A few more things from eTech Conference

So, I've been meaning to share just a few more things from the eTech Conference in San Diego a couple of months ago.

• Steve Cousins from Willow Garage talked about open source platforms for robots and shared some examples. What if we started programs for kids in open source/hacking?
• Kathy Sierra (a really cool passionate user designer) talked about the nature of being an expert. She noted that the difference between world class and average in anything is not about natural talent, but in the ability to put time, focus, concentration, and practice into a particular area. And the notion that our brains are in battle with our minds, which hinders us from succeeding.
• Peter Semmelhack from Buglabs presented their open source hardware that lets you build just about anything with interlocking/legolike parts. THIS IS SOMETHING TO PAY ATTENTION TO!

Interesting Studies

I had the great pleasure to hang out with some really cool reference librarians at the Orange County Public Library last week. I mentioned a couple  of studies in my talk that I promised to post. Enjoy!! If you'd like a copy of my slides, please shoot me an email.

Pew/Internet & American Life Project Studies

-Mobile Access to Data and Information

-Video Sharing Websites

-Information searches that solve problems

-Typology of Information and Communication Technology Users

British Library/JISC

-Information Behavior of the Researcher of the Future

Institute of Museum and Library Services

InterConnections: The IMLS National Study on the Use of Libraries, Museums and the Internet

So much to think about

I am processing all of the stuff I heard about yesterday. Now in session on DIY Survival with bre pettis. Should be interesting...More soon...

Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow Virtual World - Clickawhat?

Have you heard of Clickables Technology? Well, get this Disney has this website called Disney Fairies Pixie Hollow where little girls can create their fairy avatar and her living space, make friends, etc... But it doesn't end online. Little girls can get Tink Friendship eBracelets - so that when they are out and see another girl with a bracelet they touch them to create friendships and share special messages and a gift. So the next time they go online, they're friends. It's trend of play that extends beyond the online experience - like Webkinz.

Read more about it.

I'd like a book bracelet - touch and transfer reading lists - favorite reads...Maybe just need a cell phone app that works with some of the social sites...

Open Source Hardware

I love MAKE magazine - and always encourage folks to read. Phillip Torrone from Make mag and Limor Fried - a super smart Open Source developer presented a really cool session on Open Source hardware, which is in it's infancy. The Chumby is one example. Learned a lot. If you are interested, email me. There's so much to tell. I will say that there are all kinds of really cool kits and schematics that let you create really fanastic stuff. Like the Minty Boost - USB charger for your gadgets. After this session, I am sure that I bring the average IQ down here. Brilliant folks!

So, what are we doing in libraries to support this growing culture of making and hacking things? I think there's some good programming and materials that support hobbies out there...what about kits? what about build it labs - where all kinds of information and materials can be accessed...

Botnets

Learn about them. Vicious online beasties that basically find their way on your computer and then allow them to be remotely controlled by strangers. Please use the lastest antiviral/personal firewall software! 

Alternate Reality Games

Attended a really cool session with Elan Lee - dude who has done some of the most published work in Alternate Reality Games (also called augmented reality or immersive gaming). He worked on this really cool project with Nine Inch Nails to create a soundtrack for an interactive experience for their last CD. They created secret websites (see Open Source Resistance), used phone numbers, dropped unrecorded tracks on thumb drives at concerts. Those who followed were really engaged and followed the game - got to experience a secret underground concert - with exploding walls and everything. Read more about it at Wired. It's really neato keen. 

Basically, you create a game that merges multiple technologies, places, and experiences. Going to talk about at PLA in a program called Dangerous Ideas with my buds from libraryland. Hint: imagine cultivating the inner info geek in our communities through games that excite and ignite passion?

Quote for the day: 

Information is Contagious - Sneeze - Open Source Resistance Poster