Betcha Couldn't? Pecha Kucha?

Pecha Kucha? What is it? Well, it's the Japanese word for "chit chat". Here's a great way to receive information in a unique and possibly fun way; depending on the presenter. Pecha Kucha is a Power Point presentation style that allows the presenter only forty seconds to get their idea across. A night is designated for these presentations called Pecha Kucha Night. Anyone who thinks they have an idea to express can present that night. These "Pecah Kucha" nights are now being held in 151 locations. The format is to present your idea in forty seconds using twenty images that will each be only allowed twenty seconds to be shown.

The idea is somewhat analogous to a commercial. This means your challenge is to put careful thought into what you want to present and then present it well. This new wave of presenting is becoming a festival in itself, giving people a chance to get their idea out to a number of people without having to acquire the usual necessary facilities. Think you have an idea to express? Go to the above link and find out if there is a city near you hosting Pecha Kucha. Good Luck!

First Flickr

Well after some time manipulating photos, I finally finished my Flickr photostream and I have to say I like the program but felt a little put out that is wasn't as easy to work with as I thought. I had to laugh at my frustration since I am very much interested in the new technologies. This frustration however did not curtail my interest. I am so looking forward to reviewing the open source sites the class was introduced to. Ms. Engard's enthusiasm just made me more interested in technologies of the future. It reminds me of the revolt of the protalitarian. If people can't afford the equipment (which is also getting lower in prices) maybe this will make a difference. It will certainly make it easier for people to apply Habit 2-"take responsibilty for your own learning." Who knows! maybe Scotty will be able to beam us up!

Digital Libraries

For those who want to know more about where digital libaries are headed, I suggest going to this link.

Transforming Library

The view of literacy is going through a transformation along with what a media specialist does as a conduit of this information. Even a digital library will need someone for its maintenance and renewal. That person will also have to be knowledgeable of the technology and the context. To have one without the other is inefficient and can be costly. Think of the idea of the New York Public Library putting its collection on ipods. With a collection size of 15,000,000 books to circulate, there must be someone to manage it. Even digital materials become outdated, corrupted and just not circulated as expected. Yet, the Library of Congress seems to be lagging behind in this area (see link below).

http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/currentnews/newsarchive/2000/july2000/reportlcneeds.cfm



What does this mean to the media specialist, when the foremost depository is out of line with the age? Should there be some concern that there will not be consistency is how to proceed with this medium? Does that leave the person leaning toward a career in this area out on a limb? Where should the focus be? What is or where is the transformation?

When considering seven habits of a lifelong learning, the digital world is an integral part of it. Habit 6 says we are to use technology to our advantage and if the Library of Congress is looking at this as a problem then they should consider habit 3 "view it as a challenge". But most of all they should consider habit 1 begin with the end in mind.