Better late than never...right?

When I think about the internet as what it is, I still feel a bit overwhelmed and confused. To think that it all started for research purposes, and now it is used for everything from keeping in touch with family and friends, reading the news, and even doing your weekly grocery shopping. I have become addicted to checking e-mails (I have three different accounts), shopping for clothes, shoes, and now looking at baby stuff, and self diagnosing any ailment by using the medical sites. The internet has come a long way and as an educator, I feel that there are so many positive things that can be done, including the IMing system. I do not IM myself, but this is another part of the internet that is being discussed.
I feel it is nice to be able to speak with people, ask questions, and discuss important topics without having to wait a long time to get feedback. This upcoming school year I will have new laptops for my works library. The question has come up with what will be available for use by the students. I never even thought about downloading AIM or another IMing program. I am interested to know what others think on this issue. Is this something 5th - 8th graders should be using with the live internet?

Blogpost #2 - My trading card

This is a picture of my husband and I in New York last year. You can find this trading card, and others of librarians on Flickr.

Blogpost #1 - MySpace conversation

Three of the articles that were to be read for this Internet Fundamentals class has the issue of MySpace up for discussion. I do not want to repeat what has already been said by myself or any other peer in the class...but my feelings are getting stronger every time I take a look at the site itself.
The statistics that surround the site are enormous...and many people continue to make comments about their negative feelings about it. I mean look at the news reports that are on TV every week. I myself have not started a MySpace account, but plan on doing so to understand the hard feelings. The truth is, as a school librarian, I feel it is my duty to educate the students, parents, teachers, and administrators about the correct use of this site.
There seem to be too many people that are almost "stuck in their way of thinking" when it comes to using the internet, especially when children are involved. I once got this great e-mail that discussed how things used to be as a kid. Being able to play outside and ride bikes in the street, not having to be home by 7 p.m. or something like that. My point...there were just as many awful things happening then when the internet was not in existence like it is now. We need to educate....and make a difference for the children of the future!

My name is Debbie G. I am a student at Dominican University...but plan on graduating in August. yay!!! This is my first blog for LIS 753. I already work for CPS in an elementary school's library and love the career choice I have made:) This is so exciting!!!