This is a 23 Things course for information professionals. A collaboration of members of the Western Regional Section of the Library Association of Ireland.
We were sad to have to press publish on the final ‘Thing’ in the Rudai23 course on 3 March. It has been a rewarding experience for us and we really enjoyed connecting with so many information professionals across the globe. We want to thank you for being so honest and open about your experience on the course through your blog posts. This honest reflection is the core of blogging and is what makes it such a fulfilling experience. We hope that you will keep blogging and find opportunities to use the tools and skills you gained while doing the course.
The deadline for submitting your badge applications is fast approaching.
All content for the badge applications must be submitted by the 30 of April.
You will find links to apply for all four badges on our homepage.
Many of you have already earned one or more of your digital badges for the course. If you are still working through the Things and are hoping to earn a badge or tow we want you to know that we will be actively supporting you until the end of April 2018.
If you’re wondering how you can complete it all between now and then, don’t worry, here are some tips to help you get at least one of your badges.
Set yourself a realistic target, do what you can by April 30
1. Select what’s manageable for you.
The Rudaí23 course was divided in to 4 sections, each section has a badge you can earn;
· Visual Communicator (Things 3 to 9)
· Online Networker (Things 10 to 13)
· Critical Thinker (Things 14 to 18)
· Engaged Professional (Things 19 to 22)
If you are pressed for time now, select the part of the course that most interests you, or that you feel will be most beneficial to your CPD (Continuing Professional Development). You need to complete Things 1 and 2 as a pre-requisite as these are the Things that showed you how to set up your blog
2. Identify a time-slot in your week, that’s not already occupied, for Rudaí23 work.
Look at your timetable for the coming month and see what works for you. If you can devote a 2 or 3 hour slot in a week to CPD activities we are confident that you can get through the Things for the section.
3. Don’t feel alone in this, reach out to us.
We have a very supportive group of learners, and moderators, on the Rudaí 23 course. If you are not sure who your moderator is please email us and we can put you in touch with them. In addition to our Facebook group, there is always someone at the end of the WRSLAI email, and of course there’s our Twitter if you have a question about any of the Things you’re working on.
If you have earned all four badges we will send you an email invitation to claim your fifth badge CPD Champion. Congratulations to you all for taking the time to take part in this learning experience, whether you were a lurker, or a full-time participant we hope you got what you needed from it.
Pause, breathe, Visual Communicator section is almost complete.
This is a round-up of what we have covered and what you have worked through during the Visual Communicator section of the Rudaí23 course to date. We wanted to take time out to look back through Things 1- 9 of the course and look forward to the next stage of the course, the Online Networker badge, beginning in November.
The Rudaí23 course began in early September and since then we have covered 9 ‘Things’. We asked everyone to set up a blog and you responded with some great titles and designs. Wordpress and Blogger were the most popular platforms but some of you were adventurous enough to try out Tumblr. Congratulations on getting this far.
You can follow the other Rudaí23 bloggers by going to the home page of our blog and clicking on any of the blogs listed in our live feed on the left side of the screen. If you want to follow the blogs using a blog reader like Feedly you will find instructions here.
Things 1 – 9 covered a range of tools that you will hopefully find useful in the future for your visual communication needs: Flickr, Pixabay, Photofunia, RIPL, Powtoon, Screencast-o-matic, Canva and PIktochart. We also looked at Copyright and Creative Commons and appropriate uses of both. We hope you will be able to apply some of what you learned in your place of work and share it with your colleagues.
We were thrilled to see so many of you share your creations with us on Twitter, and we look forward to this network growing as we enter the Online Networker section of the course. To date, we have over 100 members in our Rudaí23 Facebook Group and670 followers on our Twitter account.
Here is a short checklist that we’ve put together so that you can check where you are at this stage in your progression through the course.
Have you reviewed the Digital Badges FAQ page here?
Have you read our Digital Badges "how to" guide here?
Have you applied for your Sample Badge? If not, apply here.
Have you written a blog post for Thing 2 and one Reflective Practice blog post – for either Thing 6 or Thing 9 in your progression towards the Badge? Our brochure explains the combination of Things you need to complete.
If you’ve completed the above steps you are now ready to apply for the Visual Communicator badge. Please include a link to your Reflective Practice blog post for Thing 6 or 9 in your application. It is important that this link is correct as this will then be tied to the badge and will act as evidence of you having met the criteria for earning the badge. You can apply for the badge here.
The next part of the course will begin on November 11th, with a section called Online Networker, covering Things 10 – 18 and including tools for networking, collaboration and developing your professional online persona.
Enjoy your break in between the Visual Communicator and Online Networker sections. Feel free to use this time to catch up or just start afresh and please ask any of our team for assistance if you are struggling.
If you are new to the Rudai 23 course and would like to begin with our Online Networker section of the course please read Thing 1 and Thing 2 first, and then register here. To find out more about the course download our brochure here. If you missed out on the Visual Communicator section of the course but would like to do it now, you can access the Things via our homepage.
For each section of the course you complete you will be eligible to apply for a digital open badge accredited by the Library Association of Ireland.
Registration for this course will remain open throughout the course. You can sign up any time, and complete the modules at your own pace.
Presentations are a useful method for the communication of information and ideas to team members, colleagues or your library users. The traditional method of presenting information using slides and delivering your ideas in front of a group is familiar to us all. In Thing 5 we are not going teach you how to deliver a fantastic oral presentation. Instead, we will introduce you to two tools that are a little bit different; one tool is for screencasting and the other one is for creating animated videos. Both of these can provide new opportunities to reach your audience through online channels, outside of library opening hours and engage your audience even when you are not present in the library.
How to create a good presentation
Two core elements of a good presentation apply no matter what the purpose of your presentation is.
Your Audience
Know your audience. Who are you presenting to? What are their interests? From a library perspective, is the presentation for general library patrons, incoming students or staff or management?
Your Story
Before you even look at what type of technology you are going to use, write your story. Do not be tempted to start with your presentation visuals and work backwards. A story must have a beginning, a middle and an end and good continuity in your presentation will mean more success in conveying your message.
This is particularly important with the type of presentation we are looking at today; video presentations are of a passive nature and you will not be there to fill in any gaps or answer questions afterwards.
Only when the story is written is it time to look at the software.
Screencasting
Screencasting is the method of creating instructional videos on how to complete a task on a computer screen. Software such as Screencast-O-Matic allows you to record a video of your computer screen, while you click on areas on the screen. The viewer will see your screen, and your cursor or mouse pointer move about, as you complete the task. You can record audio at the same time, explaining what you are doing, for further clarification, or add subtitles if you do not want to use audio.
Using Screencast-O-Matic
Using this software is very straightforward. You do not need to download anything, although there is an option to download the recorder if you wish to use it while offline.
Simply go to the Screencast-O-Matic website, create an account if you wish to keep numerous recordings, and click on the "Start Recording" button. This might prompt you to download the latest version of the software, but you can simply use the "Old Recorder v1.0" option......this will give you the exact same end result as the newer version, but it is a web-based app, rather than something you have to download to use.
Creating your first Screencast
To give you a quick preview of what the process looks like, take a couple of minutes to watch this video.
If you are unable to watch the video, follow these basic steps:
•Go to the Screencast-O-Matic website
•Click on blue button marked start recording
•Click on the green button marked launch recorder
•A grey box will appear on the lower left of your screen with a red button marked Rec. You can now chose options such as what microphone to use, if any, and the size of your recording.
•Now set up your screen to make your recording. Are you recording how to access a service on your library website? If so might want to go to your library home page before you begin your recording. Or perhaps you want to demonstrate typing the web address into the search bar, so maybe you should begin at a search page or your browser homepage.
•Click on the red button to begin recording.
•Take your time to play around with how it works, and do not worry if you make a mistake: no one will see anything until you are happy to share your work.
Below is a screen shot of my computer screen with the Scree-cast-o-matic software open and ready to record. In this instance I am set up to record a video on how to use Powtoon. I could use it to demonstrate any activity on my computer such as how to open a Word document, or search a library database.
The black and white line marks the area of the screen that will appear in the recording. Click and drag this to change its size.
You can chose to show both your computer screen and a shot of yourself using the webcam.
The pen icon beside the record button allows you to draw shapes while you record.
Some tips when Screencasting
Make sure all your other tabs are closed if you are recording on an internet browser.
Delete your cookies; if you are recording yourself typing an address into the address bar or a search term you do not want previous searches coming up as suggestions.
Turn off any notifications and close your email account so that nothing pops up on your screen during the recording.
Do not use keyboard shortcuts. You might be accustomed to hitting the return key to complete an action or using the tab key to move around the screen instead of clicking on the screen. Remember, the viewer can't see you doing this so you must use your mouse to click on the screen as much as possible to show exactly what you are doing.
Sharing your Screencast
When you have made your recording, you will have to decide what to do with it: the options are to either download it as an MP4 file, upload it to the Screencast-O-Matic hosting site, or send it directly to YouTube.
If you download it as an MP4 you can then upload and share your recording on other sites, play it on a computer in your library or use it as part of an instructional class or tutorial.
You can also upload it directly from Screencast-O-Matic to your YouTube channel, if you have a Gmail address. When you upload it to YouTube you will be given the option to give your recording a title, add tags and make it public or private. Keeping it private can be useful if you plan to add subtitles to your recording in YouTube afterwards. This is explained further on in this blog post.
Powtoon
Powtoon can best be described as a video version of PowerPoint. It comes with a range of icons, graphics and templates. You construct your presentation in the same way that you put together a PowerPoint presentation – slide by slide. The difference is, all your elements on the screen can move, jump, slide in and out, and get bigger or smaller.
Powtoon can be a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it you will find yourself immersed in transitions, timings and speech-bubbles for hours.
To access Powtoon go to the Powtoon website and sign up for a free account. There are some limitations to the templates and graphics that you can use with a free account but there are still plenty to choose from.
When you log into Powtoon for the first time you will be greeted with an invitation to view an introductory video tutorial. It is worth taking a look at this tutorial if you can, to help familiarise yourself with how Powtoon works.
Powtoon can be a bit tricky to get the hang of but if you have worked with PowerPoint, or a similar slide-show package you will find many of the functions are the same.
You can chose to create a Powtoon from scratch or customise one of the Powtoon templates. Once you begin a new Powtoon the screen will show four distinct areas:
The lef-hand side of the screen.
The Left-hand area of the Screen
Shows the slides in order of appearance.
Click on the plus symbol to add a slide.
Click on the arrow in-between slides to change the transition.
Rest the mouse over a slide to see three white dots
Click on these white dots to create duplicate slides or clone objects - a real time-saver.
View of the slide as you edit it.
The middle area of the screen
Shows the slide you're currently working on.
Click on the cog wheel in the top left to format the background of the slide
Across the top are options to add a grid to help with object placement, change the dimensions and zoom in and out
Click on an object on the slide to edit it, change the size, colour or orientation or remove it.
The right-hand side of the screen
Contains all the objects you might want to add to your slide.
Some objects are only available in the Pro version..
You can upload your own images or videos here under 'media'.
To add an object to your slide click on it from the options - it will appear on the slide at whatever moment the pointer is set at on your timeline. You can change this later - see below.
The timeline with options for the object entry methods.
The bottom of your screen
Shows the time-line of the slide you're currently working on.
Each object on your slide will appear on this time-line
Click on the small icon that represents an object on the timeline.
The colour of the timeline will change to blue for the duration that object remains on the slide.
A darker blue line either side of this blue timeline marks the moment the object enters the slide and leaves the slide.
Click and drag this dark-blue line to determine when the object appears and leaves the slide.
Click on the white four-way arrow beside the object icon on the time-line to chose the method by which your object enters the slide - try the hand for a bit of fun.
Click and drag the dark blue pointer on the top of the timeline to slide it up and down, showing you what your slide will look like at that moment.
Click on the bright blue play button to play the slide from that moment.
Click on the smaller grey play button to the left of this to play the slide from the beginning.
Click on the + and - symbol to the right of the timeline to add or remove seconds at whatever moment the pointer is positioned.
If you have more than one object appearing on the slide at the same time and you want to edit it on the timeline click on the object itself on the slide first.
Those are the basics of Powtoon to get you started. In order for you to really get the hang of it, I would recommend you first look at some of the templates and how they are constructed and play around with it as much as possible.
Sharing your Powtoon
As with Screencast-O-Matic, you have the option to upload your Powtoon to a YouTube channel. You can also share it on other social media sites by publishing it on the Powtoon website. You can then copy a link to share it, share it directly to twitter or Facebook, or copy some code to embed your Powtoon directly into your blog. You will need the pro version if you want to download your Powtoon as an MP4 but you can download it as a PowerPoint presentation for free.
Take a look at this Powtoon created by Taylor Library, at the University of Aberdeen. Powtoon videos will only work on devices that support Adobe Flash, which is a drawback to sharing your videos. If you're having trouble viewing the embedded video click here.
This is about as simple as a Powtoon gets but it is still very effective.
The text is clear and the slides are well paced so that viewers have plenty of time to read the information.
They have added external links to the 'Read More' and 'View Online' buttons which brings viewers to more information.
They've added their own images such as a map of the campus, a photo of the library building and a photo of the staff, with the staff names.
I especially like the fact that the author of the powtoon points themselves out in the staff photo. Transparency in social media is always the best approach.
Overall this Powtoon is an excellent example of how to create something simple but very effective. It's personal and reflects the personality of the staff in the library; it conveys the message clearly; the slides are well timed so that you have enough time to absorb the information before it moves to the next slide and the external links allow you to access more information.
Your tasks for Thing 5 are:
Option 1 : Take a look at Screencast-O-Matic. Try recording a few minutes of a screen cast explaining how to complete a simple function on a website or software.
Option 2 : Create a free account on Powtoon and try putting together a couple of slides, either from scratch or using a template.
Feeling adventurous? Try uploading your video presentation to your YouTube channel or embed it into your blog.
To embed an object into your blog post:
Click on the 'share' area for the object you want to embed.
Look for the option 'embed' - sometimes it's on a second tab.
Copy the code that appears under the embed option.
Open up a new blog post. When writing a blog post you can alternate between writing your blog post in regular text or HTML code usually by clicking on a tab at the top left or right of the blog post you're writing.
Click on HTML and paste the embed code here.
Click back to the regular text view of your blog post to see the embedded object.
If you want to know how to add subtitles to your YouTube video watch this instructional tutorial:
Thing 5 was written collaboratively by Niamh O'Donovan and Wayne Gibbons.
No man is an island according to John Donne, and this is
certainly true when it comes to the information professional. We are a vibrant,
collaborative and involved community, always willing to share our knowledge
with each other. In order to tap into that knowledge bank, we need to be an ‘Engaged
Professional’, so titles our fourth digital open badge. Read about our first
open badge Visual Communicator here, our second badge Online Networker here and
our third Critical Thinker one here. Our final badge ‘CPD Champion’ is a
special reward you can apply for if you complete the previous four.
The Engaged Professional badge comprises four Things; Thing
19 Podcasts, Thing 20 Advocacy and Engagement, Thing 21 Professional Organisations,
and Thing 22, our final Reflective Practice. This set of Things is designed to
help you reflect on the profession as a whole and the part you play in it.
The beauty of Podcasts is that they suit the multitasking
librarian. They are digital audio files delivered through the internet, similar
to a radio show. While walking your dog
or stacking the library shelves you can catch up on professional subjects and
current activities in any field. A great Irish podcast is Librarians Aloud,
especially episode three which details our first run of Rudaí 23 in 2015. In
Thing 19, as well as curating a list of worthy Podcasts, you will discover the
tools and ability to create your own.
Now is the most important time in our history to advocate.
In this digital era, we have seen a tendency to disregard the library and its
staff, falsely assuming everything is available online, or everything online is
authoritative and all encompassing. We have been introduced to Open Libraries, debilitating
budget cuts, library closures and the like. It’s important that the public knows
the role the information professional plays and how essential it is. Unless we
advocate for our libraries, and rally those around us to do the same, they will
no longer exist. We also need to advocate for ourselves. Thing 20 will help you
ensure that your value and worth are appreciated in your organisation and your
position flourishes.
Save our libraries campaign
Information professionals have learned by now that it is our
collective voice that has the largest impact. It is crucial that we are part of
a professional organisation. Being so will keep you informed, give you an
opportunity to network with likeminded colleagues, provide a forum to exchange
ideas and a platform to boost your career through CPD activities. It is through
our immersion in the Western Regional Section of the Library Association ofIreland that we created Rudaí 23. Thing 21 will introduce you to some of the
main professional bodies you should be aware of, such as the Library
Association of Ireland, and hopefully lead you on the path to further learning
opportunities and library joy. Eligibility to apply for this LAI certified
digital open badge requires you to complete a Reflective Practice with Thing
22, your penultimate module.
Thing 19: Podcasts January 6th 2018
Thing 20: Advocacy & Engagement January
13th 2018
Thing 21: Professional Organisations January
20th 2018
Thing 22: Reflective Practice Write January 20th 2018
Subscribe to our blog to get updates about Rudaí 23 and
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More than half of the world’s population are ‘visual learners’. This means that you can get your message across to these people more effectively by using some type of ‘visual’ in your blog post, web page, poster or social media post. Evidence from social media platforms tells us that posts with visual or multimedia content engage more users than ‘plain old text’ so the modules in this section of Rudaí 23 are designed to give you the skills to be a competent visual
communicator.
There are many elements of visual design that you need to be aware of and start to consider when preparing content for the internet. The font and colour you choose and a well-proportioned layout incorporating some white space are the basic building blocks of visual content for the web. Over the next few weeks the modules for the Visual Communicator badge will introduce you to copyright free image sources online, ensuring that you have access to free-to-use photos and images for your blog or poster. Once you’ve completed the compulsory Image Banks module in mid September you then choose which of the two routes to certification most appeals to you to achieve the Visual Communicator badge. Option 1 introduces tools that are popular in the creation of digital posters and short videos that can be used in teaching or promotional work. Option 2 covers a very exciting opportunity to create your own online exhibition using free blogging tools, or learn a little about the Omeka platform if you want to take it a little further. Digital exhibitions are not solely a visual medium, you can incorporate audio and audio-visual material to tell your story and even simple online exhibitions, of a just few pages, can be very effective.
When you complete Option 1 or 2 below and demonstrated that you have engaged with the learning material in the Visual Communicator section of Rudaí23 you will be entitled to apply for your first digital badge of the course:
Option 1:
Thing 3: Image-banks e.g. Flickr, Pixabay Sept 16th 2017
Thing 4: Communicating Visually Using Photfunia, gyphy,
RIPL, Google Photos Sept 23rd 2017
Thing 5: Presentations Using Powtoon and screencasting tools Sept 30th 2017
Thing 6: Reflective Practice Write about Things 3, 4 & 5 Sept 30th 2017
OR
Option 2:
Thing 3: Image-banks e.g. Flickr, Pixabay Sept 16th 2017
Thing 7: Online Exhibitions Aurasma, Layar, Omeka Oct 7th 2017
Thing 8: Infographs Using Canva/Piktochart Oct 14th 2017
Thing 9: Reflective Practice Write about Things 3, 7 & 8 Oct 14th 2017
Good luck with the Visual Communicator modules in September and October. We look forward to learning with you.
