Friday, April 29, 2011
I'm interested in hearing opinions about the advisability of creating a Google document containing the user names and passwords we all have to keep track of now. The advantage would be having access to what is needed no matter where in the world you might be. The article I read said that this was secure. Comments?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
QR codes
We had a long conversation about QR codes in OS. I had a patron ask me about them also. She had actually seen an add at DIA airport from one of the banks. they were offering Ebooks to download through a QR code for patrons at the airport. I did some investigating and like you we tried some out of the magazines and went to those web pages. Sharon Hill, Cheryl S,Jim Larimer, Gelina and I all talked about this. Interesting Gelina felt that the QR codes would be obsolete as newer forms of Tech come out.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Should I be broadening my search engine horizons?
Oh, Google, how we love thee. When posed with a trivial query, you don't 'bing it' or 'yahoo it' or 'look it up using the inter-web', you 'google it', but is google's dominance justified? Is it really the best way to search for information? Is there a tangible difference between search engines?
I set out to find an answer, and quickly came upon this article from PC World from 2009 (when Microsoft launched Bing, which might be too dated to still be relevant)
http://www.pcworld.com/article/165749/bing_vs_google_vs_yahoo_feature_smackdown.html
The slideshow style article examines a bevy of criteria, from which I have culled the following:
Home Page: Bing is prettier (i.e. flashy), but still navigable. Google is clean and simple. Yahoo is busy, but they are trying for a more integrated 'Internet surfing experience'. Winner according to PC World: Bing. Winner according to Laura: Bing. It's true, I can't resist the pretty, pretty pictures, though I like when Google mixes it up with their logo.
Search Results: Bing groups search results in logical categories and has a left-hand navigation panel to help you focus your results fast. Google simply lists blue links in descending order from most to least relevant. Yahoo... well, they didn't talk about yahoo. Winner according to PC World: Google. Winner according to Laura: Google. Maybe I've just been conditioned to like Google, but I like the no-frills approach and having the most relevant results be the first I see.
Pop Search: When searching for popular musicians etc. Bing allows you to view videos just by hovering over the link, Yahoo also offers prominently placed, and easily accessible videos. Google offers videos, but not as prominently. PCW's winner: Bing. Laura's winner: I really don't know. I guess Yahoo or Bing, and I like the 'hovering' videos of Bing...so... maybe Bing?
Airfare Search: This one is between Bing and Yahoo, as Google offers no such service. Bing offers 'Forecast technology' which charts the ups and downs of airfare in recent months and uses that to predict rates in the near future. Yahoo offers similar technology to compare prices and to adjust your itinerary 'on the fly' for maximum savings. PCW's winner: Bing. Laura's winner: OK, the author does not present a compelling argument for their choice, so I really don't know. Both searches seem similar, this might be personal preference (i.e. bias).
Hotel Search: Basically, same as above. Bing and Yahoo use the same forecast technology for hotels as they do for airfare, but Yahoo seems a little flashier here. Yahoo alerts to 'Getaway Deals' and flags good deals. PCW's Winner: Yahoo. Laura's Winner: Yahoo. Why dissent?
Refining Searches: When using Bing, the search-refining tools are always located on one side of the screen. With google and yahoo the search-refining tools are always at least a click away. PCW's Winner: Bing. Laura's Winner: Bing. Easier=Better.
Video Search: To be honest, all three seem pretty similar. Bing and Google allow you to refine your search based on video length, and all three allow you to choose official vs. unofficial videos. When you hover your mouse over a video link in Bing, it triggers the video to start. That's cool. Yahoo's at a major disadvantage here, because its videos do not always load in the search window, instead it sometimes directs you to the original website. PCW's Winner: Bing. Laura's Winner: Bing. Love the hover.
Shopping Search: Bing and Google highlight 'Reviews', 'Technical Specifications', links to related items, etc. Bing culls reviews from a variety of websites. Yahoo's main attraction is the close up and varied views of products they supply, but reviews and tech specs are a little harder to find. PCW's Winner: Yahoo. Laura's Winner: Bing. Unless I'm purchasing jewelry (happens more than it should), I want reviews, and specifications. Pictures are nice, but give me the nitty gritty!
Local Search: Go green! Go local! Go slow! Once again, Bing and Google are neck-n-neck. Bing offers aggregate reviews and ratings, Google gives you maps. Yahoo was limited. PCWorld: Bing. Laura: Google. I need a map, and chances are I've heard about the restaurant from a source I trust more than a search engine. In theory, I like Bing's approach, but it hasn't ever worked for me in practise.
Health Search: Bing links you to respected sources like Mayo Clinic, and the aforementioned search-refining tools help you refine the search. Google's health search functions much like its regular search, with the most relevant links leading the results. Google's big thrust with Google Health is to provide a place for people to store medical record, find doctors, and connect with online health services. Yahoo really shines in this category. It brings up a lot of information, about symptoms, treatments, etc., but it also provides videos!
PCW: Yahoo. Laura: Google. I like the Google Health angle of providing information, but also connecting you with your records and health professionals.
Maps Search: All three look very similar to me! Yahoo might have old information. Bing and Google have cool satellite views, and easy controls within the window. PCWorld: Google. Laura: Google. Google is king of maps, forever and for always.
In Summary (i.e. Laura's opinion): If you've made it this far with me, then here is my opinion: Google remains the standard barer for information searches and maps. Bing is good for shopping, for media, and for travel. Yahoo is the awkward cousin at the wedding, that no one really cares if they show up, but is there anyway.
Caveat: Maybe it goes without saying, but come tomorrow (or a week ago) this information might be invalid. I had trouble finding any sort of comparison of the three search engines that wasn't a few years old, as it seems no one really cares after the initial launch of Bing. Also, my personal preference for Google (email, docs, reader, everything!) may bias me against its competitors.
I set out to find an answer, and quickly came upon this article from PC World from 2009 (when Microsoft launched Bing, which might be too dated to still be relevant)
http://www.pcworld.com/article/165749/bing_vs_google_vs_yahoo_feature_smackdown.html
The slideshow style article examines a bevy of criteria, from which I have culled the following:
Home Page: Bing is prettier (i.e. flashy), but still navigable. Google is clean and simple. Yahoo is busy, but they are trying for a more integrated 'Internet surfing experience'. Winner according to PC World: Bing. Winner according to Laura: Bing. It's true, I can't resist the pretty, pretty pictures, though I like when Google mixes it up with their logo.
Search Results: Bing groups search results in logical categories and has a left-hand navigation panel to help you focus your results fast. Google simply lists blue links in descending order from most to least relevant. Yahoo... well, they didn't talk about yahoo. Winner according to PC World: Google. Winner according to Laura: Google. Maybe I've just been conditioned to like Google, but I like the no-frills approach and having the most relevant results be the first I see.
Pop Search: When searching for popular musicians etc. Bing allows you to view videos just by hovering over the link, Yahoo also offers prominently placed, and easily accessible videos. Google offers videos, but not as prominently. PCW's winner: Bing. Laura's winner: I really don't know. I guess Yahoo or Bing, and I like the 'hovering' videos of Bing...so... maybe Bing?
Airfare Search: This one is between Bing and Yahoo, as Google offers no such service. Bing offers 'Forecast technology' which charts the ups and downs of airfare in recent months and uses that to predict rates in the near future. Yahoo offers similar technology to compare prices and to adjust your itinerary 'on the fly' for maximum savings. PCW's winner: Bing. Laura's winner: OK, the author does not present a compelling argument for their choice, so I really don't know. Both searches seem similar, this might be personal preference (i.e. bias).
Hotel Search: Basically, same as above. Bing and Yahoo use the same forecast technology for hotels as they do for airfare, but Yahoo seems a little flashier here. Yahoo alerts to 'Getaway Deals' and flags good deals. PCW's Winner: Yahoo. Laura's Winner: Yahoo. Why dissent?
Refining Searches: When using Bing, the search-refining tools are always located on one side of the screen. With google and yahoo the search-refining tools are always at least a click away. PCW's Winner: Bing. Laura's Winner: Bing. Easier=Better.
Video Search: To be honest, all three seem pretty similar. Bing and Google allow you to refine your search based on video length, and all three allow you to choose official vs. unofficial videos. When you hover your mouse over a video link in Bing, it triggers the video to start. That's cool. Yahoo's at a major disadvantage here, because its videos do not always load in the search window, instead it sometimes directs you to the original website. PCW's Winner: Bing. Laura's Winner: Bing. Love the hover.
Shopping Search: Bing and Google highlight 'Reviews', 'Technical Specifications', links to related items, etc. Bing culls reviews from a variety of websites. Yahoo's main attraction is the close up and varied views of products they supply, but reviews and tech specs are a little harder to find. PCW's Winner: Yahoo. Laura's Winner: Bing. Unless I'm purchasing jewelry (happens more than it should), I want reviews, and specifications. Pictures are nice, but give me the nitty gritty!
Local Search: Go green! Go local! Go slow! Once again, Bing and Google are neck-n-neck. Bing offers aggregate reviews and ratings, Google gives you maps. Yahoo was limited. PCWorld: Bing. Laura: Google. I need a map, and chances are I've heard about the restaurant from a source I trust more than a search engine. In theory, I like Bing's approach, but it hasn't ever worked for me in practise.
Health Search: Bing links you to respected sources like Mayo Clinic, and the aforementioned search-refining tools help you refine the search. Google's health search functions much like its regular search, with the most relevant links leading the results. Google's big thrust with Google Health is to provide a place for people to store medical record, find doctors, and connect with online health services. Yahoo really shines in this category. It brings up a lot of information, about symptoms, treatments, etc., but it also provides videos!
PCW: Yahoo. Laura: Google. I like the Google Health angle of providing information, but also connecting you with your records and health professionals.
Maps Search: All three look very similar to me! Yahoo might have old information. Bing and Google have cool satellite views, and easy controls within the window. PCWorld: Google. Laura: Google. Google is king of maps, forever and for always.
In Summary (i.e. Laura's opinion): If you've made it this far with me, then here is my opinion: Google remains the standard barer for information searches and maps. Bing is good for shopping, for media, and for travel. Yahoo is the awkward cousin at the wedding, that no one really cares if they show up, but is there anyway.
Caveat: Maybe it goes without saying, but come tomorrow (or a week ago) this information might be invalid. I had trouble finding any sort of comparison of the three search engines that wasn't a few years old, as it seems no one really cares after the initial launch of Bing. Also, my personal preference for Google (email, docs, reader, everything!) may bias me against its competitors.
Children's Apps Resources & Reading
I was invited by Padma to speak briefly to the May staff this afternoon about the iPad, and children's apps in general. I wanted to create a handout for further reading and exploring, then realized I could just post all the links here at Tech Talk!
I've been gathering resources for a few months. This is a fascinating area, one that touches on a range of issues:
*children's development (What amount of screen time is appropriate for children physiologically, socially, and cognitively? What is beneficial and exciting about interactive digital media? What can be detrimental?)
*collection development issues for libraries (Should libraries be providing access to these apps? How so? To whom? If so, should libraries provide access to just the book apps, or to all games and educational apps as well?)
*evaluation criteria (How do we tell if a children's app is any good? Who is reviewing these apps? Can we trust their judgment? How should libraries be assisting parents and caregivers with selecting apps?)
What are the issues you are thinking about?
Here's my kind of long list of links and resources:
OVERVIEW BLOG POSTS
From the Cooney Center (the research arm of Sesame Street)
The iPad according to Twitter
From the ALSC Blog:
iPad and Smart Phone Apps for Kids
Added 5/24/11: What are people saying about iPads for kids? Read this post, then read the comments for a peek at the various sides of this discussion. Why Every Child in America Needs an iPad
VINCI
Site for the Vinci, a tablet designed for children 3 and under
SCREENTIME
American Academy of Pediatrics has a 10-year-old recommendation for screen time limits for young children.
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood wrote a letter with recommendations about children and screen time to NAEYC last year. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is currently revising their position statement on Children and Technology.
iPADS IN THE LIBRARY
This library is letting families “check out” an iPad loaded with learning apps while they are in the library. This is their blog, which reviews some apps and reports on their first day of the service. Unfortunately, the blog hasn't been updated since January.
The Houston Public Library is piloting an iPad in the library program
REVIEWING
Elizabeth Bird, who writes the Fuse #8 blog for School Library Journal, wrote this article about reviewing children’s book apps, and developing selection criteria for this new media.
Kirkus Reviews is now reviewing children’s book apps.
Kid Lit Apps is a blog written by a children’s literary agent, who writes about children’s book apps and digital books.
E is for Book has a post with links to app reviewers
Best Apps for Kids is a review site
Added 5/24/11: A recent review of favorite apps by School Library Journal advisors. I like this round up because they discuss WHY they like these apps.
EDUCATION
iPads in the Classroom is a site from educator Kathy Schrock. She has lists of apps she has downloaded for K-12 classroom support as well as links to web resources on classroom iPad use
I've been gathering resources for a few months. This is a fascinating area, one that touches on a range of issues:
*children's development (What amount of screen time is appropriate for children physiologically, socially, and cognitively? What is beneficial and exciting about interactive digital media? What can be detrimental?)
*collection development issues for libraries (Should libraries be providing access to these apps? How so? To whom? If so, should libraries provide access to just the book apps, or to all games and educational apps as well?)
*evaluation criteria (How do we tell if a children's app is any good? Who is reviewing these apps? Can we trust their judgment? How should libraries be assisting parents and caregivers with selecting apps?)
What are the issues you are thinking about?
Here's my kind of long list of links and resources:
OVERVIEW BLOG POSTS
From the Cooney Center (the research arm of Sesame Street)
The iPad according to Twitter
From the ALSC Blog:
iPad and Smart Phone Apps for Kids
Added 5/24/11: What are people saying about iPads for kids? Read this post, then read the comments for a peek at the various sides of this discussion. Why Every Child in America Needs an iPad
VINCI
Site for the Vinci, a tablet designed for children 3 and under
SCREENTIME
American Academy of Pediatrics has a 10-year-old recommendation for screen time limits for young children.
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood wrote a letter with recommendations about children and screen time to NAEYC last year. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is currently revising their position statement on Children and Technology.
iPADS IN THE LIBRARY
This library is letting families “check out” an iPad loaded with learning apps while they are in the library. This is their blog, which reviews some apps and reports on their first day of the service. Unfortunately, the blog hasn't been updated since January.
The Houston Public Library is piloting an iPad in the library program
REVIEWING
Elizabeth Bird, who writes the Fuse #8 blog for School Library Journal, wrote this article about reviewing children’s book apps, and developing selection criteria for this new media.
Kirkus Reviews is now reviewing children’s book apps.
Kid Lit Apps is a blog written by a children’s literary agent, who writes about children’s book apps and digital books.
E is for Book has a post with links to app reviewers
Best Apps for Kids is a review site
Added 5/24/11: A recent review of favorite apps by School Library Journal advisors. I like this round up because they discuss WHY they like these apps.
EDUCATION
iPads in the Classroom is a site from educator Kathy Schrock. She has lists of apps she has downloaded for K-12 classroom support as well as links to web resources on classroom iPad use
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Photo and video sharing
As all of you know sharing pictures and home videos with friends to facebook is very simple and they will be available to everyone on our friend list. Facebook offers high resolution downloads and is the most widespread mobile application for smartphones. I use facebook to share pictures with my family in Mexico and I have found a very good site from google to edit pictures. This is a free site that I find very helpful to edit pictures online. Picnik.com provides simple tools for editing pictures in just one click, crop and resize and rotate in realtime, use special effects, put stickers on pictures, without ever registering with the site. This works on Mac, and Windows. Enjoy!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Coolest gadgets website
I came across this interesting website http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/ It is reporting on the latest coolest gadgets including Apple news, audio-video gadgets. mobile phones, digital cameras, children gadgets, cooking gadgets and more. Check it out!
Friday, April 22, 2011
QR Codes
Hi Folks!! I hate to admit it, but I received an email today about QR Codes...and I had NO IDEA what they even were! I talked it over with some people here and researched a bit online. When Donna came in with her smart phone, we were able to use the app to scan some that we found in a magazine and have learned SO MUCH. But here is the best part: you can generate your own QR codes. I have posted one here with a secret message for you to scan if you are able. I was able to generate this at http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
Oh, and ALSO, I learned how to post images to the blog in the process. :) Lots of new things today...not bad for a FRIDAY!!!
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