CyberInfrastructure Session
For the most part this was a bit over my head and not really applicable to what I do. However, the last bit had a few gems. First BYU has had a decrease in usage of the hardwired computers in the information commons. A reduction to the tune of 50%. Wireless computing has increased until recently and has leveled off. The presenter believes that this too will decrease as more portable cell phone type devices begin to be used such as his iPhone and wireless network cards like the ones offered by Verizon. We need to think about mobile computing and how/where it will impact us.
Cool sign in his presentation: No Shhhh Zone
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Shops
Another view of the shops in the atrium area. There is a lot of natural light in this building.
Study spaces
The view of the study areas. I was standing on the staircase on the library side looking out over the atrium.
Auditorium
Public libraries are definitely community centers with auditoriums, theaters and other amenities.
Stairs and art
The mobile moves and is made of books that are butterflies, or butterflies that are books. Depends entirely on your point of view.
Weber County Library
I began my sabbatical in Utah, specifically Ogden. I did not realize my camera had difficulties till I got to Phoenix. Needless to say, the photos are less than I would like them to be and not just because I take crappy photos.
Spanish Language Collection
Excellent collection of Spanish language materials. I found many public libraries in my sabbatical had this type of collection.
Subject Table
Reference tables with subject specific resources i.e. citations, poetry, demographics...
Library Art
Having assigned a paraprofessional librarian to be a full-time "friends" librarian has paid off. They have been able to buy art with some of the money received.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Favorite Session: Can Library Instruction Be Fun, Yet Effective?
Presenters were Crystal Goldman, Dale Larsen, and Adriana Parker of Marriott Library at the University of Utah. (I had met Dale and Adriana during my sabbatical) They teach an extraordinary number of sessions, up to 45 in a two week period...
Basically they were talking about two active learning methods, Cephalonian and Jigsaw. In summation the Jigsaw method is about small group work and having the groups present on the discovery of the database they were asked to analyze. This works best with large classes 20+ with enough time.
What really hooked me on this workshop was the Cephalonian method. They used the method to teach us the method. It involves a set of colored index cards which are passed out to the audience. (An audience member suggested that shapes could be used instead. Also it was noted that the color of the card should be placed on the card for those who may be color blind.) Each card has a question on it that will be asked when a color card is asked for. The questions are put together by the teacher who then creates a corresponding powerpoint that answers the questions.
BIG TIP: To go to a specific slide in powerpoint, type in the number and press enter. This will pop open the slide you want seamlessly. This is really nifty and makes the teacher look like a mind reader.
For more information on the Cephalonian method check out the article in Wikipeda. Or rather, check out the references at the bottom! Nigel Morgan is one of the originators of this very interactive active learning method.
The other really excellent part of the powerpoint was the pictures of a hired actor who portrayed various patron stereotypes including sleeping student, typhoid patron, and inappropriate viewing guy...
The presenters were entertaining, interactive and managed to keep this last session of the day well worth attending.
Basically they were talking about two active learning methods, Cephalonian and Jigsaw. In summation the Jigsaw method is about small group work and having the groups present on the discovery of the database they were asked to analyze. This works best with large classes 20+ with enough time.
What really hooked me on this workshop was the Cephalonian method. They used the method to teach us the method. It involves a set of colored index cards which are passed out to the audience. (An audience member suggested that shapes could be used instead. Also it was noted that the color of the card should be placed on the card for those who may be color blind.) Each card has a question on it that will be asked when a color card is asked for. The questions are put together by the teacher who then creates a corresponding powerpoint that answers the questions.
BIG TIP: To go to a specific slide in powerpoint, type in the number and press enter. This will pop open the slide you want seamlessly. This is really nifty and makes the teacher look like a mind reader.
For more information on the Cephalonian method check out the article in Wikipeda. Or rather, check out the references at the bottom! Nigel Morgan is one of the originators of this very interactive active learning method.
The other really excellent part of the powerpoint was the pictures of a hired actor who portrayed various patron stereotypes including sleeping student, typhoid patron, and inappropriate viewing guy...
The presenters were entertaining, interactive and managed to keep this last session of the day well worth attending.
Lunch Speaker: Amanda Dickson, KSL Newsradio
Dickson talked about happiness, and how, perhaps it is a commodity not just a state of being. She says that you can't wait till circumstances are perfect to be happy, but that you need to enjoy life as it happens. The basis of happiness is in forgiveness. Not for some spiritual lofty reason, but in order to move beyond the injuries and insults of daily life. Forgiving self and others allows one to be happy in the day or the moment. Releasing the self-talk and rumination of 'bad things that happened so I can't be happy' by forgiving and moving on. Pretty interesting actually.
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