While preparing my welcome presentation for the 2008 Learning Design Summer Camp, I was a little surprised by all of the technology options that we will be using: wikis, Flickr, del.icio.us, PSU blogs, Twitter, and the Berkman Live Question Tool. I would have kept adding more to the welcome message, but I didn't want it to sound too intimidating or too focused on the technologies. These things are in place to let us collaborate in whatever ways people are most comfortable: taking notes, sharing pictures, sharing links, writing about the event, connecting with people who are distributed throughout the event, and submitting anonymous questions. I hope that some of the attendees see the educational potential for those tools as well.
As it is, I've asked everyone to try at least one of those tools. However, I think the best results come when people are comfortable enough to shift fluidly between these tools, using each with the ease of a native. As I've had time, I have been peeking into the current Twitter. When I do, I occasionally see things like this "business card":
First off, Robin is in everything, which is pretty cool. But more interesting to me is that I would need geneology software to track all of the people, ideas, technologies, and online services that had a creative influence on Robin's card. That's not to diminish Robin's contribution at all. I think that as we progress with our skills in multiple technologies, we develop expertise in mashing them together. It's just comforting to me to see these kinds of efforts continue to snowball as they circulate around and around a group of resourceful people. It's a little like seeing a family resemblance in a new baby.
I don't think Robin's card is the end of this chain either. Someone will take her idea, alter or adapt it for a different purpose, and then the cycle will start all over again. It's fun to watch.
As it is, I've asked everyone to try at least one of those tools. However, I think the best results come when people are comfortable enough to shift fluidly between these tools, using each with the ease of a native. As I've had time, I have been peeking into the current Twitter. When I do, I occasionally see things like this "business card":
First off, Robin is in everything, which is pretty cool. But more interesting to me is that I would need geneology software to track all of the people, ideas, technologies, and online services that had a creative influence on Robin's card. That's not to diminish Robin's contribution at all. I think that as we progress with our skills in multiple technologies, we develop expertise in mashing them together. It's just comforting to me to see these kinds of efforts continue to snowball as they circulate around and around a group of resourceful people. It's a little like seeing a family resemblance in a new baby.
I don't think Robin's card is the end of this chain either. Someone will take her idea, alter or adapt it for a different purpose, and then the cycle will start all over again. It's fun to watch.
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