Thing 8: Communication - Web 2.0 Style

OK so the communication tools in this Thing are 1- email, 2- IM, 3- text messaging, and 4- Web Conferencing.

1. Email: I have been a YAHOO gal since way back when. In fact at one time I had multiple yahoo ID's to go along with my multiple personalities! It seems that everywhere I have worked including my current job at the Library has always used Outlook for email. That is our work communication style of choice. We set up several email distribution lists (send to entire library staff, our dept, dept heads, leads, just your friends for those jokes you shouldn't pass on). Sometimes I think if we didn't have email we wouldn't hear about anything that goes on around here.

2. IM: We used to have an IM program we could log into and see what coworkers were also online and available and if you were at a remote desk and needed to ask an important question like "what are your lunch plans?" we could shoot that IM and find out really fast. It also came in handy for those pesky patrons that asked too many weird questions and you had to put out a call for help! The problem is as our computers are being updated now the new ones don't communicate with the old. I hope that soon we will get another IM program approved for use. All joking aside it was a great tool when your mind goes blank and you are trying to help a patron and need to send out an SOS.

3. Text messaging: I have no experience with text messaging. I had to learn some of the text messaging abbreviations when I was hanging out in Chat rooms. It is like learning a different language. LOL TTFN

4. Web conferencing: In the past I have taken an online class with Solinet Educational Services. I found that Webinar to be an interesting way to learn since it was interactive... if we had a question we could "raise our hand" and we had the ability to click on yes or no to answer questions so the instructor could identify who might be having problems understanding the material. I have also attended other Webcasts that have been not so good. I think alot has to do with the presenter. If the person presenting has a good voice and lively personality it goes a long way to making a presentation interesting. The ability to view recorded or archived programs is great for scheduling conflicts.