Thing 8 - Google Calendar

Nice open source tool that might have its uses in networking beyond the University (where we use Outlook) such as CILIPS branch events.

I liked the public option, too. Might be useful for advertising training courses as a supplement to AT-L and our usual publicity.

Having visitors this weekend so am hoping that the weather widget is unreliable!

Thing 7; Professional Networks

I'm so behind the rest of the 23 thingers that I have probably missed any meet ups, but living so far from the centre of things face-to-face networking is a rare treat. Oddly, at Umbrella in Hertfordshire I met a librarian from my area (Highland) that I had never previously encountered and are planning a Mash event locally.

I have looked at the HEA website and found some useful resources but have not yet looked into membership. Similarly, I have thought about joining the Association for Learning Technology but done no more about it. I hereby resolve to take the plunge into one of these groups.

Thing 6 Social networking

Trouble with these is keeping up with them all. This task reminded me that I was a member of Librarians as Teachers, but have not visited the site since sign-up.

Some useful tips in getting more out of Linked-in that only ever sends me irritating emails recommending people I have never heard of and seem to have nothing in common with. Will put them into practice and see how it goes.

Which of the social networking sites do I find most useful? Difficult. I gain little professionally from Facebook but find it useful for keeping up with friends. My recent renewed efforts in Twitter do seem to be offering potential rewards.

Frankly, Reid Hoffman, the backyard is much more fun than the office.

Thing 5 Reflection

I'm off to write up my reflective accounts of my three recent conferences.

That's my problem with reflection, remembering to do it!

Thing 4: Twitter, RSS, Pushnote

I'd just began a recent effort to 'get' Twitter so this will help with that. Have followed lots of fellow 23 Things CPD-ers, especially if they work in my sectors (or if they sounded fun!)

I'm a keen RSSer already but use NetVibes rather than Google Reader. It's rather beside the point to have two places to go to view your feeds, but I have done as I am told (rather uncharacteristically).

Pushnote. Hmm. Reserving judgement.

Task 3: Branding

There seem to be a few other Kathleen Irvines out there: 163 of them according to 192.com. They include a singer Kathy September Irvine who apparently sings radio-friendly R&B, someone pretty and smily with a discrete Facebook account, an Aberdeenshire farmer and an American actress. The rest are, mostly, me.

I have a mention on the Umbrella 2011 webpage as one of the speakers, a rather under-used Linked-in account that states: Kathleen Irvine is not currently open to receiving Introductions or InMail (which makes me sound a little unsocial), an account of my daughter's struggle with dyslexia written for a competition run by the Scottish Book Trust and my very limited entry in the Hand Embroidery Network.

There is little there to embarrass me (phew!) but not that much to make me proud, either. Could do better, I suppose.

Late entry...

I'm a week behind the rest of the 23-thingers.

I am someone who likes to try out anything new but I am a bit unfocused in my efforts. I hope this process will introduce me to lots of new ideas and activities in a more structured way and with the possibility of discussing them with others who are also trying them.