Week 12 Extra Thing: TeuxDeux and other list-making tools

What's the problem, chum?
It's an increasingly busy world that we live in, and we librarians know this better than most, as our profession encompasses many diverse tasks and duties.

Luckily for us, there is a huge variety of web-based tools which aim to eliminate flurries of paper reminder notes and guilt-inducing emails from people that you've forgotten about...and thanks to some kind people on Twitter* (get me, using another of my newly acquired Things), here are a few of them, tried and tested by librarians and shambrarians alike.

Where teux start?
All the applications featured here took seconds to register for and to start using, so I won't be presenting a 'how to' for each one. Instead, here are the main features of some of the available applications, and please don't hesitate to get in touch or to comment on this post if you have any questions at all.

TeuxDeux is one of the most well-known list-making applications around, and was presented in Cambridge by Suz at the March Teachmeet.

It's a very simple, clean-looking application which allows you to keep a virtual to-do list for each day and tick things off as you go along. You can view a week at a time, with days in the past in grey, today in red and future days in black. There is also a section at the bottom for "someday", that is non-urgent things that could be looked at any time. It really is that simple!

In addition to its simplicity, the calendar format of TeuxDeux is useful for spreading tasks evenly across the week and keeping track of particularly busy (or slow) days. Teux Deux is also available as an app for most different platforms, keeping you organised on the go. However, if you find it a little stark, new kid on the block Wunderlist does a very similar job with a slightly prettier interface, which looks something like this:

A similar kind of idea is found in the form of Remember the Milk, which is also compatible with most platforms and can be logged into using your Google account.

It has a slightly different format which allows you to organise your tasks into tabs such as personal, study, and work - maybe useful for any part-time or distance students? You can also tag your tasks, set reminder dates and attach locations and other information to them. RtM does have a habit of automatically alphabetising your tasks, but for those tag-fiends amongst us, RtM provides a multitude of organisational solutions.

For something completely different, which may appeal to Post-it devotees (I'm thinking of you, Jenny...), the Japanese-designed LinoIt (no, it has nothing to do with wipe-clean floor coverings as far as I can tell) may offer a colourful and kitsch solution.

With LinoIt, you can add a variety of different coloured Post-it notes to each 'canvas' - as a default you have a main and a 'someday' canvas - choosing to pin the particularly important ones. You can add dates to them and also add pictures, which are a nice aide-memoire for predominantly visual learners. It is also possible to open canvases up to groups, both across the internet and to invitees only, which could be useful again for distance learners, but also teams which work on similar projects from different locations.


There are also a number of Things that we've already explored which have built in list functions, such as Google Calendar, Evernote, Netvibes and Diigo - so if you're trying to keep your subscriptions to a minimum, it might be worth checking out the Things you're already using in order to maximise their functionality.

So what will you put on your TeuxDeuxWunderRememberListIt first? Number 1: List lists. Number 2: Blog about lists...

Best of luck!


*That's you, Annie, Katie, Aidan, Ange, Tina, Lynne and John...and anyone else I may have forgotten, thanks!

Week 11, Extra Thing - data visualisation

This week's extra Thing gives you some options! We're looking at data visualisation, and I have three tools for you.

Ever felt that something would be a lot simpler if you could explain it using a picture, but your artistic skills were left behind when you stopped using felt tips? Or perhaps you work better with a good diagram than a paragraph? Then data visualisation is what you need! These tools all make your scrap paper drawing into something intelligible, legible and presentable.
First off are two tools for making charts -  Lovelycharts and Gliffy.
Both programmes allow you to create a variety of charts. In particular I have used Gliffy to create a decision tree/flow chart relating to some stock removals. If you need to communicate a set of data, or a decision-making process to a team, these tools can provide you with a good visual reference beyond a list, or a scribbled diagram.
Each programme has a slightly different set of available tools, so you'll need to select the one that works for you, and you'll need to create a free account as well.

Here's a floorplan that I created in Gliffy:

It's simple, but it serves the purpose I needed it for, and it took less than 10 minutes to complete. I've exported it, but I can also access it in my account to edit for a different size sofa, or extra pot plants.

Both programmes have libraries of standard elements to choose from, whether making a floor plan, a decision tree, a people network or a Venn diagram. And everything can be manipulated to change size and orientation, with most things also able to change colour too.

Because there are so many options I'm not going to suggest that you try a particular task - have a look at Lovelycharts and Gliffy and experiment with one or both, so that next time having some visual input would be handy, you can just login and get started.

Visualising in a different way...
Wordle is something that some of you who did the Things last year may already be familiar with. It is a great tool for visualising text in a more interesting form. By pasting in text, or linking to a blog, Wordle will create a visual collage, and make more frequently used words larger within it, thereby providing something between an artwork and a concordance.

It's a great tool to present data in a different manner, and can be used equally to engage users as to demonstrate trends to senior managers. It is however inherently limited, providing just this one function, albeit with multiple styling options for the final image. There is no account to sign up to with Wordle, but that does mean anything you create is public on the gallery. In general I think the way the text is displayed is too abstract for that to be a problem, but do bear it in mind.

Why not try using a link from one of your blog entries to create a picture - you might be surprised how often you use certain words! You'll need to use what you've learnt on screenshots to make the most of Wordle, as the html code provided doesn't necessarily give a big enough image.

For more advanced Wordle users, there is the option to type your own text to create an artistic work that is devoid of textual meaning. Or, perhaps more usefully, you can use the 'language' link to remove common English words, so you don't end up with an enormous looming THE. The 'Advanced' button also allows you to get specific on both sizes and colours, to remove the slightly random nature of the resulting graphic.

So why not go and try at least one of these tools to brighten up your data.

Week 11, Thing 19: Slideshare

The problem
You've made a great Powerpoint presentation (for a conference perhaps) and now you want to share it with the world.

The solution
Slideshare is a presentation hosting website, allowing you to upload your presentations or videos which can then be shared. To get started go to http://www.slideshare.net/ and create an account:

1.  Click on "Sign up" or follow this link, then fill in the registration form. (Alternatively if you have a Facebook account and are happy to log in to Slideshare using this, just click "log in with Facebook")
2. The next screen will probably be an advert for Slideshare Pro, the paid service. Skip this, the free service provides all the features we need right now.
3. Now upload your first presentation! Lots of file formats are supported, including Powerpoint formats, Keynote, Open Office, pdf, mp4, avi, and wmv. After skipping the advert for Pro, you should see this box:

If you don't see this, click on the orange "upload" button at the top of the page and this will bring you here. Although it gives you the option to upload either a private presentation or a public presentation, the private upload is a Pro feature so if you click on the blue button you will just get an invitation to upgrade to Slideshare Pro. 

Click on the orange button and upload a presentation or video. While the file is being uploaded and converted you can give it a name, description and tags:

Once the file has uploaded you can then share it on Twitter, Facebook or email, embed in your blog or simply stick the link wherever you want to share it.

Of course you can also browse Slideshare to find interesting presentations by other people. Try searching for "libraries" or "social media" or whatever else you're interested in!

Other things you can do with Slideshare

• Favourite the presentations you like to save them to your Slideshare account (the favourite button is on the bar along the top of each presentation). Or, if the author has allowed this, download them to your computer.
• Upload an audio mp3 file to create a "Slidecast" (once you have uploaded your presentation go to "edit" and then the "Create Slidecast" tab. This could be used in a similar way to screencast-o-matic to create instructional slides with a voice over.
• Import a presentation from Google Docs here.

Try uploading a presentation (it doesn't have to be long or particularly spiffy) and either sharing the link or embedding it on your blog. Have a browse of the other presentations on Slideshare and share anything interesting!

Week 11, Thing 20 - Prezi

Ok, time to get creative! By the end of this Thing you will have been introduced to Prezi as an alternative to PowerPoint. You will also have some hints and tips on what not to do to make a good Prezi.

What is Prezi?
Prezi is a free online programme that you can use to make presentations. In some ways it is like PowerPoint, and, in any situation where you might consider using a PowerPoint, you can create a Prezi instead. What makes Prezi so good though is the extra capabilities it has, that can take your presentation beyond the boring 'slide with text, next slide with text, slide with text and a picture' format of most PowerPoints.

Let's get started.
Go to Prezi, and click 'sign up' on the top right. You'll need to create a free account to use the programme.

When Prezi opens, there are three tabs at the top of the page - 'Your prezis' will display all the presentations you have created. 'Learn' offers tutorials on using Prezi, at both a basic and more advanced levels. 'Explore' allows you to view other presentations on all manner of subjects - a great way to get an idea of how Prezi can be used (and perhaps what not to do as well).

To start your first presentation click the 'New prezi' button on the top left of the 'Your prezi' tab. You'll be prompted to give the presentation a title, and a description, but these can be changed later, so don't worry too much.

You'll then be offered a number of templates to choose from. I would advise not selecting any of these until you have mastered the basics of Prezi, and know the effect that you are trying to create. So select the blank template.

Prezi will offer you a tutorial - it isn't very long, and is quite useful for the basics, so have a watch and then get started.

Now click on the canvas and type to get started. You can add pictures (try using Flickr with Creative Commons licensing), and you can link to YouTube videos.

The tools can take a little bit of getting used to, particularly sizing and the animation. And be aware that your first attempt is likely to be fairly poor - mine certainly was! So practice a bit if you like it before trying to use Prezi for a presentation. The biggest tip is perhaps not to get too carried away with all the features you could use, particularly with the animation - don't underestimate the ability to create a rather seasick effect.

Rather than reinvent the wheel, have a look at this Prezi from The Wikiman (@theREALwikiman) which gives a good video demo: http://prezi.com/_sto8qf_0vcs/the-how-to-make-a-great-prezi-prezi/

Something more advanced
For a good longer presentation you can watch the one below, which you may have seen at the libraries@cambridge conference in January: http://prezi.com/if9wccvvunup/escaping-the-echo-chamber/

Like Prezi?
If you think you might use Prezi, as you work for an academic institution you can upgrade to the academic use version of Prezi for free. This allows for more privacy options for your presentations amongst other things.

And now...the end is near...and so let's have a party!

Don't worry just yet, you have a month to catch up with the programme (and do the remaining Things, of course!) but we've got a date for your diaries even so:

The Cam23 2.0 End of Programme Party

will be held at

The Museum of Classical Archaeology 

(upstairs in the Classics Faculty)

Sidgwick Site

CB3 9DA

on

Thursday 22nd September

from 5.30pm (the main door to the Faculty will lock at 6.15pm, so please arrive before then!)

This event will be a great opportunity to meet even more Cam23Thingers face to face, to share that sense of achievement and, of course, find out who's got lucky in our prize draw! There may also be one or two other surprises, but I couldn't possibly say...

What we would ask you to do, however, if you wish to attend, is to email Annie at aj390@cam.ac.uk or fill in the form below so that we have an idea of numbers:

We very much hope that you can come and rub shoulders with Dionysios, Athena, and your fellow librarians!

Week 10, Thing 18 : Reflection Week

Reflecting at the Faculty of Classics

Well done everyone for reaching week 10 and the second of three reflection weeks. Or as I like to think of it a chance to catch up on those things still waiting to be done.  As we are well over half way through now you will all have developed or still be developing your reflective style.  The 23 things programme asks you to use and reflect on a number of web 2.0 tools.  You may not even have realised you were reflecting as you went along so in many ways thing 18 is already accomplished.  You will have been asking some of the standard reflective practice questions such as why am I using this, what have I learned and how will I apply it. 

You may choose to add the thing 18 tag to one of your other blogs where you have already reflected or write a separate post, perhaps on

• what you have gained from this programme so far (it doesn't have to be a specific thing but more general)
• which thing you particularly liked or disliked
• which of the forthcoming things you really can't wait to try (the things are listed here)

If you would like to share your reflections with other people on the programme, ask a burning question on one of the things or just meet for a drink and a chat then come along to the University Centre Grads Cafe tonight at 6pm for an informal get together.

This is a reflection/catch up week rather than a blog on reflective practice but if anyone is interested in more information on this then there are plenty of links and information at the cpd23 blog post.  

I started with a photograph of the glass doors of the Faculty of Classics.  This seemed an appropriate image as it showed a reflection and part of the motivational Euripidean quote on the door.  The full quote can be translated as "happy is the man who has gained knowledge through inquiry" (Fragments, translated by Christopher Collard and Martin Croop. Loeb Classical Library, no. 504, p.227, fragment 910).  So by the end of this programme you will all hopefully be ecstatic from the new knowledge that you have gained!

Next week
You will be learning about the presentation tools slideshare and prezi as well as an extra thing on data visualisation.

Reflection week meetup #2

Thank you everyone who filled in the Doodle poll! We're going to go for Monday 22nd August at 6pm as most people can make that. If you haven't been to Grad's Cafe before it is on the third floor of the University Centre on Granta Place.

See you there!