#12 Conclusions

I think this new version of Learning 2.0 is well arranged and presented. The format and function of each exercise has been clearly identified and much of the familiarization is self directed wading through cites and applications. This methodology suited me especially because my time was telescoped due to leave followed by 'catchup' work commitments.
What I liked most was how simple the applications are to explore, eg downloading images and videos. Maybe my favourite was finding a Jimoin video even though the video quality was amateurish.
I didn't expect to find YouTube interesting but was surprised when I went to some Deakin Uni sites and found that they were really quite engaging.
My reservations about the program focus on the juggle between core workload and allocating time to complete this program. These are always competing commitments, so the length of the program was quite daunting at first. Also, once this kind of learning program becomes compulsory, I have a sinking feeling that updates will correspondingly be compulsory. It unfortunately adds to workload stress.

#11 Web 2.0 Applications

I have been impressed with Google Maps for some time now and it was interesting to look at the breadth of subject coverage in the 2008 award winning Web 2.0 cites. However when I went into many of the winners, it became all a bit the same. I guess I look for and appreciate difference in many areas whereas the Web 2.0 awards had varied subject matter but a sameness about the approach.

#10 YouTube videos

Searching for videos first about Portugal wasn't particularly interesting. I had high hopes of a documentary style video but it was more about soccer matches against Portugal. So I tried humour and found video recordings about the comedian Jimoin which was a pleasant 5 or 10 minutes. He's quite a talented musician as well as comedian. Then I looked at the comments boxes and I found them pretty vacuous. However YouTube contains a huge array of videos and that is impressive.

Reading the visual is increasingly likely to bring younger users to Libraries, so I can see how YouTube could promote libraries to users. The quality of the videos on YouTube isn't necessarily high, so there can be minimal costs if you remove the editing factor for libraries.

Portugal 'Traces' by Alex Guerra (#9)

I chose this picture from flickr because it reminds me of Oporto with the cobbled roads and the tracks for the vehicular.

Library Thing (#8)

Library Thing seems to be an informal catalogue cum bibliography of books of personal interest. I can see it would be of interest for bookclubs but I can't see me using this. I either have shelves of books in no particular order or I compile ongoing lists of further reading for my research. In the first I don't want organisation and in the latter I need a formal and consistent structure to my bibliography. I also make extensive notes about my academic reading and there is no capacity for this in Library Thing.

Tagging (#7)

I'm not convinced that tagging is useful. It can just draw you into the limitations of others' vocabulary, double meanings and generalisations. Also, I'm not really interested in how others categorize articles or pieces of information. I think the difference between subject headings and tags is not the issue, its more a case that keywords are useful so why would you tag?

Podcasts (#6)

Podcasts are an enjoyable and different way of learning, making the most of audio and visual learning capacities and therefore are relevant to the variety of literary strengths library users may possess. When podcasts are archived, they also represent a tangible record for inclusion in bibliographies for researchers.

RSS Feeds (#5 RSS)

I like the ability to easily and regularly access book rivews and news items, so the RSS feed ability is useful. However in some cases going through the steps outlined on Google reader is laborious. I find it easiest when the RSS symbol is given on the cite which is accessable through a couple of clicks.
I think that libraries could expand the generalist researcher's field by adding RSS feeds but it is diverting and therefore not a time efficient addition to research skilling.

Online Applications (#4)

Zoho Writer was easy to sign up to but once there the wide range of possibilities is slightly confusing. Though there are numerous possibilities for various applications, my use focuses on utility and simplicity. The array of possibilities of overwhelming for basic functional use such as mine.

Wk 2 Wikis

Had a look at the Search Engine wikis which broadened my knowledge of those available.

Beginning

IRSCL Conference Aug 8-12 2009 in Frankfurt was attended by over 400 academics from around the world.