Project Play Semester 1 Reflections

First of all, I have to give heartfelt thanks to Stef, Joy, and Beth for creating Project Play. There tends to be fear about new technology, and you did a great job acknowledging that fear yet using it to encourage us to have fun and explore. It was good for me to have some exposure to these technologies that I have heard of but knew nothing about, and ignorance is not bliss for me. Thank you for the bite-sized lessons that let me see that I could understand what Web 2.0 is all about and that it is not too hard. Thank you for encouraging me to just play. Thank you also for giving me a few weeks to catch up on my assignments.

My favorite lesson was learning how to set up my own blog. It did not come without its difficulties (mainly trying to remember my password and the difference between Blogger and Bloglines). It was fun picking out a template and learning how to post, plus learning how to post a picture. It is fun to know that I have my own blog. It's kind of like my own little piece of celebrity, even though the Project Play leaders and I are the only ones reading it! I hope to post more storytime articles someday that may be helpful for other librarians.

What was the worst part of Project Play? It had to be the time monster. I only work part-time, and I found it difficult during certain weeks to devote the time needed to learn. Because I am only here three days per week, I found myself having to review quite a bit to refresh my memory of what I just did a few days ago. This is no fault of Project Play as the lessons were all fabulous. That is why I so appreciate how in tune you wonderful Project Play gurus are to those of us who are such newbies to the technology. By giving us time to catch up, you've shown just how much you want us to learn, and I am so appreciative of your dedication and kindness. Sometimes it is easy to feel dumb with new technology, and it is usually just because no one has explained it, and people are often thrown into it to sink or swim. Thank you for teaching me how to swim.

Actually, maybe the worst part of Project Play was dealing with the spelling on Cute Overload and I can has cheezburger. I am an English major, and, although the pictures are adorable, I can't stand the spelling--augh!!!! It is painful! What is happening to the English language? Call Grammar 911!

I am hoping to take the second semester of Project Play. The only factor holding me back is the one of time. We do a lot of programs, and I worry about falling behind. I do think it is important to keep learning, however, so I do think you will see me back. I enjoy playing more, learning more, and especially fearing less. Thank you for teaching me that the Web is not all work but lots of play.

Have you ever considered developing Project Advanced Algebra? I could have used you in high school!