I looked at several different archived OPAL selections and found them to be both interesting and frustrating. Each OPAL is different, not just because of content, but also because of the approach taken as well as the functionality of the technology employed. For example, the Author discussion with Debi Gliori held Nov 18, 2005, was audio only. Pictures of her work, etc. would have been very interesting but this was simply the author talking.
The Picturing America Program in Public Libraries, Nov 2008, was much more interesting because slides were included. However, the time delay between the audio and the picture was not good which made it difficult to follow at times. However, since we will have the Picturing America program at our library this summer, I found this OPAL helpful, giving me some ideas as to how I may incorporate it into our other programing.
OPAL is a format that I will try to use in the future--there is a lot of interesting stuff out there. I especially like the archival function since connecting with a specific time is not always practical, as I found with the InfoTrac Learning Lunches.
Just some comments on Skype and Online Chat. I am glad to understand how Skype works. I've heard of grandparents using Skype to stay in touch with grandchildren, especially when many miles apart. Although not necessary at this point in my life, it is worth considering in the future. Online chat makes sense to me only when phoning is not practical or a group discussion is needed. However, it is also hard to follow--did a college freshman parent thing awhile back and found it to be very confusing--too many threads of conversation. So ends Lesson 1.
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The software that runs OPAL is always improving. I've also noticed that some of the recorded sessions have a lag between the visual and audio, but I think they're getting better. It's great that you're doing "Picturing America" at the library this year!
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