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

My view of social software has evolved from a notion of software young people use to socialize, to amazing tools that libraries can use to service their users at low cost.  The technology is easy to use and it really can be effective.  Personally, I found pipes application the most useful.  Helping manage the flow of RSS feeds and delivering them where I wanted seemed to be the big one for me.  Professionally, I think the RSS feeds are the big one.  For example, in an academic setting I think it is extremly useful to have articles sent to professors on their chosen topics when they are published via email.  I was surprised how easy wikis are to update at the end of this course.

As far as suggestions for the course, I was very pleased with the amount of work, spacing between due dates, eluminate sessions, and the mix of group work and solo assignemnts.  The only thing I would consider is having an optional eluminate session where you offer real time help or explain a tough piece of software.  In my opinion it was all pretty easy to learn through trial and error or reading the instructions.

In Drupal, I missed the grades section from blackboard.  I also missed the ability to just click on your name and send you an email.  The email is more of a minor opportunity for me.  I loved the freedom of the blogs though.  It was easy to access and review and search for items.  I would stick with it.

In summary, my class experience has been wondeful.  I am very proud of what I have accomplished.  I feel I have marketable skills to go out after graduation and be competitive.  There are so many things I want to try. I feel I can use the technology to the advantage of the community and any organization I work for.  Thank you!!