P.S.  After talking with my sister, who has a library card with Hennepin County Libraries, I told her about Learning Express Library.  Her daughter, a sophomore in H.S., is starting to think about taking the ACT Test.  I told her that she is able to access Learning Express Library and take practice tests.  She was very interested in knowing this and said she would be checking it out!

Learning Express Library - 1-27-14 - Lesson 3

1.  I set up my account.


2.  Choose one exam and answer a few questions:

I chose the ACT Test Prep, and answered a few questions in the ACT Science Practice Tests 4.  I am so glad I am past this phase in my life, and I don't have to worry about taking the ACT!  I liked that you could click on the question to see how you answered, and that it gave you the correct answer.


3.  Job searching and resume writing are among the self-paced courses in Learning Express.  Click on the "job Search and Workplace Skills" learning center and add one of the courses to your center.

First of all, the "Job Search and Workplace Skills" learning center was not easy to find!  I found it in the "Career Center."  There was a section entitled "Great Resumes" and the items covered in the tutorial were:  elements, formats (and advice on which format is right for me), importance of using right keywords, viewing some sample resumes, tips for proofreading.  On the left side, it gave a "table of contents" of sorts on what is covered in the tutorial. 

This was a lot like reading a textbook.  A lot of reading was involved. 

If you're unable to finish reading through it in one sitting, you can "save and finish later."  You can also "save to your fortfolio" then can resume at a later time. 

Some great resume examples were shown, although in limited number.

4.  Type a search term in the search box in the upper left of the home page* for a skills improvement or career topic in which you are interested.  Notice that results are sorted by tests, courses and eBooks.  Please select an eBook and look through its pages.  OR from the home page, bottom right**
click the link for eBooks.  The list will open in a new window.  Browse the titles and take a look at one that interest you.

  *  This was NOT in the upper left hand corner.  I found it at the bottom.
**  Didn't see a link for eBooks.  I searched for "eBooks" in the search box at the bottom of the page.  In "Search" results, I checked eBooks and then typed in "Nursing"

The eBook I looked at was a typical textbook.

In summary, there is a wealth of information and practice tests in Learning Express Library.  It would take awhile to fully understand everything that is available to the library patron.  Very useful!

Mango

I chose Norwegian as the language to learn on Mango.  I found out that there are about 5 million speakers, and it is spoken in Norway.

I completed lesson 1, and these are my findings, likes, and dislikes:
- You can hear someone speaking the words
- there is a "pronunciation" button if you need a review
- there is a "slide" or demonstration for each word in the lesson
- there is a "record" button to compare your pronunciation with the person speaking.  Not sure if this was possible on my computer.
- It would be helpful to have a dictionary that you could find a translation for the English word
- It would be helpful to see a list of the lessons that are presented, or available, in the Mango program.

 There is a translation tool which could be very helpful.

Chilton

3 things to be done at 30,000 miles:
- Replace auto transmission fluid
- Lubricate ball joints
- Replace cabin air filter

Most recent Technical service builletin or Recall Notice & when issued:

- Have accelerator pedal replaced @no charge.  Class Action settlement.  2/2/11

Info on Brake system:  When any part of the hydraulic system has been disconnected for repair or new installation, air may get into the system and cause spongy brake pedal action. This requires bleeding of the hydraulic system after it has been correctly connected. See Bleeding the Brake System, under Brake Operating Systems.

World Book Online Reference Center - very cool!  I chose Norway as my country.  On the first screen, I'm able to view maps, encyclopedia articles, tables, pictures and websites.  Once I clicked on "Norway", I was able to find information on the government, people, way of life, climate, history, etc.  On the right side, I was able to view interactive maps, which would be very fun/useful to the patron.  Another great item were the "tools" - where I could print the full article, email, save to My Research, and hear it read aloud.

I need to delve further into this database - great information!

I used World Book Online For Kids to look up squirrel.  I liked the "tools" that were available to the user - email, print, and the ability to hear text read out loud (very useful to the patron who is hard of hearing).  This gave quite a bit of information on what the squirrel eats, body features, and habitats. 

World Book Online offers different interfaces for varying age levels (use by kids and adults).  Makes research fun with the use of videos and sound.

In "Info Finder," you can do an "advanced search."  This allows you to look at various texts such as research guides, special reports, websites.  You can search a list of encyclopedia articles on "squirrels."  You can look at dictionary, maps, tables, pictures, research guides.  You can "limit" during your searches.  The left side breaks down the "squirrel" in many subcategories.  This is great for the older student who really needs to research his subject and use a variety of sources.