Module Ten

So we come to the end of the Web 2.0 Journey. Well, formally we do anyway. However really its just the beginning isn't it?

I've had some experience with the sites listed in this Module, mainly through my work on the iLe@rn Project and in consultation with my job as eLearning Coordinator. Of most benefit, I believe is the site @ http://web2storytelling.wikispaces.com/ which helps with the great concept of digital storytelling.

My experience with wiki-spaces has been positive, I like the fact that instead of being a web 'site' it is a web 'space' meaning that it is free for all to contribute to and shape. It really does mean that the quality of the 'space' and in turn, the quality of the learning, is decided fully by ALL who are involved, and not just the 'moderator' so to speak. I think that the success of this entire course is based around this very premise, although as we experienced with WETPAINT's un-informed protocol change, problems can arise.

I'm also pleased that Bloom's Digital Taxonomy has been attached to this final module. It is probably the best (or maybe only?) example of a framework that is changing WITH the learning it is supposed to shape. It is all well and good to extend our learning PAST the classroom walls, but we need theory to help guide us in this journey, which is exactly what Bloom's HOTS & LOTS does.

Well there it is, the end? Here's hoping not. Its been a blast, hopefully someone out there is getting something from all of this, because I know I certainly have, and it would be a shame if I was by myself! Although I highly doubt that this is the case!

Stay Classy, San Diego!

Module Nine

Scootle is quite an extensive resource/application that, without doubt, would be beneficial for ALL of the learners in my class. The location of a multitude of resources on one site is quite useful, as it lessens the amount of time SEARCHING for your needs, whilst increasing the time spent actually USING the resources.

I've always been fascinated by Second Life, and the people who use it. Although it may seem hypocritical; as I am an avid social network user, I always was interested as to why people; who quite easily could socialise face-to-face, choose to do so through the use of their avatars. I remember a 60 MINUTES story that interviewed a couple, who lived together, socialising through Second Life, whilst in different rooms of the same house! They even went to the extreme of expressing their 'love' for each other in the virtual world, unbelievable!

However, in engaging 21st Century learners, I can see the merits in using Second Life for educational purposes. Up until recently, Second Life was unmetered by Bigpond, enabling free access, which could also prove beneficial in terms of resource availability. Monitoring use with younger learners could prove hazardous though.

As for FACEBOOK, well, I'd like to keep that for myself. It seems as though, every week, I have a new student trying to add me as a friend. It is because of this that I created a NING! http://lasallejourney.ning.com Which enables us to create our own social network, for our own purpose. This enables us, as teachers, to deliver content and learning in a medium that students already use and enjoy!

PS

I haven't said anything about TWITTER. This was not an oversight. I just don't see the merit in it. To me, it acts in the same way as FACEBOOK status updates, which I again see as a little unnecessary at times!

Module Eight

I've always had an idea about the existence of RSS and the like, especially when visiting sports websites for updated scores and statistics, but I've never actively engaged in one. Now that I know that RSS (which stands for Rich Site Summary) is a format for delivering regularly changing web content - see http://www.whatisrss.com/ - I can attempt delve into how it can be used in the classroom.

In this module, we learn that one of the main benefits and/or reasons for using RSS is that it allows you to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from the sites you are interested in. I have in fact already used Google Reader, in linking to my colleagues' blogs for this course. Here, I am able to keep track of who is doing what, and when they are doing it. This helps me in my position as eLearning Coordinator, especially when they may be uneasy with their progress, I can have a look and even comment on what they have done. It also allows me to check the updates on other sites, without having to join email lists and mailing groups, which is good - especially on large sites on which you may not want to reveal too much about yourself.

In the classroom, I use the RSS Feed from http://www.smh.com.au to ensure that I am up-to-date with the very latest news from around the world. I find that this is important, especially when we discuss current issues in class, so that if something pops up, I can add to the students' discussion and knowledge base, in real-time so to speak. Its also good just to show the students how easy it is to be up-to-date with what is happening in the world and age of the 'global' citizen.

Module Seven

As most PC users do, I was an Explorer user when I first connected to the Internet. When I moved onto UNI, where PC's were replaced with MAC's, I was turned onto Safari, which I used for years. I then - only recently - switched over to Firefox, after being told that it was the superior browser. I must admit, between Safari and Firefox I am torn, as I really like the aesthetics of the Apple browser, but at the same time have no real problems with Firefox.

Now, you may be thinking, why is it that he is rambling on about browsers' when he is meant to be commenting on Online Communities and Social Bookmarking? The answer lies in my vast collection of FAVOURITES! You see, I never carried over my FAV's from one browser to the other. In turn, I lost track of the countless passwords, login details and pages that I had accumulated over the years. If I wanted a SYD UNI site, I used Explorer. My forum details were all on Safari, and my work links on Firefox. Now with DELICIOUS, I can have ONE place for EVERYTHING!

I also like the COMMENTING aspect on BLOGGER. I have found, through my role as eLearning Coordinator, that I have helped individuals with this course in person. In then being able to comment online, I think another dimension is added to the assistance I may or may not give my colleagues.

ONE MORE THING ... http://delicious.com/EvertonPom ... BIG UPS! To Mr. Simon Crook. He came to LaSalle on the first day of this year and showed us his DELICIOUS page. Since then, daily, I check to see what he has added. It has (and I dare say will continue to be) my first port of call when it comes to eLearning. Check it out!

Module Six

Although it is naive to believe that only one person created the Internet, I'd like to think that this was the case. This enables me to direct my frustration in but one direction, eliminating the helplessness I feel when many people are annoying me at once. Hence in this hypothetical (yet no less reflective) post, we will call this person Bill (NOT GATES!) and for all intensive purposes, here is an open letter to Bill, which encapsulates my experiences in this Module.

Dear Bill,

First of all, let me congratulate you on a fine creation. I fully appreciate the opportunity you have provided in being able to search, browse, download and upload on the various platforms you have created. However, I must digress and communicate to you some issues I have recently experienced ...

Although I am thankful for the bubbl.us tool ... Do I really need it? To me it is an unnecessary application that can be easily substituted with an interactive whiteboard and/or the trusty old pen and paper? The whole point of a mind-map is to graphically represent what the mind thinks about a topic. It doesn't need to be strangled then by the process of creating tabs and bubbles!

Anyway here is my bubbl.us creation. I must admit though, it does look pretty doesn't it?


Another point. I can understand BLOGGING. I have also recently learnt what a PODcast is and can comprehend VODcasts. However, are you secretly a champion of the Royal Assonance Society? Why do we need to call it GLOGGING? It is an awesome platform, more so probably for MySpace conscious adolescents, but seriously why can't we come up with a new name? How about iPost? LOL

Thanks for your time in processing this correspondence, Bill. I know that you have a lot on your virtual plate.

Regards

OBEIRNE2.0

So there you have it, my take on bubbl.us and GLOGSTER. I really do see the merit in these, but for now, they don't necessarily lie with me.

Comments?