Children
Tech Moms: A Panel Discussion
Written by childrens library on 02/07/2012
Wednesday, February 15th at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room
Are you thinking about starting your own blog? Curious to know more about how a blog and other social media platforms, like Twitter, can be used personally or professionally? Join our panel of local moms who blog and tweet about their families, jobs, and many things in between.
Panelists will include Jacquie (After Words), Jennifer St. Jean (Itty Bitty Bag), Nicole Lyons (All About Darien), and moderator, Lisa Bonchek Adams (lisabadams.com).
Meet the Author of Just Being Audrey
Written by childrens library on 02/05/2012
Wednesday, February 8 at 5 p.m.
The Children's Library is excited to welcome Margaret Cardillo, the author of the new picture book biography of Audrey Hepburn. Margaret worked as an editor in children's publishing and as a teacher before writing Just Being Audrey. Kids ages 7 to 12 are invited to join us for an intimate discussion of her book.
The Children's Library has copies of Just Being Audrey available for book groups. Contact us with questions at childrenslibrary@darienlibrary.org
The 2013 Nutmeg Nominees Are Here!
Written by egattullo on 01/31/2012
It's that time of year again - the 2013 Intermediate Nutmeg Nominees have been announced! The books this year include titles by popular authors like Grace Lin and Tim Green, as well as Darien Library favorite Adam Gidwitz!
Each month, our Nutmeg Book Group will meet to discuss one of the nominees. The first meeting is Wednesday, Febraury 29th. We'll discuss The Potato Chip Puzzles.
Come into the children's library today to start reading, and click below to see the full list!
Week 13: Program Evaluation
Written by KieraP on 04/11/2011Congratulations and thank you for participating in our 21 Things for 21st Century Parents program!
We would love your feedback about the program and your experience.
Click here to complete a quick evaluation.
Week 12: Library 2.0
Written by missmarian on 04/08/2011Over the past few months, you have familiarized yourself with many Web 2.0 applications: Flickr, podcasts, RSS feeds, social networking sites, and, of course, blogs. What do these applications have in common? They encourage user interaction with the program and other users, they require user input, and they're constantly changing and updating. Remember the video from Week 1, which illustrates how Web 2.0 has changed how we create and access information? Watch it again to see if the terms and applications featured in it are more familiar to you now:
What is Library 2.0? It’s a term that describes a new way of delivering information to users. The above description of Web 2.0 also applies to Library 2.0: a focus on user interaction and contribution, an ability to change as necessary, as well as ease-of-use. Libraries want to make information and materials easy for users to find and use, both online and in the library building, and also want patrons to have the best possible experience with the library. A café, pleasant seating areas, movie screenings, and digital screens that display upcoming and ongoing events are just a few of the ways that Darien Library applies Library 2.0 ideas to the physical library space.
Have you noticed any Web/Library 2.0 applications on the Darien Library website?
You can see Library 2.0 in action on the Darien Library website in our blogs, Twitter account, YouTube account, and Flickr account. And those are just a few of the ways we get information to you! We also want to hear what you think and like, so every blog post and item record offers you the chance to leave a comment, give a book a star rating, or write a review. At the bottom of each item's page, there's a Community Reviews section and a link to "Write a Review."
THING 19: Write a review of a book, DVD, or audiobook you’ve recently read or listened to in Darien Library's catalog.
If you’re curious about e-readers, the Darien Library has Kindles, a Kindle DX (the reader with a larger screen), and a Nook available for you to check out and experiment with. Our tech ninja, Judy, has written a post on our e-readers, which is a fast introduction to what’s available and policies, check it out here. Now that you’re Web 2.0 savvy, the internet is your oyster! We hope you, and your kids, feel more comfortable using the internet for work and play. There are endless ways to personalize and improve your web experience and the ones we have introduced here are just a few of your many, many options. Keep exploring and learning!
THING 20: Tag some of your favorite materials in the Darien Library catalog.
THING 21: Star some of your favorite materials in the Darien Library catalog.
Week 11: Work and Play Online
Written by childrens library on 04/07/2011You scheduled a dentist appointment at the same time as your son's soccer practice? Forgot to remind your husband that school conferences are tonight? How many times has this happened to you?
Even with all of the technnology surrounding us, it seems harder and harder to keep all of our busy schedules straight. The kitchen calendar on the wall, the palm pilot, the day planner, none of them seem to do the trick anymore. You may use the calendar function on your cell phone, or on your work computer, but how can you get it all in one place, where the whole family can keep track of it? Never fear, there are lots of online tools to keep everything organized! These are a few of the best.
Google Calendar is a great place to start. Google Calendar is not only a great tool for your work life, but can be used for families as well. You can set up a calendar for each member of the family, and have it all linked to one place. You'll get reminders of upcoming events, and can share the calendar with anyone you want. Got a 'smart phone'? You can synch google calendar to your phone and keep your calendar with you wherever you go! Google now includes Tasks so you can also create your own to-do list. Watch this video to get started.
Remember the Milk is another fun tool. You can set up your account to receive reminders in your email box, via text message, SMS, IM's. It allows you to set up lists, and can also be linked to Google Calendar.
BackPack is a site that would allow you to treat your family like a business! Share information, documents and discussions all in one place.
Is your desk filled with little yellow sticky notes like mine is? You might find MyStickies to be useful then! You can overlay a virtual sticky note on a website to come back to it later! Very cool and very easy.
We have already introduced you to some productivity tools like RSS and igoogle that allow you to streamline your news and information into one place. There are even more sites out there to help, but we don't want to overwhelm you. If you'd like to explore more, check out LifeHacker, or this article, Free Web Tools for more suggestions. in Week 7: Collaboration's lesson, we introduced you to some tools like ZOHO and GoogleDocs. You can take a moment to review some of those tools as well.
Thing 17: Try out a new online productivity tool to help streamline your family's busy life.
Now, it's time to play!
Playing games online is not just for the kids! It's a great way to relieve stress and free your mind of everyday worries. Most adults spend most of their computer gaming time playing solitaire; but there are many other great brainbuilding games to play online, like Soduku, word searches or crossword puzzles. Here are some links:
http://www.soduku.org/
http://www.nytimes.com/ref/crosswords/classicpuz.html
http://www.yourdictionary.com/dictionary-articles/free-puzzles-online.html
In 2003, adults spent 9 BILLION hours playing solitaire online. Computer geek Luis von Ahn (inventor of the Captcha) was inspired by this figure to create Games With Purpose (GWAP) - a site that combines game playing with creating useful information about images tom improve search results (creating metadata). Have fun playing games and know that you are helping the Internet be a better place!
Many of the classic arcade games from the 70's and 80's are available to play online! Who could forget playing Pacman, Aestoriods or Donkey Kong? Re-live your childhood and some of those great arcade games online. Here are a few links to get you started.
http://www.pacmangame.net/
http://www.atari.com/arcade/asteroids
http://www.classicgamesarcade.com/
Thing 18: Explore some online games for fun! Are there any games you can share with your child?
In your blog posts for this week, here are some thoughts that may help you get some writing going:
- Did you find a tool that has use for your family at home or for you at work? Which would you recommend to others?
- Have you been using any of the tools from previous lessons? Which ones?
- Which games did you play? Did you play any with your kids?
- How are you handling the balance of time with your real life and your virtual life? Are you spending more time on the computer than usual? How do you feel about that?
- Did you notice the advertising? Do your kids notice the ads? Do you think your child would know the difference between clicking on an ad or clicking on a game button?
Week 10: Social Networking
Written by childrens library on 03/30/2011
This week we're talking about social networks. You've heard the terms before, "friending," "adding," and "posting on your wall." We are going to start with the basics and the first thing we want to do is understand exactly what social networks are. Watch this short video to get an idea of how they work:
Kids and teens have always (and will always) explore their identity. It is part of growing up. Technology now allows kids to explore their identity in a whole new way - increasingly through online social networks. They play with their visual identity through photos and avatars, they negotiate friendships in both physical and virtual worlds, and their online social networks are important to their social status. Some of your kids may already be on these social networks and many will be in the near future. Generally, MySpace and Facebook are the two most popular social networks out there, but we'll focus on Facebook for the first part of this lesson followed by more online communities centered around specific area of interest & styles.
Facebook has more than 400 million active users. The average user has 130 friends, sends 8 friend requests per month, and spends more than 55 minutes per day on Facebook. That is a LOT of people and a LOT of time. Facebook can now be accessed though mobile devices and statistics show that people who use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice more active on Facebook than non-mobile users. Who is on their phone all the time? Chances are, your teenager is. Is your teen on facebook? It is clearly a powerful tool, but there are lots of horror stories out there. How can you feel safe about your child engaging in this online network? That's easy - learn about it and engage in it yourself!
Facebook claims that it provides users with tools to control the information they share and with whom they choose to share it. They also say members have the ability to share and restrict information based on specific friends or friend lists. However, under Facebook Policies they disclaimed that all the content posted by any Facebook user is legally own by Facebook. Here is a video that explains some of these settings, limitations and how to help you and your family be safe while social networking! If you don’t have Facebook and would like to register, this is a short video showing you how.
On the surface, this general social network is connecting *millions* of people every day, but it can also be a great tool for students to use. It presents students with choices about using technology in new and creative ways. For a biography research assignment, perhaps your child could create a facebook page for their historical figure. Even as a purely social activitiy, it is an opportunity for students to be learning about digital citizenship, which is becoming increasingly important.
Facebook Resources for Parents:
7 Things You Should Know About Facebook (pdf)
Facebookforparents.org (sign up for their free newsletter published 3 times each year)
Facebook for Parents on Common Sense Media
How to: Keep Your Facebook Updates Private
Social Networks and Kids; how young is too young?
Now, here is where it gets fun! 
MySpace and Facebook aren't the only social network by any means! There are social networks centered around subjects of interests and appear inmany different ways. What is the important part of idenitfying a social networking site is if it provides you the ability to 'friend' others and share!
For Kids - Club Penguin, Habbo Hotel, Webkinz, Whyville
Job/Career - LinkedIn is the most popular site for professional networking (sharing your resume, finding other professionals in your field, etc.). Here is some info about LinkedIn, how people use it and why it works.
Music - Pandora, blip.fm, last.fm
Photos - Flickr (you all studied this in Week 8)
Twitter is enomously popular with adults, but studies are showing that teens and kids are not being drawn to this wildly successful social site in the same way that adults are. Twitter is easy to use and more and more people and businesses are using it. Did you know Darien Library is on twitter along with other local groups like AllAboutDarien, FairfieldCountyChild, Darien News, Darien Toy Box and even some local moms!
Videos - YouTube was discussed in Week 9
Thing 15: Join at least one online social network and add a few friends to your network.
It doesn't have to be Facebook, but click here for step-by-step instructions on setting up a new account. Watch this video on privacy settings or read this article about personalizing your settings.
Thing 16: Write a blog post about your experience.
- What Online Community did you choose? What do you like most about it?
- How have you used this Community? How do you see yourself using it in the future?
- Are your kids using social networks? Have you talked with them about online identities?
Thanks to Flickr user kjarrett for the photo available to use with a Creative Commons license!
Week 9: Watch and Listen (Videos and Podcasts)
Written by eileend on 03/21/2011Week 8 - Photosharing
Written by claire on 03/14/2011As parents I'm sure you have an abundance of photos from countless sports games, birthday parties, vacations, and other joyous times spent with your children. If you have yet to become a Facebook member and haven't spent time searching through online albums of your "friends," then you are in for a virtual treat with this week's topic! 
Photo sharing websites have made creating digital photo albums and sharing pictures with family, friends, and members of other online communities a breeze. Whether for personal or professional use, such websites allow their members and the public to enjoy the beauty of photography.
Flickr, the most well known of all photo sharing websites, is considered an online photo management and sharing application. A basic Flickr account is free, which makes it a practical alternative to other websites such as Snapfish or Kodak Gallery.If you have never visited Flickr, try browsing through the Darien Library's very own photostream. (photo courtesy of Flickr user George E. Norkus)
Take a tour of Flickr and learn about some of its functions and offerings.
Some of the unique qualities that have distinguished Flickr among other photo sharing options are as follows:
Tags - Names and keywords that you create to describe photos 
Assigning tags makes photos easier to locate on Flickr. For instance, if you've visited New York with your kids recently you may want to assign tags like "empire state building" or "statue of liberty" to some of your shots. **It is important to remember that phrases or multiple words are placed "in quotes" to keep terms together.
Flickr keeps a list of the All Time Most Popular Tags. Click on the baby tag and view the results.
To read more about using tags on Flickr, click here.
Groups - social networking on Flickr
Groups allow users to connect with other members through common interests and passions. It's simple for users to create their own groups if not already available through Flickr, and groups can either be public or private.
Here is a search for Parent Groups on Flickr. View all the groups that appeared using the search term parent.
Creative Commons
What is Creative Commons and how is it beneficial to you as a parent?
Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that makes it easy for the public to use creative works without violating the laws of copyright. This allows creators to change their copyright terms from "all rights reserved" to "some rights reserved." This makes work free and easy to use and share, as long as one complies with the specified conditions within the Creative Commons licenses.
This short video clip, starring Jack and Meg White of the White Stripes, explains the origin and the benefits of using Creative Commons.
Flickr provides a section of users who have decided to offer their photos under a Creative Commons license. This makes certain works available for your use, as long as you adhere to the designated licenses. Read about the various licenses available through Flickr: Creative Commons, and search the photos that have listed such licenses.
Thing 13 - Explore Flickr and Creative Commons. Can you think of how these licenses may be useful to you as a parent? Blog about how they may aid or protect your children.
It is also important to be aware of the photos you post online, especially with regards to your children. Flickr makes it easy to control who you share photos with by setting privacy and safety levels. Much like educating kids about using "words they are proud of," parents should also discuss the relevance of this phrase for online photos.
The success of Flickr has prompted the establishment of other photo-sharing websites such as Picasa Web Albums created by Google and Photobucket. You can browse some of these websites without the hassle of setting up an account.
Thing 14 - Use an image from Creative Commons in your blog post. Don't forget to give credit!
Week 7: Collaboration
Written by claire on 03/13/2011
The phenomenon of Wikipedia has led to the development of other collaboration tools online. As Google searchers, I am sure you have come across Wikipedia entries with almost all of your findings. If not, check out this Wikipedia entry for Web 2.0. Wikipedia is an open-source encyclopedia found online that allows members to contribute and edit content. A brief overview of Wikipedia is provided in this video created by the North Carolina State University Libraries.
There are many additional Web 2.0 tools, as well as web-based applications available that allow users to share information and collaborate on various projects online. As a parent you may find these tools extremely helpful in your daily lives. Do you belong to a parent group or social committee? These tools can easily streamline your communication and participation with all social groups and group members. Goodbye email attachments and thumb drives! Members have the ability to contribute information virtually, and retrieve everyone's work with a few simple clicks. Here are a few of the common collaboration tools that we will explore this week.
Google Docs 
Google Docs is a free web-based resource created by Google to offer users the ability to save documents, worksheets, and presentations safely and securely. Your work can be uploaded easily to Google Docs, shared and edited by users who have access to your account. To see how easy it is to have friends or colleagues contribute content, view this humorous video entitled Google Docs: A Love Letter.
Thing 11: Create your own Google Docs account and begin to upload a document you have created. Now try editing the document. Do you find it easy to add/edit information to your document? Would this tool be a useful and practical way of sharing information with colleagues and friends? Blog about your discoveries and how you can use collaboration tools effectively.
Zoho Office
Zoho provides web-based applications designed for business, productivity and collaboration purposes. Gone are the times when one had to spend money and time learning the ins and outs of many different types of software for their own personal or business needs. Zoho provides a variety of low cost applications on their website, eliminating the need for constant upgrades and maintenance. Here is more of what Zoho Office can offer its users.
Read more about Zoho on the New York Times Bits Blog.
Dropbox 
Dropbox is another very popular file-sharing program that alows users to sync their files online over multiple technologies. This software may come in handy as the total number of devices in your life continues to grow. Mashable provides a list of ways to use Dropbox that might be unexpected.
Wikis
Wikipedia, which was mentioned at the top of this post, is probably the world's most popular wiki.
A wiki is a website that allows users to easily add, edit, and delete content - essentially pooling their knowledge together. The term comes from the Hawaiian phrase, "wiki wiki," which refers to something fast.
Wikis are being used today in many venues both professionally and personally. Did you know that your child may be using wikis in their classroom? Some of the reasons wikis are an asset to you as a 21st Century Parent are as follows:
- Members can add, edit, and delete content on the website
- Creators can make wikis private or public
- Wikis are easy to use and there is no need for members to know HTML, a fancy markup language for web pages
There are many different formats in which you can create a wiki. Here are some of the major players for educational purposes.
Find out the benefits of using PBworks in a classroom or library.
Another popular wiki service, Wikispaces claims to be the easiest to use. The Library has even utilized Wikispaces for children's programs.
Thing 12 - Learn more about wikis and how students and teachers are using them. Read the below articles and visit some of the listed wikis. Blog about your findings. Do you think wikis can be an asset to teaching and learning?
TeachersFirst: Wiki Walk-Through - What is a wiki and how they can be used in the classroom.
Darien Patch - Article about the increase of technology in the classroom.
Darien Parent Wiki - This wiki was created to provide parents with information on the core content areas for grades K-5.
Teaching with Thinking and Technology - This wiki explores the uses of wikis in education.
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