention the desk schedule juggling requited. Last year, without the tools I've newly acquired, I produced a 20-minute video that re-enacted a school visit. The quality was mediocre, but it reduced the number of schools visited to about a half dozen. This year we have partnered with the e-communications department of one of the high schools to produce a snappy 10-minute video that we believe will get kids excited about coming to the library! In addition, I create a powerpoint presentation that runs on kiosks in the school lobbies. Both of these items are very large files.

Problem: how do we get these materials to all principals and librarians quickly and economically? Googledocs!!! Now we do not have to burn DVDs and get them distributed. With a couple of clicks, they are uploaded and ready to be retrieved. What about those firewalls that schools have? I tested this activity with the school library media coordinator for the district, sending her last year's PPT. No problem! Thank you, 23ThingsKS leaders/mentors, for giving me an immediately useful tool!

Other things I really liked about 23ThingsKS (I know, you said, just one, but...): Social networking was something I thought was for someone else--but I am pleased to have my Facebook account. It's helped me stay in touch with family around the country, keep up on local events, and find a few long last childhood pals (which is amazing for a military brat).
I was amazed by the number of online conferencing offerings--so many free continuing education opportunities! In tough economic times like these, good and free are more important than ever. One worry that I had about various online tools was that they would be time hogs--but trying them meant learning to control/limit them as needed. Thanks, everyone. It's been a GREAT course--incredibly useful, user-centered, fun, and manageable.

P.S. It also gave me a chance to share photos from a trip to Bulgaria:Rila Monastery Enjoy!