LIBR 246-12: Web 2.0 and Social Networking Tools (Fall 2008)

Prior to this class, almost every tools we learned were foreign to me, except for MySpace and Friendster which I thought are just trend that will go away soon.  After learning all about these applications, I have come to appreciate the value of social software tools  my views have completely changed.  This class made me aware  that these are readily available at no cost sometimes,  and these are so useful  not only to corporate world but also to your personal life.    

I am a big fan of RRS now.  It saves my time keeping up with various blog and news sites.  I’m surprise how I survived without Google Reader before. I like to read blogs, especially professional blogs, and blogs that are work related.  I also have much more experience using a wiki now, and actually can see myself contributing to wikis in the future.

Screencasts can be used to market products as well as to educate and train users  for various applications and systems. Wiki is another tool that I believe can be useful professionally.  After completing the wiki exercises and our group project, I realize the potential for organization  and/or  libraries working on a certain project that require them to share information. Academic and special libraries can build resources guides that users can collaborate and share information

I was surprised that there are so many things I didn’t know.   I would never have thought of using tools like Pageflakes & Facebook to promote library services, podcasts, and screencasts for tutorials and lectures.  I was also surprised to discover that most of these tools are free.  When I found out that I could contribute to something like Wikipedia, I was stunned and thrilled at the same time.

I like Drupal because it is easy to navigate than Blackboard. There is no need to log in if you only want to see the items that do not require a log in ID such as lectures assignments and exercises.  I love the tool bar, sidebars and links. Blogs are easier to find and track using the RSS feed.

While completing Exercise 2, I almost drop this class out of frustration and I am so glad I didn’t because I would have missed this thoroughly engaging class. Thanks to Meredith’s encouragement and guidance. Its so worth it.

This class has been an interesting exploration and learning experience for me.  I ‘m technologically deficient individual as I mentioned from my previous post, but after fourteen weeks of leaning these social software tools I can say that I am a lot more familiar with some of them, how they work and how they can be used and applied in a professional setting.  

The Elluminate sessions were great and having different speakers made it more interesting.

I've learned a lot from reading everyone else's blogs.  I've enjoyed having a chance to really read other's opinions, reflect on what I read, and respond.  Meredith  -- Congratulations on your impending blessed event! I want to wish everyone the best of luck in finishing their MLIS or, if you're done this term, best of luck in the future. It's been a great semester!