Reflection

At first I thought we were asked to create a real blog for the real library users. That task seemed overwhelming but at the same time exciting. The reason my blog got named Russian Story time is because I thought I would use it with the Russian families attending my programs and post information/resources useful for the group. It turned out my blog was created just for reporting my progress... Some disappointment there but also big relief.

I am happy I had the opportunity to learn about web 2.0, it does not seen to be Terra Incognita to me any longer, even though I still feel like a stranger in this domain.

If I could make any suggestions, I would recommend to have it set up more like a group exercise under the supervision of an experienced user, where participants could share ideas and help each other.

I would also like to see more individual approach. For instance, children's staff could create the blogs about their programming for the library users (kind of what I had in mind in the beginning). I'd like to explore this possibility and also take any future training available.

Thank you! It was fun and also very useful.

Gaming

Happy it is nothing more complicated. I got quite overwhelmed with 2.0 web possibilities already. games are fun, but I always feel inner resistance when my kids are playing. Real life is so much important!

Maps and Geotagging

That's an easy topic! I have used Google Earth for almost three years to see places all around the planet. It shows me my parents' house in Russia!
It was a powerful tool in the classroom when I assisted a teacher to make clay maps of the Washington state.

Search Engines

Did not realize there were so many. I prefer to go with Google just because I have used it for so many years. I begin to like their maps as well. Another feature that's attractive - they offer alternative spelling if I am not sure how to write a name.

Avatars and Second Life

Here is my avatar!

Zoho Show

I was able to create something rather abstract. The link to my creation is below. Not sure how else to publish it in my blog.
http://show.zoho.com/public/azykova/Summer%20Reading%20Fun

Pod casting

Listened to Learn Out Loud. It has many interesting subjects/titles. When I wanted to listen to one of the pod casts I got just a sample lesson. It looks like I would have to pay to listen to the entire book. I would like to understand better the difference between audio books and pod casts.
Pod casting could be used by libraries to promote programs and books. I find it easier though to receive information in textual format

Image Generators

Music Network and Streaming Music

It 's too bad there is no international network. Or may be there is?

Yesterday I attended a graduation party for my older daughter. Other parents presented a fantastic PowerPoint with great music background featuring our children from the time they entered the school through the 6th grade. I am sure that they downloaded the music from one of the networks. Not exactly sure how it was done. Still so much to learn!

Instant messaging

Finally I was able to do this exercise. It worked!
It seems easier to check my e-mail account every few hours or so but no doubt that instant messaging is faster.

Audio Books

Well, it took me very long time to download all the software required (30 minutes) and I was able to place a hold on the audio book I want to read. I don't feel I have completed the task but once I get the book it will be fun to read it on my home computer!

Wiki

I started my own Wiki (ZykovAcademy)and have received more then 10 letters from Wiki support staff within last week.

Del.Icio.Us

It sure has a great potencial!
As soon as I tagged the site I chose it helped me find many interesting web pages.

YOU TUBE

I watch You Tube often with my children. Funny animals and babies usually what they like to see. How would I add a video to my blog?

Social Networks

I like Odnoklassniki.ru network. It helped me connect with a few of my old friens and family.

Storytime picture

This picture shows a program in March, many people have mouse ears because we celebrate Chinese New Year - Year of the Rat.

Antoshka!

At the end of our next program (March 15) we will sing the famous children's song. Join in!

муз. В.Шаинского, сл. Ю.Энтина

Антошка, Антошка, пойдем копать картошку.
Антошка, Антошка, пойдем копать картошку.

Тили-тили, трали-вали,
Это мы не проходили,
Это нам не задавали!
Тарам - пам - пам,
Тарам - пам - пам,

Антошка, Антошка, сыграй нам на гармошке.
Антошка, Антошка, сыграй нам на гармошке.

Тили-тили, трали-вали,
Это мы не проходили,
Это нам не задавали!
Тарам - пам - пам,
Тарам - пам - пам.

Антошка, Антошка, готовь к обеду ложку.
Антошка, Антошка, готовь к обеду ложку.

Тили-тили, трали-вали,
Это, братцы, мне по силе!
Откажусь теперь едва ли!
Тарам - пам - пам,
Тарам - пам - пам.

Welcome to storytime!

I thought it would be helpful to post some of the stories, songs, and games currently used in our storytime!

Sasha