Final thoughts

I learned a lot about 2.0 technologies as a result of this programme. It was very good overall in terms of organization and explanation (not too lengthy or brief); I appreciated the links to (optional) further readings. Reading through my own blog, I can see that I have already learned more about some technologies since starting the programme e.g. wikis, than others e.g. web-based applications. The learning doesn't stop here!

-My favs had to be creating a blog in the first place (I hadn't planned to start one anytime soon), wikis (since I am interested in applying this to course work), Flickr and del.icio.is (very cool and I love pictures), Facebook (I really didn't see why but can understand the appeal for both social and work-related reasons) and gaming (yes, it's surprising-keep reading for more).
-I am more comfortable with emerging technologies since I learned it was simply a matter of getting informed and trying them. It also helped that all the group leaders were approachable and receptive to answering questions, whether in the drop-in sessions, in the office or by phone.
-I was surprised at my greater appreciation for online games. There is no denying the amount of variety and activity going on in the gaming world. I am sure some games are "better" than others, but I can at least understand the appeal to players. I would like to follow-up by reading articles and learning more about the teaching and learning potential of games. I also noticed that my blog had few comments and that when a comment appeared, I was pleasantly surprised since it confirmed that someone was reading it! If I were to create another blog, I would definitely want to keep things interesting.
-My main recommendation would be to offer drop-in sessions from the beginning to the end of the programme. The group format (with team leaders) is a great way to structure a large number of participants. Also, allowing two weeks of "catch up" time, half way and at the end of the programme, was very helpful.
-And, finally, yes, I would choose to participate in a similar programme. In fact, I would be disappointed if there wasn't another one.

Thanks Amanda, the ETG group and all the team leaders!

Browser Tools

This post will complete the activities required for Learning 2.0. The focus for this week involved browser tools and, in particular, Firefox (Add ons) and Bookmarklets. I thought it was worthwhile doing the extra readings for this week. I downloaded Firefox on my computer and installed a dictionary add-on, which should come in handy. I also visited the MORRIS bookmarklets page and installed one bookmarklet i.e. Title (for now). It worked fine and I think it will be a useful feature. I will definitely spend more time exploring different ways to enhance the functionality of my browser, and will probably do more readings and think about my searching habits and needs.

Virtual environments

My introduction to IMVU was at the special drop in session, where we were introduced to a colleague's avatar. Very nice. Again, I can understand the appeal to users since the social networking must be intense and using an avatar to do so adds an element of mystery, anonymity and just plain fun! I did not want to register but I did like selecting a possible avatar and browsing through a choice of (facial and other) features and free clothes.
I have attended a few demos on Second Life, and have observed other colleagues' avatars in this environment. I think it's great that the library has a virtual space or site and that other "residents" are dropping by. A pilot on providing reference services in Second Life is currently going on; the results of this pilot should be carefully reviewed with the objectives of the service kept in mind i.e. entertainment or more? What is the potential for teaching and learning? I told my two teens about Teen Second Life, but neither one was interested. I don't think it has caught on in their social networks, plus their "real" lives are full enough!

Gaming experience

I rarely play games online but liked the opportunity to do so, amazingly, while at work (more thoughts on games and teaching and learning later). Most of the recommended game sites required downloads or installations, so I opted for Pop Cap games. I found the Zuma game to be simplistic and not fun at all. On the other hand, I loved playing Bejeweled! I was actually pleasantly surprised by the fact that I liked all versions of the game and was thinking about playing it again. My son recommeded Insaniquarium. In terms of the X-Men Retribution links, I didn't spend too much time on the web version since it would require more time than I had and the learning curve would be steep. The tutorial looked promising. I liked the wiki and will probably take a look at this again.
I checked out MMORPG.com-what an amazing site! A great source of information about online games. I enjoyed the Videos and thought the graphics for most were of very good quality. I also liked features such as updates, upcoming releases and Games in Development and thought these would be of great interest to gamers (and would keep them coming back to this site along with the forums, podcasts and chat). Another MUSH site I liked was Top MUD sites-lots of info; very intuitive.
I checked a few suggested MMORPG sites. One that interested me was City of Heroes since this had a "fun" aspect to it. Reading through the newsletters and browsing pages, I think players really get a chance to be creative; I am guessing the level of violence is less than than Anarchy Online or WOW but I can't be sure. Overall, these games seem to involve a high level of commitment and time, but a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you progress through the game. The interest for libraries? Well, these worlds certainly are places where many people spend their time. The structure and group-like activities could be using in a learning environment. I believe assumptions about experience and level of activity can't be made, and any games used for teaching and learning should have very clear objectives and methods of evaluation.

Thoughts on LinkedIn

I was not familiar with this network but liked the idea of a separate social place for professionals.
The home page is not busy in any way. In fact, it is almost too basic (keep reading). I searched the directory of names but could not view full profiles unless a was a LinkedIn user. Actually, I did not recognize anyone by name after searching a few letters. It was not until a third (or possibly fourth) reading, that I noticed the links at the bottom of the home page. Links to About LinkedIn, Help & FAQ and Media Coverage were all useful and provided the kind of information that I was looking for. I believe they should be placed more prominently on the page. I have decided not to sign in for the time being, but have learned the purpose of the network.

Thoughts on MySpace

I have searched MySpace over the course of the year but have decided not to sign-up, at least, not yet. I have used the Videos feature many times, which can be thoroughly fun. I took the time to check other offerings such as Fim, Groups and Music. Like the Videos, there is certainly no shortage of pages to search and browse (or groups to join!). In terms of profiles, I think that it is a good thing that a privacy option is available.

Facebook

Alright, I finally set up an account in Facebook. I wanted to check the options for the Profile right away. Once found i.e. Edit, this was easy enough to use although it was not obvious how to change the Status (Network; Join a Network, in case I forget). I can see the appeal and addictive quality of Facebook. I won't get hung up on the number of friends I have, however, I will check my Profile regularly (probably daily now that I have it) and will continue to explore profiling, messaging, etc. Facebook is fun!