I understand what a podcast is but have never listened to one and am not knowledgeable on the subject, which is why I signed up for workshop this summer at IU. This "thing" will be a good preparation so I don't go into the class completely ignorant :)
I looked at both Pod Cast Alley and podcast.com and must say I preferred podcast.com. Podcast.com seemed to be more organized and I like the fact it had a player right on the page so I didn't have to download something, I could just listen. I decided to search for language learning podcasts. I found some simple a series of One Minute Language learning podcasts and found I could learn basic Japanese, Mandarin, Polish or even Luxembourgish (who knew). I found there were a ton of language learning resources and really a podcast for every interest.
After doing this "thing" I am definitely interested in learning more about podcasts and perhaps in the future if I ever have anything interesting to share perhaps I'll make my own. I'm really looking forward to my class.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
You Tube and online videos...#14
I admit, when Youtube first came out I thought it was a bit ridiculous. Didn't people have better things to do with their time? Then I checked it out and there are some seriously ridiculous videos that I really didn't want to watch, but after searching for some videos of interest I had a change of heart. I don't spend all day watching videos or anything, but it's fun to look up old music videos/concerts, old commercials, clips from documentaries, and Japanese game shows. I was also surprised to find a ton of DIY/informational videos which have come in handy on numerous occasions or when looking for information on a particular topic. I recently discovered that my cat Smokey enjoys watching Youtube. Any video with birds or other animals and he stares so intently that his Youtube viewing time has been limited.
Hulu is awesome since I don't have my TV hooked up to cable. I rely on it for my weekly intake of The Office, Heroes and I just found you can even watch Doogie Howser M.D. and SNL commercial clips. They also have a selection of movies and usually play important events such as this years Presidential Inauguration.
Overall, I enjoy the online video capabilities of Youtube and other sites. I can view news stories, tutorials or it can simply be a source of entertainment. It's another way to find information and especially useful if you need a visual aid. I found a short video about Japanese Wagashi or sweets. They are a topic of interest for me and in Japan it seems like most cities are famous for a different type of wagashi. They are truly edible works of art.
Hulu is awesome since I don't have my TV hooked up to cable. I rely on it for my weekly intake of The Office, Heroes and I just found you can even watch Doogie Howser M.D. and SNL commercial clips. They also have a selection of movies and usually play important events such as this years Presidential Inauguration.
Overall, I enjoy the online video capabilities of Youtube and other sites. I can view news stories, tutorials or it can simply be a source of entertainment. It's another way to find information and especially useful if you need a visual aid. I found a short video about Japanese Wagashi or sweets. They are a topic of interest for me and in Japan it seems like most cities are famous for a different type of wagashi. They are truly edible works of art.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
#12 Social Media
After looking at Digg, Mixx, Newsvine and Reddit, I decided to register for Newsvine because I didn't know anything about it and haven't really heard much about it. Also I decided on it, because I found the format easier to find news in. On the front page, I found liked that I was able to add or get rid of different modules depending on my interest. I was able to put up my local weather and news, which I tend to look for first. The one thing I enjoy about the social media sites in general, is that they allow regular people to bring news stories to our attention, that might have been overlooked by big media or deemed unimportant. Of course, after reading certain stories, some of them could have been left hidden.
I can see the library using a social media site to post stories about the library or to keep updated on hot topics. Although a significant way to find out whats happening, I don't see these being used so much. When I began looking at Newsvine, I find story after story and it can become overwhelming. I will either use the general categories to search by topic of my interest or search for a topic. Otherwise, this can be a big time waster/procrastination attempt for me. There are so many sources of news media these days, that we are bombarded with them constantly. I like to keep current on what is happening around the world, but I will probably stick to scanning the online newspapers I usually look at.
I can see the library using a social media site to post stories about the library or to keep updated on hot topics. Although a significant way to find out whats happening, I don't see these being used so much. When I began looking at Newsvine, I find story after story and it can become overwhelming. I will either use the general categories to search by topic of my interest or search for a topic. Otherwise, this can be a big time waster/procrastination attempt for me. There are so many sources of news media these days, that we are bombarded with them constantly. I like to keep current on what is happening around the world, but I will probably stick to scanning the online newspapers I usually look at.
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