Final Task - Summary

This project is a very good idea for everyone -whether they have much knowledge of technology or not. Since technology is starting to play a larger role in libraries it is important for library staff to not only just become acquainted with Myspace, instant messaging, and other programs that patrons use but also to stay on top of the latest updates.
The most important thing that I learned was that the Internet has a lot more things to offer than I had realized. When I go online it is usually for a certain purpose. I don't really sit on the computer all day and browse. I was familiar with some of the programs in the tasks yet I still had been unaware of others. For example, I had never used Google's Docs and Spreadsheets before now, and having read about it I think that it is a very useful resource. During this process I took the time to explore these services that the Internet had to offer and I discovered new and creative things. There are more and more of a variety of outlets to get one's message across than just the written word such as photography, videos, the colorful myspace, and more! The library is now paying more attention in these areas and using them for advertisment because their patrons are paying more attention to them.
The most challenging part was the Youtube just because it took forever to load. It might have just been my computer and connection but I think that if it is always this slow, even though it is a good program, it might be hard in libraries because patrons only have a certain amount of time to be on a computer and they can't spend half of it waiting for a video to load.
The great thing is that PVLD libraries can use most, if not all, of these technologies to improve library services. They can either be useful on public computers' in the libraries, such as the docs and spreadsheets, or in advertisting the library, like Flickr or Myspace. All of these avenues will allow the library to expand the population that is aware of the library not only geographically but the age range of the people as well. These technologies will also give the library a more creative and modern feel if they incorporate these different things into the system.
I think that the 'self-directed' learning model was a good way to introduce these services. It's nice that people were able to go at their own speeds and were able to choose when was the best time for them to work on the project. And they had as much time as they wanted to explore, learn, and write about each task; people could be as detailed in their blogs as they wanted.
This was a good experience!