Geeks Bearing Gifts: Unwrapping New Technology Trends

MLA CE 4 hours

Description: This class is intended to provide a fun, fast-paced, and informative introduction to and update on today's hottest technology trends. Program participants will be able to identify technology trends and they will understand how these trends will impact or can be integrated into traditional library services. Content will be presented in with a "can-do" focus intended to encourage participants to investigate at least one technology for implementation in their institution. Course structure will include brief vignettes and demonstrations of a wide variety of technologies. Some of the topics to be covered include instant messaging, podcasting, open source software, spyware and other malware, developments in mobile computing, blogs and wikis, radio-frequency identification, and more.

Can You Hear Me Now?: Introduction to VoIP and Videoconferencing

MLA CE 4 hours

Description: Participants will learn how they can set up their personal computer systems to teach classes and hold collaborative meetings with colleagues located remotely. They will learn how to choose hardware and software to meet their specific needs and budgets. In addition, they will be able to try out popular VoIP and videoconferencing systems.

Navigating the Network Jungle: Introduction to Computer Networks

Description: Participants will learn how to navigate through the "networking jungle": basic network terminology, how the Internet works, network security concepts, and how to set up a wireless network.

Introduction to Blogs and Wikis

MLA CE 4 hours

Description: By the end of the class participants will be well equipped to create a blog for communicating with patrons and to use a wiki in a collaborative setting. Participants will learn basic blog and wiki technology, the important differences and appropriate usages for blogs and wikis, and potential uses within a health sciences library setting. Participants will gain hands-on experience creating and editing a blog using blogger.com as well as editing a wiki using MediaWiki. The class will include lecture / demonstration, group discussion and brainstorming, and hands-on computer exercises.