Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Podcasts
Have had some fun today going back to my igoogle page and adding a link to business news. I can't see that I would actively follow podcasts (not really my system of information assimilation) other than for things like business news, but then I might surprise myself.
While there, I also added weather information for west eyreton - which incidentally I didn't think would have a weather reprot but it does. i got overly excited about that - for reasons I don't understand.
On the home front, Farmefella told me on the weekend that I must be on the mend from my bugs now - as I'm either coughing or talking. Mmmmmm.
While there, I also added weather information for west eyreton - which incidentally I didn't think would have a weather reprot but it does. i got overly excited about that - for reasons I don't understand.
On the home front, Farmefella told me on the weekend that I must be on the mend from my bugs now - as I'm either coughing or talking. Mmmmmm.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Google Docs
Google Docs
Having set up a few new documents using Google docs, I'm a convert. I know that we have the benefit of shared drives to enable ease of collaboration on documents, but there is something nice about setting up collaborative documents on google docs. I liked the ease of doing this - and being able to work in a "free space"
If you haven't already experimented in google docs, then please go and play now.
http://docs.google.com/
Having set up a few new documents using Google docs, I'm a convert. I know that we have the benefit of shared drives to enable ease of collaboration on documents, but there is something nice about setting up collaborative documents on google docs. I liked the ease of doing this - and being able to work in a "free space"
If you haven't already experimented in google docs, then please go and play now.
http://docs.google.com/
Thursday, July 16, 2009
NZ 2.0
Well, I've spent the last couple of days dipping in and out of a range of NZ resources. Here's some of my ruminations:
* With so many potential 2.0 features/tools you do need to be careful to choose the right medium for the message. I like the Poirirua idea of emrgency information blog - that idea of instantaneous updates - and isn't that what emergency information is all about?
* I've already commented on the "worthy' nature of much NZ government information on the web. Worthy is good. However, I guess the power of 2.0 in this information sphere is engagement and feedback. I think there are untapped opportunties here!
* For business sector (and indeed others as well) to thrive in this environment, I think the key is still "engaging content" first. 2.0 tools will not compensate or replace engaging content.
* On the theme of engaging content, the GLAM sector has an immediate advantage. We just need to keep tapping into the potential.
I need to steal two thoughts from Liz Lawley that summarize for me:
"the intial hook is not the value that you're providing the community - it's the value that you're providing to yourself"
"the value to the user grows as the community expands"
What does this mean for me in this context? If I have a need for the content and you deliver it in an engaging and accessible way then I will be there, and continue to be there. And as the dots are joined - more participation, more content, more engagement in building the content - I'll stay and bring others with me.
* With so many potential 2.0 features/tools you do need to be careful to choose the right medium for the message. I like the Poirirua idea of emrgency information blog - that idea of instantaneous updates - and isn't that what emergency information is all about?
* I've already commented on the "worthy' nature of much NZ government information on the web. Worthy is good. However, I guess the power of 2.0 in this information sphere is engagement and feedback. I think there are untapped opportunties here!
* For business sector (and indeed others as well) to thrive in this environment, I think the key is still "engaging content" first. 2.0 tools will not compensate or replace engaging content.
* On the theme of engaging content, the GLAM sector has an immediate advantage. We just need to keep tapping into the potential.
I need to steal two thoughts from Liz Lawley that summarize for me:
"the intial hook is not the value that you're providing the community - it's the value that you're providing to yourself"
"the value to the user grows as the community expands"
What does this mean for me in this context? If I have a need for the content and you deliver it in an engaging and accessible way then I will be there, and continue to be there. And as the dots are joined - more participation, more content, more engagement in building the content - I'll stay and bring others with me.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NZ Government Resources
Great to see some of the different NZ government websites, but have to say that it all feels very worthy and somewhat dull. After some of the very cool stuff I've looked at lately, I guess I'm looking for too much wow factor. And let's be reasonable, the quality fo the information is good and that is the critical factor.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Webquests
I think there are some useful applications for webquests - I can see me building some useful things - perhaps fun hunts involving database exploration... Lots of ideas.
Social networking tools
I've discovered as I've worked through this process that each social networking tool matches a particular audience, resource or situation - so it's just a case of blending the best of each one to suit your needs. I particularly liked Ning.
RSS feeds
There is plenty of scope when it comes to selecting content for feeds. For me, I think I found feeds most useful when I was trying to keep in touch for the latest developments and research - supporting engineering disciplines.
I like the ease with which you can add or discard feeds.
I like the ease with which you can add or discard feeds.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Ning
I like the Ning environment. More closely related to the blog environment which is a more natural fit for me. One of the things you notice when you experiment with different tools is that if you apply similar learning approaches to the new tool, you can make a good fist of the basics to get you going - without needing to worry too much . It's good to be reminded of this!
Using twitter
Having just gone back to twitter and tried with fresh eyes, I just can't seem to connect with this form of communication. I guess if I wanted to be in that space, texting is more immediate and gives me what I want. Mmmm - guess that means I like extended conversatiosn not brief ones! Thinking about how you might build that initial world of "twitterers" around you is an interesting journey - it feels very purposeful!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Wikis
I've had a lot of fun working through the wiki module - just a bit frustrated with some things that i couldn't quite get to work, hence my need to "experience" success by posting my wee slideshow onto the blog seeing as it won't cooperate within my wiki page :-(
Anyway, this Farmchick is now changing hats and heading back to the bush. Farmfella has gone domestic on me and cooked shortbread. Where did that come from I ask myself? Anyway, will eat plenty of it over the weekend I'm sure.
Anyway, this Farmchick is now changing hats and heading back to the bush. Farmfella has gone domestic on me and cooked shortbread. Where did that come from I ask myself? Anyway, will eat plenty of it over the weekend I'm sure.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wikis
I think that we could enliven some of our CCL staff resources by using wikis. Coudl be used for projects - updates, content, inviting input, etc. Also, some of our resources, like copyright at CCl suit a wiki format.
Photos and Flickr
Having worked through my sad little collection of photos taken with my phone, I've discovered some long lost treasures from early days on the block. I've enjoyed being able to manipulate these photos a bit (although cropping the Farmfella shadow out of the phot I've added would be the next thing to do. I like the ease with which you can add photos and then being able to seamlessly move them around, edit and add to blogs makes it so simple!
The best applications are the intuitive ones to my thinking. I can see me having a lot more fun with images now that I'm started.
The best applications are the intuitive ones to my thinking. I can see me having a lot more fun with images now that I'm started.
Snoop and her first lamb
Snoop can be very selfish, so we were amazed to find her giving birth to a healthy lamb - two months after lambing had finished for us. Counting back the days, we discovered she'd been playing up while Farmfella and I were relaxing in Queenstown. But, we still don't know where those black lamb features came from. A naughty ram somewhere in our neighbourhood!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Late night Learning
It was good to get together today to focus on this learning programme as a group - even though it did remind me that my type is probably best suited to doing what I'm doing now - thinking and learning in a quiet space and time. Great to hear the buzz of things we were all struggling with - and with the fun learning we have been doing. Can't wait to add some of my favourite photos to my blog, so watch this space.
In my other reality, Farmfella told me that the tree trimmer had been out today and the trees at home have shrunk. Well, that is a good thing as we've only been waiting three years for them to arrive. But on the downside I hear that it left quite a mess. I'm thinking 2m tree tops left across a one mile driveway could make access up the drive tonight a challenge. I'm thinking will my penlight last the distance up the drive. I'm thinking Farmfella is going to get plenty of earache if its cold, or I fall over, or I think I might fall over. Farmfella tells me I never stop talking and he pities anyone who works with me BECAUSE I NEVER STOP! Would someone like to tell him that I do stop talking, in fact I don't talk all that much at all.
In my other reality, Farmfella told me that the tree trimmer had been out today and the trees at home have shrunk. Well, that is a good thing as we've only been waiting three years for them to arrive. But on the downside I hear that it left quite a mess. I'm thinking 2m tree tops left across a one mile driveway could make access up the drive tonight a challenge. I'm thinking will my penlight last the distance up the drive. I'm thinking Farmfella is going to get plenty of earache if its cold, or I fall over, or I think I might fall over. Farmfella tells me I never stop talking and he pities anyone who works with me BECAUSE I NEVER STOP! Would someone like to tell him that I do stop talking, in fact I don't talk all that much at all.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Learning this week
Hey, this was fun today. Writing and creating my first blog. Personal learning? It's no good having a blog unless you have something to say and people want to talk to you.
Cars and Cats don't mix
Mmmm. The Farmchick isn't in favour with the Farmfella, but it isn't her fault...entirely.
What's the Farmchick to do when she's weary on a Friday night? Park the car, close the shed and not give anything a second thought. But what's to happen if a fun loving feline (yes, you guessed right - Bella) happens to decide it's a party night and way more fun to be locked in the shed that curled up on a bed? Not a problem...yet. But then the party feline decides it's so much fun to search out the turps, manoevre it to the floor and then roll, walk and splash it across the car. Why not skid done the windscreen she thinks, just to add more fun.
Innocent we looked this morning on discovery.
Not a happy Farmfella out cleaning, waxing, polishing - everything to get said evidence removed. Well, the Farmchick isn't known for clean cars, so hey there is an upside - she's goin' a look good on Monday!
What's the Farmchick to do when she's weary on a Friday night? Park the car, close the shed and not give anything a second thought. But what's to happen if a fun loving feline (yes, you guessed right - Bella) happens to decide it's a party night and way more fun to be locked in the shed that curled up on a bed? Not a problem...yet. But then the party feline decides it's so much fun to search out the turps, manoevre it to the floor and then roll, walk and splash it across the car. Why not skid done the windscreen she thinks, just to add more fun.
Innocent we looked this morning on discovery.
Not a happy Farmfella out cleaning, waxing, polishing - everything to get said evidence removed. Well, the Farmchick isn't known for clean cars, so hey there is an upside - she's goin' a look good on Monday!
Snoop at her best
Snoop is miffed. Breakfast this morning wasn't the veritable treat she was hoping for. If you're too busy eating off the trailer then you're never going to be first in the oat trough! Anyway, she's had her revenge on the Farmfella. He was perfectly fine hanging the gate - no assistance needed (the Farmchick was keeping a low profile). But's where's a Farmfella to go with Snoop tucked neatly behind him. Styley back-tumble for the aging Farmfella and an indignant Snoop who was only there to help. In her words, baa humbug.
Farmchick will surface later and then Snoop can have her much awaited daily backrub. Life will improve for her then.
There's been a lack of visitors lately, so Snoop is missing those extra sheep nuts that come with townies coming to the country. Where have you all been? You do know that she may die of starvation - NOT!
Farmchick will surface later and then Snoop can have her much awaited daily backrub. Life will improve for her then.
There's been a lack of visitors lately, so Snoop is missing those extra sheep nuts that come with townies coming to the country. Where have you all been? You do know that she may die of starvation - NOT!
The venison day
There's been two pieces of learning in our household today.
First, just because the cats don't want venison treats (total rejection being the order of the day), there is NO GOOD REASON to feed it to the chicks. Yes, they'd kill for it but it ain't good once processed. Picture me this morning in the confines of the henhouse - gloves, buckets, cleaning gear. I've gone off the Farmfella in a big way - great idea, not!
Second, if you have small hands, pretend you don't - or go visit the neighbours for the WHOLE morning. The Farmfella may have successfully managed to catch number 19 (poor girl, what a fate to be stuck with that name), but telling me he has the front so the back is mine is not a fair cop. Apparently, his hands are too large to be comfortable up the back end of a ewe, but I can tell you she did not look all that chuffed about mine either. More gloves, armed with a pessary (you have no idea how large those things are) and I'm been sucked into a world I'd rather not visit! Wondered where it would stop as my wrist vanished from sight!
Whew! The day's only started. Thank God for coffee.
Am now avoiding the Farmfella.
First, just because the cats don't want venison treats (total rejection being the order of the day), there is NO GOOD REASON to feed it to the chicks. Yes, they'd kill for it but it ain't good once processed. Picture me this morning in the confines of the henhouse - gloves, buckets, cleaning gear. I've gone off the Farmfella in a big way - great idea, not!
Second, if you have small hands, pretend you don't - or go visit the neighbours for the WHOLE morning. The Farmfella may have successfully managed to catch number 19 (poor girl, what a fate to be stuck with that name), but telling me he has the front so the back is mine is not a fair cop. Apparently, his hands are too large to be comfortable up the back end of a ewe, but I can tell you she did not look all that chuffed about mine either. More gloves, armed with a pessary (you have no idea how large those things are) and I'm been sucked into a world I'd rather not visit! Wondered where it would stop as my wrist vanished from sight!
Whew! The day's only started. Thank God for coffee.
Am now avoiding the Farmfella.
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