Part Time Librarian (3 positions) - New Haven Free Public Library

<strong>Part Time Librarian (3 positions)</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>New Haven Free Public Library</strong></span>. NATURE OF WORK: This is part-time (up to 19 hours) professional work at the entry level, involving the use of all library techniques and materials in positions such as reference, branch, children's, technical services, etc. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level librarian, and is reviewed through frequent conferences and observation of performance. Schedule may include evenings and weekends, at the Main Library or at a Branch. Multiple vacancies: One position to focus on technology services; one in reference services; one with assignment on Read Mobile Services. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A Master's Degree in Library Science from a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association, or its foreign equivalent and other knowledge, abilities and skills as stated in the job description, including but not limited to: Knowledge of the principles and practices of library science, procedures and techniques; Knowledge of sources and procedures used in reference and bibliographic research, and of software programs designed for libraries. Must be computer literate through formal training in the searching of on-line bibliographic databases. To apply for this position, please visit: <a href="http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp" target="_blank">http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp</a>. Deadline: <span style="color: red;">June 15, 2012</span>.

Part Time Librarian (3 positions) - New Haven Free Public Library

Part Time Librarian (3 positions) - New Haven Free Public Library. NATURE OF WORK: This is part-time (up to 19 hours) professional work at the entry level, involving the use of all library techniques and materials in positions such as reference, b…

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Library Aide, Part Time - New Haven Free Public Library

<strong>Library Aide, Part Time</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>New Haven Free Public Library</strong></span>. Minimum $14.00 per hour, up to 19 hours per week. POSTED UNTIL: <span style="color: red;">June 15, 2012</span>. NATURE OF WORK: This is a paraprofessional position that involves clerical, materials processing, technology support and circulation tasks and other standard library routines such as shelving, registration, and orientation of patrons to collections and services. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level library staff member. Schedule of work is 19 hours per week, primarily on weekends, at Ives or at branches. These vacancies have an emphasis on technology. Work may include general computer instruction and requires knowledge of various Windows programs as well as teaching experience. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from high school; and at least one year experience in library, clerical, technical or customer service work, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities as stated in the job description, including but not limited to: Knowledge of routine office procedures; Knowledge of computer hardware and software; Knowledge of correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary; Knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System; Ability to file alphabetically and numerically; Ability to make basic arithmetic computations; Ability to understand and follow instructions and to learn related clerical and library tasks within a reasonable time; knowledge of various Windows programs as well as teaching experience. To apply for this position, please visit: <a href="http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp" target="_blank">http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp</a>.

Library Aide, Part Time - New Haven Free Public Library

Library Aide, Part Time - New Haven Free Public Library. Minimum $14.00 per hour, up to 19 hours per week. POSTED UNTIL: June 15, 2012. NATURE OF WORK: This is a paraprofessional position that involves clerical, materials processing, technology sup…

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Temporary Part-Time Substitute - Southington Library & Museum

<strong>Temporary Part-Time Substitute</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Southington Library & Museum</strong></span> is seeking an energetic person to work as a temporary substitute during a staff member’s maternity leave. The position requires a Master’s Degree in Library Science as well as experience in planning and presenting programs for children ranging in age from toddler to tween. The position will be for 8 to 10 hours per week for 8 weeks beginning on or around July 16th and pays $23.85 per hour. Applicants must be available to work a flexible schedule including Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Send a cover letter and resume to Susan Smayda, Executive Director of Southington Library, <a href="mailto:smaydas@southington.org">smaydas@southington.org</a>.

Temporary Part-Time Substitute - Southington Library & Museum

Temporary Part-Time Substitute - Southington Library & Museum is seeking an energetic person to work as a temporary substitute during a staff member’s maternity leave. The position requires a Master’s Degree in Library Science as well as experience…

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Manager of Young Minds (Department Head) - New Haven Free Public Library

<strong>Manager of Young Minds</strong> (Department Head) - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>New Haven Free Public Library</strong></span>. Department: Public Services. Reports to: Young Minds Administrator. Purpose: This position is responsible for the supervision and administration of the New Haven Free Public Library’s Young Minds Department. The position provides strategic direction, budget collection oversight, program coordination and supervision of selected staff. It works closely with other administrator positions to ensure all tactical and operational objectives of the Young Minds deaprtment are met. Main Job Responsibilities: 1. Serves as a member of the Management Team. Works closely with other managerial leaders ensuring that the number one priority of the organization is crafting an exceptional customer experience. 2. Works to strengthen connections with the New Haven Public Schools and is designated the liaison to community groups for the Young Minds Department. 3. Investigates external grant opportunities to enhance Young Minds programmatic efforts. 4. Provides leadership, development and supervision of Young Minds staff throughout the department. Responsibilities include coaching, training and managing. 5. Coordinates high level strategic planning for the department. 6. Attends state and national conferences to represent the organization and shares information with library staff. 7. Leads major strategic initiatives through project management. 8. Coordinates the implementation of new Young Minds services. 9. Leads and participates in systemwide task forces and committees, directs work groups, monitors assignments and their completion. 10. Performs additional duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Master’s of Library Science Degree from an ALA accredited institution of higher learning. 2. 3-5 years progressively more responsible experience working with public services. 3. Demonstrated prior leadership and management experience. 4. Knowledge of information technologies and web services. 5. Skilled in outcome measurements and rubrics. 6. Ability to develop training programs and train staff. 7. Easily can establish and maintain system-wide collaborations with community partners. Highly Preferred Qualifications: 1. Persons who speak Spanish or other foreign languages are strongly encouraged to apply. 2. Ability to set clear objectives and measure and monitor processes. 3. Future oriented. 4. Understands the principles of project management. 5. Knows how businesses work, especially libraries. 6. Is a proven problem solver. Computer and Technology Skills: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Intranet, Internet (<a href="http://www.nhfpl.org/" target="_blank">www.nhfpl.org</a>), ILS, IFAS. To apply for this position, please go to: <a href="http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp" target="_blank">http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp</a>. Position is listed as Supervising Librarian.

Manager of Young Minds (Department Head) - New Haven Free Public Library

Manager of Young Minds (Department Head) - New Haven Free Public Library. Department: Public Services. Reports to: Young Minds Administrator. Purpose: This position is responsible for the supervision and administration of the New Haven Free Publ…

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Young Minds Librarian - New Haven Free Public Library

<strong>Young Minds Librarian</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>New Haven Free Public Library</strong></span>. Department: Public Services. Reports to: Manager of Young Minds. Purpose: The Young Minds Librarian will develop and coordinate programs and provide professional-level support to the Manager of Young Minds in a variety of key functional areas. Responsibilities may include evaluating programming performance, planning schedules and outreach, compiling reading lists, assists in study-oriented activities, develops children’s reading interests and facilitates class visits. Main Job Responsibilities: 1. Creates innovative and educational Young Minds programs for ages 0-13. 2. Works to support the strengthening of connections with the New Haven Public Schools. 3. Participates in grant writing initiatives to enhance Young Minds programmatic efforts. 4. Provides in-depth readers’ advisory services for Young Minds customers. 5. Possesses a deep knowledge of children's literature and collection development methods. 6. Demonstrated ability to provide exemplary internal and external customer service. 7. Contributes to the management of the library's youth collections. 8. Cooperates as a team member with all library staff in performing any professional or nonprofessional duty essential to the achievement of efficient library operations. 9. Performs additional duties as assigned. 10. Uses extensive knowledge of current trends in library service to children to a high degree. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Master’s of Library Science Degree from an ALA accredited institution of higher learning. 2. Professional experience in working with children. 3. Demonstrated prior leadership and management experience. 4. Knowledge of information technologies and web services. 5. Skilled in outcome measurements and rubrics. 6. Ability to develop training programs and train staff. 7. Easily can establish and maintain system-wide collaborations with community partners. Highly Preferred Qualifications: 1. Persons who speak Spanish or other foreign languages are strongly encouraged to apply. 2. Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships with children and caregivers and deal tactfully with the public. 3. Be self-motivated and able to exercise initiative and independent judgment. 4. Understands the principles of project management. 5. Knows how businesses work, especially libraries. 6. Fosters a creative work environment and knows when to put energies behind the ideas of others. Computer and Technology Skills: Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Intranet, Internet (<a href="http://www.nhfpl.org/" target="_blank">www.nhfpl.org</a>), ILS, IFAS. To apply for this position, please go to: <a href="http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp" target="_blank">http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/HumanResources/CityJobPostings.asp</a>. Position is listed as Librarian II. Deadline: <span style="color: red;">June 15, 2012</span>.

Young Minds Librarian - New Haven Free Public Library

Young Minds Librarian - New Haven Free Public Library. Department: Public Services. Reports to: Manager of Young Minds. Purpose: The Young Minds Librarian will develop and coordinate programs and provide professional-level support to the Manager o…

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Elementary/Middle School Library Media Specialist - Bolton Public Schools

<strong>Elementary/Middle School Library Media Specialist</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Bolton Public Schools</strong></span>. Bolton Center School is accepting applications for a qualified Library Media Specialist for the 2012-2013 school year. Experience working with elementary and middle school students; strong background in an automated library environment including proficiency with digital resources; knowledge in the area of children’s literature. Duties and responsibilities include but not limited to: instructing students in information and technology literacy, providing leadership in the integration of technology with instruction, collaborating with classroom teachers in planning, implementing and assessing instruction, evaluating and selecting resources for the library media center. Should hold or be eligible for CT Library Media Specialist Certificate. Competitive salary and benefits. Qualified candidates should submit an online application at <a href="http://www.boltonpublicschools.com/" target="_blank">boltonpublicschools.com</a>. Deadline: <span style="color: red;">June 15, 2012</span>. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Elementary/Middle School Library Media Specialist - Bolton Public Schools

Elementary/Middle School Library Media Specialist - Bolton Public Schools. Bolton Center School is accepting applications for a qualified Library Media Specialist for the 2012-2013 school year. Experience working with elementary and middle school …

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University Assistant, Access Services, Evening-Weekend - Eastern Connecticut State University

<strong>University Assistant, Access Services, Evening-Weekend</strong> - J. Eugene Smith Library, <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Eastern Connecticut State University</strong></span>. (This is a temporary, part-time position; may be renewed at University discretion.) This University Assistant position is contracted to provide Access Services Desk coverage per semester or session up to 19 hours per week including nights and weekends. The exact schedule will be established by the Head of Public Services in coordination with the schedules of other University Assistants. Under the direction of the Access Services Librarian (circulation, reserve, interlibrary loan) or other full time Access Services staff members, the University Assistant will help to: Supervise the operations of the Access Services desk; monitor the Library building; perform routine maintenance of public copiers; perform routine maintenance of public printers; perform other duties as assigned by the Access Services Librarian, the Head of Public Services or the Library Director. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The University Assistant must be able to: provide effective library services to students, faculty, staff and the general public; perform public services work with a diverse population of students, faculty and staff members, and community library users; work under stress, with courtesy, calmness and good judgment; work in a team environment with other library staff, as well as independently in an emergency staffing situation; work with the Library’s ILS and personal computer software to perform assigned functions; perform detailed work accurately; work evenings and weekends with great dependability. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: A preferred applicant for Access Services University Assistant would have one or more of the following: a bachelor’s degree, experience with library automated circulation systems, experience supervising student or part time employees, and/or work experience in an academic setting. Salary $15.00 per hour, no benefits. Qualified applicants should send a letter of application, resume and three recent letters of reference to: Mrs. Patricia S. Banach, Director of Library Services, J. Eugene Smith Library, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226. Screening will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Eastern is an AA/EEO employer. Women, members of protected classes and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full job description see <a href="http://www.easternct.edu/humanresources/parttime.html" target="_blank">http://www.easternct.edu/humanresources/parttime.html</a>.

University Assistant, Access Services, Evening-Weekend - Eastern Connecticut State University

University Assistant, Access Services, Evening-Weekend - J. Eugene Smith Library, Eastern Connecticut State University. (This is a temporary, part-time position; may be renewed at University discretion.) This University Assistant position is contra…

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Circulation Assistants - Naugatuck Valley Community College

<strong>Circulation Assistants</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Naugatuck Valley Community College Library</strong></span> in Waterbury, CT seeks two temporary, part-time Circulation Assistants (12.5 hours weekly) for the Fall semester, 2012, with the possibility of extending through Spring 2013. The first position includes Monday hours until 8:00 pm; the second position includes Wednesday and Thursday hours until 6:00 pm; both positions include two Sundays/month (10am – 2pm). Duties include library assistance at the circulation desk with students, faculty/staff, and the general public. We will interview friendly, outgoing individuals with exceptional customer service and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. An Associate's Degree is required; library experience using a computerized integrated library system, and familiarity with the MS Office Suite is preferred. Salary: $21.54/hour, starting in late August. Please email a resume to Elaine Milnor, Circulation Supervisor, NVCC at <a href="mailto:emilnor@nvcc.commnet.edu">emilnor@nvcc.commnet.edu</a> by <span style="color: red;">June 22, 2012</span>.

Circulation Assistants - Naugatuck Valley Community College

Circulation Assistants - Naugatuck Valley Community College Library in Waterbury, CT seeks two temporary, part-time Circulation Assistants (12.5 hours weekly) for the Fall semester, 2012, with the possibility of extending through Spring 2013. The f…

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Access Services Librarian - Connecticut College

<strong>Access Services Librarian</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Connecticut College</strong></span>, a highly selective private liberal arts college, located in the historic seaport of New London, seeks an Access Services Librarian to oversee the work of circulation, reserves, and CTW/interlibrary loan. S/he will play an integral role and have primary responsibility for leading, planning, managing and evaluating Access Services, its staff and student assistants, and will participate in the provision of library resources and services to the college community. Responsibilities will include but not limited to: manage online circulation and reserves functions using the library's integrated library system; develop policies and procedures for the circulation of library materials; oversee physical facilities, security, equipment maintenance and management of collections; supervise 5 staff members along with hiring, training and supervising a student work force of 40-50; develop and implement circulation and reserve policies and procedures; generate reports; oversee management and planning of stacks and public spaces along with overall facility and equipment maintenance; liaison to campus safety and the on-site Café which located in the Library; actively participate on committees, team meetings and search committees; participate in the reference and research activities of the library, and act as liaison to one academic department; additional duties as assigned or necessary. ALA-accredited Master's degree in library or information studies and 2-3 years of supervisory and management experience required; excellent written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to build and sustain key relationships with management, faculty, students and staff. Thorough applicant credentialing, including criminal records check will be conducted on the selected applicant. Forward resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references to <a href="mailto:humanresources@conncoll.edu">humanresources@conncoll.edu</a> (include full name and ACCESS in the subject line). Accepting applications until 5:00 pm on <span style="color: red;">June 15, 2012</span>. AA/EOE.

Access Services Librarian - Connecticut College

Access Services Librarian - Connecticut College, a highly selective private liberal arts college, located in the historic seaport of New London, seeks an Access Services Librarian to oversee the work of circulation, reserves, and CTW/interlibrary …

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A New Workflow for Me: Ipad, Keyboard, iPhone

This morning, I couldn't find my PC for a bit, but I wasn't really worried because I have a new workflow. Oh, but I sat down to work the "new way" (See the picture below) and I saw my PC underneath a book on the end table by the couch where I'd left it four days a go. So I booted it up to send out one webinar invoice from <a class="zem_slink" href="http://quickbooks.intuit.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="QuickBooks">Quickbooks</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115916382183421477315/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNPCp6bK0YDF6gE#5744937988041009778"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGthPZY6W2imWi-hGnW1yzaqWdFy3UuCfcsgqANnw9MWG5jbC0ArgRWbE34MEJcCzF0LjUOGVpo2xXNbyr8JOm7OLm6HyDw1Nn5HYcTe-c7dhH5Rtb3S7yoxF6DSq2cA7s9nwl92pCrB0w/s288/0.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><h3>10 minutes later...</h3>That was 10 minutes a go, the machine is downloading updates and not responding, so I decided to snap a picture with my iphone of what it was doing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115916382183421477315/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNPCp6bK0YDF6gE#5744938003136192738"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TFNoCozWy82PQw8n78H1YR8aktkg4ZdSI5cs1Bpt5BhyphenhyphenGENZ6O3oPa_wZxIqZmUfkSKV_YBOb3VGTVC4xw3TN0Zzx3OuRrJE4IiOjg2JWQTjqpD327xF8kTBm03U347lM6iQAQM2PphR/s288/1.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br />Since, I'm typing this post on my ipad, I clicked to get the photos which sync on icCoud. It usually works, but today it didn't, so I just went into dropbox to upload the pictures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115916382183421477315/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNPCp6bK0YDF6gE#5744938024484699842"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjVQ9tmmFZPkV-ziysYAhpmRKNsLLkBxDUqZQTfkTFqPry1ghuEcxOUW12WAYYGWSRG7l2al4qDyuME03O0UJ3FtKcNfX4_KizucE10HISMPeqiRnmUJqsBU1vlLTdlmXphHST2JKHEbG/s288/2.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="187" /></a></center><br /><br />Then, I went into <a href="http://www.dropbox.com/">Dropbox</a> on my ipad and downloaded those same photos.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115916382183421477315/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNPCp6bK0YDF6gE#5744938040127089858"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Wf5ZyfTKIm4y62nBFUy7OEwJ8uhhHTAMZDMT2yOytoSicH0CVPZwCwGBOzztQxEIvXI1gpQ-5mn1CU9NxwjvhWVAQB78CUE49VqHM-6VWXxZQqJVBTcrC9OtDV6M1Z0M8JYhYnpxFcar/s288/3.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a></center><br /><h3>1 minute later...</h3>Now, I have the photos I need as taken on my camera in my blog post and I'm still able to type comfortably.<br /><br /><h3>What did I use to do this?</h3>The top picture I showed was my ipad and the Kensington keyboard (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054L7FVW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0054L7FVW" id="static_txt_preview" style="background-color: white; color: #e47911; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Kensington Apple iPad 2 KeyFolio Pro Performance Case</a>) my husband, Kip, gave me for Mother's Day. This keyboard makes my iPad feel like a PC. I don't use the mouse because I use my fingers and the screen rotates either way for those apps like <a href="http://www.vickidavis.me/">Tumblr </a>and <a href="http://www.bufferapp.com/">Buffer </a>that don't have a good version for the iPad that swaps from portrait to landscape.<br /><br />The form factor of my computing has changed. Meanwhile, I am ready to interact with my TV, and, as I mentioned on my blog last week, the best interface for doing that is the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.xbox.com/kinect/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="Kinect">Kinect</a> Operating system on my son's Xbox 360. <br /><br /><h3>1 hour later...</h3>Finally, I had to just force my PC to shut down because there was nothing I could do-- it looks like it was updating another Windows Update. Even though I keep my computer updated, when one of those comes down the pipe, I can pretty much interrupt what I'm doing. The way I update my iPad just makes so much more sense - I see the note that it wants an update, and I do it when there is time.<br /><br />I write this blog post in the flow of working to make a point that my workflow has changed dramatically. Now, if I have something I HAVE to do on a PC, I tend to use <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.splashtop.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="Splashtop">Splashtop</a> streamer to remote into the PC and do whatever I have to do. I've been pondering getting a Mac and may still do it at some point, but at least 85% of what I want to do can be done right here on my ipad. The form factor of this keyboard makes it so much like a regular keyboard that the pesky typos that happen when I type on the ipad screen are not as frequent. <br /><br /><h3>Traveling is more productive</h3>Yesterday, coming home in the car from church, I turned on my iPhone's hot spot, connected my ipad, and used the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.powerschool.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="PowerSchool">PowerTeacher</a> app to update grades and respond to emails. <br /><br /><h3>The keyboard makes the difference.</h3>I think it is a combination of having an iPhone, iPad, and a drop dead incredible keyboard that makes this work for me. (As well as some awesome apps.) I can't stress enough the keyboard part. This is my third keyboard. The first keyboard was too small for my hands and had the apostrophe in the wrong place, the second keyboard wasn't firm enough to have in my lap.<br /><br /><h3>2 days later...</h3>Update. I finished this post on my PC in the office because the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="Zemanta">Zemanta</a> plug in I use is just too easy and too powerful. I draft most of my posts now on my ipad and then polish up here in a few minutes.<br /><br />Now, you have a post and a glimpse into the workflow of a fellow blogger. Hope the "over the shoulder" helps you see if you can improve your own productivity.<br /><br /><br />Posted using <a class="zem_slink" href="http://blogpress.coollittlethings.com/" rel="homepage" target="_blank" title="BlogPress">BlogPress</a> from my iPad<br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_c.png?x-id=f930cc07-4485-49ea-9447-43b6e7e35158" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>

productivity A New Workflow for Me: Ipad, Keyboard, iPhone

This morning, I couldn't find my PC for a bit, but I wasn't really worried because I have a new workflow. Oh, but I sat down to work the "new way" (See the picture below) and I saw my PC underneath a book on the end table by the couch where I'd left …

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What Gratitude May Come

On Fridays we have "fun" in my eighth grade keyboarding class which right now means that I'm introducing them to the future of technology and giving some thought provoking predictions along with videos for the next few years. We were talking about <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/23/technology/google-glasses-will-be-powered-by-android.html" target="_blank">Google glasses</a> and <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Augmented reality">augmented reality</a>.<br /><br />I had forgotten that the seniors were over to the side working on their term papers, when one spoke up and said,<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Mrs. Vicki, I made a film two years a go about Google glasses, I predicted them."</blockquote><br />And rightly so, he did.<br /><br /><object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rr8LIJOnk2Q?version=3&hl=en_US"> </param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> </param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"> </param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rr8LIJOnk2Q?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr8LIJOnk2Q" target="_blank">This video</a> was created for the <a href="http://netgened2010.flatclassroomproject.org/" target="_blank">NetGenEd project</a> two years a go.<br /><br />He worked very hard to predict what augmented reality would look like and I'm shocked to see how close I think he came.<br /><br />This fits with an email that I received just last night from a student I taught five years a go.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">As a Telecommunications major at ******* many of my courses overlap the many lessons I once had in your class. In my Media and Technology class we examine emerging trends and future developments in the technological side of communications.I laugh to think of these as emerging trends when they include such things as the power of blogs, wikis, and other features of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Web 2.0">Web 2.0</a> that you taught to me nearly 5 years ago. So firstly, thank you for truly functioning on the cutting edge... Please stay ahead of the curve. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Additionally, in my Media Production class, my professor asked who was adept at using Excel. I was shocked when only myself and another raised our hands. He looked at us, unimpressed, and said you two will get internships. It's funny to see how many people have never used excel and how important it is, when, to a student at Westwood, these skills were standard and even trivialized in the back of my mind by how often and thoroughly we used them.  </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">I just wanted to thank you. It's hard for a high school kid to appreciate the gravity of what you teach.... </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">I hope your students take this to heart much more than I did at their age because if they do, they too will be lightyears ahead of the curve.</blockquote><br /><br />What this student didn't know is that just yesterday after school I was asking myself hard questions. Things like:<br /><br /><ul><li>Am I pushing kids too hard? </li><li>Is it worth all the headache and struggle to sometimes do this sort of thing?</li><li>Does it really matter at all?</li></ul><div>We all ask these questions. We wonder why we teach or if we should teach at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've heard me speak, one thing I always say is that<br /><br /><b>it is not whether a child thanks you today - if you're an excellent teacher, usually, they won't. </b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>It is whether they thank you in five years when they are in college.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Those words came back to me like the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_of_Christmas_Past" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="Ghost of Christmas Past">Ghost of Christmas past</a> came to Scrooge to convince me that it is worth pushing and doing and struggling. It is worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Teaching is a noble calling. I don't want to leave the classroom or my school or do anything else.<br /><br />Doubts  are just that. Doubts. Emotions can deceive me. It doesn't help that I was Friday afternoon tired by Wednesday afternoon of this week.<br /><br />I have to forgo the thank you today knowing that it will come one day if I do my job, work hard, and be a visionary for my students who can't really see past their own hormones right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can do this, friends. Be a teacher. It is a noble calling. Anyone who works with students who are often ungrateful, unappreciative and don't want to do anything... hold your standard high and work hard. They WILL thank you one day.</div><br /><i>This was written during the school year in May but I was so busy, I didn't have time to proof it. Sharing it for you now.</i><br /><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0 0 0;"> Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://ebongeek.com/2012/03/06/the-coming-age-of-augmented-reality/" target="_blank">The Coming Age of Augmented Reality</a> (ebongeek.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/grouply/ning/prweb3796744.htm" target="_blank">Grouply Welcomes Ning Networks: Migrate Ning Network to a Free Grouply Social Group</a> (prweb.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/250453/google_augmented_reality_glasses_expected_by_years_end.html" target="_blank">Google Augmented Reality Glasses Expected by Year's End</a> (pcworld.com)</li><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://elementaryflatclassroom.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/360/" target="_blank">Ready to go Flat!</a> (elementaryflatclassroom.wordpress.com)</li></ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_c.png?x-id=f930cc07-4485-49ea-9447-43b6e7e35158" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>

Inspiration Teaching What Gratitude May Come

On Fridays we have "fun" in my eighth grade keyboarding class which right now means that I'm introducing them to the future of technology and giving some thought provoking predictions along with videos for the next few years. We were talking about Go…

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Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 06/07/2012

<ul class="diigo-linkroll"> <li> <p class="diigo-link"> <a href="http://mashable.com/2012/06/05/the-internet-changes-tomorrow/">The Internet Changes Wednesday, But Most People Won't Notice</a> </p> <p class="diigo-description">Most of you probably didn't notice the "single largest upgrade in Internet history" but if your Internet company doesn't fully support the new IPv6 protocol, your Internet may have slowed down. This allows the Internet to have more numbers available and is also something that local network administrators will have to deal with on their networks. Here's the Mashable article that explains the transition for those who want to know.</p> <p class="diigo-tags"> <span>tags:</span> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/ipv6">ipv6</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/Internet">Internet</a></p> </li> </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='http://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 06/07/2012

The Internet Changes Wednesday, But Most People Won't Notice Most of you probably didn't notice the "single largest upgrade in Internet history" but if your Internet company doesn't fully support the new IPv6 pr…

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