Pre-installed vs Build-your-own VM ...

From a learning perspective, I prefer the build-your-own VM because I get more from the hands-on experience. Granted that the instructor provided all the instructions, every one of the repositories we built were different so there was a sense of pride and accomplishment in being able to complete the installation on my own. While some steps in the process were similar, reiterative learning helped me understand more and more the 'why' and the 'what' of what were were doing. In addition, troubleshooting instills a sense of comfort and confidence in my technical skills. The frustration and fear/panic attacks that I experienced week after week has decreased as I progress through DigIn.

I'm certain that I am not absorbing and digesting all that is intented to be conveyed in the class; so pedagogically I suggest that the instructor provide a chart with some of the main advantages of each technology so that students could use it as a reference guide throughout the semester.

Without a doubt, hands-on work all the way!

Service providers and federated searching ...

A good federated collection is one that is accurately and consistently indexed and interoperable with other collections. I believe one of the biggest drawbacks in indexing huge collections is that very few fields will be interoperable. One way to combat that is to offer various search options to try to make up for the lowest common denominator shared by collections in a federated search.

Three service providers I examined are:
Scirus - searches more than 480 million science-related pages - harvests from some eprint repositories and some STEM publishers. A search for 'elk' retrieved 771,137 results including the accurate one elk (mammal) to Elk county to ELK as a biological pathway. The results were ordered nicely: by content provider, by file type, and subjects. Results can be ordered by relevance or date. A user has the ability to email, save, or export results. The interface and display of results is very similar to commercial products and thus in my opinion helps the user because familiarity can reduce anxiety during the search process.

NATIONAL SCIENCE DIGITAL LIBRARY -- NSDL - contains 153 unique collections of resources and over 2 million records (since sept 2008). A search for 'elk' retrieved 1020 results. The results were accurate and about elk (mammal) and ordered by K-12, Higher Ed & Research. The collection from which the item was retrieved is prominently displayed to the user. A small nuisance was that a few records returned errors and didn't display the item of interest. There is also a specialized search option where a user can run a more advanced search (i.e., by grade level, subject, and format.

BEN BiosciEdNet -- American Association for the Advancement of Science. This service is a "Pathway" for biological sciences education for NSDL. I was not able to determine what collections it draws from. A search for 'elk' retrieved only 4 matches. Various search modes are available: by subject, resource type, audience level, or advanced. Following one of the matches, I was taken to a page that required an account. As a user I am really discouraged and frustrated that a potential lead turns essentially into a dead end.

Cataloging consistency...

Cataloging an image collection is certainly difficult because some images don't have titles, subjects, etc and theoretically depending on the intended use images can be cataloged with iconologic terms (e.g., color, mood, expression, symbolism). For these reasons I am having a hard time consistently ordering my collection. Besides the fact that I am experimenting with submission and retrieval features of the technologies introduced so far, I think the lack of consistent cataloging practices is certainly of concern. I did some a quick search online and found out about an interesting issue in cataloging images - "concept-based" image retrieval and "content-based" image retrieval - hopefully I can dedicate some time during this semester to research this topic further. One thing that would help me is to catalog in writing my entire image collection (identify all the fields in advance) and use that consistently for the remainder of the course. I wonder whether a theoretical discussion about cataloging before experimentation with technologies would have been ideal to help us at least anticipate some of these issues in advance.

Installation of Drupal module of my choosing...

After reviewing the available modules under development for 6.x I decided to install the morelikethis module. It only took me about five minutes to find the download file name (found here http://drupal.org/node/316767). I followed the same command convention as given to us in the exercises. After entering the command one time, I got an error message. I looked closely but did not notice a typo. I almost got depressed and thought I had to go back and find another module but I decided to give it another try. As luck would have it, second try was the charm! (Could it have been a typo?#$% - well who cares it worked so moving on...) My next minor challenge was trying to configure it. I found some hints on the readme file (found here http://cvs.drupal.org/viewvc.py/drupal/contributions/modules/morelikethis/README.txt?view=markup&pathrev=DRUPAL-6--1). The challenge that I wasn't able to overcome was how this actually works after a search is conducted because I still don't have a search box on my Drupal site. I'm not going to let this go because I want to see how it works. I'll be back... : )

Pacing of tech assignments

I am only taking one course this semester. If it wasn't for the detailed installation/troubleshooting instructions I think many of us would be overwhelmed with questions and frustrated - so thanks for making that available for us! I'm excited to have a chance to play around with various technologies. The readings are appropriate but sometimes more than I'd like to undertake since I am a slow reader and find it hard to focus on the content. I'm still getting used to the pairing of two tracks into one course. I find the pace just right for my personal health because I can pace myself better during the week and have opportunities to spend time with friends and family unlike last semester.

Review of CMS article

The article I read from the special issue dedicated to content management systems in Library Hi Tech issue 1 2006 was Leveraging resources in a library gateway by Jerry V. Caswell. I selected this article because there is an invariable displeasure with the static webpage at my organization. The author described the use of guided search forms to aid users with access and advanced searching of resources. The argument he made was that our systems are too complicated for users and required a lengthy study for their effective use. Caswell advocated for simplification and mediation by libraries of these information systems.

He shared his organizations' strategic placement of guided search forms on subject guides. The forms, running JavaScript code, were preset to run a qualified search for the user. That is, advanced selections were preprogrammed so the user would directly enter a keyword and retrieve all relevant items (i.e., maps) for a specific task or assignment. Ironically, today my supervisor mentioned the availability of a new gadget which we intend to place in a course management system and preset appropriate qualified search parameters.

Another way the organization instituted guided search forms was by providing only two maximum search parameters: dropdown box at top and radio button selections on the bottom. The selections on the bottom were simply a teasing apart of some of the advanced features. Said search form allowed users to see all allowable limits in advance and run a more effective search.

The author also talked about a successful collaboration with the cataloguing department. Cataloguers added fields to bibliographic records to aid in the set-up of qualified searches.

I still had some lingering questions about the creation of the form, issues faced, decisions made, etc. Caswell shared a few web pages as examples that contained the guided search forms. However, when I accessed the sites I did not find any of these forms.

Discussion of digital collection

My initial plan was to borrow a subset of a real special collection from my employer but my query went unanswered. In lieu of that I decided that I did NOT want to work on a personal collection because I wanted to interact (i.e., ask questions) with a stakeholder and treat it as a dress rehearsal if you will. I am lucky to have a supportive husband that was very willing to share with me a subset of work images. The following is a description of my digital collection:

What is the collection: 15 images of various sizes in jpeg format
What is it about: animals specifically fish and wildlife
Who might access it: fish and wildlife researchers, game and fish employees, fish and wildlife employees, gamers, anglers, legislatures, educators
Terms to provide access: reptiles, large mammals, amphibians, fish, frog, eagle, elk, spikedace stoneroller, mexican grey wolf, flat horned lizard, golden eagle, bald eagle, black footed ferret

I would like to deviate from the systems and ontologies of yesterday and instead of the typical search interfaces I would like to experiment and replace it with cloud tags or icons.

MySQL

I am late completing this unit because of both personal and business factors. I began the work at home, then went out of town, and came back to the material. Issues with my vm also delayed my progress. I am not sure if this messed up my uptake of the material but boy was mySQL extremely difficult for me to understand especially privileges and left/right join syntax. The hard part for me was visualizing the tables and columns so that I could generate a statement. It was a lot of trial and error, going back through notes and online, so that I could create my homework statements. Although I was able to run the statements on my vm, it doesn't mean that they are correct. I would say that it's going to still take me a fair amount of time to fully understand mysql conceptually. Interesting stuff but not the kind of thing I would like to do in huge amounts on the job.

MySQL

I feel confident with the mysql command line. I reviewed the required uacbt tutorials and took notes so I feel that I can perform basic operations. However, I have difficulty with the relational database concepts: including entities, attributes, relationships and database normalization. When I began reading the lecture, readings, and tutorials I felt I was gaining some understanding but as I went on reading through more examples I just got confused and stayed confused. For example, the invoice reading began strong for me, then as more and more tables were compiled, I got lost with the normalization. What might help me understand these topics? Well, I think some stripped down between-the-lines explanations would help me. I hope that the database part 2 (retrieval) will help fill in some of the missing gaps in my understanding. Also, as I go through the hands-on exercises and assignments I hope that things will "normalize" :)

Technology Plans

I found this weeks readings largely useful. I thought many offered valuable tips including: Schuyler's statement that technology plans are political documents and make sure you make them generic and flexible in particular don't spend time researching specific technology because it's very likely that newer technology will be available at the time that funds are at hand. Dugan's suggested IT plan sections serve as a useful template when we have to write our own plan: introduction/executive summary; user needs/rationale; mission; vision; key challenges; priorities; implementation/action plan; public awareness; evaluation/measures/assessment; maintaining the plans currency; and appendices. Whittaker's evaluation of causes for IT project management failures with schedule overruns occurring more frequently than budget overruns was helpful and paralleled similar causes of currently unsuccessful projects. Gerding and Mackellar's practical account that the need is not for the technology itself but to solve a problem that exists in the community.

Learning XML

In order to learn XML, I used the following resources in the order specified: W3Schools XML tutorials, Mark Long's uacbt XML tutorials, and the ten min youtube video "Just Enough XML to Survive". I inadvertently assumed that 'tutorial' was video so when I accessed the first one, I admit I was somewhat disappointed that it was nothing but text. Luckily it was short and to the point so I was able to quickly read all the documentation in the XML Basic grouping. I next accessed Mark's tutorial. I was able to run the main sections (Welcome, XML Basics and XML Documents) and corresponding subsections recommended. Since I had the written context (learning style) from the first tutorial was able to listen (learning style) more intently and reinforce the initial learning. I wasn't fond of the youtube video only because when I accessed the video (late at night) my eyes couldn't focus on the light-colored, small letters (looked like a ppt) sitting on a white background.

My demo system installation is complete and I am following along with the assignments. I also have a working vm installation for fall back.

HTML

Back in library school I took a webpage class so I guess you can say that I already had some basic understanding of HTML. In a way it was only a matter of getting reacquainted with the basic tags. But even so, I struggled for hours getting my image and some of my links to function properly. I consulted the powerpoint from the lecture, I ran some searches in Google to find some quick web pages, accessed the sites provided by Polly, and the validator site shared by Marnie. Only the uacbt tutorials weren't that much help to me.

The installation of my virtual demo went smoothly. I had already installed server (and desktop) so I didn't have that much more work to do. But when I turned my attention to my demo computer, I realized that I didn't have a cable for my monitor. I'll have to get the cable and set up the installation later this week.

Networking readings

The reading material for this unit was extremely technical for my skill level and knowledge. It was completely exhausting trying to read all this documentation. I went over the entire lecture and assignments multiple times and yet I still have trouble keeping all the concepts straight in my head. Quite frankly I thought all the links in the lecture were distracting and confusing. Of the various materials, I found the lecture the easiest to follow and gain a basic understanding. The wikipedia entries were way over my head. I was only able to follow the first or second sentence from these entries then I was lost in the technie talk. I was content with the videos mostly because it was a nice switch from the printed text. The Harvard videos were good because I could see and follow along easily. And although I already had my networking set up I found these useful because they eased my regular panicked mindset.

Adding users

Going through the various installations (i.e., adding users) went ok. I can mechanically enter the commands and follow the step-by-step instructions for the exercises. Several times I had questions about some instructions that weren't clear to me but after reading and re-reading the instructions and trying a few things on my own, I managed to forge forward. There is also so much to do, start here, load this, go here, do this, that I have a hard time getting my 'compass to turn north'! In other words, the hardest part for me is trying to make sure I understand the objective of what we are doing each week, completing all assignments, and reflecting on the exercises. I appreciate the way Bruce organized the class (though sometimes it's a bit confusing), how much time he invests in helping all of us, and how supportive my classmates are. I am learning, slowly but I'm learning.

Text editors

I think the tutorials and readings describing text editors are really helpful. I find it useful to hear the audio and see the commands executed on the screen. I only wish the transcripts were available so that I didn't spend a lot of time taking notes. The commands are really overwhelming to remember but that's not an issue in my mind because I know I can easily pull these up online or by other means. I am getting the intended results in the hands-on assignments; however, I don't really understand why we are running the commands. To help with this, one thing I do is review the lecture and assignments just to get an overall sense of work for the week. I then read all the posts in the "Activity" and "Discussion" section so that I am aware of some things I might encounter when I work through the assignments. This strategy has worked wonders for me because I am relaxed and prepared with fixes if things don't work like they are supposed to. I only hope that I am able to connect everything as the course advances.

Ubuntu Desktop

I finally got the downloads to work. I literally attempted ~12 times for both the server and desktop so I was angry and frustrated. I still don't understand what md5sum is and I wonder why with our technological advances why one can't check this before the download occurs?! At the end of every download, md5sum'ing was a natural instinct for me. I even did it for the VMWare Workstation :)

I feel pretty foolish because I expended a lot of time listening to the uacbt tutorials and taking notes. I liked seeing the commands and screen video shots but I found the written notes from our course reserves the most helpful (my preferred learning style). While I spent an immense amount of time on the uacbt tutorials I did find it helpful when I worked with the Live CD.

I was dreading the boot because of the aforementioned problems with the downloads; however, to my surprise it went well. I played around with commands but I don't know what I was doing nor how I can apply it in my job. I hope this becomes clearer as we move along the course.

Thoughts on ubuntu absolute beginner talk

I read several posts and none were what I would call absolute beginner. If they are then I am a zygote beginner. What I observed during my perusing was that people responded very quickly and in true web 2.0 fashion are willing to share their knowledge with others. What I found somewhat entertaining were the forum policies - yes I actually read them. These were a couple of my favorite:

"Individual flame-bait may be deleted or edited at the moderators' discretion. Certain users who continue to post flame-bait or engage in other questionable practices (such as trolling) may be subject to more serious sanctions."

"Please refrain from using "leet" speak or slang. These forums are a tool for communication, which will be obfuscated by those types of writing."

"Any replies for help that contain language disrespectful towards the user asking the question, i.e. "STFB" or "RTFM" are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

I think I can deduce what flame-bait means and I don't know what "leet" speak means but I did figure out what the acronyms stood for :)

Frustrations With Technology

I am feeling very overwhelmed with software downloads and readings that I am having a hard time learning. My first attempt to download the first of two ubuntu files failed and my second attempt isn't going that well either. I currently don't have high-speed Internet at home so I am at my local public library downloading to my laptop but as I shared in the activity section of our course I might need to upgrade my RAM. It's driving me crazy the hours involved to download. Is this normal? I wonder whether my classmates' experience is similar. I hope future activities don't require this amount of time. I suppose I could let these things download overnight while I'm sleeping peacefully but I guess I won't know until I get service which won't be for another week because I am going on vacation starting tomorrow.

I'm not faring well with the readings and assignments. I keep reading and rereading the same things. I have a hard time keeping straight what we post where, etc. But I know I am not alone and I am glad you all are out there because I'm going to need you!