Reflections

I am posting my reflections on the course early because it is entirely possible that I, along with the rest of the faculty at my college, will be on strike starting tomorrow.  That may mean that I will not be able to access the course.

The presentations and the opportunity to try out new tools were my favorite experiences in the course.  I was especially taken with some of the social networking tools like myspace and Second Life.  I think I will play in Second Life.  For professional purposes, I believe wikis can do a lot for us.  We have been using a blog for our research guides but I think a wiki may be a better vehicle for them.  The flatter architecture and ability to search by subject should be a benefit. 

 I think the unexpected outcomes were that I liked things I didn't expect to like and things I didn't like that I expected to like.  I expected to find RSS more useful than I have and I didn't anticipate my enthusiasm for the social networking tools. 

I think the biggest improvement that could be made (because I think it's pretty darn good as it is) is that it might be nice to make it a week or two longer.  I don't think it's a good idea to stretch it out too far because it is easy to lose focus that way but it was very difficult to keep up with the material with the press of day to day work.

Thanks to all the organizers!  It's been a great 5 weeks.